In my last post I talked about my own family history files and how I organize information.
Part of being organized is having a software program that you can use to assemble your family tree and record at least the basic data about your ancestors. That may entail having the tree on your desktop computer (as mine is), using a laptop (which I only use occasionally, mainly when travelling), or using a handheld electronic device (such as a tablet or smart phone).
I find it difficult to work with small, single screens. Part
of it is the price you pay for getting older when your eyesight is not as sharp
as it once was. And I always keep more than one screen open on my two monitors,
especially when working on family history stuff. Using just one, small window
does not work for me as I like to switch back and forth often between open
websites.
Many in my family have Apple iPads while my computer and
laptop are Windows based. I find it difficult to switch between different
operating systems. While I used to use Apple products many years ago, I found
that genealogy website and programs were mostly not compatible with Apple
systems, so I switched everything over.
But what’s the best genealogy software program to use?
Using an online site to keep your tree is an option but you
may need a subscription to access this service. If you lose or delete your
membership you could lose your tree as well. I’ll talk about online trees in a
later post.
What software programs most of us use comes down to what we
like and how we work with our data. Often people get started with one program
and stay with it because it’s easier than moving everything.
I use Legacy 9.0. I moved to it when I started using a
Windows based computer system. Prior to that I had my data on Reunion on my old
Macintosh computer which I quite liked. I tried a few others at the time but
preferred Legacy as it had the features that fit the way I like to do things.
Most of the most popular programs have a free version of a
free trial period. That only goes so far, though, as once you are into using
it, you really want some of the advanced features.
If you want to know more about the various options, first
read the reviews of people or groups who have tested them. Most will compare in
terms of ease of use, best features and cost and show some user reviews.
·
TopTenReviews compares the most popular
programs for 2024 here (August 2023). https://www.toptenreviews.com/best-family-tree-maker
·
Some good charts that show the features of 23
programs can be found on Wikimedia here (June 2023). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_genealogy_software
·
Techradar lists their best here (February
2024). https://www.techradar.com/best/genealogy-tools
·
Family Tree Magazine (US) have their top
picks for software, along with their assessment of Online Trees, here. https://familytreemagazine.com/resources/software/online-tree-vs-genealogy-software/
·
No1Reviews came up with a top 10
selection here. https://genealogy-software.no1reviews.com/
·
Buyers Guide rate their choices here
(March 2024). https://buyersguide.org/genealogy-software-ca/t/best?Country=CA&m=b&d=c&c=677404342479&p=&oid=kwd-10994456&lp=9001605&li=&nw=g&nts=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiArrCvBhCNARIsAOkAGcWHiExVL0KQusOV4DQMhBCqVb-hqqYff_UwG5H_-pHwloDya4FpwtwaAivqEALw_wcB&tdid=12017720&gad_source=1
If you want to know what is available, you can read about dozens
of makers of Software &Apps for Genealogy Software Programs on Cyndi’s
List. https://www.cyndislist.com/software/genealogy/
If you are looking for your first, or new software, check
out the reviews first. Also talk to other genealogists to learn what they use
and why.
Beware, though. Learning about all the programs may exhaust
you.
Some programs work with both Mac and Windows systems. A few
also have a mobile app so you can carry the information with you on your phone.
Here is a list of some of the more popular programs as summarized by Family
Tree Magazine.
|
It’s important to have genealogy software, no matter what
device you use:
·
First you need to have a system that allows you
to store information about your ancestral families, for your own purposes as
you progress with your research but also for sharing with others now and in the
future.
·
Second you need to have a copy of your family
tree and genealogical information that you control and not subject to the whims
or decisions of others, whether they be individuals or companies that offer and
store data.
· Third, you need ready access to your data – anywhere, any time – on your own device(s) that does not rely on an internet connection.
