ISLE-OF-WIGHT-L Archives

Archiver > ISLE-OF-WIGHT > 1998-07 > 0900069986


From: David & Kathy Black <>
Subject: FW: Gen progs FTM
Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 12:26:26 +0100


-----Original Message-----
From:Jonathan Gibbs [SMTP:]
Sent:Wednesday, July 08, 1998 12:55 PM
To:
Subject:RE: Gen progs FTM

Kathy

I can't contribute much by way of comparisons with other programs, but don't
be too hard on Family Tree Maker. You're right that it is 'Americanised',
but only in that all the data CDs they flog with it are largely US-based.
The software itself works fine, and is particularly good at generating
reports, summaries, etc. I've found it reliable and quick on a database of
about 600 names, and it is well supported. There are some minor
irritations: you have to use its "Fact" feature to register baptisms
separate from births, and it's worth while setting up the "Facts" (for
example to enter census data in the same field for everyone) BEFORE entering
large amounts of data.

The trick is, don't do what I did and buy the 'Deluxe' version - you're just
wasting your money on the CDs (unless you have a lot of American relatives).
Get the 'plain vanilla' one!

Jon Gibbs

> -----Original Message-----
<snip>
> I'd really like to hear what your thoughts are on the various programs
> available, I have a (probably) unreasonable aversion to the Broderbund
> Family Tree Maker - maybe because it's too Americanised for our research
> areas, but i'd welcome your thoughts.
>
> I don't want to start a "my program is better than yours" war, so please
> write privately, but please do write, I really am keen to hear
> the views of
> those with more knowledge and experience regarding the pros and cons of
> whats on offer.

This thread: