Best CD for storing info?

Jake Drummond · Post by **Jake Drummond** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 7:30 pm

I'm pretty much done with my tree, but need a good programe for my PC to store and update information, similar to Genesreunited preferrably. Can anyone suggest a program I can buy?
I like the proper 'tree' look, one which shows the 'branches' as boxes to click to see more information.

I've got census records, certificates ect with the following names and places; Gardner, Ritchie, Adamson, Drummond, Horsburgh, Stevenson, Cowan, Kilday, Penman, Ireland and relations, and from East and West and Coaltown of Wemyss, Kilrenny, Anstruther, Carnbee, and other Fife locations.

LesleyB · Post by **LesleyB** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 7:52 pm

hi Jake
I've edited your post above as there is no problem with offers of transcriptions of records, and although we appreciate it is a very kind offer there is a problem with offering copies - those are copyright as outlined on Scotlands People website:
http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/conte ... aspx?r=543

Birth, Death, Marriage and Census records
Visitors to this website may not copy, distribute, sell or publish any of the Crown copyright material downloaded or copies from this website.

See also: http://talkingscot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4405

There have been quite a number of discussions on the forum about Genealogy software in the past - averyone has their own favourite!
Some of the better known ones are Family Tree Maker, Legacy, RootsMagic, Family Historian and probably several more. Try a search of the forum or on the web for any of these to read about them and what people think of each program.
Best wishes
Lesley

Jake Drummond · Post by **Jake Drummond** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 7:54 pm

OOOOOOps!

Sorry, I'll get me coat!

LesleyB · Post by **LesleyB** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 7:58 pm

Hi Jake
No need to get the coat!

It was a kind offer, just one we cannot allow on the forum, I'm afraid.

Most recent discussion on here about software is at:
http://talkingscot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4945
I think the general consensus of opinion is that Family Tree Maker is the best for charts and the like.

Best wishes
Lesley

Jake Drummond · Post by **Jake Drummond** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 9:15 pm

Thanks Lesley,
I'll just have to trawl through to see which is best!
I need to work offline you see, to try to build a Timeline of events for the family which I can use to make a family book.
I like the Genesreunited tree, but don't want to rely on that alone as I have a fair few older relations who I need to visit to check for more information who do not have access to a PC, but a programme allowing me to show them what I've found on my laptop would be ideal.

Rab · Post by **Rab** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 10:26 pm

I find Family Tree Maker is very easy to use and quite good for distributing information via PDFs. If you've already created a tree on GR then most packages will allow you to import that tree which will same you retyping again.

Rab

Jake Drummond · Post by **Jake Drummond** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 10:29 pm

Thanks Rab. Is it similar in pattern to GR as regards layout?

Russell · Post by **Russell** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 11:43 pm

Hi Jake

I use Family tree Maker too and it is rather different to Genes in its on-screen presentation. It shows the name of the individual, their spouse and any children with the basic information for each. Clicking a tab takes you to that child with all of their information about marriage and children but there is a 'More' button which allows a variety of essential facts to be recorded for each person plus a 'Scrapbook' where images and photos can be linked to that person.
If you want a graphic layout of the tree (or any part of it!) you can make various choices from the toolbar as well as generating a Genealogy Report in text for a particular line. This can be single or multiple generation and can be either an ancestor report from one individual or a descendants report, again from a highlighted individual.
Even the basic version has lots of additional bells and whistles and potential for customising to your hearts content but you must explore it initially to find out what suits you best.
It has a built in 'Time-line' facility and a way of generating a book style report. I haven't used either yet so can't comment on their quality.
In the 'More' section you can add any additional headings you wish although some of the initial ones are geared to an LDS submission but can't be deleted. They don't matter as any report you generate will only include headings which have data entered and even the report data can be customised to suit.
As is fairly obvious, I like it and currently have 2,590 entries any one of whom can be quickly located by using the Index of individuals on the tool bar.
Hope this helps your decision.

Russell