Software - Genealogists' Forum

Neil Davidson · #1 28-01-11, 14:21

New starter...first day!

I will need, I think, a software package to load everything onto. Recommendations?

Thanks

Mark Dudley · #2 28-01-11, 14:35

Hi Neil, and welcome.

I use an old version of Family Tree Maker, but I'm sure there'll be plenty of advice along in a moment ....

Neil Davidson · #3 28-01-11, 14:43

Thanks, Mark

N

kiterunner · #4 28-01-11, 14:50

What kind of computer do you have, Neil, i.e. what operating system?

Sally · #5 28-01-11, 19:44

I am the last one to give advice on this sort of thing........but just wanted to wish you luck, and say have loads of fun with this absorbing hobby.

Durham Lady · #6 28-01-11, 20:37

You could always start a tree on Tribal Pages. It's free and easy to set up and enter details you find.
http://tribalpages.com/

marquette · #7 28-01-11, 21:24

I started out with Personal Ancestry File, free from the Mormon (LDS) website. I still use it, I have tried others, but have not found any better.

Its simple to enter data, photos and extra notes. I just ignore the bits I don't want - and adapt the fields to suit myself.

I think the idea of re-inputting all the data makes me reluctant to change; I don't just want to load a gedcom, a lot of the other software will not accept the way I have put in dates from freebmd (eg Jun Q 1850) and I would have to do the whole lot manually.

(PAF does not like the date like that either, its not "standard" but I just ignore the message, it does not like numerals in the place fields, but will accept them)

Di

Asa · #8 28-01-11, 21:28

Marquette, although I have trees on a few sites, I still use the PAF as my primary storage thing - suits me too:-)

Uncle John · #9 28-01-11, 22:07

Neil - if it's your first day, you may not have a subscription to a genealogy website (e.g. Ancestry, Find My Past, Family Relatives). Software that a lot of us use is Family Tree Maker. Currently it comes with a 6-month free subscription to Ancestry.

But I'd advise you to start with one of the free packages - you can always move your data to another program at a later date.

#10 28-01-11, 22:16

Hi Neil Welcome. I use an old version of FTM. Try Googling different Software programmes and see what components you would use. Also have a look at Family History Programmes advertised in FH Magazines at your library. While many people have purchased different Software packages, I think most people stay with their original one because they get used to how it operates.