This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: rworthington Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/114.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: gathompson, There are books that might get at your question(s). My first suggestion is to Use all of the Help menu items in FTMM-1. Start with the Free Tutorials. Watch the Family Tree Maker archived Webinars. They are not specifically for FTMM-1, but will help with Family Tree Maker in general. There are a couple of things in the PC version that are not in the Mac version, but the Webinars are very helpful, addressing the questions you asked. After the Webinars, and Tutorials, Read the Companion Guide in the Help Menu. Another Resource, not addressing, specifically, your questions is the Online Help Center / Knowledge Base website. Awesome resource. Learn how to use the Help Menu. It is designed to give you help that is based on where you are in the program. That should get you started. Back Up Often. Test your Back Ups. Before deciding on how to do something, try it out. For example: How do you want to handle an Unknown Name? Each of us has a way to do that. Or at least some of us do, but how do YOU want to deal with it. Try one way, what ever your choice is. Does it work for you at Data Entry? Does the Output work for you? How easy is it for you to find a person who you Didn't know that name for, but think you may have found the right name. Try a couple of ways to handle an unknown name and determine what works best for YOU. Cite your Sources !!!!!! Hope that helps. Russ Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: HJC3HJC3 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/113.2.1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I am one of those that used Parallels to access FTM 2012. I didn't want to waste all those resources keeping two operating systems running at the same time, so I bought FTMM 2. I wasn't even going to try FTMM 1 as I heard all the horror stories about it. I have had numerous issues moving from 2012 to FTMM 2. I still like using FTMM 2 better, and will continue to forge through all the problems that exist. I would warn anyone else that chooses to switch the way that I did to keep a close eye on your data. The migration utility did not work for me, although Russ tells me there is an upgraded version of that. FTMM 2 is a great program if you are looking for something that somebody wrote in their basement. As a professionally developed piece of software by a major corporation, it really stinks. It is far from polished and will undoubtedly corrupt your data to a point that you will spend more time fixing problems than researching ancestors. Hopefully if we all continue to do their system testing for them and report the numerous errors and irregularities, it might eventually turn out ok, but I wouldn't hold your breath. Howard Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: jdyrly Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/113.2.1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: John, I would be very tempted to do that if I still had Parallels on my Mac because it sounds like the PC version is much better. Since I would have to upgrade Parallels in addition to paying for the FTMM "update," though.... ;-) Apologies if I sound like a computer teacher. (I was!) I don't think this applies to you, but.... For any relatively inexperienced Mac user who wants to try this method, remember that you're moving into the PC environment with Parallels. Because of that, your FTM database is vulnerable to the same viruses, etc., that a Windows machine would be. A PC virus won't damage your Mac files, but the portion of the Mac HD that is reserved for Windows can still be attacked so you need to take the usual precautions. Thanks for the suggestion, John. If I wouldn't have to buy new software to run this one application, I would do it -- I'm still looking longingly at that beautiful FTMM interface. Sigh.... ;-) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: retiredincary Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/113.2.1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I'd like to suggest an FTM alternative to Mac users, that works great for me. I already had Parallels installed on my Mac and have been using FTM 2 for PC with it. It works great and I've had no problems at all with it. I had thought about buying FTM 2 for Mac, but after reading these reviews, I plan to just stick with my Parallels/FTM 2 PC solution. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: jdyrly Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/113.2.1.1.1.1.2.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I'm sorry to hear you're giving up, too, Tony. I know you tried hard to make this application work because you want to use it so badly -- me, too. The main point, I think, is that Ancestry introduced FTMM1 with a flat-out lie -- that the app was built from the ground up for Mac. Those of us who are long-time Mac folks knew that wasn't true as soon as we opened the program and Ancestry eventually removed those claims from its advertising...without ever admitting fault, BTW. The size of your DB shouldn't matter -- this is genealogy data, for cryin' out loud!! I think many of the users who don't see big problems are mainly PC users who use Macs, but not as their main operating system. If that's the case, it might be harder to spot the horrible flaws since they wouldn't be using the Mac version for extended periods of time. Now help me solve the mystery of Reunion!! How can they not update that application? Tons of us are spending good money after bad on FTMM even though it's horrible -- I would buy a new version of Reunion in a heartbeat, no matter the price and even if it couldn't sync with online data. Can't understand why they're dragging their feet like this -- they're sure missing out on a golden opportunity. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

