RootsChat.Com
General => Technical Help => Family History Programs, Tree Organisation, Presentation => Topic started by: J D------ on Thursday 30 September 10 16:55 BST (UK)
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As this is my first post on here and not sure how everything works. Hopefully some one might enlighten me along the way?
So could some one please tell me which is the best program to buy or is it better to try and find a free one via the web?
J.D.
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Hi, J.D., and welcome.
Unfortunately no one can make the choice for you.
Each package has different looks/features that appeal to different users; it depends what you prefer.
I use an early version of Family Tree Maker that came free with a newspaper. I tried a newer payed-for version but I found there was little functional difference, so I still use the old one.
Try searching on the 'net for free demo's/trial's to find one that suits you.
'Hat.
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Hi J.D.
Welcome to RootsChat :)
As 'Hat has said, everyone has their favourite.
Have a look through some of these programs, to get a sample of opinions.
Topic: RootsChat Topics: Family History Software, Genealogy Programs
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,158637.0.html
Try searching on the 'net for free demo's/trial's to find one that suits you.
Good idea ! enter a few details (10 people or so) in one program and export ithe results as a GEDCOM file. Then import this file into any other test programs.
good luck,
Bob
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Thanks for the tips, but as i am no where near ready to play with gedcoms ( what ever they are) i was looking more for what people would recommend as i haven't a clue what is good and what is bad.
Thanks
J.D.
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Hi jewdrop,
Welcome to Rootschat
You should find some suggestions and opinions if you go back to the main Technical Board.
Everyone has a favourite Family History programme. (and a GED.com is only the basic format on which all FH programmes are based).Nothing to worry about!
Have a look at one or two free downloads before you buy.Many have a free demo and whilst you won't be able to use all the facilities you should get a flavour of which suits you best.
Spring
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Welcome to Rootschat JD. As a variation of what pthers have suggested why not download the free version of Legacy 7, instal it and then if you like to use it upgrade to the paidfor deluxe version which costs $29.95 US. Very good value, and regularly upgraded. MANY ROOTSCHATTERS USE IT.
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Thanks for all your tips, i will look at what you all have surgested and hopefully i make a good choice? I think i will try one of the free versions first and if i find it is not to difficult, then maybe up grade it later.
J.D.
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Sound move! Remember this site if you need further help.
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I must put in a word for RootsMagic which is very easy to get started with but gets more powerful as you learn more about it. You can get a free version here:
http://www.rootsmagic.com/Essentials/
GEDCOM is really only a standardized file format for transferring data between different family tree programs . . . well, it's supposed to be standardized but most programs seem to add on their own extra bits which may not be recognised by others, although the basic information should always be ok.
Mike
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GEDCOM 5.5 is I believe the generic version which will work in any Geneaeology program.
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GEDCOM 5.5 is I believe the generic version which will work in any Geneaeology program.
In general, yes, I agree, but ....
There is a "standard" set of GEDCOM tags and if ALL programs use these, then there is no problem.
Unfortunately ... here we go again .... almost every software producer adds a few tags to "their" solution, with the result that other programs either ignore those bits of the GEDCOM file, or at the worst, simply can't read it.
On the one hand, everyone wants a standard solution, but on the other hand, each software producer would like to "bind" you to their program, and to their program only.
Bob
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Wow ! Mike, i like the free Rootsmagic. I have just place my first 3 generations on it and it looks really good.
Thanks all for you in put and think i will stick with this program for now.
J.D.
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Another free programme worth considering is PAF. This can be downloaded from http://www.familysearch.org
This was recommended to me on a beginner's course I took some years ago and I've been using ever since. It has some limitations, so I'm planning to upgrade soon.
Good luck in your research.
Tecwyn.
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I have been using the paid version of Rootsmagic for a number of years now and I think it is a good starting place. They have their own message boards and if you get stuck people are happy to help you out - just like on rootschat.
Selecting genealogy software program is a person thing and as you progress into your hobby your needs change and so you start looking and testing other products to help with your current gap.
I'm currently testing Family Historian.
Have fun!
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Do try and find other user's comments about free programs before going too far. We got badly caught with one - very easy to use - lots of matches etc, but NO security.
Cost us lots of $$$ to get the laptop cleaned up! 98 viruses and bugs had screwed everything up despite firewalls etc. When the feedback site was checked - after - there were bad comments!
Don't know if I can name the dud on here. We bought Family Tree Maker ( Ancestry.com ) which is Ok - also hear good reports of Legacy from a very experienced user.
Good luck. T
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Youi can name it to the initiator of this thread by personal message if you like, but I suggest it is dangerous to publish the name and leave yourself open unless you are very sure of your ground.
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Do try and find other user's comments about free programs before going too far. We got badly caught with one - very easy to use - lots of matches etc, but NO security.
Cost us lots of $$$ to get the laptop cleaned up! 98 viruses and bugs had screwed everything up despite firewalls etc. When the feedback site was checked - after - there were bad comments!
Don't know if I can name the dud on here. We bought Family Tree Maker ( Ancestry.com ) which is Ok - also hear good reports of Legacy from a very experienced user.
Good luck. T
I don't mind you sending me a personal message with the bad dude's name. Better to know befor as they may sell other products i could be looking at?
J.D.