Family Tree Maker

[polidor]

I have the 2005 version. I've used it for about 4 years and am quite happy with it.
Recently i have seen comments about other version--6--9--10 etc.
On the Ancestry 'Blog' people comment adversly about the 2010 version.

Do they bring out a new FTM each year then? How do the newer versions differ from the earlier ones?

Why do people feel the need to upgrade their FTMs--am i missing something poli

[c-side]

I used version 4 (!) for years, then upgraded to v 16 (2003) which I am still happily using.

I have just bought 2010 because older versions won't work on Windows 7 and if I replace my computer this year I'll need it so I thought I'd get used to it first.  Still haven't installed it though 

Christine

[MarkyP]

A lot of the older versions of FTM were just yearly updates, culminating in I think the 2006 version. It was always a very stable programme and used by lots of people who are very happy with it. 2008 was introduced using completely new architecture and code to work more efficiently with newer more modern computers, it wasn't very well received. A lot of people, including myself, bought it only to find it very buggy and extremely slow. Also the completely new look didn't go down well either. The next version, 2009, was offered as free upgrade to 2008, bringing back some of the features previously available up to 2006, but not in the 2008 version. I've got used used to 2009 now and quite like it, it is still quite slow, but that's more to do with my aging computer than anything else. 2010 is a further update to 2009, so they are continuing the yearly update process as before, but I will wait until 2012/13 comes out before I indulge again. 

[trish58]

I recently purchased 2010 FTM and installed it just a couple of days ago, so far I love it, I have imported my family tree from Ancestry.com along with all the photos & documents which where attached to each person.
You also still get the little green leaf if you want it which is great, so happy at this stage.

I used Version 16 for 4-5 years and gave it a lot of thought before I changed, I also backed up my tree on v16 to disc just in case I wanted to go back to it.

Trish

[c-side]

Hi Trish,

My understanding (from a question I raised on here a few weeks ago) is that 2010 does not instal over the top of v16 but in addition to it.  Data then has to be imported from one to the other.

Is that your experience?

Christine

[MarkyP]

It doesn't, seperate programme entirely! 

[charlotteCH]

I've used 2006 very happily until now.  I have just ordered 2010 as I need a new computer and 2006 won't go with WIN7.

Re the new programs FTM keep bringing out- often the so called "upgrade features" are very marginal and certainly not worth the money.

If you are buying 2010 be sure to check out the net for good prices and also e-bay for bargains. I bought mine thru e-bay from a very reputable gen.company for very significantly less than other comapnies are advertising it for.

charlotte

[Braindead]

You also still get the little green leaf if you want it which is great, so happy at this stage.


Trish

Do you get the little green leaf in FTM 2010, or in Ancestry.com? I haven't got it in my FTM 2010! (but I do have it on Ancestry)

[teaurn]

Hi all I got a new laptop from hubby for xmas bless him and I bought the Family Tree Maker 2010.  This is my first experience of both a family tree program outside of Genes and also my first experience with Ancestry as it came with a 3 mth essential membership.

I have thorougly enjoyed both I am getting the little leaf on my family tree maker and have found quite alot of new info by using them.

Teaurn