Genealogy Chat

Thank you so much for your help. Off to have a look now!

I think the majority of us have Family Tree Maker - as already recommended, TWR computing sell it on line (along with lots of other places). Its simple to use, very flexible, lots of options, print reports, trees, timelines, books, add photos, videos even sound if you want to PLUS you can back it up to cd and the internet AND create your own website free of charge.

Also, forgot to add, many GR members use it, and there are many helpful threads on here regarding importing/exporting Gedcom files etc.

I am really pleased with Family Tree Maker 2006, I got it via TWR computing and they provide a good follow up service if you have any problems (especially useful if like me, you struggle with the computer!) It cost about £12.00 and included a months free Ancestry sub.

I use Genopro http://www(.)genopro(.)com/ For a number of years I just used the free version and that works very well. I've updated to the paid version now as it has a few nice extras but the free one enabled me to get the branches of my tree sorted in my computer. I do separate trees for different bits of my family and keep an ongoing copy of it all in my computer. I also keep backup copies on disc which I do regularly. Then each of my files of paperwork has a print out of the appropriate bit in it. The GR is a handy way of making contacts but it is not sensible to keep your complete tree online. I think any living relations should be kept off here. I've got trees including the descendants of distant cousins I've found and I'm in contact with a number of living relations I've met through GR but I wouldn't dream of putting their details on here. Sue

Free one is a download from the LDS site - many people use this. I have Family Tree Maker, which I bought from Morrisons for £5.99. I haven't done much with it yet - too lazy - but lots of people recommend it. I have my tree on Tribal Pages - free version - and I intend downloading it to my FTM, when I get round to paying a subscription to the site! OC

I was just reading some of the tips for newbies, and while I am not strictly speaking all that new, I have found them all very interesting. I saw that the OP had recommended that we find a good family tree programme as the GR one is 'not all that good', and of course there is always the risk of losing all that hard-earned information. So does anyone have any tips on how to find a good programme? There seem to be so many out there and I am sure that some are better than others. I'd prefer to spend any money wisely! Thanks all.