Hi! I have been using Personal Ancestry File published by the Church. With the announcement that this program will no longer be supported, I have been considering selecting a commercial program. While NFS is great for recording information, I felt that research for new information might be enhanced by subscribing to Ancestry, RootsMagic or similar program. I realize that I have no knowledge about commercial programs and what they offer. Consequently, I felt some of you might share some of your insights and experiences that would help me in this decision. I am also looking for other programs for personal history, family atlas or any other programs you might recommend. Peter F. Thorne Toms River, NJ

Personal Ancestral File will be supported, just not upgraded. But FamilyInsight by Ohana Software makes it synchronize nicely with the New FamilySearch program. I use it all the time and really like it. Shanna Jones, UT -----Original Message----- From: lds-ward-consultant-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:lds-ward-consultant-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Peter F. Thorne Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 10:06 AM To: LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT@rootsweb.com Subject: [LDS-WC] What genealogy program do I select? Hi! I have been using Personal Ancestry File published by the Church. With the announcement that this program will no longer be supported, I have been considering selecting a commercial program. While NFS is great for recording information, I felt that research for new information might be enhanced by subscribing to Ancestry, RootsMagic or similar program. I realize that I have no knowledge about commercial programs and what they offer. Consequently, I felt some of you might share some of your insights and experiences that would help me in this decision. I am also looking for other programs for personal history, family atlas or any other programs you might recommend. Peter F. Thorne Toms River, NJ Please send the one word message SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE to LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-L-REQUEST@ROOTSWEB.COM ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Peter: I suspect that you mean, "Personal Ancestral File" rather than "Personal Ancestry File". Affectionately known as "PAF". A little known fact is that the Windows versions of PAF were created from an older version of Ancestral Quest, by Incline Software. (Incline Software donated a copy of the AQ code to the LDS Church in 1999, and thus most members of the Church are using a slightly modified copy of Ancestral Quest, but with the name changed to "Personal Ancestral File".) You might want to look at the current version of Ancestral Quest (you can download a free trial of the program at www.ancquest.com). You will find that it looks and acts an awful lot like PAF, because it is mostly the same as PAF, but with many major enhancements -- like the ability to sync your PAF data with New FamilySearch. Gaylon Findlay Incline Software Peter F. Thorne wrote: > Hi! > > > > I have been using Personal Ancestry File published by the Church. With the > announcement that this program will no longer be supported, I have been > considering selecting a commercial program. While NFS is great for recording > information, I felt that research for new information might be enhanced by > subscribing to Ancestry, RootsMagic or similar program. > > > > I realize that I have no knowledge about commercial programs and what they > offer. Consequently, I felt some of you might share some of your insights > and experiences that would help me in this decision. I am also looking for > other programs for personal history, family atlas or any other programs you > might recommend. > > > > Peter F. Thorne > > Toms River, NJ > > > Please send the one word message SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE to LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-L-REQUEST@ROOTSWEB.COM > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > >

