What software to choose

[annie1]

Hi everyone,

After quite a few years away from this I have now decided to restart and get all my notes and documents into one place, but which software? I liked the look of Roots Magic but don't know anyone who has used it, I just want an easy to use and simple software pack, any help will be welcome.

Ann

[Currie]

Hello Ann,

When I started fiddling with family history on a computer I downloaded a program called Personal Ancestral File (PAF5) for free from the LDS church. That was over 15 years ago and it must be good because I still use it and have used no other.

It would fall into the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) category of programs. Not too many Bells & Whistles. Unfortunately it is no longer available for download from the LDS, however, I do keep a copy safely tucked away for future installs.

It’s a Windows program (PAF5EnglishSetup.exe). In January 2014 someone called internethistorian uploaded a copy to the Internet Archive. Judging by the other stuff uploaded by that individual he/she looks legitimate. https://archive.org/details/PAF5EnglishSetup

For anyone interested the SHA256 checksum of the PAF5EnglishSetup.exe download and torrent matched that of my 2006 copy, and that means the files are identical. (34534df2099af60693dd87d6a53516154b0b1155b180c4492077277d92ea8b7c)

A program somewhat similar to PAF5, and from which it was derived, is Ancestral Quest http://www.ancquest.com/index.htm

Here’s the Wiki on what does what. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compariso ... y_software

Hopefully someone else will come up with other ideas.

All the best,
Alan

[WilmaM]

I am interested in any replies on this topic, my 'trees' are scattered like the branches after a hurricane !

I'd love to be able to have everything in one place, and to be able to add photos to each name would be amazing, as I seem to be falling heir to the older generations photo boxes.

When I started out I did have a free program on a disc, but no operating system now supports it.

[annie1]

Alan,

Thank you for all that info, I did not realise there were quite so many, after checking Wikipedia! I really do need the simplest option, Ancestral Quest is a new one to me so I will go back and check it, as it seems quite basic and might be a good choice for me.
Wilma, I have the same problem, photographs no-one wants, I cant bear to see them destroyed, and newspaper clips galore, so I have decided to get it sorted.

Ann

[jgmills]

Personally I use Family Tree Maker, and find it easy, though that may be because it was the first program I used for Family History. The drawback is there is no app for iPhone or iPad.

So for those I do convert my Family Tree Maker file into RootsMagic (the free version), and can then use their app for iPhone and iPad. So from that perspective at least Rootsmagic is Windows/Mac and iOS/Android compatible, so you can have it on a desktop/laptop/smartphone or tablet.

You might question why bother with Family Tree Maker, just feel more comfortable with it. But Rootsmagic is a good program.

John

[WilmaM]

So which did you eventually go for?
and how are you getting on with it?

I really need to get my 'stuff' organised soon esp. as my daughter is falling down rabbit holes after me...