Software: All Programs 
by John Cardiff
Last updated: 03 Sep 2008
  
Here's a tip -- it doesn't much matter which genealogy program you choose. For the most part, the difference between genealogy programs isn't much greater than the difference between Word and WordPerfect. And for good reason: their mission is constant -- good genealogy. Most differences come down to personal choice.

All are database programs and have evolved as database technology has improved. All provide fill-in blanks (which in database-ese are called "fields") screen displays.  You enter a date into the "date" field, enter a name into a "name" field, enter a place into a "place" field, etc.

Most cost about $30-$40(U.S.) and are distributed over the Internet. Virtually all have a Mormon inspired development history or Mormon target market, so they include handling of Mormon-specific events, such as being "sealed" in the church. (Non-Mormons can turn these features off, and forget they exist.)

All support GEDCOM file exchange for moving data between genealogy programs, to one extent or another.

Most are enhanced with new features annually, to generate revenue for their developers. Most of those new versions include "bugs" that take about two months to fix. All have die-hard devotees who will question your mental health if you don't see the wisdom of using their choice of program.

Input: All provide a data entry screen that asks for an individual's full birth name, birth date and place, and death date and place. They let you add additional info like adoption, baptism, marriage and burial data, sources (footnotes) for each of these. You can also enter biography information, photos, and multimedia files. 

Then (if not before) you link that individual to spouse(s), parents and children as appropriate. Basically, you do that over and over again until your genealogy is complete. Of course you can edit all or any of the above at any time.

Output: All genealogy programs print pedigree tree charts and other graphic family history snapshots. They also automatically turn your genealogy into an indexed book. (Books can start with one person and chase ancestors back up the family tree, or start with a particular ancestor and include all descendants.) Genealogy programs can also generate the same family history as a web site that you can upload to the Internet.

Every program offers a variety of charts, book formats and web site styles -- you choose who to include, which fonts and colors to use. For fine tuning, your book can be touched up in Word, your web site can be touched up in FrontPage. 

The programs differentiate themselves by including bonus features -- extra output options, expanded source notation, online collaboration between co-authors, etc. All have strengths. All have weaknesses. The question is: which one fits your needs and tastes best.

An example: I enter two types of notes as I go: (a) the stuff I have verified and documented, and (b) research notes to myself that I don't want to include in my published work (such as "If she was a twin, where's her sibling? Check the 1861 census again"). So I want a program that let's me "hide" (not publish) research notes. Some do, some don't.

Another example: To a large extent, output is the name of the game. If you want to produce a web site, book, or chart, make sure the program is up to your standard for output. Especially web sites. There are darn few standards for presenting genealogy on the Internet, and it shows in the variety of formats provided by the  various genealogy programs available.

These programs all have one other thing in common: they make genealogy easier, cheaper and faster than doing genealogy without such a computer program. It isn't nearly as important which program you choose as it is that you choose one and get started.