What (Free) Software?

[PaulRobinson]

I'm evaluating a couple of free programs to store my family history data but
before I commit loads of data to a program I'd like to be sure it's stable and the data is exportable if necessary.

I'm currently trying Legacy 5.0 (free edition), Embla Family Treasures (I've managed to crash it a few times!) and GenealogyJ.

Anyone got any comments on these or any other suggestions?

[RJ_Paton]

Have a look at
http://www.1stopfreeshop.com/gensoft.htm
or have a look at some of the computer magazines (british) which have recently given genealogy software away on their cover discs.

[suttontrust]

It's all a matter of what you want it to do.  Legacy is great for all sorts of reports but limited in the sort of charts it can produce.  If you download an assortment of freebies you still might not get exactly what you want, and then decide to pay for that extra functionality.

[petere]

Paul,
I use Family Historian and am very satisfied with it. You can download a demo version to try from :-http://www.family-historian.co.uk/index.htm

regards   --   Peter

[PaulRobinson]

Thanks all - I'm sticking with Legacy for now, it seems more than capable for my purposes.

[tallted]

Hi Paul,
I am in Canada and use Family Tree Maker 2005.  It has a lot going for it including the feature of creating various books for different families etc.. It has all reports re family etc..  I have never had a problem with it except for one weakness in transfering back up to cd's.  You might look into it, but everyone running Windows XP might want to try it out at the store before using it to assure the cd transfer works for you.
Tallted

[Reggie]

Paul

Have a look at The Master Genealogist (TMG).

Goto http://www.whollygenes.com

Also there is a forum for help at http://www.whollygenes.com/forums201/index.php

I have found it to be the best. 

Reg

[Susie1]

Hi Paul
I use Family Tree Maker 2005.  I have used Family Tree maker for years, and have upgraded a few times.  I like the fact that it is easy to fill in, and you can store so much info.
Sue

[Jane Taubman]

I moved from FTM as I found it too limited when it came to multimedia support,  the files get very large as you add images.  Also its export support is poor and unless it has improved greatly support for accurate sourcing is difficult.