| Genealogy software can be a valuable and fun | | | | family tree to display at you family reunion. In this |
| addition to your genealogy project. With the | | | | case, the software needs to be capable of |
| software, you can create magnificent displays of | | | | creating such a large image and sending the |
| your family heritage and even create multi-media | | | | information to your printer. |
| presentations. But, how do you select the | | | | If you want the basics, there is also genealogy |
| genealogy software that is best for you and your | | | | software available that simply stores names, |
| needs? | | | | events, and dates. Decide ahead of time what |
| Remember Your Operating System | | | | you hope to achieve with your software, and use |
| There are nearly 50 different genealogy software | | | | that to help you determine which one you will |
| programs available on the market, with many of | | | | purchase. |
| them being quite similar in what they offer and in | | | | Determine Your Comfort Level |
| the price you will pay to purchase them. | | | | All the "bells and whistles" of a genealogy |
| Therefore, the first step in narrowing down your | | | | software program will mean nothing if you aren't |
| search is to determine which ones are compatible | | | | comfortable using them! So, before you go out |
| with your operating system. Failure to purchase a | | | | and purchase a program that does all sorts of |
| genealogy software program that works with | | | | wonderful and exciting things, make sure you are |
| your computer system will only lead to | | | | prepared to learn how to do them. Decide how |
| disappointment, frustration, and wasted money. | | | | willing and capable you are to sit down and learn |
| The majority of the available software is created | | | | about all of the special features offered by your |
| to work with Windows. Nonetheless, there are | | | | genealogy software. If you know you won't be |
| programs available for Linux, Palm, and Mac as | | | | able to take full advantage of them, save |
| well. Be sure to check the box before purchasing. | | | | yourself the time, frustration, and money by |
| Consider Your Needs | | | | purchasing a more basic software program. |
| Your personal needs should also be taken under | | | | Get Help with Research |
| consideration when selecting a genealogy | | | | If you plan on sharing a great deal of your |
| software program. For example, you may need | | | | information with other genealogists or with family |
| software that is available in your language if your | | | | members, you might want to consider purchasing |
| primary language is not English. Or, you might | | | | a software program that helps you out when it |
| need software that is compatible with a screen | | | | comes to reading genealogy files that were |
| reader if you have vision problems. If you have a | | | | created by other programs. By purchasing a |
| physical disability, on the other hand, you might | | | | software program that is capable of interacting |
| need software that allows you to enter data with | | | | with other forms of software, you can easily |
| keystrokes rather than with a mouse. Consider | | | | transmit and share information without the risk of |
| your unique needs and narrow your choices down | | | | losing important data. In addition, you may wish to |
| even further from there. | | | | purchase a program that is capable of creating |
| Decide How the Software will be Used | | | | easy to read charts and other types of reports |
| Of course, you also need to determine what you | | | | that can be easily uploaded to the Internet and |
| will be using the software for. If you are | | | | onto your family website. |
| interested in creating a family web page or | | | | Genealogy software can make the process of |
| creating a family history book, you will need | | | | researching your family tree far simpler if you |
| genealogy software that is capable of supporting | | | | take the time to find a program that is well suited |
| these types of creations. Or, you might want to | | | | to your needs. Similarly, it can make it far easier |
| add audio, photos, or video to the information you | | | | to share information with friends, family, and |
| are creating and saving. The software you select, | | | | fellow genealogists. This sharing makes it possible |
| therefore, must be compatible with the programs | | | | for them to help add to your research. In addition, |
| you will be using for your photographs or for your | | | | you can create attractive displays with the right |
| video or audio clips. | | | | software that can help you create lovely and |
| Your expected output is also important. For | | | | meaningful gifts and mementos for your family |
| example, you might want to create a life-sized | | | | members. |