Ex FTM, what is best Family History Program?

[somerstown]

I have been using FTM 2009. I see on here that FTM has come to the end of the line. Also back ups on FTM 2009 seem to loose my notes. (Probably operator error redf) )

Which family history program would folk on here recommend to use and why? I have Windows 7 on main computer and Vista on a backup.

I started with PAF and thought FTM 2009 a great improvement on that.

 

[Ellie7]

I also use FTM 2009,but I work from my Ancestry tree. I save all records found anywhere to my computer ,and I also have them on Ancestry tree, or write a Special on there life line on my Ancestry Tree. All notes written on your Ancestry come with the download when you save it. Still able to save from Ancestry to my FTM 2009.Hope this is of use.

Edit -Just did a download from Ancestry to FTM and it's fine. Always date your tree when you download it. I can go back and look at any tree I've saved from Ancestry by putting it on FTM.

Edit- Just checked ,my notes are there .

Ellie

 

[somerstown]

Thank you for your reply Ellie.
I find my back up on the memory stick has my notes, gathered over many years, in the FTM program. But will not restore the notes to the computer, either the Windows 7 or Vista one.
I have read through the FTM instruction manual and will do so again later today in case I have missed something. But it is a lot of work to type out all those notes again. I have made a start though and it is refreshing my memory after having a few years off the trail.

 

[p.risboy]

I have never used any FH program for my tree, it's all on paper, CD, pen drive, and pretty much all on Ancestry, which has become a storage facility for easy access.

I can always add to my Ancestry tree manually, without having subs, unless the site changes it's criteria for access.

Make notes in pencil, as a spilled cup of tea will destroy any ink. Plus, you can rub out any errors, without having to use Tippex.

Program updates will become none existent, and computers and hardware will fail, or become redundant, and you may lose the lot.

Just think what has replaced a vinyl or bakerlight record, Cassette tapes, CD's, MP3 players, downloads, smart phones, and you get the idea.:2fun:

And get a large filing cabinet.:2fun:

Think of what can go wrong, and it probably will at some point. Email files to yourself, using an account specifically for that purpose, so it won't get lost in a sea of other emails.

I have basic family tree for my paternal line on paper, if any relative needs a peak. That's on one A4 page.

Apart from that, I can offer no further advice where to keep your family tree.


Steve.

 

[somerstown]

Giving Gramps a try. What's to loose? Keeping details on FTM 2009.

 

[Ellie7]

Yes I have all my husbands family line on A4 paper 6/7 lever Folders worth.

3 of them is 19th century alone. Time lines printed out when I first started to separate the records.1841 Census before they were tidied up ,black with relief writing. Then I have ones with the spouses lines going back.
Hope someone takes them when i'm gone


Ellie

 

[somerstown]

As I keeps as much info as I can about my ancestors lives, I find a computer program more convenient and easier to add/edit notes.
PAF was useful, FTM 2009 more so. I wait to see what Gramps is like.

 

[Ellie7]

Gramps seems like the old Ancestry plus extras .Appears to be free. Might just give it a go .


Ellie

 

[somerstown]

Tried Gramps.
Initial impression, I do not like it, but will give another try.

 

[somerstown]

Tried Gramps again.
Found it non intuitive.
Program crashed 3 times.
Failed to open installed (From GED Com 5.5) family tree after initial use.
Found best use for CD is to use as bird scarer on veggie patch.