Family Tree Software & Gedcoms

[mike175]

Even better news! RootsMagic 4 prompts you to save all open databases every time tou close the program!

Can you tell I'm a fan of RM4?! 

I thought I was their biggest fan    They also provide a free version so you can try before you buy, but as they say on the BBC . . . other software is available 

RootsMagic is extremely easy to use as a beginner. It has the same ability to compare databases in 2 or more separate windows . . . you can even view different parts of the same database in different windows, which saves a lot of skipping back and forth between people.

With the benefit of experience    I would not advise "auto-merging" without checking each individual match very carefully.

Mike.

[mike175]

 For sharing information with family, RootsMagic allows you to create a self-contained CD/DVD of your tree which runs on any Windows PC without the need to install the program.

Mike

[falcybe]

Legacy is up to version 7.4 now but is basically the same good programme as version 5. I get the impression from your later posting that you don't want just one tree. With Legacy and presumably the other programmes you mentioned, it is possible to have many trees, each with its own gedcom.

It is very much easier to create one big tree from many smaller than it is to divide one big tree into smaller ones so I would suggest keeping each individual tree even when you have the merged one.

With only one duplicated person per tree it would perhaps be better to update the individual trees when you have new information and then create a new merged one each time you want the whole picture.

[PhoebesMum]

Loved all your practical advice, thank you very much.

As with all programs everyone has their favourites.  I just worry I will end up with the wrong software for my needs and at this point in time I'm not too sure exactly what I need it to do 

I already have 4 original gedcom files which I update on a regular basis.  So no worries about not having any backups.

My ultimate goal is to publish my own "book" for the family to see so perhaps I may have more questions later about that!  I am sure if I have any problems in the future, someone will be able to advise me.

So, thanks again everyone.

[mike175]

I would try one (or more) of the free trial versions which you can download. They all allow you to import GEDCOMs directly, so you can be up and running within minutes of installing the software . . . 

Mike