I need some advice on choosing a Family History Program

[Janine]

 
I am new to this and have been using a free programme on geneaology.com that holds up to 200 names; now I need to purchase some software.  I need something flexible to show adoptions and multiple marriage; what do you recommend?

My 2nd question ... I see SO many sites online that require one to subscribe and pay ... which ones are worth it, and genuinely useful for the money?

[SS from The Rhondda]

I purchase Sierra's Generations Grand Suite 8 (UK version) a couple of years ago. I have not found the need to use anything else since.
Multiple marriages and adoptions are catered for.


There is a monthly magazine 'Your Family Tree' in the UK that has a cover CD. There are numerous demos / shareware genealogy programs included each issue. Worth taking a look...

[Reggie]

I use The Master Genealogist. It is the best program.  It it is quite easy to use but for anyone who has not used a geneaoligist program before might find it a bit hard. Go to site http://www.whollygenes.com/ and have a look, down load a trial program.

Another program is Legacy.  Very easy to use but hasn't got a very good Reporting system.  There are somethings you cannot change where as TMG is very flexible in this area. Goto site http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/ they have a free program and, when you are ready you can update to a more featured version.

Good Luck

Reggie

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi Janinepage

Many years ago I purchased 'ReUnion' because it was good and did all the things I required but it was rather Americanised - but it was still good.  When it was sold to Sierra, they changed the name of it to 'Generations' and they made an English Version of it which just made it better.

So would recommend 'Generations', but would opt for a basic version rather than one that containd loads of cd's - most of which are american archives, ancestors, etc, with just a couple of English CD's

Chris in 1066Land

[Boongie Pam]

I use PAF from the LDS - the free version.  I have to say I really like it, it ain't perfect for printing trees but you can get a cheap add on.

It's worth trying before shelling out on software.  I'm not sure what the limit is on the number of individuals but some of my files are thousands of individuals - not mine by the way, downloaded from other people!!!

I didn't have to register to get it or give them any info - it asks but I don't like to give my specifics  

It does multiple marriages and a wealth of other features - the webpage generator gives good clean code easily amended with a little knowledge of HTML (and believe me I only have a little knowledge).

Basic reports are good and it is compatible with GEDCOM.  I can't say it's the best but it is FREE!

Cheers,
Pam
 

[Kazza]

I use Rootsmagic,  which was recommended to me by someone on Rootschat.  

I downloaded the free Evaluation Version from www.rootsmagic.com which allows you to enter up to 50 people.  

I liked it so much I bought the full version from S&N recently and they supplied it with a discount of £5 and threw in Batholomew's Atlas 1898 and some more goodies.

I have little experience with other Gen Programmes but this one seems to meet all my needs and more.

Kazza.

[jaq]

I use PAF from the LDS - the free version.  I have to say I really like it, it ain't perfect for printing trees but you can get a cheap add on.

Hi Pam,
i use the free lds one too, but am a bit dissappointed at not being able to print everyone on the tree [only as an index]
its great when its on the pc, with photos etc
have you got the add-on? what is it called and does it work well?
jaq

[ali]

I also use the free one from LDS.  At this moment in time it suits my purpose.

[Boongie Pam]

Re PAF add on for reports..

I haven't actually got it, I only have a small tree (I only have a maternal line to follow) so haven't needed to get it.  The link below may or may not work but it is to the familysearch site.

The blurb about the "PAF Companion" says...

The PAF Companion software prints quality pedigree charts, family group records, ancestor charts, descendant charts, hourglass charts, fan charts, bow tie charts, kinship reports, descendant reports, and narrative reports. It tiles multiple pages to form large wall charts, and it can print photos in many charts. Its Preview and Publish to PDF features let you preview charts and save them in Adobe® PDF format. Its Compare feature finds individuals in the Pedigree Resource File (PRF) Master Index who may match those in your PAF file. (You must have a copy of the PRF Master Index to use this feature.) You can run Personal Ancestral File (PAF) without exiting Personal Ancestral File Companion. You can use the program with the 3.x, 4.x, and 5.x versions of Personal Ancestral File.

From the site it costs $6 - I can't say much more as I haven't used it.  Has anyone else?

 
Pam
http://www.ldscatalog.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&categoryId=100103&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=100102&bcname=Personal%20Ancestral%20File&top=&resetCat=N&initBC=Y&level=2&replBC=subcatlist100102