Family Tree Magazine website has a review of genealogy software for both Windows and Macintosh platforms. In addition, the July 2009 issue (pp. 42-47) has an excellent article on "Meeting Your Match" by Lauren Gamber. Personal Ancestral File (PAF)
Available from www.familysearch.org System requirments: Windows 95B, 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, XP or Windows 95A with Microsoft Internet Explorer. Pentium PC or iMac with a Windows emulator. 32 MB memory (64 MB recommended), 32 MB to 72 MB hard-disk space, 256-color display adapter supporting at least 800 x 600 screen resolution.
Pros: Free. Easy to download, install and use. Probably the easiest software for the beginner. Supports the GEDCOM format for transferring files to a different software program or to exchange information with other researchers. Has a User's Guide. Includes a link to online lessons for using PAF. Has a User's Manual within the software program. Also contains a link to a series of online lessons for using PAF. Can easily calculate relationship between two persons in the database. Has a direct link to search on Familysearch.org (IGI file, Ancestral file, U.S. Social Security File, 1880 census, etc.)
Cons: PAF version 5.2 is the last scheduled version of this software.
If you want to take your genealogy information on your travels, you might be interested in a revived website called MobileGenealogy. The site includes material on genealogy software and iPhones, PDAs, and netbooks. ©2009 Story County Genealogical Society | Suggestion: Download a trial copy of several programs that interest you and enter a few of your ancestors' names. Try some of the features to get a feel of how they work and what is a comfortable fit for you. The ideal software is the one that works best for you. Legacy Family Tree
Available from www.legacyfamilytree.com System requirements: Windows 95 or later; 55MB available hard disk space; 256MB RAM; Internet connection recommended Can be run on a Macintosh that has RealPC, SoftWindows, VirtualPC or similar Window emulator installed
Pros: Standard version is free, Deluxe ed. Is $29.95 Easy to install, import data. Supports the GEDCOM format. Excellent support available including a free 52 min. online video, Legacy tips, Legacy UsersGroup mailing list (archives are available online for easy searching and browsing) Free online lessons and video, additional instructional CDs available for purchase Easy to create a webpage Includes research guidance and a "to do" list Cons: Many features only available in the Deluxe ed. Printing of charts is limited in the Standard ed.
Family Tree Maker (www.familytreemaker.com) and RootsMagic (www.rootsmagic.com) are also two excellent programs. They are more robust and have extra features. Trial versions may be downloaded but are limited in function. Both contain good support and instructions.
| Family Tree Builder (FTB) Available from www.myheritage.com System requirements: Windows 98SE or higher. Pros: Basic version is free. Preminum version (paid) has more features. Easy to use. Supports 35 langages. Has a map feature. Supports the GEDCOM format. Can publish to the web with controls on which content can be kept private or made public. Con: Free version has some limit on number of individual records and web storage space. If you want to take your genealogy information on your travels, you might be interested in a revived website called MobileGenealogy. The site includes material on genealogy software and iPhones, PDAs, and netbooks. Feedback: Which genealogy software do you use or prefer? Contact Mailing Addresses: STORY COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY P.O. BOX 692 AMES, IA 50010 email:storygenes@gmail.com |
Genealogy
Software
