Dear Dianne- I have been doing genealogy for over 25 years, but I am new to doing genealogy on the internet. I have had PAF 2.2 since it first came out and I really like it. Fortunately we have 2 computers, so I went ahead and bought FTM (mainly because my 2 non-member 2nd cousins who work with me on compiling family history use that program) so I put FTM on the other computer. I like FTM especially for the capability of storing photos in the scrapbook. Another advantage to having 2 computers is that I can be on the internet on one and have PAF open on the other to do quick and easy checking. One thing I did this summer was print an up-dated wall chart of my pedigree and posted it. It really helped me know where I stood in my research. Another thing I did earlier this month was solve the frustration I was feeling getting people mixed up. Now with almost 3000 names entered I was getting confused on who were direct-line ancestors and who were on colateral lines. So I went through and marked each direct-line ancestor with a * after their surname. It has been wonderful. This task took one evening, but it has made things so nice because now I have those names specially marked. A bonus was when I pulled up the alpha (index) for a particular surname all the * names were alphabetized at the head of the list together followed the rest of the same surname. Such easy reference. One thing I am so glad I have done throughout the years is keep good source notes. IT IS SO IMPORTANT!!! You have to make decisions as to what you will have showing in the record on your computer screen, but in the note section jot down other sources and the specific discrepancies. You will come across people who have chosen to use those sources for their entries and it's good to know where they got their info. Then you won't be discontented but simply nod your head in understanding and carry-on agreeing to disagree. I have a few examples to share, but not this time, on how patience with misinformation opens brickwalls and hearts. Back to source notes. When using a compiled genealogy reference(secondary source) to glean info, be sure to check any footnotes that cite a primary source. Sometimes we get so excited finding that name or date or location that we overlook what sources the compiler used that could lead us to even more info as we go to that orignal source ourselves. Be sure to keep track of where you have looked and did not find the information you were looking for. Not just titles but page numbers. I am so glad I did this when I recognized a previously fruitless source by the very title. Just about ready to cast it aside I decided to look at my resource log. There I noted I had looked for this same person in this same source last year, BUT now I was considering some spelling variations which I hadn't done before. Instead of putting it aside I hit paydirt! This is my feedback. I hope this is what you had in mind. Sincerely- Char -----Original Message----- From: AZDEE@aol.com <AZDEE@aol.com> To: GEN-ROOTERS-L@rootsweb.com <GEN-ROOTERS-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Thursday, August 27, 1998 1:54 PM Subject: [GEN-ROOTERS-L] Lesson Two >Hi Everyone, >In lesson one we learned to start with ourself and then ask relatives for >information. This lesson is about Using Your Computer For Genealogy. >Finding the Right Genealogy Program for you. >There are many different programs available. We will discuss some of them and >what you are looking for. >Family Tree Maker- This is a basically good program that prints out good forms >and reports. The creator (Bronderbund) also sells CD's of other peoples >information and useful information from their web site at: >http://www.familytreemaker.com >Family Origins- I like this program. The newest version 6.0 is better than >ever. It prints out good reports, forms and even books on your descendants and >ancestors. You can find out more at their web site >at:http://www.parsonstech.com >Personal Ancestral File- This program was created by the LDS Church. It prints >out good programs and is a good inexpensive program ($15). >There are many other programs out. I have not had experience with them but all >are basically good.Ancestral Quest-- Roots IV-- Reunion-- Family Roots-- >Brothers Keeper--Ultimate Family Tree-- and many others. > It might be good to hear from some of you as to what program you have and >what you like about it. >Once you have a program, you start entering your information in to it. It will >be much easier to keep trackof and to find relationships once this is done. > >We had discussed research logs previously. Now we will talk about documenting >your information. >It is very important to document your sources of information. If you can get >photo copies of records it is great. These are called primary sources. Things >in a newspaper or hearsay are called secondary information. Many times you can >get valuable information about your ancestor by finding these records. A >military service record will often have a general description of the person. >Family bibles, pictures, old diaries or journals are also good ways to learn >more about your ancestor. It is up to you as to what information you find >important to find. Birth marriage and death certificates will often lead you >to other relatives. > >I would like some input and suggestions from all of you as to what other >information you can find and what you learn from it. > >Well, thats it for this time. Happy Hunting and Good Luck! >Dianne > > >==== GEN-ROOTERS Mailing List ==== >We believe in being honest,true,chaste,benevolent,virtuous,and in doing good to all men; indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul >-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous,lovely,or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these. 13th Article of Faith > >listowner questions to AZDEE@aol.com > >