>Regarding software, specifically database software, for the past 6 >months of GM I have been reading all the recommendations and useage >difficulties and have seen many references to the use of spread >sheets and commerical (or free) genealogy software. I have been >using a very flexible - and powerful - data base - FileMaker Pro - >for several years. Because I had used it at school I was familiar >with it and decided it was my choice. The downside is that you have >to set up your own files - the upside is that they work for YOU. >But . . . you can refine the format and add any field you find that >you need later. You may import audio and graphics as well. > >My BIG problem is that my research has been going on for 30 years, >99.9% of it before the www was born. I also have my mother's >research of 35 years to reckon with. With literally hundreds and >hundreds of "yellow pads" and boxes and boxes of personal >corrspondence, I have resigned myself to "computing" new stuff and >that which has been proven. Much information and real help has been >offered to those who need management tips or advice for handling the >vast amount of material that can be amassed in this "addictive" >search, and I have gained some information on organization that I >may be able to use in some manner or fashion. I guess I want all of >you to feel sorry for me that I am still in "search" mode - the >old-fashioned way: "I know it's in this box somewhere!" > >Sharon Simnacher <simnacher@3lefties.com> Sharon, you might want to take a look at Bygones. This is a freeware program based on Filemaker Pro. It does NOT replace lineage-linked genealogy programs such as Lineages or Family Tree Maker (FTM); that is, it doesn't show family relationships. Instead it's designed specifically for entering research notes. Every word you enter is indexed, or you can index the data yourself. It consists of several databases that work together to reduce your time entering data. Bygones makes it easy to organize your data and copy it to a lineage-linked program. The developer is making Bygones available free as a way to repay those who have helped him with his genealogy research. It's an awesome program with all kinds of great features. It's also ideal for keeping track of data for people you can't yet relate to your families or those you eventually find do NOT connect. If you take a laptop to a library or other repository for research, Bygones can help your organize and complete your research data. Here's the URL for the Bygones program: http://www.bygonessoftware.com/ [Notice that the developer has included on-line "tutorials" for the program.] Here's where to subscribe to the Bygones list: Bygones-Users-L@rootsweb.com Laurie DISCLAIMER: I have no relationship to this program or its developer. I am simply one of many satisfied users, even though I don't have a laptop.