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Software-What's The Best-Why-Free Or Buy?                   2016 07 01
Lesson 010...                                                                                                 Published Monthly

Any Old Software Will Do...
Yes almost "any old software will do"...
Provided it runs on the operating system you have installed onto your computer.
ALWAYS pay attention to the technical aspects and requirements of any software you plan to run.

Newer software generally requires newer systems.
There are however, some important things to consider as you narrow the field.

Take your time and explore a few things regarding this, as you will be spending many hours with it.
A serious research endeavor with thousands of individuals and data for each is a longterm project.
Mathematically, even 1000 persons with a dozen data entries at one minute per entry adds up!
Trees of 10,000 to 50,000 persons are fairly common for most serious genealogy hobbyists.

The variables, as always are the same.
What do you want it to do, and how much are you willing to pay for that?


Why So Serious?...
Several reasons seem to be fairly common among genealogy enthusiasts.
Sometimes it's the competition, AKA: "more people/more knowledgable than you" factor.
But those generally faulter around the 5,000 to 10,000 person mark as the person looses interest.

Most of the really large trees out there, take a vested intrest toward the people using the tree.
At some point they begin to realize they're creating something as close to a tangible past as possible.
They are most likely, the one or the family group holding securely onto the entire family's known past.

When you begin to understand who you really are, you'll also realize how much you know.
You'll see how important that is, and that its future should be preserved and protected.
You may also soon realize that no one else is doing what they should to protect it.
More than likely, without realizing it, you've taken the initiative to help save it.


What To Look For...
Start with what you already have...Your computer.
As stated above, you'll need to know your operating system.
Other considerations are your computer processor and memory size.
Faster speeds and more memory will come into play as your tree gains in size, images, video, etc.

Another aspect is understanding whether your system is 32 bit or 64 bit.


Step One:
Armed with a bit of knowledge about your own equipment, it's time to find out what's available.
Start with a non-specific/liberal web search and make a list of several names and titles.
Just the words "Genealogy Software" will yield the most results for you.

You're not choosing yet, but rather simply compiling a list of options to compare.
There are more than enough to become confused over, so create a folder to save links in.
Save only the links to eaches specification page so you can know it's compatable with your system.


Step Two:
For many (most) this will be their first genealogical software.
It's very normal not to have any idea of their workings or capabilities.
They are much more involved than most, with the exception of CAD Software.
Save enough so you feel you've assembled a good round of "comparative shopping".

Look over each ones features-Just read about them for now-Don't look at the program itself yet.
If a feature is important or outstanding in it's field, you can be sure it will be in the desription.

After reading several narratives, you will begin to see that most typically do all the same things.
There should be mention of saving images, video, etc, which are all very standard.

More importantly are it's ability to save/import/export as a gedcom file.
This enables you share files with others, or to change programs if you decide to later.

The ability to change programs later is an important consideration.
Even if all goes well, you will likely get another computer at some point.
Taking your work easily to the next operating system will be a welcome feature.


Step Three:
This leads us to the next phase of the criteria cutting... Software/Program Longevity.
We all like new and flashy items like vehicles, clothes, pools, vacations, computers and such.
But when it comes to the nitty-gritty of running a home, business or hobby...We want what works.

We want it to work for a long time too. Why?
Because we've invested so much time, and become very good at working the thing we have.

So how do we make that happen?
We can't. That is, we can't guarantee it'll happen that way.
But what we can do, is to make choices based on a software's past that might help.

We do this by looking at several key factors.
Remember we saved the web pages for software specs. Let's go back and look...

1
Software that's offered in several formats for various operating systems is a good sign.
It denotes a belief in the product beyond that of just marketing plans aimed at the masses.
2
In addition, to operating system type/brand, are the editions of those systems.
If it has been through several stages of a given OS, it will likely stay for the next few as well.
3
Updates that fix issues or enhance products are another area sometimes found on websites.
A list of fixes or software versions shows an intrest in product improvement-TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY.


Remember...
Software need not be new to function well, but it does require updates to newer operating systems.
Flashy colors and old photographs are part of a marketing plan. You'll change those to your own.
Features and longevity should be foremost for you as you search for software that performs.


The Basic Rules...
First...
Find out what you have to work with in-so-far-as a computer.
Click "Computer Properties", write down the specifics if you need to.

Second...
List the software titles that are compatable with your system and review their features.
Narrow the list by eliminating ones that do not meet your needs or are potential "dead-ends".

Third...
Learn your product, become comfortable and at ease with it so you know what to expect.
Create the tree in the time you can, keep it fun a adventure. If someone else wants to see, be proud!


As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

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