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eLearning Series: Geneology
My Family Tree is Important to Me
( 50 articles in this series )
Genealogy
Research Computer Software:
Can It Help?
Computer
software can make your family tree research a breeze, relatively speaking – pun intended, of course.
Using family tree software allows the creation of online data
bases to sort records; the storage of digital photos with other
documents, scanning of old records, easy sharing with other
researchers, and a world of information at your fingertips
through the Internet.
When looking for appropriate genealogy software, look
for easy to use features that seem intuitive. Many programs will
allow matching of information from various online data bases.
Some have features that check various name combinations that
are similar and rate connections according to probability.
These features are quite handy. It is also helpful if the program
allows you to input data from other genealogy programs or data
bases and spreadsheets like Microsoft Access and Excel.
The
software you choose should
be well organized and easy to read, displaying
needed information on the screen in an easy to follow format.
Many allow you to click on name tabs
of a child or a parent and view the personal data, which can
include the name of spouse, place and date of birth, marriage,
death and of burial. Good software will also allow you to tie
in other lineage information, such as adoption records, step
children, biographies, descendant charts, and other information
you will find helpful. Some deluxe software programs go a step
further and offer extra features. These can include a county
verifier for counties in the US, allowing the user to view
all of the counties in a state with their founding dates to
hunt for discrepancies. All genealogists who have tried to
find a location in a county that has been dissolved or reorganized
can appreciate this feature. Another nice added feature in
some deluxe software is the ability to search for a location
by various means: county, state, country, town, city or province.
Some
software even has a potential problems report, this will
highlight dates the genealogist should double check. Another
nice feature is the reformatting of inconsistently formatted
data bases to make sure that records match. And another deluxe
feature is web site creation. Some programs will allow the
user to make their own genealogy web sites without knowing
HTML or other computer code. By creating web sites a user is
able to share work easily with other genealogists without having
to retype information, make photo copies or spend a bundle
on postage. And think of the time that is saved.
Before personal computers became popular genealogists had
to spend many hours in libraries and research centers. The
tool of choice was the micro film reader. Photo copy machines
received a workout. Handwritten notes were extensive, and subject
to misinterpretation. Today’s computers, with good software
and the internet provide a world of opportunity for the genealogist
that would have seemed like magic only thirty years ago. Additionally
the need to visit libraries in many cases is now no longer
necessary. While there are times when information is still
only available on microfilm, many libraries have converted
their microfilm to digital format and have made it available
online, allowing a person to do research from the comfort of
their own home. Imagine doing your genealogy research in your
pajamas, at 4 a.m. if that is the time you prefer. Good genealogy
software makes it possible.
When looking at software, remember that most of the best companies
have enough faith in their programs to offer a 30 day
free trial period. You can try the software out, use it for a month
and make sure that it truly fits your needs and desires. Then
if you choose to buy, paying online with a credit card allows
you to keep using the software permanently without having to
reinstall. This is another improvement over the past, and certainly
an improvement no one complains about.
Whether you use Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, NT or XP, there
are many good programs on the market for genealogists. And
it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner, intermediate or an
expert. All researchers can benefit from good genealogy software,
so give it a try and you’ll certainly be glad you did. # # # # #
SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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