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What software to choose
Posted: Tue Jun 25, 2019 9:18 am
by annie1
Hi everyone,
After quite a few years away from this I have now decided to restart and get all my notes and documents into one place, but which software? I liked the look of Roots Magic but don't know anyone who has used it, I just want an easy to use and simple software pack, any help will be welcome.
Ann
Re: What software to choose
Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2019 10:48 am
by Currie
Hello Ann,
When I started fiddling with family history on a computer I downloaded a program called Personal Ancestral File (PAF5) for free from the LDS church. That was over 15 years ago and it must be good because I still use it and have used no other.
It would fall into the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) category of programs. Not too many Bells & Whistles. Unfortunately it is no longer available for download from the LDS, however, I do keep a copy safely tucked away for future installs.
It’s a Windows program (PAF5EnglishSetup.exe). In January 2014 someone called internethistorian uploaded a copy to the Internet Archive. Judging by the other stuff uploaded by that individual he/she looks legitimate.
https://archive.org/details/PAF5EnglishSetup
For anyone interested the SHA256 checksum of the PAF5EnglishSetup.exe download and torrent matched that of my 2006 copy, and that means the files are identical. (34534df2099af60693dd87d6a53516154b0b1155b180c4492077277d92ea8b7c)
A program somewhat similar to PAF5, and from which it was derived, is Ancestral Quest
http://www.ancquest.com/index.htm
Here’s the Wiki on what does what.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compariso ... y_software
Hopefully someone else will come up with other ideas.
All the best,
Alan
Re: What software to choose
Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2019 3:35 pm
by WilmaM
I am interested in any replies on this topic, my 'trees' are scattered like the branches after a hurricane !
I'd love to be able to have everything in one place, and to be able to add photos to each name would be amazing, as I seem to be falling heir to the older generations photo boxes.
When I started out I did have a free program on a disc, but no operating system now supports it.
Re: What software to choose
Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2019 8:54 pm
by annie1
Alan,
Thank you for all that info, I did not realise there were quite so many, after checking Wikipedia! I really do need the simplest option, Ancestral Quest is a new one to me so I will go back and check it, as it seems quite basic and might be a good choice for me.
Wilma, I have the same problem, photographs no-one wants, I cant bear to see them destroyed, and newspaper clips galore, so I have decided to get it sorted.
Ann
Re: What software to choose
Posted: Wed Jun 26, 2019 10:23 pm
by jgmills
Personally I use Family Tree Maker, and find it easy, though that may be because it was the first program I used for Family History. The drawback is there is no app for iPhone or iPad.
So for those I do convert my Family Tree Maker file into RootsMagic (the free version), and can then use their app for iPhone and iPad. So from that perspective at least Rootsmagic is Windows/Mac and iOS/Android compatible, so you can have it on a desktop/laptop/smartphone or tablet.
You might question why bother with Family Tree Maker, just feel more comfortable with it. But Rootsmagic is a good program.
John
Re: What software to choose
Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2020 11:33 am
by WilmaM
So which did you eventually go for?
and how are you getting on with it?
I really need to get my 'stuff' organised soon esp. as my daughter is falling down rabbit holes after me...