11 Responses for "What Genealogy Software Would You Recommend?"

1. Paladin November 29th, 2008 at 1:04 pm 1

   I got FTM on sale several years ago and have been perfectly happy with it so never really looked at any others. I am sure that they all have the same basic functions
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2. hanne_mcp November 29th, 2008 at 1:40 pm 2

   You can find a free genealogy page the The church of Jesus Christ of Latter days saints made. It is really great. I have used it for ages.
   Just take a look at it. Go to http://www.lds.org
   Hanne Phelps
   Denmark
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3. Boomer Wisdom November 29th, 2008 at 2:30 pm 3

   I'm on FTM 16. I have tried PAF, Legacy, The Master Genealogist, and Roots Magic. The last three have free trials. Download them and try them, and always keep PAF on board.

   You really need to try out their system, and look at the functions they can perform for you. I like reports, so I'm stuck at FTM 16. The Master Genealogist is a difficult user interface, but has many features for reports, but many of my genealogy friends love other programs. It's a matter of personal preference, and what you need.

   I suggest you check them out before you buy. Here's a good hint:
   http://genealogy.about.com/od/software_reviews/Genealogy_Software_Reviews_Ratings_Comparisons.htm

   Buy carefully. You'll need to be comfortable with it or you won't get much work done. The primary purpose of a genealogy program is to organize your work, not discourage you with a bunch of techno-fussing. Try 'em all.

   Happy hunting. And don't forget the typewriter and the shoebox.
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4. mollyflan November 29th, 2008 at 2:37 pm 4

   Family Tree Maker is excellent. It’s easy to navigate and you don’t “lose” people in it. I recommend it highly.
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5. sun_kiss034 November 29th, 2008 at 2:54 pm 5

   Just like everyone else I have FTM 16 I love it. I am also working on ancestry.com. When you buy FTM you get 9 mos free of ancestry.com. Great deal.
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6. Col November 29th, 2008 at 3:27 pm 6

   Family Tree Maker has been around a long time . The latest versions have had a lot of criticism and many people like myself prefer to stick with the older version ( Version 16 or earlier ) Not very good on reports but can produce an ” all in family tree” print out which is pretty unique . I like Roots Magic which is great with reports but not so good with charts! I tend to use both as RM can import the Family Tree files without converting to a gedcom file . If you are in the UK both these progs are more geared to US research and you should try Family Historian which is somewhat complex but very good . Prices for most genealogy progs vary . I would go for the basic and not the inflated super dooper versions where you are paying for a lot of mostly useless CDs .
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7. Ted Pack November 29th, 2008 at 3:40 pm 7

   I had PAF, Roots Magic and Family Tree Maker, back when it was PAF 2, FOW 6 and FTM 6. (RM 3 is really FOW 13, due to the stupid decision of a large corporation; the wizard behind FOW struck out on his own in disgust and became Roots Magic) I chose Roots Magic. It is easy to use yet has a better design. I was a computer programmer for 34 years, and I can tell good design from bad. RM is really well designed.
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8. reindeer November 29th, 2008 at 4:29 pm 8

   After using FTM for over 10 years, I went to Apple’s Reunion program. I love how easy it is to use and how much better it is at charting. While it doesn’t have the automatic book tool, I have leaned that Apple’s basic word program “Pages” does the same job, but allows for a lot more customizations.
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9. kb0zp November 29th, 2008 at 4:53 pm 9

   Why pay when you can get it free? Check out the program that is put out by the LDS Church. I have been using it for years and it has now developed into a very good, mature program. And, its free!
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10. Sidwell November 29th, 2008 at 5:05 pm 10

    I have been using Legacy since the 3rd edition. IThe company has now just released the 7th edition and for the last 8 years I have had no problems.

    The standard edition is free and the deluxe edition you have to purchase.

    Just make sure that your RAM has enough space because the current editions do use up a fair bit of RAM.
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11. looking4answers November 29th, 2008 at 5:20 pm 11

    Here is Family Tree Magazine’s software guide they give you the pro’s and con’s of each program. They have a good site. Sign up to their e-newsletter. It’s free they only email you once a week and they haven’t given my email address out to anyone. I’ve been getting the newsletter for over a year.
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