What genealogy software is better?

Question

I've been using Family tree maker for several years. Right now I have an older version, and was thinking about upgrading to 2008, but I have read so many negative comments that make me think it over. I have read that this new FTM is a whole new program and not a continuation to the previous versions. I liked FTM for what it was and I don't know how good this new software is. According to many, an upgrade to this is actually a downgrade.

Also, I've been thinking about the free software Personal Ancestral File from the LDS. I have never used it, but I would like to know how does this compare to other genealogy software on the market. Of course, if I install PAF I would buy the PAF companion, so if anybody uses these I would love to hear from their experiences.

Answer 1

I too used FTM for the longest time. Everytime a new version comes out there are always complaints about it. For some reason, they just can't manage to get everything right when they release. I have tried out a couple other programs and I still prefer the FTM interface. In my opinion data entry is a lot faster and easier.

If you are looking for a very serious approach to Genealogy I would suggest The Master Genealogist. The interface seems a little shoddy at first but it is software truely designed for "The Master Genealogist." The software is very particular about references and citation and I believe it has more chart options than FTM.

I also have heard that Legacy is considered to be one of the best software out there. I have never personally tried it but the reviews that I have read recommend it.

The only thing that FTM has that other software doesn't is the integrated online database. So if you are a subscriber to Amcestry.com, FTM links up with that to transfer data. It's not necessary to do but it's an option.

Look around for some trials and test them out, see what works best for you.

Answer 2

PAF is the simplest out there and it is free. I have been using it for a number of years.  Family Tree Maker I have also used for several versions.  There is a benefit to sticking with a free reliable genealogy program, the new versions are free too.

But FTM, Legacy, and others are nice because they have Alot more features and they often throw in free subscritions to their libraries or CDs of genealogy data. I realized that I didn't use all of the features I had paid for and I would be better off with PAF (it had all I used in other programs - the reports, webpage maker, etc.).

I have not yet used the Companion, but plan to after I have finished with the line I am working on right now.

Oh, btw I do like my Ford.

Answer 3

FTM is the market leader in the USA. Roots Magic is second, I believe. I had them both, back when FTM 6 was the cutting edge and RM was known as Family Origins for Windows. I went with FOW, then RM and have been happy ever since. I worked as a computer programmer for years; I can tell RM is well-crafted. Just for instance, they do a trick called "normalization" so that you only have to enter place names in full once, no matter how many facts use that place name for birth, marriage, death, etc. It helps keep your place names very very consistent, too, which helps.

For example, you find a great Pennsylvania death index. You want to pull up all your individuals who lived in Pennsylvania. If some are in "Pa" and some are in "Penn" and some are in "Pennsylvania", you are stuck with three searches. If you've used "Pennsylvania" consistently (which is easy if you just have to type it once), one search will do it.

Lots of people swear by PAF. It is free. FTM, RM and the rest of the genealogy companies would go out of business if PAF did everything theirs did; no one would buy a Mercedes if you could get a BMW for free. I get the impression PAF is a Ford, more or less.

There are user forums for all three products; write if you'd like a URL.

Answer 4

I have used Paf, Family Tree Maker, and an old one called Family Ties.(I liked it, but too old to work with the new windows). Currently I am using Legacy and prefer it.

   With the Legacy (I am still using the free down load) it allows you to enter a place once, after that when ever the same place is entered it does not have to be completely typed.  there are ways to edit and it is an easy program to work with.

   You can also put pictures in and print charts like the others.

    I may upgrade to the full version when more Canadian content is added.  None of the ones you pay for have enough to make the purchase worth the money yet.  It also would help when we can get access to other countries records with out so much cost involved!