There are several genealogical software packages - but I highly recommend that you select a package that produces a good Register report (or some book like format that you are happy with). If you ever decide to publish a book or upload your information to a web site some day - have a readable format is key (with photographs and indices). Sharing publications online will get people to write you asking you to add their information. If you have a good web presence, it greatly reduces the effort to collect information.
Also, many individuals switch to desktop publishing programs for book printing and web site generation. These products are much more expensive (and harder to learn) but you have much more control what you want to include and they look very professional. I use Ventura Publisher which includes photographs and huge indices (both name and geographic indices). I have done nine 600 page books (58,000 individuals with less than 10 % from internet sources). I can produce nine separate books (Acrobat or HTML) and also produced one combined online publication with 8,000 pages. All publications are fully indexed with name - including some date and geography and geographical indices by country, state, county, city, date). I can also generate an Acrobat file that printers will accept and print directly from the file - including photographs).
Going through a conversion later is very painful to re-enter information (or make major modifications). It is key that you write down a list of your long term goals and the most important features that you want over the next few years. My parents and I knew that we wanted to publish books up front. I started in the mid 1970s with both parents at it as well. Conversions are painful, so put some time into thinking what you might do up front.
