Genealogy Chat

The most popular question asked on message boards is "What's the best software to use". This always results in people replying with, " I use this program". "I use that program".

The answer to the question is that there isn't a "best program".

Everybody will say that the software they use is the best because they are used to it and it does what they want it to do.

All software is different in one way or another, some have more bells and whistles, some will produce very nice charts and the only way to find out what may be best for you is to visit the website of the software company and read a bit about what the program will do.

Use Google, type in the program name and do a search, you will usually get loads of answers.

A little bit of "homework" by the person asking the question is required because what other people think of the program they use may not apply or may not be what you want in a program.

Try them first, most programs have a free trial version that can be downloaded and given a "test drive".

There are over 40 different programs that are available, this list can be broken down to maybe a dozen or so of the most POPULAR programs that are used.

They are in alphabetical order:

Brothers Keeper
Family Historian
Family Tree Maker
Genbox
GenoPro
Legacy
Personal Ancestral File
Reunion (For Mac Computers)
Rootsmagic
The Master Genealogist

Google their website and have a look for yourself what each program will or won't do or there is a comparison website available where the most popular programs can be compared and that's located here.

http://www.my-history.co.uk/acatalog/compare.htm

There is a much more detailed one located here.

http://www.which.co.uk/reviews/family-tree-software/product-finder/

Ron
www.genealogyprinters.com

n

Good point, Ron. I forget which website it was on but before I got Reunion, I found a site which let you download demo versions of the different software available for Macs.

I thought it was really good because it gives you chance to play around and explore the layout of each one, what charts you can do etc. It is surprising how variable the layouts are - and different ones will suit different people.

I did discover, incidentally, that the Personal Ancestral File available on Family Search doesn't appear to work on a Mac.

I have done a bit of Googling research and come up with the following programs that have been designed for use on Mac computers.

Reunion
MacFamilyTree
Personal Ancestry Writer II
iFamily for Tiger
Genealogy Pro
MacPAF
Heredis Mac X.2

Carol
www.genealogyprinters.com

nudge for Alison

adding to my threads

I put another comparison site link up this morning, here it is.

http://www.gensoftreviews.com/

Ron
www.genealogyprinters.com

Well I started off with the free download of Legacy from the family search site. I,m not a DODO but found it a bit unfriendly to use. I then decided to go to FTM program and bought the 2006 version and for ME it s a good program to use so thats where i stick and would recommend it based on my experience.
Shirley

The people at my-history are also very helpful - you can always phone them with queries.

Hi Ron

Thanks for that, really good sites.

I wonder if you can help me some of my ancestors come from France do you or any one else know which site in France I should use.

Kind regards

Jayne

Hi Shirley.

I really don't have a family tree programme but I am very interested in the FTM program the 2006 version do you know where I can buy it and a rough idea of how much it costs please.

Betty

At the end of the day, if you find something that suits you then stick with it.

Having tried a few, I always go back to FTM (The 2006 version) In magazine reviews I have seen over the past few years it generally comes out on tops too.

Can be had for around £10.

Hi Gremlin,

I thought just the same, most people say they prefer it to the later versions.

But where can I buy it??

Betty

Thanks Island,

Have been ofline all night due to computer problems, thanks so much for the link, appreciate your help.

Betty

N for later. Thankyou Ron.





libra

nudge

n