In a message dated 10/30/2002 7:25:02 AM Central Standard Time, Agesinc@aol.com writes: > I sure would like other opinions about the pros and cons of the different > genealogy software. I am currently using FTM and was thinking of upgrading > to > the new version 10, however, I would like other opinions about other > software > and if there is a better program available. Some of you mentioned > downloading > PT > > > Hi Gayle, That question usually gets lots of different answers.... <g>. It seems as if folks really get emotional about their software.... me included... <giggle>. But.. here goes. Went to a conference about 18 months ago where they had several sections on software. The three top rated were PAF, The Master Genealogist, and Legacy. The Master Genealogist is very good and expensive and a very high learning curve. Legacy is much less expensive and also very good . PAF is free to download and very inexpensive to purchase on CD (I think it is $6.00 or something like that now) and also very good. I am definitely anti FTM but..... that's just my opinion. Part of my frustration with it is that it seems to be less friendly than some of the others when it comes to sharing via gedcom with other programs. They also seem to do a lot of upgrades all of which you have to pay for. And.. I am very pro PAF because for the cost you just can't get a better program. It has functions equal to The Master Genealogist which costs around $100.00 (last time I looked). But then again I started out with PAF back with version 1 in the early 1980's. TMG does seem to have it over the others in that if anyone sends you a data file created by almost anyother genealogy program it can convert it to a TMG file. They have to send you the actual data file - not a gedcom though. TMG also gives you updates free for a year I think???? I actually own all three of the above - TMG, PAF, and Legacy. I use PAF for my actual database and use TMG to convert someone else's file and don't use Legacy at all... <g>. If you go PAF though I would suggest that you purchase the CD rather than do the download. That way you have it if you need to reload. It also makes it handy to put on several computers. I have it loaded on 3 different computers. Also.. sometimes strange things can happen in a download. There are some sites out there that compare and rate the various software. When I get home tonight I will try to find them and send them for you. Now.. am anxious to see how others feel. Take care - Emma