What do you do with census returns?

[Tuscany]

Oh dear!  It's all too technical for me.

Being old fashioned and still reluctant to commit my precious findings to the mercies of the computer, I print everything off.  At least I have it to hand if I need to refer to something quickly.  I've also got it back up in a box file and notebook.

There is only one problem, as the mountain grows daily I shall soon need climbing gear!!!!!!!

I'll just repeat what some of the others have said.  Try different ways and go with what suits your way of working.  What is right for you may be wrong for someone else.

[kerryb]

Absolutely Tuscany and I think I would probably print everything off too if I didn't have a big sticker on my computer telling me not to print unless absolutely necessary to save trees!

A colleague at work produced a poster and it is worded in the way she talks and I wouldn't dare, believe me!!!!!!

kerry

[yn9man]

Kerryb -

I make copies, at least two, and keep them in different places. I have a complete set of downloaded census data with each of my family surnames either in manila envelopes or in three ring binders inside file cabinnets. 

I also have one set I carry with me whenever I go out on genealogical research trips. That way I can write on them, and if I happen to misplace (lose) I have another set with my permanent research.

Sounds complicated but I can't yet bring myself to fully depend on a computer. 
(See below).

May seem like I am insensitive to the environment but I have tried many systems and this appears to work best for me.

I would love to put all my information on a computer but I had my identity "borrowed / stolen" almost five years ago while using a computer and I'm still having problems to this day. Another story for another day...

Bottom line is to use whatever works best for you.

yn9man

[Necromancer]

Blimey ! I dont even have a Printer on this PC ......

[Bill749]

Because I was doing all this long before the Internet became popular and had to use the films, and also because, having worked with computers for years I don't trust them  I transcribe everything I find onto paper, then copy it into a database in MS Access.  If the information relates to a known family member I add the relevant items to my tree in FTM; I also add it to the associated chapter in the relevant family book in MS Word.

Every so often I back up the files; I also print out the reports from the database and the books from Word.  If you are still following, you will have worked out that I now have 4 copies of the information!  I take the relevant printouts with me when visiting the archives - it easier than lugging my laptop nd I can write on the back of the sheets.

It works for me - you have to be able to write your own database application though, so not for the faint hearted!

Regards, Bill

[Su]

I also print all mine up.  I have a ring binder file for each family and have the census from 1841 to 1901 filed in between BMD certs and photographs etc.  So each family is documented from birth to death.

Cost a lot of money in ink, my printer/scanner/copier being a Hewlett Packard, and the casettes being sealed so you can't refill them.  But it's my main hobby, and it's lovely to be able to pick up a ring binder and read the family history from beginning to end.

Su

[kerryb]

Su

I understand what you mean, since I filed all my BMD's a few weeks ago I keep picking up the files and just looking through them and it is amazing what bits of information I have picked up on that was previously missed.

Which the reason why I have been toying with printing out the census returns, because when I look at them I see things I have missed before. 

And yes it is nice to have something physically to show for the main hobby!!!

Newfy - would you like us to start a printer collection for you

Kerry

[Necromancer]

Very kind 

Altho I havent had to use one for 4 years now - if I want anything printed with top quality I email it to a contact with an amazing laser-printer wiv all bells and whistles.

I guess 30 years in the industry got me used to 'the paperless office' - I can find anything very quickly .....

[kerryb]

Arrr yes the paperless office!!!  I've been trying to introduce that concept at work (in the environmental sector!) with very little success.  Being an administrator, at college nearly 20 years it was thought that the paperless office was going to put us administrators out of business.

I'm still here!!!!

Kerry