Advice on Good Geneology Software

[AnnieMack]

I have just invested in a new computer and quite fancy treating myself to new geneology software too.

Anybody got a programme they think is good value, user friendly and effective in the type of information you can add and produce reports, charts etc.

Thanks in advance.

Annie

[Bob C]

I have just invested in a new computer and quite fancy treating myself to new geneology software too.

Anybody got a programme they think is good value, user friendly and effective in the type of information you can add and produce reports, charts etc.

Thanks in advance.

Annie

Annie,

I personally use Roots Magic and have used it and its previous incantation Family Origins. I have tried Family Tree Maker and PAF and then gone back to RM.

You can download a trial version at www.rootsmagic.com. The trial version is limited in that you can only add 50 people through data entry and it doesn't allow you to print. But, you can import a GEDCOM file from your current genealogy program, you just cannot add new individuals.

They have a good users forum on the web site where users can request assistance with problems or questions on how to use the program. They also sell a UK version but the only difference is the inclusion of a UK based dictionary vs a US one. There is a way that you can create your own dictionary so you do not have to spend the extra money to get the UK version.

If you decide to buy the program after downloading the trial version and loading your GEDCOM, they send you a set of registration instructions and codes that converts the trial version to the full version and you are up and running with your data loaded.

This is just my personal preferences and I am sure that others have good software that they prefer also.

[SarahND]

Annie,
You don't say what kind of computer you have, but if you use a Macintosh then Reunion, by Leister Productions, is excellent. There is a very helpful users forum as well.

http://www.leisterpro.com/

Sarah

[ASGROOMBRIDGE]

I have a pc running Windows XP and use Family Tree Maker 2005, it is idiot proof (has to be for me to use it). It was purchaced from Amazon.

regards,
Audrey

[Alcluith]

As someone who has spent a fortune on various packages, would suggest you try as many as you can get for free.
When you find the one your happy with then stick with it.

Me I'm a Legacy man

[CatrionaL]

Annie,

Like Drew, I use Legacy and it suits me just fine.

Why not try their free download at
www.legacyfamilytree.com ?

Best wishes

Catriona

[AnnieMack]

I have downloaded 2 trial versions to compare and will let you know how I get on.

Annie

[Jack]

Hi folks,
I've tried Family Tree Maker, The Master Genealogist, Generations 8, and Legacy.
(Generations 8 gave me a lot of grief - but others on TS are happy with it)

I eventually decided on Legacy because you can see up to 15 children of a couple at a glance - i've a lot of big families!
All programmes will list 15 children or more, but you usually have to scroll down to see all their names - Legacy lets you see them without having to do this.
And i like the way a family are displayed - shows a couple, and both their sets of parents, and all children on the one page.
(you just click on any name and you automatically go to that person's page - there is, of course, an index too)
I also like the way it always show the relationship of a person to yourself when you view any name.
(and this can be changed to whoever you want)

As Drew says, just try as many free ones as you can find, and choose the one you feel comfortable with.
Good luck, and please let us all know how you fare.
Jack

[LesleyB]

Hi all

I'm a Legacy man

I'm a Legacy man as well

best wishes
Lesley

[Jean Jeanie]

Hi gang

Back from hols now. Tanned and relaxed and ready to find more relies.

I'm a Legacy man too, also, as well as

Jean