What is the best genealogy software out there and why do you feel that it is the best?

Question

I am looking for a good genealogy software package that will run on Microsoft Windows XP. I've used Family Tree Maker in the past; however, you never know if you have the latest version. It seems that they come out with a new version practically once per month.

Please keep price, quality, and ease of use in mind when giving a recommendation.

Also, I would like to store a photograph or two (at least) of the person, scans of paperwork regarding the person, and maybe even a voice recording if possible.

Answer 1

I use Familly Tree Maker and find it has everything in it I want. Lots of places for photo, notes, maps and such. It's usually only once a year that they update their program. I like the book making part of the program.

Answer 2

I'm currently using Family Tree Maker 16. Family Tree Maker offers upgrades once a year and this year the upgrade was free. The current version of Family Tree Maker is designed so that you can search Ancestry.com from within Family Tree Maker. No other genealogy software can do that. Also, you can add photographs, images of scanned documents, and sound files to your database. I'm sticking with Family Tree Maker since the other genealogists in my family all use Family Tree Maker, too.

When Parson's Techonology was bought by Mattel, Mattel discontinued Family Origins. The people who wrote Family Origins then wrote a new genealogy database called Roots Magic. I haven't tried this software, but with Roots Magic you should be able to do just about anything that you can do with Family Tree Maker except the search of Ancestry.com from within the database. One advantage that Roots Magic has over Family Tree Maker is you can make "shareable CDs" meaning you can save a copy of your data file to a CD with a read-only version of the Roots Magic software so that anyone can read your data file without having to buy a copy of Roots Magic themselves.

Personal Ancestral File (PAF) is free. However, the software is outdated when compared to other software and doesn't come with as many options or features. If you're planning to submit your genealogy to the LDS church in the form of TempleReady, then this is your best choice. If you're not planning to submit TempleReady, pick something else.

I've heard that The Master Genealogist is the best genealogy software available, but because it allows you so many options, it's by far the most difficult genealogy software to learn.

I've attached a link to Kimberly Powell's review of genealogy software (written in March 2006). She goes into a lot more detail about these and other genealogy programs.

Answer 3

I currently use Family Tree Maker v. 16. I got the upgrade on a download from my registered version.

But recently I was told about a program called Roots Magic, and I downloaded the trial version. It's pretty awesome. You can check it out at www.rootsmagic.com

I am seriously considering changing after 5 years with FTM. I like the way the pages are laid out on Roots Magic. And inputting information is really simple - it walks you right through everything. The purchase price is $29. My original FTM cost right at $100.

The choice would ultimately be yours. Family Tree Maker seems to be the most popular, but as long as the program you choose can use a gedcom file you should have no problems with file sharing. I have had problems with the merge feature in FTM duplicating individuals, and everyone I've talked to says that they have had similar problems.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

I like Roots Magic. I used Family Origins for Windows 8.0 for years. RM is FOW 12.0; same ideas, new name. It is almost intuitive. Costs $29. It will do everything you listed save the voice recording. It has a better designed data base that FTM. I bought FTM 5.0 and FOW 6.0, tried both, decided FOW was much better.

A word of caution - a transcriprion of paperwork, either manual or via OCR software, will be much easier to read and take 95% - 99% less space than a scan of the same paperwork. If the paperwork in question is in the person's handwriting, scan it. If not, transcribe it.

Answer 5

I use Legacy 6.0, the free version.
It has everything you mention. You can also store video footage. There's a paid DeLuxe version as well but I haven't felt the need yet to upgrade. The only difference I've found this far (I have already entered 2000 persons) is that the free version has fewer reports to choose from.

I find the program really easy to use as well.

Answer 6

I use Family Tree Maker but you can also get stuff online like Genology.com (which I also use and I like it) I think it just boils down to whatever software you are most comfortable with

Answer 7

PAF is the best without a doubt.
Personal Ancestral File.