TMG-L Archives

Archiver > TMG > 2002-04 > 1018410503


From: "Joan Lince" <>
Subject: Re: [TMG] OT-do you use a laptop?
Date: Tue, 9 Apr 2002 23:48:30 -0400
References: <NDBBJCFHMLAECAPPBINMCEGODLAA.robinkaspar@attbi.com> <01a401c1dea4$a03c6540$d253b6c7@ruthcottrell> <011301c1deb1$d9677be0$78242344@sandia01.nm.comcast.net> <4.2.2.20020409224503.00a97240@pop3.norton.antivirus>


I use Excel for copying any information that comes in tabular form. (I
suppose Access would be better but Excel is what came with the latest
laptop.) It's great for copying censuses. I have a template for each census
year, with columns matching the actual census. I make a new file for each
for each year for each state that I am researching. So I have access to
several years' census notes that can be searched. That works well for me, so
I would recommend it.
For notes on narrative material I use Word. I have lots of separate
files, some little, some big. Some structured, some free form. Depends on
the data I run across, or my mood on a particular day. To organize them, I
try to use filenames that are as descriptive as possible, and I keep files
in subdirectories to go with specific areas of my research -- some for
families and some for places.
Those two, plus my genealogy databases, cover it. I only wish I had
_all_ my material in the computer. Seems like the best way to accomplish
that is to get all the data from those old handwritten notes into the
genealogy database, clearly documented, and well supported with narrative if
it's available.
Joan Lince

----- Original Message -----
From: "Evelyn Hendricks" <>
To: <>
Sent: Tuesday, April 09, 2002 10:47 PM
Subject: Re: [TMG] OT-do you use a laptop?


> What program do you use for recording your notes in libraries? I am trying
> to get all the notes I have made in the last thirty years into the
> computer, but so far I have not found a program that does just what I want
> it to do. I am trying to write my own program in Access, but since I don't
> know much about computers, and have taught myself Access, it is slow
going.
> I am getting there slowly. However, if I can find what I want already on
> the market I would prefer to spend my time entering my notes instead of
> working on a program.
> Evelyn
>
> At 05:08 PM 04/09/2002 -0700, you wrote:
>
> >I have a laptop (have had one for about 10 years) and I
> >use it anywhere I need to store information, easily,
> >including the library. However, it is NOT my only computer,
> >nor would I want it to be.
> >
> >I strongly agree that a laptop is a huge benefit at libraries
> >or dusty back Deed rooms, for the previously mentioned
> >reasons. However, I will admit that it takes some people a
> >bit of effort to get tothe "beneficial" point. ;-) Using
> >it takes some getting used to, if you're used to taking
> >manual notes, etc. I think it has to do with it being
> >"different". You have to learn to take your notes, a little
> >differently and some people never get beyond that. If you
> >don't mind changing your processes, I think you'll find it
> >a huge help when doing genealogy research.
> >
> >If you take the laptop on trips with you, be sure to remember
> >to turn off the sound, before you leave the house. It can
> >be embarrassing to boot your laptop on a plane, and have it
> >say "Make it so!" or "Tea, Earl Grey, hot." People eye you
> >rather suspiciously, after that. ;-)
> >
> >acp
> >---------
> >
> >Garry Brown wrote:
> > >
> > > One other comment on lap tops. Many of the responses seem to imply
> > that the only reason for taking a laptop is to have your data and
perhaps
> > to enter data at the library. This is only part of the story. The
> > laptop enables you to put notes and comments and ideas into your
computer
> > immediately. They are saved and legible at once. You can refer to
notes
> > taken on other trips and in other libraries at will. I find this
> > invaluable. I too have a Palm. It is useful to carry my TMG data but
> > that is hardly all I want or need. Finally I would comment that there
is
> > no better way to share information or to show other family members or
> > researchers what you have discovered or how you are related than to
bring
> > up a few charts on the screen. You can even leave a diskette
> > behind. Having a fully functional word processor with all your files
> > plus TMG and all your data plus images of maps, photos, ... Ha. PDA's
> > can't compete.
> > > Garry Brown
> > > Albuquerque NM
> > >
> >
> >:-)
> >acp
> >******** "Too many stupid people. Too few comets." *********
> >**********************************************************************
> >* A. Collene Pearce * * www.jump.net/~collene *
> >**********************************************************************
> >*
> >
> >
> >==== TMG Mailing List ====
> >TMG v5.0 is still in development. Wholly Genes has stated that they will
> >release it when it is ready.
>
>
> ==== TMG Mailing List ====
> Please remove any "Reply-To:" address in your e-mail program. Including a
"Reply-To:" prevents others from benefiting from replies to your questions.
>
>

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