ISLE-OF-WIGHT-L Archives

From: David & Kathy Black <>
Subject: FW: Basic computer/GEDCOM teach in
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 09:28:30 +0100

On another list a query appeared about GEDCOM files - I kept the reply as
it was so well written and easy for a duffer like me to understand. I
thought it would be worth sharing with my friends on the IOW List

Kathy

>
> As a great-grandmother trying to keep up with the present generation I
> would like to know :
> 1. What are GED files, and what are they useful for ?

GEDCOM ("GED") files are a special way of recording genealogical
information which was specified by the Mormon church as a means of
exchanging genealogical information. Many genealogy software packages
either import GEDCOM files into their databases, export their database
into GEDCOM files, or both. Some genealogy software actually use the
GEDCOM file format as their database storage format.

> 2. What is dBase lll, and what is it used for ?

dBase III as well as other dBASE versions, or as they are now properly
called XBase format files are a specific database formating method.
Different database packages have created means of indexing the data in
XBase file format, and even the means to relate data in one XBase format
database to data in other XBase format databases. You might see XBase
databases in software packages like dBase (versions III and IV and 5),
FoxPro, Alpha Four, Alpha Five and others. Additionally, many other
database software packages import, or export, or read and use XBase
format database files. Database software packages such as Paradox, MS
Access, Oracle, PowerBuilder, Delphi, and many others can all import
from, export to, and use XBase format files.

>
> I just cannot work out all this new language, and I feel as if I am in
> danger of not being able to use all this expensive equipment (that my
> wonderful family keep buying me) properly - and to its full advantage.
> I suspect your offer has something to do with having a file where I
> can keep all the transcripts of records etc., that I get from
> different scources.

> Am I right ? If so, I would definitely be interested in more
> information. I have seen this sort of thing talked about on different
> lists many times before but due to my ignorance have been too scared
> to try out anything more than what I am comfortable with.
> Would you be kind enough to explain some of it to me and others in my
> position ?
> Thank you
> Mary
>

The point that we were discussing was based on the fact that most of us
use one or more genealogy database software packages such as Personal
Ancestor File, Family Tree Maker, Brother's Keeper, Reunion,
Generations, Ultimate Family Tree, and many, many more. These
software packages let us record most, if not all of the information we
gather. However, there are some processing that they do not allow us to
do. They are very good at recording known relationships, and allowing
us to record information which is not complete. But they are not always
very good at helping us to analyse the information we have which is not
know to be related, but with analysis might give us a target for further
research. For example, most genealogy programs don't provide a means to
list all the people who were born or christened in a particular town or
group of towns, or parishes.

These types of analysis are normally only available in general purpose
database software packages, like MS Access, Paradox, dBase, and others,
or to a limited extent in spreadsheet software packages such as Lotus
1-2-3, Excel, QuatroPro, and others.

So what we were looking for is a means to get data out of our genealogy
database software packages using the GEDCOM format, and in turn
importing that data into a general purpose database software package
such as dBase, FoxPro, Access or others or a spreadsheet software
package such as Excel, or Lotus 1-2-3. And after getting it into a
better tool for analysis. Would there be any way to getting it back to
our genealogy database software package.

Doing this kind of analysis is something that would happen primarily
after you have done the basic recording of data in a genealogy database
software package, and made enough connections that you wanted to see if
there were any additional connections of possible paths you should
explore.

Using a general database software package is not as easy. You have to
define the analysis you wish to perform, and then develop the steps to
perform the analysis using the particular software package that you
have. It is not as easy as using a genealogy software package which has
pre-defined processing steps. If you are a novice to computing it will
be fairly difficult. You will have to learn some specific terms and
concepts related to databases, organization, structures, indexes, and
relationships, before you can do this kind of analysis. Don't be put
off by that, just understand it won't be as easy.

Since this is a little off the topic of this mailing list, if you or
anyone else has any other questions, please feel free to e-mail me
at
and I will try to answer you questions.
Anyway I hope this helps clarify the subject.

Jerry Beddes

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• FW: Basic computer/GEDCOM teach in by David & Kathy Black <>