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Archiver > APG > 2001-02 > 0982358631


From: astaley <>
Subject: Re: [APG] Laptops during research phase
Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 16:23:51 -0500
References: <000001c0983d$2fb211c0$a1d5fea9@oemcomputer>


For all, especially those using laptops, you might want to check out this web
site:
http://home.utah-inter.net/bygones/

According to its' author, Troy Adair:

Bygones (Basic Genealogical Note-keeping System)" is set up to make the initial
recording of the results of genealogical searches very easy, since it is meant
to be used to record your research process as you do research--when time is
often limited and precious."

It has many databases for all of that data we have to enter and I have found it
to be quite useful and, really important, easy to use.

Ann Staley

"John V. Wylie" wrote:

> Hi all, 16 Feb 01
>
> My experience is more like Natalie's and different from Elissa's.
>
> I take my notebook computer with me on virtually all research trips. Perhaps
> this is because I also use a thoughts-organizer app called "Info Select" in
> addition to TMG. Using TMG, I've found that recording sources before I read
> them in depth (thus recording all unsuccessfully searches) works. It may
> seem tedious, but I'm pleased with myself at how often I've found a source
> that was previously reviewed. Finding these time wasters on the spot, saves
> me time. Also, I often immediately add a new persona or modify events in the
> life of an individual in a client database. However, I've found that I use
> TMG in the field most frequently for recording personae, the occurrence of
> one person in one document. Trying to fit these personae into an individual
> is analysis, which I usually do in the office.
>
> Another compelling reason for using my computer in the field, is that I need
> fast access to all my research notes. My hard copy files simply don't lend
> themselves to portability. I save time by typing sources, hypotheses, tasks,
> findings (though rarely in the field) and plans only once.
>
> Having said all of this about using my computers, I also keep an
> old-fashioned log-book where I jot down notes in chronological order as I
> research. I avoid scratch paper, except to mark pages in a book for copying.
> I know people, one of whom I'm married to, who use separate log books for
> each client, but I use just one for all research. Whatever works, right
> <grin>.
>
> While I'm not yet scanning documents directly into my portable computer, I
> know people who are. When I see that the bugs have been worked out, I'll
> probably do that. The new portable flattop scanners (ultra-thin and powered
> off the USB port, at about $100) make this a technology that I'm beginning
> to seriously watch.
>
> Cheers . . .
>
> John Wylie
>
> 972-206-2723 Fax 801-761-4084
> 2662 Carrington Lane, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
> http://www.JohnWylie.Com
> John Wylie Consulting
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elissa Scalise Powell, CGRS [mailto:]
> Sent: Friday, February 16, 2001 8:17 AM
> To:
> Subject: [APG] Laptops during research phase
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: [mailto:]
> > Subject: Re: [APG] Certification requirements
> >
> > PS. For what this tidbit is worth, my colleagues and I have found that
> > having a laptop with us on-site and then writing the report as we do the
> > research, we make more efficient use of our time. Does anyone else find
> > this a good solution?
> >
> > All my best,
> > Natalie Cottrill
>
> I couldn't resist the beginning of this new thread, as I would like to hear
> what others say also. I have done research with a laptop along, but gave it
> up as a lot of the repositories I was working in did not have the space for
> it. I also find that when I write the final research report, I need
> resources that are in my home office, be it books on my shelf, or files in
> the computer, or the internet, so incorporating my research notes is not a
> big deal.
>
> That is not to say that I did not find it a valuable asset when doing
> something like deed research where you might gather all the index references
> to a particular person or family. A spreadsheet really helps organize the
> information and can be dropped into the final report later. It is just a bit
> cumbersome to have it for a shorter research project.
>
> What experience does everyone else have?
>
> Elissa Scalise Powell, CGRS
> Pittsburgh, PA
>
> ==== APG Mailing List ====
> The Association of Professional Genealogists
>
> ==== APG Mailing List ====
> The Association of Professional Genealogists

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