1. A method implemented by a computer, comprising: receiving a log file with log file data characterizing the operation of a system; proposing a normalized format for the log file data; soliciting user input on the normalized format; setting the normalized format; converting the log file data to the normalized format; selecting a visualization application operative with the normalized format, wherein selecting includes selecting the visualization application from a plurality of visualization applications each operative with the normalized format and wherein selecting is based upon properties of the normalized format, wherein the plurality of visualization applications includes a bit signal application configured to present one of two states in the log file data; and supplying, by the visualization application, visualizations of the log file data.