Genealogy Chat

I'm very disatisfied with mine (Compton's Family Tree)! The awkward display I can put up with. The irritatingly terse info it allows you to add is just bearable. But adding someone is a nightmare. For example, linking a child to its parents involves specifying the relationship four times. I have always managed to add marriage details to one spouse, but then the marriage section for the other is then greyed out. What's the most accessible and reasonably cheap software package out there?

This would depend on what you mean by cheap. I use Family Tree Maker V10, I like it but I know it has it's critics, costs around £30. some are available as a free down load, Legacy and PAF. Ros

Hi Kathryn. I'm with Ros. Have used Family Tree Maker for about 8 years now without any complaints. Available through S & N genealogy products near Salisbury

I currently use PAF, which is free to download from the LDS site (http://www(.)familysearch(.)org). I'm satisfied with it thus far and I like the variety of reports/charts that can be generated and printed off.

I use the PAF software, downloaded free from the LDS site. I have only started this hobby fairly recently so just needed something simple and easy to use. The only slight problem I've had has been when someone sends me a Gedcom file and they use a more complex software. The PAF software is not able to read all the notes (usually the cause of death for some reason!)and creates a separate file for these details. I have to imput this manually if I want the info. Apart from that I've found it quite good.

Hi Kathryn, I am using Family Tree Quick and Easy, and it is!!! It allows you to add heaps of information, pictures, etc. Jenny

I am also happy with FTW but recently I bought PC Basics Family Tree mag issue 59 (August edition I think) for £4.99. It had a CD with some free family tree programmes plus loads of info on this web site (which is why I am here). John

I use the free Kith and Kin with the mag John mentioned. It suits my needs and i'm also too mean to fork out for one! Julie T:)

Thanks everyone. £30 is not too bad. I'm a little wary of downloading stuff as this is not my own computer. I just have to do something soon, before my tree gets far too big for me to transfer it allto another program.

Hi Kathryn, I also use Family Tree Maker V10. It was recommended to me by a family member who has tried various ones. I took his advice and have had no problems and find it to be very simple to use with many options of reports and trees that you can print. Good luck. Margaret

Kathryn. My previous comment was a mistype and I meant FTM (not FTW). Family tree programmes tend to all use the same format called GEDCOM and you can save and transfer files from one programme to another without having to copy everything if information is saved in this format. John

Kathryn I am using Generations which is geared towards the UK market. It is great for adding information and notes and allows you to customise as well. The reports are also very good and it costs about £30. Gary

If anyone has an APPLE MAC I can reccommend Mac Family tree. it even puts the kekule number in and you can look at the time line, add pictures etc. £24.But for MAC users only. Catherine