Peter, the FHC should have copies of FamilyInsight, Ancestral Quest and possibly RootsMagic installed on their computer. Try them out there to see which one you like best. I know that FamilyInsight and Ancestral Quest give generous free trial periods (60 days) so you can install them at home to test them also. Some of the things you need to look at are how they sync with nFS. I believe each of these programs has the capability (I haven't tried RootsMagic lately so am not sure how it works). Personally, not to put down any of the programs, I use Ancestral Quest. I like how it merges with nFS and also works well with Ancestry and other online databases. It looks a lot like PAF so there isn't a large learning curve. FamilyInsight is also a good program and integrates with your existing PAF file well. You can continue to use your old PAF files without any trouble. I beta tested it and really liked it but I had to chose one program to work with. The FHC should also have a set of other programs on their computer for mapping and retrieving information from your files. Take a look to see what is on LanDesk that can be downloaded and installed. Miles Meyer Jacksonville, FL On Tue, May 5, 2009 at 12:06 PM, Peter F. Thorne <thornept@comcast.net> wrote: > Hi! > > > > I have been using Personal Ancestry File published by the Church. With the > announcement that this program will no longer be supported, I have been > considering selecting a commercial program. While NFS is great for recording > information, I felt that research for new information might be enhanced by > subscribing to Ancestry, RootsMagic or similar program. > > > > I realize that I have no knowledge about commercial programs and what they > offer. Consequently, I felt some of you might share some of your insights > and experiences that would help me in this decision. I am also looking for > other programs for personal history, family atlas or any other programs you > might recommend. > > > > Peter F. Thorne > > Toms River, NJ

All three are authorized by Church to be used in Family History Centers, along with Legacy. David Samuelsen, long time AQ user (from the very first version to now) Miles Meyer wrote: > Peter, the FHC should have copies of FamilyInsight, Ancestral Quest > and possibly RootsMagic installed on their computer. Try them out > there to see which one you like best. I know that FamilyInsight and > Ancestral Quest give generous free trial periods (60 days) so you can > install them at home to test them also. Some of the things you need to > look at are how they sync with nFS. I believe each of these programs > has the capability (I haven't tried RootsMagic lately so am not sure > how it works).

While it is true that PAF will be supported but not upgraded, I believe finding the most reasonable priced program and one with the most effective syncing and upgrades is important. I changed to RootsMagic about a year ago at a suggestion from someone in the Group and was delighted with it. It recently came out with RM4 and I am thrilled with the syncing capabilities and the many features that you will not find in PAF or other software. If you purchase Family Insight you will be paying a yearly subscription that is more than the total cost of RM4 right now if you are a PAF user and want to switch. RM4 already has the syncing tool in the program for that price. Right now you can purchase RM4 for $19.95 through the end of May. RM4 is a very powerful tool and there are RM4 groups through out the country that you can join to help you use the tool. I have joined one here about a year ago and am the only church member. Genealogists who are serious about researching love RM4. One of the Consultants in my Ward who serves at the Freedom Center here in Cincinnati and has done tons of FH recently switched at my suggestion and is very happy with it. She is also switching over her sister who has a handicap from a stroke because of the features that allow you to click on changes you want to make rather than rekeying. Here is a link if you want to try out either program in a demo form free also: http://www.rootsmagic.com/demo.htm Pricing RootsMagic 4 is available for only $29.95. Existing RootsMagic and Family Origins users may upgrade for only $19.95. Discount Offer For the first time in company history, users of other genealogy software programs can receive a competitive upgrade discount. Through May 31, 2009, users of Personal Ancestral File (PAF), Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family Tree, or The Master Genealogist may purchase RootsMagic 4 for only $19.95, saving $10 off of the regular price. The Genealogy Insider posted this about FS awards given recently with RM4 receiving Best Dashboard and Easiest to Sync: The 2009 FamilySearch Software Award winners, which include desktop programs, online tools and developers' tools, were named last night at the FamilySearch Developers Conference in Provo, Utah. Here's the list (click a program's name to visit its Web site): Desktop Productivity Ancestral Quest (Incline Software): Best Listing Tool FamilyInsight (Ohana Software): Best Standardizer RootsMagic 4 (RootsMagic): Best Dashboard Desktop Syncing or Tree-Cleaning Ancestral Quest (Incline Software): Most Comprehensive Syncing FamilyInsight (Ohana Software): Best Person Separator RootsMagic 4 (RootsMagic): Easiest to Sync Desktop Use of Media Charting Companion (Progeny Software): Best