Hi Everyone, I am new to this list and to the use of autosomal dna but I wanted to share what I have been doing that is turning out to be quite useful. I have created a FileMaker database containing information on most of my autosomal dna matches. I have structured this database so that once I enter the chromosome number, matching segment information, cM and SNP data for each of my matches (when available), I can then view "my dna results" as seen through my matches. I also scan family names from those matches who have provided them and enter what I think might be one or more possible surnames where we might match. I have enough matches (270 in my database so far) that there are some that overlap in both the chromosome and segment. (Gedmatch is another way I check for this.) Even though these matches could come from either my maternal or paternal side, I am getting good responses when I contact these matches and suggest how we might be related. I am also focusing on developing a list of cousin surnames that may not be my direct ancestors but who are descendants of my ancestors. Some of these I am beginning to recognize by scanning "my dna results." I am also creating a genetic profile of one of my most prolific ancestral couples. This also gives me a way to identify some potential matches who haven't provided enough or any family data. I am pleased with some of the responses I've gotten from cousins and have developed some potentially useful leads. Of course there are those who don't respond but this system can give me some useful work-a-rounds for those who don't. There is definitely a lot of information to be analyzed with this autosomal dna testing! I hope I've managed to explain what I am doing in a way that is understandable. If not, feel free to ask me questions. Margaret