Gene's List of Useful Software,
and Sites Where You Can Find Them

I've tried to organize this into two major categories; 1) Database software, that you use to store your information in, and 2) Utility software, that you use to manipulate the data once you have it. I realize it seems somewhat vague, and it will get worse. Some of the database software programs have built-in utilities, and some of the utility software can be pretty basic. You decide what you need. I've tried to set the links so they will take you to either the author's site, or a commercial site where the software can be purchased. I've also included a site that provides quite a bit of information about some of the software listed on this page.
I also want you to know that for some of the sites, especially anything that takes you to amazon.com, I have established an "Associate" membership...in other words, I receive a commission for anything you buy through this website. Check local dealers, though, before you decide to buy anything. I like to read the fine print on the box before I spend any money.

You can find all sorts of programs to store your data. Most of the listings that I've provided are for the "newbie", or for someone who is doing genealogical research for a hobby. This is certainly not a fully comprehensive list of programs that are available. There seem to be as many programs for storing your data as their are opinions about which is the best. There are a few things to keep in mind, though, when you are selecting a program. These are listed below, by my own ranking of importance:

• Ease Of Use - If you're just getting started, pick one that has tutorials, an easy-to-use interface, and, if you're really lucky, a good manual or help file.
• Charting Capability - I like to see and print charts from my information. If that is important to you, too, make sure the program has charting capabilities, and it has the ability to let you add or edit for custom charts.
• GEDCOM Compatibility - If you're going to be sharing or importing data, make sure it will import and export GEDCOM files (Genealogical Data Communications files). The GEDCOM format is a standard format for family files.
• Internet Interfaces - Does the program have an interface or screen to let you access the internet for updates, uploading or downloading of files, etc.
• Additional Databases - Some programs come with additional CD's that contain, among other things, Social Security Number indexes, ship's manifests, war records, and so on. If it doesn't include these databases, can they be purchased at a later time?

Obviously, your reasons for doing your research are going to affect your decision-making when selecting a program to store your information. You need to figure what is important to you, and make a decision based on those reasons. Now, the list. I've included the top selling programs that are currently available, and the links go to the companies website. I know many people will wonder why the list isn't longer, and why the program they might be using isn't on this list. Quite simply, these are the best for those doing this as a hobby. A certified genealogist would probably (strongly) disagree, but I doubt if a certified genealogist would agree with some of the tips I've provided, either. These are for the hobbyist, and not someone making a living doing genealogical research. If you want to see a more comprehensive list, go to Genealogy Software Springboard and check out the others. You can also read the reviews on these products at Consumer Search.

• Family Tree Maker Ver. 8.0  You will find several versions of Family Tree Maker...some from Broderbund, some from The Learning Tree, and, now, with Mattell Media as the owner, another from Mattell Media. It's a little confusing, to keep the versions straight, but seems like it fits most of the needs listed above.   Check the prices
• Sierra's Generations Family Tree Grand Suite  This is another product that has several versions. Ver. 8 is the latest. It fits all of the needs above.    Check the prices
• Personal Ancestral File from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints   The Church has set the standard for the sharing of information, and their product is free for the downloading. I haven't tried the latest version, but I know a lot of people I correspond with use some version of PAF.   More Info

The only one not included in the review, Personal Ancestral File, is available free from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. If you're not aware of it, the Church has probably the largest database of genealogical information, and they set the GEDCOM standard. If you're setting the standard, you are certainly going to have software that will allow uploading and downloading of additional files. Now, having said that, you can also go to your nearest WalMart, KMart, or software outlet, and pay $9.99 for a CD that has genealogical software, that will do much of everything you want. For example, I have SoftKey's Family Tree on CD, that I paid $9.99 at WalMart. SoftKey is a subsidiary of The Learning Company, the company that owns Family Tree Maker Ver. 7.0. I later purchased one of the Sierra Grand Suite versions, because I wanted to do more with my data, and wanted an easier interface to work with. But, the important thing is that the SoftKey program worked fine, until my needs changed. You have to decide what is important to you.

There are three types of utility software programs:

• Commercial software - You're buying the software from a company before you try it. If you don't like the software, or it doesn't work, you might either get your money back, or get another CD. Read the label before you buy it, because sometimes, even if it doesn't work the way you want it too, or doesn't work on your PC, all you'll be able to get is another CD.
• Shareware - This is software that someone, usually an individual, has written and is offering the software on a "try it, pay for it if you like it" basis. It's essentially an honor system. After you register (pay) for the software, (and you should, if you use it) you'll get updates, often more features, and at least an individual to gripe to when it doesn't work right.
• Freeware - This is similar to shareware, except there isn't really an honor system. If you want to support the programmer, though, I'm sure they'd be more than happy to accept any money you want to send them to support future programs. Any bugs, though, are just something you're going to have to put up with. (That's why it pays to support your programmer - turn him into a shareware provider!)