for Desktop Printing Web Productivity Grow Branch (US Family Tree): Best Web Site Feature for Publishing (LDS Church members can use this service to submit ancestors for temple work.) Web Use of Media Generation Maps: Best Web Site Feature for Printing TreeSeek: Best Web Site Feature for Mapping (requires users to have a "New Family Search" account) Developers Choice Awards David Pugmire's fsapi.net: Best API Library Ben Godard's fs-ubiquity: Potential Future Impact on the Genealogy Industry See FamilyTreeMagazine.com's genealogy software guide for information desktop programs for Mac and Windows. Below is a clip about the features that are new. One I don't see listed is that it is written in Unicode which impressed my System's Manager husband. Unicode Support So what is Unicode? Basically Unicode support means that RootsMagic isn't limited to just "western European" languages anymore. RootsMagic 4 can now handle Polish, Cyrillic, Kanji, and most any other language you can throw at it. Impressive New Features "RootsMagic 4 is the biggest release in our 20-year history of making genealogy software," said Bruce Buzbee, president. "We've updated RootsMagic to work with the latest genealogical technologies available today, while staying true to our mission to make family history easy, accessible, and fun." RootsMagic 4 boasts an impressive list of new features including integrated web search, improved SourceWizard for citing sources, sharing events among multiple persons, creating pre-defined groups of persons, person and place mapping, recording DNA tests, and improved navigation and data entry. RootsMagic 4 is also one of the only desktop genealogy programs certified to work with "New FamilySearch". I am more than happy with RM4 and also was with RM3. Nancy Scott Cincinnati, Ohio -----Original Message----- From: lds-ward-consultant-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:lds-ward-consultant-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Peter F. Thorne Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 12:06 PM To: LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT@rootsweb.com Subject: [LDS-WC] What genealogy program do I select? Hi! I have been using Personal Ancestry File published by the Church. With the announcement that this program will no longer be supported, I have been considering selecting a commercial program. While NFS is great for recording information, I felt that research for new information might be enhanced by subscribing to Ancestry, RootsMagic or similar program. I realize that I have no knowledge about commercial programs and what they offer. Consequently, I felt some of you might share some of your insights and experiences that would help me in this decision. I am also looking for other programs for personal history, family atlas or any other programs you might recommend. Peter F. Thorne Toms River, NJ Please send the one word message SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE to LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-L-REQUEST@ROOTSWEB.COM ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Nancy Scott said: > If you purchase Family Insight you will be paying a yearly subscription > ... That is a common misconception. When you buy a copy of FamilyInsight ($25) you get a year of free updates. You can continue to use it after that without paying a cent more. Most programs come out with a new version every year. To get the new version you have to pay an upgrade price. At Ohana Software we choose to make our enhancements available throughout the year so you can use them as soon as possible. Since we are continuously updating FamilyInsight and adding new features, most people choose to buy another year of updates for $15 when their initial year of free updates runs out. In practice it isn't much different than buying the updated version of any program, except that you don't have to wait a full year to get the new features. Aloha, John Vilburn Ohana Software LLC www.ohanasoftware.com

Do any of these programs have a "oops" command to go back if one makes a mistake? I know PAF does not. On Tue, May 5, 2009 at 10:58 AM, Nancy Scott <nascott@cinci.rr.com> wrote: > While it is true that PAF will be supported but not upgraded, I believe > finding the most reasonable priced program and one with the most effective > syncing and upgrades is important.  I changed to RootsMagic about a year ago > at a suggestion from someone in the Group and was delighted with it.  It > recently came out with RM4 and I am thrilled with the syncing capabilities > and the many features that you will not find in PAF or other software. > > If you purchase Family Insight you will be paying a yearly subscription that > is more than the total cost of RM4 right now if you are a PAF user and want > to switch.  