Genealogy Chat

When I first started, I used a limited version (50 entries) of Family Historian. I found it easy to use, but ended up buying Family Tree 2004 which I find confusing. Does anyone use Family Historian ? and how does it compare with FTM 6? which are the alternatives I am considering. David

Is the family tree viewer software limited in anyway. i remember using a free one a while ago and you couldn't go past three generations. Are these the same?

The LDS paf is not limited as alot of people seem to use it for all there tree. Family Tree Maker limits the tools you can use but as far as I know, not the size of tree. GenVeiwer lite, only allows you to veiw a gedcom file but it could be handy if that's all you want it for, and the website has a genviewer that you can put on CD's to send someone without a gedcom reader. Legacy and Genpro, I've never used so I really don't know if they limit you in any way.

I use Legacy. It's brilliant. There are some restriction on the free software, but it's still a good program. I pay for the Deluxe version ( have it had for 3-4yrs) can't fault it! Try all the free ones, that's the best way to decide. Then stick with the one you're happiest using, or has the 'tools' you require. Debbie

wondering if anyone has had similar problems, i tried downloading the free family tree maker starter edition, as suggested on here, then when i tried to install it, kept saying not responding, i went and bought the 'who do you think you are' version and installed that, but instead of giving me option to install full program it would only let me modify, repair or remove previous installation, (which i never did) i have tried removing everything from the free download and starting from scratch but, i still get same problem, i then went and tried to install it on the kids pc, and same thing happened, its as if it keeps finding an older version and so wont do full install, but ive never had it on my pc before help anyone??

Nicky, you might get luck having your question answered if you set up a thread of your own. Unfortunatly I have never tried down loading FTM as I had already bought the disk when I found out about the stareter edition.

Lots of useful tips here. nudge

I've also used Legacy for years and have been extremely impressed. I don't find any significant limitations with the free version, it's more a case of there being a few extras that come with the Deluxe version, which you can easily upgrade to at any time (they send you a new password to unlock the extra features, so you don't need to download a different program). I found it a very easy program to use - most of the learning curve involved basic genealogy (e.g., documenting sources) and you don't have to do this right away if you don't want to (with experience, the value of including source information when you enter a new person becomes clear, but I remember starting out I just wanted to add names as quickly as possible). Legacy offers good file import/export capabilities, reporting, etc... - pretty much anything you might want to do. You can but 3rd-party add-on programs for producing very fancy family trees, but I've never felt the need. It's well worth trying out, especially since the free version is not time-limited, restricted in numbers of people, etc... A real winner, IMO.

Thankyou, u r an angel!

OMG I've just tried the 'all-in-one' tree thingy in FTM2006, It gave me 36 pages & it's set out really strangely so I clicked the toolbar on the side & asked for 'scenic' set up, now the poor computer has been pedalling for 10minutes & it's up to 75 pages & still hasn't finished.... I've got about 400 people on the tree so it's not 'HUGE' Don't think I'll be printing that one off..... Sarah :-)

I've looked at the FTM Starter edition page, but I can't find any details of minimum system requirements. Does anybody know these specs? I'm not sure if my eight year old steam driven machine can take it! Gordon

Hi Gordon This id from the Family Tree Maker Website Family Tree Maker versions 11, 2005, and 2006 have been designed for and tested in Windows 98, ME and XP Home Edition. These are the officially supported operating systems for those program versions. However, we know many customers who successfully use Family Tree Maker in Windows NT, 2000, and XP Professional. It looks like, as long as you steam powered machine opperates on Windows 98 or later, FTM should run. Legacy give the following system requierments * Pentium class computer. * VGA or higher display. * Windows 95*, Windows 98*, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows ME*, Windows XP * A Hard Disk with 55 megabytes of available space. * A CD-ROM drive. * 256 megabytes of RAM minimum. * A mouse. * Internet connection recommended. * Win 95, Win 98, and Win Me need all available Microsoft Service Packs installed. and PAF shoulf run on Windows 95 or later. I know Genviewer Lite will run on Windows 95 but you can only view a GEDCOm from it, you can't edit anything.

Hi Lunar, Wooohooo I am of and running Yiiippppeeee Thanks again Mel

Thanks for the info, Lunar. Unfortunately I don't have the RAM to run the software... :-( Gordon

which site do u need to use to download

It depends what software you want to download, I listed each software program and immediately under it the address to get that peice of software. for example if you want the free Family Tree Maker Starter Edition program you would go to:- http://www.familytreemaker(.)com/Download/Starter.aspx (remove brackets) and if you want the free Legacy Standard Edition program you would go to:- www.legacyfamilytree(.)com/ (remove brackets)

Nudge for later Thanxs X

nudge

Tribal pages gives you a good free website with a family tree programme. If you don't opt for directory listing you can keep your tree private. It is very easy to edit and allows almost any relationship. It has a few goodies such as a web counter and a guest book. You can also add unrelated bits. I have ancestors staying with aunts and uncles and I can leave them floating until I find where they fit in. If you are an ancestry member the new personal tree feature is quite good but a bit hard work to enter data unless you upload a gedcom. Each individual has their own time line so it is easy to spot mistakes. If you have a year of death but date of burial it will put the burial before death and similarly baptism before birth which looks a bit strange. At present I find it reasuuring to know my family tree is somewhere safe. Not free but for about £10.00 the who do you think you are family tree programme is adequate for most people.

nudge so i can find it again!