I am a new member to BCGS and looking at this forum for the first time. I assume this forum is the place to seek advise and recommendations from fellow members. I see "Software for MAC" topics but no "Software for PCs" topic so I decided to create one. I used FTM back before 2007 when they came out with a really bad version which was their demise (as I have since learned). Yes, I realize FTM has been reincarnated as a new program. Now that I am interested in getting back to my genealogy, I am wondering what software to use. In this brave new world of research in the Internet era, there are a lot more to consider than just which program can make a pedigree tree (I assume they all can do that).
I would like to see a discussion of issues that helps make the research process easier - not harder - so here are some of my questions for discussion.
- What are the strengths of various software programs, including features to help keep me methodically and thoroughly organized?
- What are the weaknesses of programs that can become very frustrating to live with?
- I am also interested in other software or features that integrates well to be able to incorporate photos and a story on the bones of people I am learning about (dead or alive). This includes notes and journal entries to keep me organized and efficient (my memory is getting shorter not longer with age).
- There are other issues that are important too, ranging from the technical to the aesthetic or convenient that would be nice to consider.
I am currently test driving "Legacy 9.0" to get acquainted with a replacement for my old FTM 2006 program.
Any thoughts?
Thanks Paul,
BTW: I don't see the kind of activity on these forums that i was expecting. I wonder why?
pthompson
Tue Dec 5, 2017, 4:36 pm
Hi Paul ... I use Family Treemaker 2017. I love it and this latest version synchronizes with your trees on Ancestry.com which I think is a good feature. You are able to put photographs into Family Treemaker and keep notes on each of the people in your tree. I have nothing else to compare it with ... I have been using it for years and years and just keep upgrading with each new version that comes out.
I keep ALL of my photographs on my Desktop PC. I have FOLDERS for each surname and then a FOLDER for each person for whom I have information. I can keep Word documents in those files as well as photographs. One very important thing to do is to save copies of all of your photographs and documents on portable hard drives. I do this once a month. I keep backups in my safe deposit box at the bank. You can never be too careful when it comes to keeping your files safe.
I highly recommend a FREE program for viewing your photographs. It's called FastStone Image Viewer. Not only can you view your photos with it, you can crop, batch rename, fix red eye, and do all sorts of things with photos.
I hope I have been of some help!
Carol Jacobs Norwood
norwoodcj
Tue Nov 5, 2013, 2:19 am
Hi Paul,
I pretty much agree with what Carol has written. I also have used FTM from when I started, and now have the 2017 version. It's hard to make a comparison between programs, because I suspect most of us choose one and stick with it, rather than making the investment of time needed to try another one. It's really hard to keep organized; I have paper file folders, binders, computer folders on my PC, as well as FTM. I don't know if there's anything that would provide the advantages of all of these.
Regarding this forum, you're right, it was supposed to be a way for BCGS members to share information, but has not lived up to expectations. It may be that the interface is somewhat confusing to users. I'd be happy to hear any suggestions for encouraging members to make use of it.
Thanks for posting,
Nancy Heath, BCGS Webmaster
nancyfrontend
Thu Jan 18, 2018, 3:31 pm
Nancy ... how would you feel if we had discussions such as this on the Facebook page? Right now the Facebook page is used to dispense information to members. It might be a good place for discussions as well. I use Facebook a lot for such things related to some other interests I have and it works well. Carol
norwoodcj
Tue Nov 5, 2013, 2:19 am
I also use FTM 2017 and am pleased with it. I've read all your comments - thank you! I admit that I don't check the members forum very often; but I do check it every time that I get a notice that a new topic has been posted.
patges
Wed Oct 23, 2013, 8:28 pm