Novice: Recommended software?

About 6 years ago I bought a copy of Family Tree Maker (Version 6,
European edition, 15 CD set), and was also given a copy of Ultimate
Family Tree Maker (Deluxe, UK Version). But other priorities
intervened and I never got started with my family history project. I'm
now about to do so, and would appreciate others' opinions on the
software they've chosen please. In particular, views on the above two
options.

Peter...

Try a few alternatives, or check with your local genealogy society or family
history group and see what advice they can give.

It seems Legacy is very popular (for Windows OS), and you can get a free
I run Linux OS and find Gramps is good.

It seems to me that many people get used to just one application, and become
a strong advocate for that one. It is hard to get a good comparison
between the options, but as you say, there is probably not that much
difference between them.

Lesley Robertson...

You could start with the FTM 6 while trying demos of other software. As well
as its normal file save format, Ver 6 can write gedcoms which any modern
software should be able to read if you find something better.
Most of my research is UK (specifically Scotland) based, and I've been using
FTM ever since I started - I'm now up to FTM 2005 (I tend to go for every
2nd or 3rd upgrade they bring out, so haven't gone to 2006) but everyone has
different requirements. One of the main reasons I've stuck with FTM is its
good charts - it'll give you a chart showing everyone in your database -
very useful for a 1-place study!

Have a look around a bit - I found FTM 2005 in a "3 for the price of 2" bin
in Debenams last summer!
Lesley Robertson

Terry Pinnell...

Thanks, I'm going to do exactly as you suggest. I've duly installed
FTM6 and made a sketchy initial tree. But I'm baffled as to how I use
the 15 CDs supplied, and have posted separately for advice.

Hugh Watkins...

CDs are a waste of time and money for most people (irrelevant)
and now all of them are on line as part of Ancestry World Tree

which you may use free of charge for 14 days
when you install FTM 2006

Hugh W

Although a complete novice, I've read enough in the last few days to
realise that the software is of minor importance compared to the
research, and I suspect *any* package would be a helpful tool. But if
the experienced family historians here have found some distinct
advantages of one or two particular packages, it would be good to
benefit from that please.

Hugh Watkins...

personally I use Family Tree Makerer 2006
get the single CD flat pack for about Ł30

easy to use and ideal for beginners
I think I started with version 6 but the latest is best

life is too short for inadeuqateor out of date software

Hugh W

Terry Pinnell...

Thanks. Have now just installed FTM 6 and even have a few entries!
Looks easy enough. May upgrade to 2006 if I get on well with it for a
few days.

Still interested in more feedback on the alternatives please.