I have noticed with FTMM 2 that the people I am adding to the database are creating new places instead of using existing ones. I have a number of records for people born in Indiana. I correctly change the name to Indiana, USA using the place name that already exists in my database. I now have two instances of Indiana, USA instead of one. I have tried to replace one with the other, but have not been able to get that to work. The window that asks to cancel or replace does not leave the screen even after I select the replace button, and the extra entry is not replaced. Howard

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: gathompson56 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/114/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Although I have tested Reunion and iFamily I still prefer the FTMM1 interface and the ability to share my tree. So with that in mind I ask those more experienced users, what you suggest are the BMPs for successful data management with this software. That would include hints, merging, syncing, backing up, citations and any other tricks you have learned for successful data management. Thanks in advance. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: tony_knight Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/113.2.1.1.1.1.2.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Yes I do have a large file, though not as large as several of which I am aware. The problem with FTM is that amongst the mainstream genealogy programs, it stands alone in having these problems. What is worse is that despite the claims that the Mac version was written from the bottom up, it, like the Windows version is a .Net application which can only only run on the Mac by using the cross platform, third party, runtime library Mono. Mono has problems which basically make it unsuitable for database work. What Mac Users thought they would be getting was a program with the stability of Reunion, but with the FTM interface. Sadly this was not the case. I am sorry that Judy has had no better an experience with FTM for Mac 2 than she had with Mac 1. Whilst I have struggled on running FTM under Windows on my my Macs, the increasing size of my database means that I will have to abandon FTM and this time it will be permanent. The ironical fact is that because I have a large database, I spend more money with Ancestry than if it were a tenth of the size. I have a top level subscription which I renew each year, with a smaller one I doubt I would need the subscription more than say one year in three, as very little new material relevant to my research is added each year. As far as new material goes the Family Search provides me with far more, and at no cost. Tony Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: jdyrly Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/113.2.1.1.1.1.2.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Russ, people may be less likely to post good experiences but.... FTMM1 generated a huge, huge number of negative posts and much criticism of Ancestry itself. If that were true of any software I had a "great" experience with, I guarantee that I would defend the application. I think that's true of a great many computer users and genealogists. Where are all of the glowing reviews from bloggers and other sites? The average user might not take time to post, but it sure seems like bloggers, especially those who beta-tested, would be singing the praises of FTMM. Have you run across anything like that? Because it seems to me like the beta-testers have been rather quiet since release. Sorry, but I'm an experienced computer user who anticipates working through glitches in initial versions of applications and I truly wanted FTMM to work for me. Since FTMM1 was published in 2010, Ancestry has ignored their customers' complaints, offered extremely poor tech support, and produced only one update on that piece of very flawed programming. Most of us shelled out more money for FTMM2 (which I personally think should have been a free upgrade) because we WANT to believe. And now Lucy has yanked that football away once again. I'm glad you've had no problems with either version, but I think you're the exception. If you can point me to any great reviews of FTMM, I'll gladly read them. For now, though, I think I'll return FTMM2 and stick with Reunion once and for all. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: rworthington Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/113.2.1.1.1.1.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: gathompson, People with good / great experiences with any problem don't post messages. I have followed Tony's postings over time and his experience is not been the best, so please consider his response. AND had has a very large file. My 9,000 person file, and other smaller files I have not issues with FTM2012 nor with FTMM-2. Russ Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: tony_knight Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/113.2.1.1.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: gathompson My own experience has been that FTM be it Windows or Mac is not happy with larger databases. I have no experience of the sync feature which is the current prime discussion area for problems. Tony Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: gathompson56 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/113.2.1.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Russ and Tony: I am a new user and only have 78 names in the tree so far. So do you suggest that these horrible experiences others are having with both the PC and Mac versions are driven by file size? Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: tony_knight Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/113.2.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: gathompson As with the Windows version experiences are different. FTM 1 for Mac has memory management problems which cause all sorts of knock on problems. I have seem nothing to suggest that this problem has been solved in the latest version. Whether you would experience any problems will depend on the size of your database. The larger it is, and the longer the program is run, the more likely problems are to appear. I would not expect a database of 10,000 individuals or less to have problems with general running. I would not like to speculate on the sync feature. Tony Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: rworthington Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/113.2.