I'd just like to add that the download of the images experience depends on your connection speed. When I had my regular ISP access it could take a full minute or longer or it would fail repeatedly and I'd have to start all over. I have heard the same complaints from other people. I still thought it was worth it to me rather than turning the microfiche at LDS away from home. With my cable modem access here at roadrunner which is 50X faster this is a totally different experience as the images come up almost within seconds. The only problem I have is my cache fills up and I have to delete my temporary internet file folder often or that will make it fail. You can also access the census for less than the annual fees Chauncy mentioned....last I looked it was like $19.95 quarter...possible more within someone's budget. I'd suggest you talk to someone else that uses the same type of computer and ISP you have. also contact ancestry.com and ask them if you can have a free trial for a day or two before you commit. Sharon