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