VAFAIRFA-L Archives

From: <>
Subject: Re: Macintosh Software Suggestions
Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2001 12:08:24 EST

In a message dated 1/7/01 8:28:19 PM, writes:

>After reading your discussion notes, I take it that you have used both
>Family Tree Maker & Reunion.; and that you strongly suggest
>Reunion!

I've used Reunion since v4. It's now up to v7.

I do not have Family Tree Maker for Macintosh. I heard 4-5 years ago that all
they did was port the Windows version over to a Macintosh version. As a
result it has the clutsy action of the older Windows systems. And, it has
_not_ been upgraded since then!!! Also, when I phoned the company last year
about another matter, I asked whether they planned to upgrade the Mac version
of FTM. They said there were no plans to upgrade it. Given the vast
improvement in genealogy programs in the last 5 years, I don't think anyone
should fool with an older program such as this. Before anyone buys the
Macintosh version of FTM, find out which options it provides. Since it is so
outdated, I doubt that it will have all the options that are considered
standard in today's world. Go to FTM's web site and see if there is a
description of the program with a list of its options. Does it support
graphics (for your scanning), sound clips, video clips, templates for your
citations, user created events, web pages, and whatever else you will want?

I used to use MacPAF, but the LDS have not upgraded it in several years and
don't have any plans to do so. Mac PAF does not support graphics, does not
provide templates for citing your sources, does not create web pages, and
does not provide all the other options that Reunion does.

Since I was curious about some Windows programs, I bought Virtual PC so I
could run the Windows system and some Windows programs on my Mac. Then I
bought Family Tree Maker for Windows, so I could see what FTM was like and
also so I could run FTM CDs. (I could have just run the free Windows FTM
viewer and Virtual PC, to use the CDs.) If you ever want to use FTM's CDs,
you'll have to use one of these methods. However, if you ever want to use
other Windows CDs, you'll need to go the Virtual PC route, unless the CDs can
be run on either Mac or PC. Some of the newer ones can be used on both
systems.

>I have two macs at home (the childen use an iMac) and I have a new
>G4. I suppose(wonder) it would work on both of those as well???????

If they are Power Macs and run at least system 7.6, then you can run Reunion
v7. Check in your literature that came with the computer; it should tell you
whether it is a Power Macintosh. Or, with the Finder menu on the screen, look
under the Apple menu; read under About This Computer.

>How SURE are you of suggesting the Reunion?
I'm 100% sure.

>What features do you most like?
There are so many, it is hard to single one out. If you go to Leister's web
page, you can see a list of all the features. The web site is:
<www.LeisterPro.com>. Email: <>. Phone: 717-697-1378
(Mechanicsburg, PA).

>What glitches or problems have you experienced with it?
None

Hope this helps, Valerie

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