Software, even free genealogy software like PAF, makes life for the novice and expert so much easier. From a genealogy chart to accessing genealogy message boards, the software almost automates the genealogical process. Like a good marriage, computers and genealogy were meant to be together. And linking people into family groups and pedigrees is a snap once the information is keyed into the program.
The following is a far from exhaustive list. All these programs though, come highly recommended. The ones with a * are databases. The remainder are programs that perform other less essential functions, but will definitely make your researching more efficient.
Here are some tips on buying genealogy software. Use the scroll bar on the right:
How Computer Software Can Streamline Your Genealogy Research By: Paul Duxbury and Kevin Cook
When looking for appropriate genealogy software, look for easy to use features that seem intuitive. Many programs will allow matching of information from various online data bases. Some have features that check various name combinations that are similar and rate connections according to probability. These features are quite handy. It is also helpful if the program allows you to input data from other genealogy programs or data bases and spreadsheets like Microsoft Access and Excel.
The software you choose should be well organized and easy to read, displaying needed information on the screen in an easy to follow format. Many allow you to click on name tabs of a child or a parent and view the personal data, which can include the name of spouse, place and date of birth, marriage, death and of burial. Good software will also allow you to tie in other lineage information, such as adoption records, step children, biographies, descendant charts, and other information you will find helpful.Some deluxe software programs go a step further and offer extra features. These can include a county verifier for counties in the US, allowing the user to view all of the counties in a state with their founding dates to hunt for discrepancies.
All genealogists who have tried to find a location in a county that has been dissolved or reorganized can appreciate this feature. Another nice added feature in some deluxe software is the ability to search for a location by various means: county, state, country, town, city or province.
Some software even has a potential problems report, this will highlight dates the genealogist should double check. Another nice feature is the reformatting of inconsistently formatted data bases to make sure that records match. And another deluxe feature is web site creation. Some programs will allow the user to make their own genealogy web sites without knowing HTML or other computer code. By creating web sites a user is able to share work easily with other genealogists without having to retype information, make photo copies or spend a bundle on postage. And think of the time that is saved.
Before personal computers became popular genealogists had to spend many hours in libraries and research centers. The tool of choice was the micro film reader. Photo copy machines received a workout. Handwritten notes were extensive, and subject to misinterpretation. Today's computers, with good software and the internet provide a world of opportunity for the genealogist that would have seemed like magic only thirty years ago. Additionally the need to visit libraries in many cases is now no longer necessary. While there are times when information is still only available on microfilm, many libraries have converted their microfilm to digital format and have made it available online, allowing a person to do research from the comfort of their own home. Imagine doing your genealogy research in your pajamas, at 4 a.m. if that is the time you prefer. Good genealogy software makes it possible.
When looking at software, remember that most of the best companies have enough faith in their programs to offer a 30 day free trial period. You can try the software out, use it for a month and make sure that it truly fits your needs and desires. Then if you choose to buy, paying online with a credit card allows you to keep using the software permanently without having to reinstall.
This is another improvement over the past, and certainly an improvement no one complains about.Whether you use Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, NT or XP, there are many good programs on the market for genealogists. And it doesn't matter if you are a beginner, intermediate or an expert. All researchers can benefit from good genealogy software, so give it a try and you'll certainly be glad you did.
About the Authors Paul Duxbury
and Kevin Cook own www.amateur-genealogist.com and
www.our-family-trees.co.uk two of the leading Genealogy Websites. In
addition Paul owns a wide range of exciting websites which can be
viewed at www.our-family-trees.co.uk
Important - All the links below open a new window. Some pop-up blockers may not permit this action. Either hold down Ctrl key when you click or add "www.new2-geaneology.com" as an "allowed site."
Although RootsMagic is the easiest to use genealogy software available, it is also one of the most powerful.
This software has had some good reviews and is very popular.Have a look at their web site and see for yourself. Two features that could be important to you:
Publish Your Family History
Publishing your family history has never been easier. The RootsMagic Publisher lets you combine multiple reports and charts into a single document, and will automatically create a table of contents and full index for the book. You can include photos, notes, sources and other text in your book. You can even add cover and title pages, copyright page, dedication, and more. Send your book directly to your printer, or save it to a PDF file to burn on a CD or email to family members.
Make Shareable CDs
You've worked hard to collect and organize your family history, and now RootsMagic makes it easy to share that history with your family and friends. Your shareable CD will feature a custom home page with your own title, photo, description, and contact information, and will include a read-only version of RootsMagic to show off your data and multimedia items.
2 - *Ancestral Quest(This link will take you to a free online video demonstration)
Another very popular program and it is easy to use. It has to be cos I've used it!
(AQ) family tree software is the easiest to use and most versatile genealogy program for Windows on the market. Its format is perfect for the beginner and yet powerful enough for the most advanced genealogist. Easy data entry, keyboard shortcuts, scrapbooking, and excellent sourcing capabilities are just some of this genealogy software program's wonderful award-winning features.AQ has special links to on-line genealogy databases, including Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org, which can help you research your family history more easily than ever.
A comprehensive Windows shareware program with many features, nicely described on their web site. It has a standard version that is free, and is one of the best free genealogy software programs available.
This is another one that I have used and does the job very well.
From a review.
The most respected and successful shareware genealogical program. Has been around a long time and has many dedicated users. Both Windows and DOS versions available.
A quality product available on more store shelves than any other program. Produces a wide variety of reports and charts. Every version of this program has been getting better, and it now has most of the features you would expect in a top program.
The LDS church is largely responsible for the popularity of genealogy with their massive collection of records, all of which can be accessed free.
PAF is a very popular genealogy program that has been available for many years. It has been updated and has many fine features. PAF is free genealogy software. It is also available for the Macintosh.
Personal Ancestral File Lessons. An excellent set of online lessons on how to use Paf are on the LDS genealogy site: lessons
If you use PAF you need this program, PAF Insight. It's not free, but it's worth its weight in gold. I use this program myself and for under $30 it has saved me many hours in research time. It will access FamilySearch automatically and give you a side by side comparison between the info in FamilySearch and your own PAF files, with colour coding to highlight the differences. Also shows up unlinked pedigrees in PAF, plus much more:
GenoPro is software to draw family trees. Among all the family tree software, GenoPro is the simplest to learn and easiest to use. If you are a beginner to genealogy, you can learn to use GenoPro in a few minutes without the need to take a look at the online help.
GenoPro is capable of drawing any type of family tree, including the most complicated.
GenoPro can insert unlimited pictures for each individual and family, and help you to create a CD ROM of your family album.
GenoPro has an excellent tool to compile statistics about your family and ancestry. With a few mouse clicks, you can find everything from the oldest ancestor to the largest family to the individual most divorced.
Clooz is not a traditional genealogical database program in which linkages are made between people of different generations. Instead, Clooz is designed as an electronic filing system, assisting genealogists with systematically organizing their documents.
There are provisions in the program for importing a list of people from most genealogical programs, including Family Tree Maker, Ultimate Family Tree, Personal Ancestral File, Ancestral Quest, Legacy, Brother’s Keeper, The Master Genealogist, and Family Origins.
Free genealogy software is great if it does what you want it to do. If not, invest in something YOU NEED. Most commercial programs will not cost you an 'arm and a leg' and are worth the few dollars they may cost to maintain your sanity.Some will have a steeper learning curve too, so shop around and take advantage of any 'trial periods' that they may offer until you find one that you are comfortable in using.
