Forum Topic

Family History - best software?

I am being swamped by paper as I look at our family history.  Anyone tried different software packages to store the information on, and can give advice or a recommendation?  Cheers,  Sarah x

Sarah Felstead ● 4485d12 Comments

Thanks Jane!  :-)

Sarah Felstead ● 4480d

Nice to hear that you're taking up your family history research again.Just to make an update to the previous posters advice.  You can use the facilities in the Reading Room at TNA, Kew without a readers card these days.  They have extensive computer terminals where you can access Ancestry, Find My Past & loads more for free.  It's only when you want to read original documents that you have to get a readers card which requires 2 forms of ID.  You can check that all out on their website,http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/I can personally recommend, Rootschat.com, a free forum with loads of experienced & helpful researchers, should you hit a brick wall!http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.phpHave fun!

Jane Masri ● 4480d

Thanks for the tips Nigel.  I started the tree ages ago and have done nothing since, so when I picked it up a couple of weeks ago I decided to do some checking of information and found, as you said, a wrong lead!  I had a certificate from my Great Aunt, which she had given to my Grandfather in 1948 (date on the duplicate certificate) which I took to be correct.  On checking through I realised it was obtained from researching the 'big books' and is just plain wrong.It is difficult to double check information but there are so many sources for the last 200 years.  The Family history people (all volunteers) managed to take one very dark microfiche and run it through a digital programme to lighten it so it can be read! Amazing! I have already sent in a box of chocolate biscuits for them to share.I am really looking forward to getting the software which is out on Friday.....

Sarah Felstead ● 4481d

SarahA couple of (actually three) tips, good choice on FTM2014 by the way.Before you 'start the clock running' on your six month ancestry.co.uk membership get all of the data you have keyed in to FTM2014. You can then focus your searches on ancestry to 'plug the gaps'.Check and check again before you enter 'facts' on your family tree. try to corroborate sources, it will save you time undoing mistakes and chasing up blind alleys (he says from experience).If you have any British military history within your family tree, get a reader's ticket (you just need photo ID) and spend a pleasant day at the PRO in Kew uncovering a wealth of information about your ancestors.Enjoy!Brooks's traced back to 1630Oxford's (wife's family) traced back to 1024

Nigel Brooks ● 4481d

I have been doing some of this at Kew but this certainly looks good!"  With a 6-month Premium membership included, you’ll find everything you need to trace your family history in the UK. Delve deep into your past with unlimited access to over 1 billion records, plus guaranteed access to all Ancestry’s new UK releases. You can search key historical records including: UK Census records, exclusive UK Parish records dating back to the 16th century, Military records from both World Wars, Immigration records, Irish records and more."◦Guaranteed access to all new UK collections◦Exclusive parish records all the way back to the 16th century◦Military records from both World Wars and other key conflicts◦Immigration records revealing your family’s origins◦More than 100 Irish collections, including crucial census substitutes◦The UK census records from1841 – 1911◦Plus, all our other UK records

Sarah Felstead ● 4483d

Did you get free access to ancestry as part of the deal?

Neil Chippendale ● 4483d

Settled on family tree maker 2014 version, out on 1st November.  Thanks  Sarah x

Sarah Felstead ● 4483d

I use Rootsmagic 4.  It's simple to use & has loads of features.  They have more recent editions out now which I'm sure are equally as good.  You can download a free trial of the software to see how you like it.  If you decide to go for the full version that can be downloaded also..very handy.Familysearch (Google & ye shall find) has its own free software.  I used this originally & once I decided to go for something with more bells & whistles (Rootsmagic) I simply converted it to a GEDCOM file & transfered it to my Rootsmagic software!

Jane Masri ● 4484d

Thanks, Neil.

Sarah Felstead ● 4484d

I work in family history in Australia. I would say use family tree maker. It's supported by ancestry.com

Neil Chippendale ● 4484d

This looks very interesting Kathleen.  Have you visited the London family history centre which is based in Kew at the moment?  Amazing!http://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/London_Family_History_CentreAny other recommendations, anyone?

Sarah Felstead ● 4484d

Hi Sarah,I haven't used it for a while but this one is brilliant http://kithkinpro.spansoft.org/ and personal support as well which always helps.Does lots of clever export to web format as well if you want to put it all online. And you can try for free.

Kath Richardson ● 4485d