The Value of a Personal Genealogical Database and How to Choose

Diana Elder AG® [email protected] http://familylocket.com

Storage of your valuable genealogical data should be safely under your control not left to an online tree. A desktop program has power features not available in online trees. Learn about the many options available and the criteria you should consider in choosing the program that is best for you.

What Is a Personal Genealogical Database • A personal genealogical database is an electronic database where you enter genealogical information for each individual on your family tree and only you can edit the information. ○ Websites such as Ancestry, Find My Past, and My Heritage have family tree building capabilities and offer record hints and access to many sources. ○ Genealogy software programs like Legacy Family Tree, RootsMagic, or Family Tree Maker allow you to build your family tree offline. Many also sync to online trees. • Don’t just rely on the collaborative FamilySearch Family Tree to hold your information. Other well-meaning persons can easily do some editing and possibly merge ancestors incorrectly or delete/change details about an individual or family.

The Value of Genealogy Software • Store Information for living family members. o Track descendants of your ancestors for DNA matching. Keep contact information as well as any notes such as when last messaged. • Keep a copy of your genealogy that only you control. • Powerful research capabilities o Reviewing the family tree, relationships, and individual details is faster than waiting for web pages to load. o Can be used anywhere at anytime without relying on the internet. o Able to create lists, reports, charts, timelines, and chronologies o Help with creating source citations using templates o Give research helps and suggestions • Publish and share your tree o Create printable books o Create a webpage • Sync with online trees like FamilySearch and Ancestry

How to Choose Genealogy Software • Research each option and make a list of features that appeal to your needs. • Try the free downloads (if available) to see how intuitive the program is. • Consider the price and how many updates might be available before paying again. • Discover the syncing ability of the software with the FamilySearch Family Tree and Ancestry trees.

Sharing and Backing Up Family Tree Data • Import and export family tree data via GEDCOM files. Short for GEnealogical Data COMmunications, this file structure allows you to share data between programs and online trees. You can also use it to send your family tree, or portions of it, to another researcher. • Whatever program you choose, be sure to back up your database. ○ Plan for off-site storage, online storage, and an external hard drive. ○ Multiple copies will ensure none of your hard work is ever lost.

Further Reading Elder, Diana. “3 Reasons to Have Personal Genealogy Software and How to Choose.” FamilyLocket. https://familylocket.com/3-reasons-to-have-personal-genealogy- software-and-how-to-choose/. 13 October 2018.

Ingle, Cyndi. “Software & Computers.” Cyndi’s List. https://www.cyndislist.com/software/

Preece, Jeph. “Best Family Tree Makers 2020.” Top Ten Reviews. https://www.toptenreviews.com/best-family-tree-maker. 19 October 2020.

Wikipedia contributors. "Comparison of genealogy software." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Comparison_of_genealogy_software&oldid =996388478. December 26, 2020.

Genealogy Software Comparison Ancestral Quest Family Tree Legacy Family RootsMagic 7 16 Maker 2019 Tree 9.0 Price $34.95 $79.95 $29.95 $29.95 Free Version Yes None Yes Yes Online Tree FamilySearch Ancestry FamilySearch FamilySearch Integration Ancestry Record FamilySearch Ancestry FamilySearch Ancestry Searching FindMyPast FamilySearch FindMyPast FamilySearch Integration MyHeritage MyHeritage FindMyPast Find a Grave MyHeritage Genealogy Bank LDS Features Yes No Yes Yes Operating Mac and Mac and Windows Mac and System Windows Windows Windows