How Computer Software Can Streamline Your Genealogy Research by Paul Duxbury and Kevin Cook
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.
About the Authors
Paul Duxbury and Kevin Cook own http://www.amateur-genealogist.com
and http://www.our-family-trees.co.uk two of the leading Genealogy Websites.
In addition Paul owns a wide range of exciting websites which
can be viewed at http://www.our-family-trees.co.uk
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