All family tree software will export a GEDCOM file. Why not just define one program as the "master" and ALWAYS do all updates on that. Periodically export the whole database as a GEDCOM and import it into the second program. I do this on my MAC using Reunion 9 as the master and MacFamilyTree as the second as some of the reports are slightly different. So long as I know that Reunion is the definitive data source then I can do what I like with the data in MacFamilyTree as I know I can easily rebuild it in seconds by just importing a new GEDCOM from Reunion. I used to do this on a PC too, using PAF as my master and an old version of FTM for doing the odd report that PAF could not do. Stuart On 30/04/2011 14:48, "Maxine" <mmcapezza@lighttube.net> wrote: > >> Hi Allen, > Why would you keep up both programs? I have my Family Tree Maker on > my old desk top and have transferred it to my new lap top....but I > like using it on the old pc so now when I make an entry, I need to > make sure I enter it on both computers. Guess it is no hassle if you > are organized and never forget to enter everything both places...but > it makes me crazy. ><snip> > Maxine > >> From: Allan Halstead <allanhalstead@talktalk.net> >> Subject: [ENG-LAN-BOLTON] Branches genealogy program >><snip> >> I currently use Family Tree Maker 2011 Platinum. Would it be too much >> hassle to try to keep two databases in step? Does anyone in their right >> mind do that? >>

That's a great idea, Thanks, Jan > Date: Sat, 30 Apr 2011 16:30:21 +0100 > From: genealogy07@phethean.co.uk > To: eng-lan-bolton@rootsweb.com; mmcapezza@lighttube.net > Subject: Re: [ENG-LAN-BOLTON] ENG-LAN-BOLTON Digest, Vol 6, Issue 72 > > All family tree software will export a GEDCOM file. Why not just define one > program as the "master" and ALWAYS do all updates on that. Periodically > export the whole database as a GEDCOM and import it into the second program. > > I do this on my MAC using Reunion 9 as the master and MacFamilyTree as the > second as some of the reports are slightly different. So long as I know that > Reunion is the definitive data source then I can do what I like with the > data in MacFamilyTree as I know I can easily rebuild it in seconds by just > importing a new GEDCOM from Reunion. > > I used to do this on a PC too, using PAF as my master and an old version of > FTM for doing the odd report that PAF could not do. > > > Stuart > > > On 30/04/2011 14:48, "Maxine" <mmcapezza@lighttube.net> wrote: > > > > >> Hi Allen, > > Why would you keep up both programs? I have my Family Tree Maker on > > my old desk top and have transferred it to my new lap top....but I > > like using it on the old pc so now when I make an entry, I need to > > make sure I enter it on both computers. Guess it is no hassle if you > > are organized and never forget to enter everything both places...but > > it makes me crazy. > ><snip> > > Maxine > > > >> From: Allan Halstead <allanhalstead@talktalk.net> > >> Subject: [ENG-LAN-BOLTON] Branches genealogy program > >><snip> > >> I currently use Family Tree Maker 2011 Platinum. Would it be too much > >> hassle to try to keep two databases in step? Does anyone in their right > >> mind do that? > >> > > > > :-+-: :-+-: :-+-: :-+-: :-+-: :-+-: :-+-: > > Except for personal messages, please post replies to the list. > Other people can learn from them! > > :-+-: :-+-: :-+-: :-+-: :-+-: :-+-: :-+-: > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ENG-LAN-BOLTON-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Thank you Maxine & Stuart for your responses. The main thing that appeals to me about the Branches genealogy software is that it shows your whole tree in one window. You can easily zoom in to / out from any item - including photos & documents - just as you would on Google Earth. Also you can search by name, &/or by place, &/or by a word within the notes - so for example you could find every Mary who is connected to Bolton who was a spinner. Look here to see what I mean: www.branchesgenealogy.com/features www.branchesgenealogy.com/tutorials There has to be a downside at this price ($14.95, abt £9) and it's that, according to one review, its GEDCOM file creation is "imprecise" and it isn't big on charts & reports. Stuart's advice seems sound so I'll probably go down that route. To answer Maxine's query about FTM2011 - the pedigree/descendant charts seem to be about the same width. However, for anyone who doesn't have a current Ancestry subscription, upgrading to FTM2011 Platinum seems to be a good deal at the moment - you can get the software and a 6-month Ancestry subscription for £30 if you shop around. Regards, Allan