Genealogy Software

I'm inspired to start tracking my ancestry and would like some input on what
software is considered best / most useful. I did some searches on the web
and there are many to chose from. Would anyone care to give recommendations
on this? Also if there is a freeware version available that would be a
bonus.

LosWhs...

The Master Genealogist but I didn't like the user interface.

singhals...

Sure -- however, this is rather like "which brand of car is best" or
"what flavor ice cream is best" ... all very personal choices. (g)

highly unlikely to go under in the next couple decades.

Legacy is also free and widely used.

Be adviced, however, that no single program will do everything you
decide you want. Many of us have two or three programs resident on our
computers, each of which does something the others don't.

diablo...

Thanks for the info, yes I did ask a very open ended question.

But when starting from scratch I expect that I'll also end up with one or
two software titles. Thanks for the link.

Ron Parsons...

Except those of us who use Reunion. But then you already knew that.

Charani...

do everything I've wanted it to do. It's free but there is a deluxe
version that you can buy if you wish.

Christopher Jahn...

The "deluxe" version is actually the same program, with
additional features "turned on". If you decide to go for the
optional features, they send you a password that upgrades the
software.