Genealogy Programs

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I have been asked many times about which genealogy program to use. Really, that is a difficult question to answer. There are many good programs on the market and the selection begins with the individual. What is good for one person might not be another's choice. I will try to explain my choice and provide you with various programs that you can checkout and try for yourself.

First, my program:  I now use Legacy Family Tree. For many years I used Family Tree Maker, but in 2008 the makers modified or changed the format for entering information and substantially changed the program. The 2006 version was quite acceptable and I was happy with it, but in 2008, when I ordered my copy of the new program, loaded it to my computer and tried to run it, I immediately saw some significent problems. Apparently many others did as well because most all of us sent our programs back and demanded a refunded.

That program, FTM 2008, loaded very slowly and once opened I discovered it was quite a change from FTM 2006, and it was much more difficult to navigate from one generation to another. Plus there were other problems too numerous to mention at this time. One problem with Family Tree Maker is that they update once a year and CHARGE for it. Once you update and attempt to share with others who are running an earlier version - the files are not compatabile. Legacy Family Tree will provide you the undates FREE AND one version will accept another.

Even the later version of FTM - 2010 and now 2011 - are very slow to load and have some inherent problems. I really don't recommend any of these programs.

In 2008 I began to search for another program to use and eventually settled on Legacy Family Tree (http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/). The program loads quickly and is very easy to navigate through and to make entries into, add sources, pictures, notes, etc. I am very happy with it. Plus it will print many different books and printouts from ancestor lists to descendant lists, books, charts, etc. All of these will format very quickly and it's easy to save them to .pdf format so you can share them with others.

However, don't take just my word or recommendentations. I suggest that you check around to determine which is best for you. You might check out Cyndi's List at http://www.cyndislist.com/software.htm where several good programs are listed. Some of these you can download a free version to try, others you have to purchase. Also Google 'genealogy programs' to see what might come up.

Another program I have quickly tried is RootsMagic. It will allow transfer of notes, pictures, etc., from another program and is rather easy to use.

I have found AncestralQuest to be rather slow.

Check out another free site at http://www.myheritage.com/genealogy.

Whatever your choice stick with it. Don't jump from program to program. Utilize one and learn that software. It will make your entries and navigation much easier. Good luck!