Genealogy Chat

I'm just considering buying family treemaker, and i'm so confused by all the different versions. Is the basic (1 cd) ok, or do i really need the 5 cd one? What would i be able to find on the parish record cd? (Was also considering getting my most useful parish record cd separately from the relevent family history society, it's only a small area on 2 cds, so I can't see how they can put all of England on one cd). I already have ancestry subscription, so doesn't matter about the free bit. Your thoughts will be much appreciated.

I use the basic FTM2005 and find it's perfectly fine for me. I don't think you really need the extra CD's, but I suppose it's all a matter of opinion. Kath. x

Be careful which one you buy Bumbly ... I had the FTM2005 starter edition. Then i tried to export to here and found I had to pay $19.95 to upgrade to the FULL version to unlock it. I originally paid £12. Mind you...thats still cheaper than the £40 PC world are charging for the full package. Gerri

The extra data CD's are not worth the money. They have nothing whatsoever to do with the main FTM program. Go for the basic version. There is also little to call between the 2005 / 2006 versions. The starter version though should be avoided as it has limited functionality, but on the other hand costs next to nothing.

Kathleen - that's what I wanted to hear. Still looking - that's what i was afraid of. So what would you reccommend? The 2006 basic version is still about £12, but might be like your 2005 one, how do we know?

Bumbly When you find out.....let me know! I have been pulling my hair out!! Gerri.

Have look on here (TWR) http://www.zen69420.zen*co.uk/ftm.htm (replace * etc) Fully functional basic version is £12.25 The Charting companion is useful if you want to do a lot of printing but does not have too many options. The deluxe and collectors options, steer clear of.

Ibought the FTM 2006 with the extra parish records and have found them Useless. The basisc FTM with the charting CD is all you need. Shirley

I'd go for the best basic package you can afford, but avoid starter packages - you usually have to upgrade these later. Kath. x

Thanks Peter, didn't see your reply till after my previous one. Will look at 2005 and compare.

Have a look on the TWR computing website. The full FTM 2006 program can be purchased for just over 12 pounds which includes postage. You can find it cheaper - I believe Morrisons were doing the same thing for under ten pounds but that was some time ago so not sure if its still on offer.

Thank you Shirley, that would be £16.75, rather than £34.75, so well worth knowing.

Hi Elaine and Peter, both sites have the same prices and free postage, thank you both very much. Can't find Morrisons offer on line, might have to go and look tomorrow!