RM4 already has the syncing tool in the program for that price. > Right now you can purchase RM4 for $19.95 through the end of May.  RM4 is a > very powerful tool and there are RM4 groups through out the country that you > can join to help you use the tool.  I have joined one here about a year ago > and am the only church member.  Genealogists who are serious about > researching love RM4.  One of the Consultants in my Ward who serves at the > Freedom Center here in Cincinnati and has done tons of FH recently switched > at my suggestion and is very happy with it.  She is also switching over her > sister who has a handicap from a stroke because of the features that allow > you to click on changes you want to make rather than rekeying. > > > > Here is a link if you want to try out either program in a demo form free > also:  http://www.rootsmagic.com/demo.htm > > > Pricing > RootsMagic 4 is available for only $29.95.  Existing RootsMagic and Family > Origins users may upgrade for only $19.95. > Discount Offer > For the first time in company history, users of other genealogy software > programs can receive a competitive upgrade discount.  Through May 31, 2009, > users of Personal Ancestral File (PAF), Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family > Tree, or The Master Genealogist  may purchase RootsMagic 4 for only $19.95, > saving $10 off of the regular price. > > > > The Genealogy Insider posted this about FS awards given recently with RM4 > receiving Best Dashboard and Easiest to Sync: > > The 2009 FamilySearch Software Award winners, which include desktop > programs, online tools and developers' tools, were named last night at the > FamilySearch Developers Conference in Provo, Utah. > > Here's the list (click a program's name to visit its Web site): > > Desktop Productivity > Ancestral Quest (Incline Software): Best Listing Tool > FamilyInsight (Ohana Software): Best Standardizer > RootsMagic 4 (RootsMagic): Best Dashboard > > Desktop Syncing or Tree-Cleaning > Ancestral Quest (Incline Software): Most Comprehensive Syncing > FamilyInsight (Ohana Software): Best Person Separator > RootsMagic 4 (RootsMagic): Easiest to Sync > > Desktop Use of Media > Charting Companion (Progeny Software): Best for Desktop Printing > > Web Productivity > Grow Branch (US Family Tree): Best Web Site Feature for Publishing > (LDS Church members can use this service to submit ancestors for temple > work.) > > Web Use of Media > Generation Maps: Best Web Site Feature for Printing > TreeSeek: Best Web Site Feature for Mapping (requires users to have a "New > Family Search" account) > > Developers Choice Awards > David Pugmire's fsapi.net: Best API Library > Ben Godard's fs-ubiquity: Potential Future Impact on the Genealogy Industry > > See FamilyTreeMagazine.com's genealogy software guide for information > desktop programs for Mac and Windows. > > > > > Below is a clip about the features that are new.  One I don't see listed is > that it is written in Unicode which impressed my System's Manager husband. > > Unicode Support > So what is Unicode?  Basically Unicode support means that RootsMagic isn't > limited to just "western European" languages anymore.  RootsMagic 4 can now > handle Polish, Cyrillic, Kanji, and most any other language you can throw at > it. > > Impressive New Features > > "RootsMagic 4 is the biggest release in our 20-year history of making > genealogy software," said Bruce Buzbee, president.  "We've updated > RootsMagic to work with the latest genealogical technologies available > today, while staying true to our mission to make family history easy, > accessible, and fun." > > RootsMagic 4 boasts an impressive list of new features including integrated > web search, improved SourceWizard for citing sources, sharing events among > multiple persons, creating pre-defined groups of persons, person and place > mapping, recording DNA tests, and improved navigation and data entry. > RootsMagic 4 is also one of the only desktop genealogy programs certified to > work with "New FamilySearch". > > > I am more than happy with RM4 and also was with RM3. > > Nancy Scott > Cincinnati, Ohio > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: lds-ward-consultant-bounces@rootsweb.com > [mailto:lds-ward-consultant-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Peter F. > Thorne > Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 12:06 PM > To: LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT@rootsweb.com > Subject: [LDS-WC] What genealogy program do I select? > > Hi! > > > > I have been using Personal Ancestry File published by the Church. With the > announcement that this program will no longer be supported, I have