All over the internet we see people advertizing the best family tree software…but I am NOT going to! Computer software, like clothes, colors, cars and hairstyles are not "one-size-fits-all".
Genealogy software comes in many forms each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Some have great graphics and easy to use menus, tabs and features that boast fast data entry and retrieval. Some have built in links to the internet so that anytime you enter a name into your database, the system automatically checks to see if it can match that record to any other records in its databases. Still others, actually store your family tree information online and not on your own PC. Each of these features provides a benefit to you and your research that needs to be individually reviewed and analysed.
For me, I have tried a number of different types of software over the 25 years that I have been researching my family tree. Early software was very simple and the database programs were not very reliable. I remember one piece of software that was "free" crashed completely after I had keyed, sorted, verified over 1000 relatives and ancestors. I spent over a month rekeying the information, some from my notes and other pieces I may have lost forever. I realized then, that my choice of software was very important and I had to choose software, not based on price, but based on reliability and integrity. You would do well to consider this one of the key features that you need to think about before you start loading your family tree into your computer.
Probably the first consideration is whether or not to load your family tree onto your own computer or actually load it directly onto the internet. Now don't dismiss this decision too lightly. If you store your family tree on your own computer and anything, hard drive crash, fire, flood, or even a lightening strike can mean that all your valuable time and effort and your entire family tree research documentation is gone almost in an instant. Storing your family tree electronic information on the internet, where companies spend thousands of dollars to backup and maintain your information, might be the solution that you choose. As an added benefit, you don't have to take your computer with you when you travel. Simply logon to any computer connected to the internet and you instantly have access to your entire family tree…from anywhere in the world.
If you decide on using your own computer to store your family tree it's time to decide on the features that you want in your own software. I have chosen Family Tree Maker for my genealogy. I really like the layout of the screen, the advanced feature to see the family groups, identify relationships, and the charts and reports that I have access to. In fact, check out my webpage Family Tree Software – Easy to Use Tools to Help You Research Your Heritage to see some of the features and benefits of this excellent software. There are even step by step instructions to help you install and use this world class program. Take a few minutes to read the page and see if you agree with me that Family Tree Maker is a great tool to help document, store and print our family's past.
If you have stories that you would like to share - don't be shy – take a moment to add it to the comment section of this blog. Share with us the programs that you use and even the trials and tribulations that you went through documenting your Family's history.
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