Selecting the best geneology software (actually spelled genealogy) can be a very daunting task. What should you choose?
The first thing to do when you are trying to find the best genealogy software is to consider "what you want the product to do". Do you want to access the genealogy program anytime, even when you visit your family? Do you want to share data with other family members that already have a software program? Do you want to start with a free family tree maker software before you decide on the best product for you? Do you need a product that your family can review any time of the day?
There are a number of different product maker and type of packages available:
- Purchase from your local software store;
- Download the genealogy program from the maker on the internet;
- Use an internet based program that you don't even have to download; or
- There is even free family tree software product available.
Get a piece of paper and rank your answers to the above questions. Think of other factors that are important to you and write them down as well. It is advisable to rank your answers so that you can recognize the best alternatives for you. Buying a genealogy maker program is very subjective and the right answer for you may not be the right answer for others. Remember, just because it is free genealogy software doesn't make it the best one for you. Once you have written down your priorities it is time to look at the possibilities that are available.
Traditional programs like "Family Tree Maker"© or "Legacy Family Tree"© are good products that provide the tools required to record, document and display your genealogy pedigree. These programs aren't free, but provide an easy to use data entry screen that allows you to group information by family. The software maker, like either of the ones mentioned above, provide methods to extract information from your genealogy databases to share with other family members that are researching your family tree but using a different software program. For some, recording their family tree on the internet is the best idea. They enjoy the fact that the family can enjoy the information around the world, anytime day or night. A side benefit of these programs is that they ensure that your confidential information is kept safe and at the same time provide offsite backup of your important information in case of fire or water damage.
Hopefully, this article has provided a few insights into the world of genealogy software, important features and some questions that you need to ask yourself before you decide on the family tree software that you should use to record your family history.
