Data Recording Software
GEDCOM * Reviews and Comparsisons * Windows Programs * Macintosh Programs
Understanding GEDCOM
Reviews and Comparisons
Genealogy Software Reveiw 2009: This site reviews several Windows programs. A chart tells you at a glance which features are offered in the different choices and evaluates such factors as ease of use, documentation and quality of reports and output. I strongly recommmend starting with this site to get an overview of the several factors that will influence your choice.
Genealogy Software News: this site covers both Mac and PC softare, as well as PDA applications. However the last updating seems to have been done in March 2008, so it may rapidly become out of date.
GenSoft Reviews: a compilation of reviews and comments by users of many genealogy programs. You can add your comments and reviews too. A very helpful site.
Windows Software
* Legacy Family Tree * Family Historian * Family Tree Maker * PAF *
* Roots Magic * The Master Genealogist *
Legacy Family Tree (Millenia Software) This is the software I use.
- Versions
- free "standard" version (no limits, can use forever)
- upgrade to the "Deluxe" version without losing any data that you've already entered.
- compare features of the Standard (free) and Deluxe versions
- Where to buy: I think this is only available online, from the publisher and various vendors and download sites. If you don't purchase from Millenia, BE SURE you get the most current version!
- You will sometimes fine ISMI's Legacy Family Tree online and in stores. I believe that is always a non current version of this software.
- Help: they are very responsive and actively engage with users.
- Reviews
Family Historian: (Enteractive Software) A very poplular program in the UK, now marketed in the U.S. at Target Stores.
- Versions
- Has a trial version (30 day)
- I don't think the one sold in the U.S. differs from that sold in UK-- but I'm not sure.
- Where to buy
- Online
- Target Stores: Dick Eastman announcement ; price at Target has been reported to be $49.95. Oddly, FH sites are coy about the price and relation to the product you buy on their website. It's enough to make me have serious doubts about the value of this product.
- Help
- Reviews
Family Tree Maker, (Ancestry.com) is one of the most readily available and used programs and has been around for a long time.
- Versions
- No free version, no trial version
- Encore, Inc. distributes Family Tree Maker in three versions -- be sure to compare features and know what you are getting
- Watch for sales and special offers; the best is when it comes with a fairly lengthy subscription to Ancestry.com
- Where to buy
- Stores: FTM is readily available on the shelves of many stores.
- Online:
- buy from their website
- or Amazon.com
- or just Google Encore, Inc. "Family Tree Maker" to find offers galore-- but be sure you are buying the most recent and the edition you want.
- Help:
- Their official support page offers several alternatives
- Keep current with the FTM Blog; reading user comments can be very helpful on this blog. Ancestry.com provides limited support through the comments and tolerates readers who air dissatisfactions (not always appropriate to the blog in question).
- Message Boards
- Manuals and Books
Personal Ancestral File (PAF). It's free and a good basic program, but is not being updated.
- Versions.
- The most recent version is 5.2. I don't think there are plans to come out with a new version, although new add ons may be developed.
- Where do I buy
- You can download a free version from the FamilySearch.org. You will have to register first, but you can have confidence that no problems will result.
- You may also want PAF Companion, which can be downloaded and tested for free, then unlocked for full use with a $6.25 payment. PAF companion is a printing program that is designed to be used with PAF. With PAF Companion you can print charts, family group sheets and reports.
- There are other add-on programs you can purchase that will work with PAF.
- If you prefer to have a CD on hand, you can purchase a combination of PAF and PAF Companion on CD for $8.25.
- Help
- Reviews
RootsMagic I've never used this particular program, but I have heard good things about it. I also talked to the developer at a conference, and concluded that he is committed to making one of the best products on the market.
- Versions: Offers a free trial version, fully functional, 30 days
- Where to buy: online at the Roots Magic web page
- Help: Roots Magic Forum " a message board where you can ask questions about RootsMagic, or leave suggestions for enhancements to future versions." There are separate forums for the Roots Magic Add Ons.
- Roots Magic Customer Support forum for very specific problems with the software. Includes a knowledge base to answer commonly asked questions.
- Reviews
The Master Genealogist is the favorite of many people. It has features not found in other software, but also a higher learning curve.
- Versions
- Where to buy
- Help
- Reviews
Macintosh Software
If you are using a Mac, you will want to bookmark or subscribe to MacGeneaology.org, a frequently updated blog that offers advice about the myriad of programs that work with a mac and can help you with your family history. See also Dick Eastman's Sept. 6, 2008 blog covering Genealogy Sofware for the Mac.
iFamily for Leopard /iFamily for Tiger: the person who developed iFamily died Sept. 2008. We will have to see if this program will be supported and developed.
- Versions
- Where to buy
- Help
- Reviews
MacFamily Tree: I've never used it, but it is for sale at the Apple Store, so I think must be a well developed program. There is also a Mobile Family Tree add-on that will allow this software to display on iPods and iPhones.
- Versions
- Where to buy
- Help
- Reviews
Personal Ancestry Writer II: This is a free genealogy program for the Mac, developed by a person who clearly knows Macs AND genealogy. His page is in frames, so if you click the "Home" button on the top of the page you will see his full site. To find the PAWriterII page there, on the left had column, under Genealogy, at the very bottom of the list for that caterogy, click on PAWriter II and that will open a frame that gives you information about the softward and instructions for downloading.
- Download
- from the author (above), where you will also find more information
- MacUpdate download
- Help
- PAWriterII Forum (the program writer is a moderator on this forum, so all comments and queries are read by the person who wrote it!)
- Reviews
Reunion: When I used a Mac, I used this and loved it. Great support and frequent updates. Despite the embergence of other good programs, Reunion remains the most popular for Mac users.
- Versions
- Where to buy:
- Help
- Reviews
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