Abstract: A client-based application monitoring system detects events of interest by examining communications between an application program and the computer's operating system. A configuration module permits a user to identify specific events that occur during the operation of the application program, by presenting a sequence of messages that are passed between the application program and the operating system. The messages are described by means of a macro language which employs readily comprehensible terms that avoid the need for a detailed understanding of the application program itself. The user selects specific events of interest to be recorded for monitoring purposes. Thereafter, as the application program executes, the events of interest are recorded, and latencies between recorded events are calculated for generation of a report pertaining to application response times.