been > considering selecting a commercial program. While NFS is great for recording > information, I felt that research for new information might be enhanced by > subscribing to Ancestry, RootsMagic or similar program. > > > > I realize that I have no knowledge about commercial programs and what they > offer. Consequently, I felt some of you might share some of your insights > and experiences that would help me in this decision. I am also looking for > other programs for personal history, family atlas or any other programs you > might recommend. > > > > Peter F. Thorne > > Toms River, NJ > > > Please send the one word message SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE to > LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-L-REQUEST@ROOTSWEB.COM > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without > the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > > > Please send the one word message SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE to LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-L-REQUEST@ROOTSWEB.COM > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

Family Insight doesn't save the oops on your PAF file, until you save it explicitly. And if you save an oops, thats ok, because we archive the original before you save so you can go back. David Beadle Ohana Software, LLC ----- Original Message ----- From: "Brother Bowen" <brotherbowen@gmail.com> To: <lds-ward-consultant@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 8:24 AM Subject: Re: [LDS-WC] What genealogy program do I select? Do any of these programs have a "oops" command to go back if one makes a mistake? I know PAF does not. On Tue, May 5, 2009 at 10:58 AM, Nancy Scott <nascott@cinci.rr.com> wrote: > While it is true that PAF will be supported but not upgraded, I believe > finding the most reasonable priced program and one with the most effective > syncing and upgrades is important. I changed to RootsMagic about a year > ago > at a suggestion from someone in the Group and was delighted with it. It > recently came out with RM4 and I am thrilled with the syncing capabilities > and the many features that you will not find in PAF or other software. > > If you purchase Family Insight you will be paying a yearly subscription > that > is more than the total cost of RM4 right now if you are a PAF user and > want > to switch. RM4 already has the syncing tool in the program for that price. > Right now you can purchase RM4 for $19.95 through the end of May. RM4 is a > very powerful tool and there are RM4 groups through out the country that > you > can join to help you use the tool. I have joined one here about a year ago > and am the only church member. Genealogists who are serious about > researching love RM4. One of the Consultants in my Ward who serves at the > Freedom Center here in Cincinnati and has done tons of FH recently > switched > at my suggestion and is very happy with it. She is also switching over her > sister who has a handicap from a stroke because of the features that allow > you to click on changes you want to make rather than rekeying. > > > > Here is a link if you want to try out either program in a demo form free > also: http://www.rootsmagic.com/demo.htm > > > Pricing > RootsMagic 4 is available for only $29.95. Existing RootsMagic and Family > Origins users may upgrade for only $19.95. > Discount Offer > For the first time in company history, users of other genealogy software > programs can receive a competitive upgrade discount. Through May 31, 2009, > users of Personal Ancestral File (PAF), Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family > Tree, or The Master Genealogist may purchase RootsMagic 4 for only $19.95, > saving $10 off of the regular price. > > > > The Genealogy Insider posted this about FS awards given recently with RM4 > receiving Best Dashboard and Easiest to Sync: > > The 2009 FamilySearch Software Award winners, which include desktop > programs, online tools and developers' tools, were named last night at the > FamilySearch Developers Conference in Provo, Utah. > > Here's the list (click a program's name to visit its Web site): > > Desktop Productivity > Ancestral Quest (Incline Software): Best Listing Tool > FamilyInsight (Ohana Software): Best Standardizer > RootsMagic 4 (RootsMagic): Best Dashboard > > Desktop Syncing or Tree-Cleaning > Ancestral Quest (Incline Software): Most Comprehensive Syncing > FamilyInsight (Ohana Software): Best Person Separator > RootsMagic 4 (RootsMagic): Easiest to Sync > > Desktop Use of Media > Charting Companion (Progeny Software): Best for Desktop Printing > > Web Productivity > Grow Branch (US Family Tree): Best Web Site Feature for Publishing > (LDS Church members can use this service to submit