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: gathompson, I have FTMM-2, and had FTMM-1 and it works very well. I do not have any issues with it at all. I can't say that I use it every day, as I am a PC user, but I will compare between FTM2012 and FTMM-2, as I have friends who use it. The two versions are not exactly the same, but FTMM-2 is better then FTMM-1, performance, and the two new features, TreeSyncT and the Blended Family. I think FTMM-2 IS worthwhile. Only one User's opinion. Russ Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: gathompson56 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/113.2.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: That is two very poor reviews. If I Include the others that appear in these boards then FTM2 is not worthwhile. Were the issues that you are currently listing an issue with FTM 1? I have just started and only have 100 names in my tree. Will I have the same issues? Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: rworthington Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/112.1.1.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Colleen, That is what I do. Russ Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: colleenkennedy Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/112.1.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Hi Russ, I did a web merge and notice Thanks!d some information was missing, e.g., page and perhaps E.D. I think the answer is, as you suggested, to import from web search and then make sure everything transfers or fix it on the spot. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: rworthington Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/112.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Colleen, How did you get that census Information into FTMM-2? I know that when I do a Web Merge, that I go back to the Citation Details, to make sure the Citation Information from Ancestry is in that field. Every once in a while something is missed. Russ Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Prestancia Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/113.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I was VERY new to FTM Mac before getting the upgrade to FTM 2 for Mac. I downloaded 4 trees from Ancestry (max 1600 people each) and had no trouble. The media files followed onto FTM 2. I initially synced the trees, but do not want to use this feature as I am trying to figure out how to keep all the facts, info, stats, photos, etc. NOT obtained from Ancestry JUST on the FTM 2 and my Mac. In other words, if I have private photos, obits, stories, etc. I don't want them uploaded to Ancestry, but want to keep them on my Mac. Apparently the only way to do this is to un-sync the trees and add the information manually. This is cumbersome. I intended to use Ancestry for obtaining data/sources and merging with the existing trees on my Mac, but based on recent posts, this does not seem to be a good idea (especially if not all the data/source material is actually merging). I do not like the format of the FTM2 Mac software and much prefer reviewing data on the Ancestry site. I will continue to test the interface between the two with my smaller trees and will post any difficulties or positive outcomes. I'd love to hear if/how others deal with keeping only certain information on your computer and using Ancestry for acquiring facts. L- Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: kmac1 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/topics.software.ftmmac/113.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I can give you a review...... but it isn't pretty. I recently upgraded my FTMM to version 2. I have had nothing but trouble with it and it is unusable because of that trouble. In the few days I have had this program it has crashed so many times that I cannot even count them. And, it uses a huge chunk of my RAM, typically about 450 MB, as well as most of the CPU. The computer's fan is constantly running when this app is open ....... I do mean, constantly, too! I had great hopes for this update, but it has been a huge disappointment to me. I have read of others having these same problems....... too many for it to be an isolated issue to my computer. Also, I was disappointed to see that there is very little that has changed between version 1 and 2. Mostly it is the tree sync and being able to go full screen with Lion. Tree Sync is nice, I will admit. I uploaded my 9,000 people database with no issues. However, the media files have never completely uploaded. There is also a button available on the Family screen that enables you to view the current family as "blended" .....showing all the children belonging to both husband and/or wife. The interface appears to be exactly the same and I have seen no improvement in such Mac-like features as being able to select multiple people to link to a media item, as an example. The charts and reports appear to be the same. The only difference I have seen so far is that, if you want a background image for your report, you won't see it in the Background popup menu as before. That now leads you to browsing for an image from a Backgrounds folder within the FamilyTree Maker folder.... the backgrounds are grouped by subject such as Outdoor, Pattern, etc. As I said, there is very little that has changed. I was hoping for so much more and had prepared myself and my data to make the move to using FTMM2 rather than Reunion. But, now, between the performance issues I am experiencing and the fact that there is nothing to endear me to this program, I won't be using it..... I can't use it without it locking up on my computer (application not responding) which is exactly what it is doing at this moment. And BTW, I have uninstalled the app completely and reinstalled it but still have the same issues. I have also contacted Ancestry's tech support but haven't gotten a response from them yet. I wish I could make a more positive report. But as of now, I feel I wasted my money by purchasing this upgrade and that Ancestry is pretty darn nervy to have released this before it was ready AND for calling it an upgrade with associated pricing for nothing much new. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.