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I get all my census returns online (from Ancestry).  For each return, I save it to my computer and then transcribe it.

The program I use (my own, though I'm considering productising it) understand the UK census so everything is linked to a person and is fully searchable.  E.g. http://www.jebbo.co.uk/genealogy/I173.html - see the "sources" section at the bottom of the page.

--- Tony Jebson

That program looks fantastic! If you need another beta tester!

(apologies for starting another software thread, but I just wanted one up to date, including 2012 FTM)

I'm thinking I need to get some software so I can store everything on my computer and where I'm not locked into an ancestry subscription to view my research.

I've come to the conclusion that it's either Legacy (because it's free) or FTM as it seems to be the most popular.

What I want to get out of the program is

• The ability to link census images to all the people in that census
• Somewhere to transcribe the information in censuses, parish records, etc. that's logical
• Something that isn't necessarily really easy to use, but something intuitive and that looks after data well

Looking at the Legacy website, it seems to be able to do all these things, but my major concern is whether the program is geared to the American user (eg. date formats), or is it UK friendly?

And regarding FTM, do people think 2012 will be worth the extra cost it will be compared to 2011, or is the difference not that great (and when exactly is 2012 out?)?

I did have another question but I've forgotten it! 

EDIT: Remembered the question. How long do you have to redeem your ancestry membership that comes as part of FTM? My subscription runs until next July, so there's no point getting it now if the ancestry membership can't be used.

My gran gave me some certificates last year when I first asked which I took copies of. She also has a lot of photos but needs to write names on them so we know who they are. Unfortunately my grandad has dementia so asking him would just get him very confused, though I've asked my mum to talk to his brother for answers and any documents.

I'm not sure what is available on my grandma's side as she isn't the sentimental type, but again I'll get my dad to ask questions and find stuff out!

Quite a few of our "rellies" have stories attached - Mrs. Hat's father's escape from Germany, my many x's Great Grandmother's affairs, for two.

These are what make FH interesting, and these are what I include on my data sheets.

Mrs. Hat's mother likes to read the sheets - she is still waiting for me to prove her family link to Bonny Prince Charlie....!

 

Haha! That's excellent! I'm hoping to find more stories as I go further back and delve deeper with parish records. I've just found out my family set up a business in Gateshead which was really interesting.

I think I'll create a file index of everyone in the tree and then build up A4 size documents of the important people with the stories as well.

I began last summer and jumped in with both feet but didn't pay attention to quality of research and evidence. I only thought twice when I found a link to French royalty which is very random and definitely needs verifying! Doing this will force me to verify all facts, as well as give me multiple copies of documents.

Now I want to get organising!! But I want to keep researching!! The decisions!! Genealogy is so much fun!!

Hi, Katelyn,

With the exception of bought certificates, and a data sheet for each direct ancestor, all of my research is on computer (backed up, of course) - I find it makes modifying data, and swapping between individuals so much easier than rewriting notes and shuffling paper.

You say you have a data sheet for each ancestor - how full are your data sheets? And would they fit onto index cards?

I'm thinking maybe create a double sided index card per person, that way if I only have their name and date of birth I'm not wasting paper, and if I know a lot about that person I can write an A4 page in a binder.