ancestors for temple > work.) > > Web Use of Media > Generation Maps: Best Web Site Feature for Printing > TreeSeek: Best Web Site Feature for Mapping (requires users to have a "New > Family Search" account) > > Developers Choice Awards > David Pugmire's fsapi.net: Best API Library > Ben Godard's fs-ubiquity: Potential Future Impact on the Genealogy > Industry > > See FamilyTreeMagazine.com's genealogy software guide for information > desktop programs for Mac and Windows. > > > > > Below is a clip about the features that are new. One I don't see listed is > that it is written in Unicode which impressed my System's Manager husband. > > Unicode Support > So what is Unicode? Basically Unicode support means that RootsMagic isn't > limited to just "western European" languages anymore. RootsMagic 4 can now > handle Polish, Cyrillic, Kanji, and most any other language you can throw > at > it. > > Impressive New Features > > "RootsMagic 4 is the biggest release in our 20-year history of making > genealogy software," said Bruce Buzbee, president. "We've updated > RootsMagic to work with the latest genealogical technologies available > today, while staying true to our mission to make family history easy, > accessible, and fun." > > RootsMagic 4 boasts an impressive list of new features including > integrated > web search, improved SourceWizard for citing sources, sharing events among > multiple persons, creating pre-defined groups of persons, person and place > mapping, recording DNA tests, and improved navigation and data entry. > RootsMagic 4 is also one of the only desktop genealogy programs certified > to > work with "New FamilySearch". > > > I am more than happy with RM4 and also was with RM3. > > Nancy Scott > Cincinnati, Ohio > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: lds-ward-consultant-bounces@rootsweb.com > [mailto:lds-ward-consultant-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Peter F. > Thorne > Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 12:06 PM > To: LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT@rootsweb.com > Subject: [LDS-WC] What genealogy program do I select? > > Hi! > > > > I have been using Personal Ancestry File published by the Church. With the > announcement that this program will no longer be supported, I have been > considering selecting a commercial program. While NFS is great for > recording > information, I felt that research for new information might be enhanced by > subscribing to Ancestry, RootsMagic or similar program. > > > > I realize that I have no knowledge about commercial programs and what they > offer. Consequently, I felt some of you might share some of your insights > and experiences that would help me in this decision. I am also looking for > other programs for personal history, family atlas or any other programs > you > might recommend. > > > > Peter F. Thorne > > Toms River, NJ > > > Please send the one word message SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE to > LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-L-REQUEST@ROOTSWEB.COM > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' > without > the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > > > Please send the one word message SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE to > LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-L-REQUEST@ROOTSWEB.COM > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' > without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > Please send the one word message SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE to LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-L-REQUEST@ROOTSWEB.COM ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

PAF allows users to back up and then restore, and prompts them to do so before a merge operation, for instance (because that is one that is pretty tough to undo). PAF will also prompt for regular back-ups in case there is a major "oops" -- of course, data entered or changed after the back-up has to be entered and/or changed again. -------------------------------------------------- From: "Brother Bowen" <brotherbowen@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 3:24 PM To: <lds-ward-consultant@rootsweb.com> Subject: Re: [LDS-WC] What genealogy program do I select? > Do any of these programs have a "oops" command to go back if one makes > a mistake? I know PAF does not. > > On Tue, May 5, 2009 at 10:58 AM, Nancy Scott <nascott@cinci.rr.com> wrote: >> While it is true that PAF will be supported but not upgraded, I believe >> finding the most reasonable priced program and one with the most >> effective >> syncing and upgrades is important. I changed to RootsMagic about a year >> ago >> at a suggestion from someone in the