When a user clicks on a link to a resource (such as a
webpage, image, video, or any other type of file) or enters its URL, the user’s browser sends a
request, via the user’s ISP (internet service provider), to the server hosting the resource.
This request includes information about the user’s IP address, browser type, and operating system.
The server then processes the request and sends the resource to the user’s browser.
As part of this exchange, the server logs information about the request in what are
referred to as server logs. This information typically includes:
- IP address of the client (user’s) computer.
- Date and time of the request.
- URI (unique resource indicator) of the requested resource.
- URL (unique resource locator) of the webpage that the request emanated from.
- Information about the client’s browser, operating system etc.
- Information about the requested resource — file size etc.
This information is a source of data for web analytics; however, it has drawbacks
that are outlined in the following sections.
