Family History Software Programs

[jmp]

Hi all,
I wonder if I could ask for some input into current Genealogy/Family History Programs which people use? I have used Family Historian for years and am very happy with it but I have recently been asked by a friend what programs are currently available. I have googled some I knew of but, to be honest, some of them look like they may have been discontinued, so I was wondering if people would be kind enough to share their experiences with others so in turn I can share them with my friend. 

Also can you now have a free Ancestry/Findmypast tree without a subscription? I know you used to be able to, but with limited options, and I found that a standalone program gave you more flexibility so I have always stuck with that.
Many thanks in advance for anyone's opinion
Jackie

[KGarrad]

I have used RootsMagic for years!
It also has the free RootsMagic Essentials, which can be upgraded to the full version on payment.

It is possible to use Ancestry without a subscription, but you can't view any Ancestry records.
I have about 12 trees, but no current subscription.

[Andrew Tarr]

It's funny to find someone still writing about 'programmes', which normally suggest radio or concert-hall.  Maybe we have to blame America, but since about 1970 anything loosely connected with computers has been a Program - same word but different flavour 

I am also very happy with Family Historian !

[jmp]

Thanks K Garrard for that suggestion. I will look into it for her.
Sorry to offend you Andrew, guess as you say its my age but I think most people would understand what I meant in the context.  I have though modified the post and hope I will remember next time
Cheers
Jackie

[Andrew Tarr]

Sorry to offend you Andrew, guess as you say its my age but I think most people would understand what I meant in the context.

I'm not at all offended, Jackie, nor did I suggest anything about your age, which is quite probably less than mine  Others will also know what you mean !

[F1fan]

Hi jmp,

Is this list of use if you have not come across it ?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_genealogy_software

[jmp]

Yes thankyou F1fan, that is very useful. It seems to show that alternative progs  I was familiar with seem to have disappeared now. Thank you again

[Nick_Ips]

It's funny to find someone still writing about 'programmes', which normally suggest radio or concert-hall.  Maybe we have to blame America, but since about 1970 anything loosely connected with computers has been a Program - same word but different flavour 

"Flavor", surely? 

About 10 years ago I noticed some organisations in the UK were starting to switch to 'programme'... but then everything became an 'App' instead.

[Nick_Ips]

It is possible to use Ancestry without a subscription, but you can't view any Ancestry records.
I have about 12 trees, but no current subscription.

TBH I'd be cautious about using Ancestry for a tree if not subscribing, or at least make sure regular copies are made into an offline system.

As a commercial organisation there's not much stopping Ancestry introducing a policy in future where only subscribers are able to see the trees they've uploaded.  A semi-related thing happened with FindMyPast where library users were able to save records within their account to view when they got home... then FindMyPast changed it so you had to subscribe to see saved records.

I'm not saying Ancestry will change access rules, but worth thinking about for anyone relying on their site as the sole location a tree is stored.