>We knew Mom was fooling around with genealogy, but the extent was a >surprise! > >We (I and eldest son) want to do it right, save this stuff to >electronic format, make it available on a website (that's no >problem). > >The problem is to get the right software the first time. Probably >other problems ...... tell me. Not much money available. > >Any good advice is appreciated. I don't want to start entering >data, only to find the effort wasted due to poor choice. > >"Ol' Bab" <olbabNO-SPAM@rochester.rr.com> First of all, which operating system are you using? Not every program is available for all platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux). Second, if you stay with programs that support GEDCOM 5 files as an import and export format, your data can be moved to/from another program if you find something you like better. If you're using Windows, you could start with the free version of Legacy (or one of the other free programs) and see how well it meets your needs. If you like the way a particular program works but need more features, see if there is an upgrade path. For example, the upgrade to the "deluxe" version of Legacy is $19.95 for the download version or $29.95 for the CD version with manual ($5.00 cheaper than buying the download version and then the manual). So far, Legacy has met my needs (keeping the relationship records, notes, sources, generation of various reports, including simple web pages, and with the ability to include photos) and it can import and export GEDCOM files so I can exchange data with other family members using Family Tree Maker, among other programs). I didn't know that some of these people existed until I started researching. My best key has been the birth/death/marriage pages from my grandmother's Bible - one of many pieces of information in a large box marked "old pictures"... Be sure to join the message boards/forums at the various genealogy sites (including yahoo). These boards were the avenue where I made contact with someone who's a very distant cousin and lives near the cemetery where my 4-great-grandparents are buried. If you try Legacy, you'll probably find the "Internet search" feature useful. It links to some of the more popular genealogy sites and starts the search with the currently displayed person's name and other info. The links can be changed if you find sites that better serve your needs. Since you're just starting your research, you might also want to try GenSmarts, which can read a GEDCOM file and give you pointers on where to look for the information that's missing. http://www.gensmarts.com/ The only connection I have with Legacy is as a satisfied customer. I'm currently a beta tester for GenSmarts. More about me: http://thelabwiz.home.mindspring.com/ VB3 source code: http://thelabwiz.home.mindspring.com/vbsource.html VB6 source code: http://thelabwiz.home.mindspring.com/vb6source.html VB6 - MySQL how to: http://thelabwiz.home.mindspring.com/mysql.html johnecarter atat mindspring dotdot com Fix the obvious to reply by email. the Wiz <look@message.body>