Group and was delighted with it. It >> recently came out with RM4 and I am thrilled with the syncing >> capabilities >> and the many features that you will not find in PAF or other software. >> >> If you purchase Family Insight you will be paying a yearly subscription >> that >> is more than the total cost of RM4 right now if you are a PAF user and >> want >> to switch. RM4 already has the syncing tool in the program for that >> price. >> Right now you can purchase RM4 for $19.95 through the end of May. RM4 is >> a >> very powerful tool and there are RM4 groups through out the country that >> you >> can join to help you use the tool. I have joined one here about a year >> ago >> and am the only church member. Genealogists who are serious about >> researching love RM4. One of the Consultants in my Ward who serves at >> the >> Freedom Center here in Cincinnati and has done tons of FH recently >> switched >> at my suggestion and is very happy with it. She is also switching over >> her >> sister who has a handicap from a stroke because of the features that >> allow >> you to click on changes you want to make rather than rekeying. >> >> >> >> Here is a link if you want to try out either program in a demo form free >> also: http://www.rootsmagic.com/demo.htm >> >> >> Pricing >> RootsMagic 4 is available for only $29.95. Existing RootsMagic and >> Family >> Origins users may upgrade for only $19.95. >> Discount Offer >> For the first time in company history, users of other genealogy software >> programs can receive a competitive upgrade discount. Through May 31, >> 2009, >> users of Personal Ancestral File (PAF), Family Tree Maker, Legacy Family >> Tree, or The Master Genealogist may purchase RootsMagic 4 for only >> $19.95, >> saving $10 off of the regular price. >> >> >> >> The Genealogy Insider posted this about FS awards given recently with RM4 >> receiving Best Dashboard and Easiest to Sync: >> >> The 2009 FamilySearch Software Award winners, which include desktop >> programs, online tools and developers' tools, were named last night at >> the >> FamilySearch Developers Conference in Provo, Utah. >> >> Here's the list (click a program's name to visit its Web site): >> >> Desktop Productivity >> Ancestral Quest (Incline Software): Best Listing Tool >> FamilyInsight (Ohana Software): Best Standardizer >> RootsMagic 4 (RootsMagic): Best Dashboard >> >> Desktop Syncing or Tree-Cleaning >> Ancestral Quest (Incline Software): Most Comprehensive Syncing >> FamilyInsight (Ohana Software): Best Person Separator >> RootsMagic 4 (RootsMagic): Easiest to Sync >> >> Desktop Use of Media >> Charting Companion (Progeny Software): Best for Desktop Printing >> >> Web Productivity >> Grow Branch (US Family Tree): Best Web Site Feature for Publishing >> (LDS Church members can use this service to submit ancestors for temple >> work.) >> >> Web Use of Media >> Generation Maps: Best Web Site Feature for Printing >> TreeSeek: Best Web Site Feature for Mapping (requires users to have a >> "New >> Family Search" account) >> >> Developers Choice Awards >> David Pugmire's fsapi.net: Best API Library >> Ben Godard's fs-ubiquity: Potential Future Impact on the Genealogy >> Industry >> >> See FamilyTreeMagazine.com's genealogy software guide for information >> desktop programs for Mac and Windows. >> >> >> >> >> Below is a clip about the features that are new. One I don't see listed >> is >> that it is written in Unicode which impressed my System's Manager >> husband. >> >> Unicode Support >> So what is Unicode? Basically Unicode support means that RootsMagic >> isn't >> limited to just "western European" languages anymore. RootsMagic 4 can >> now >> handle Polish, Cyrillic, Kanji, and most any other language you can throw >> at >> it. >> >> Impressive New Features >> >> "RootsMagic 4 is the biggest release in our 20-year history of making >> genealogy software," said Bruce Buzbee, president. "We've updated >> RootsMagic to work with the latest genealogical technologies available >> today, while staying true to our mission to make family history easy, >> accessible, and fun." >> >> RootsMagic 4 boasts an impressive list of new features including >> integrated >> web search, improved SourceWizard for citing sources, sharing events >> among >> multiple persons, creating pre-defined groups of persons, person and >> place >> mapping, recording DNA tests, and improved navigation and data entry. >> RootsMagic 4 is also one of the only desktop genealogy programs certified >> to >> work with "New FamilySearch". >> >> >> I am more than happy with RM4 and also was with RM3. >> >> Nancy Scott >> Cincinnati, Ohio >> >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: lds-ward-consultant-bounces@rootsweb.com >> [mailto:lds-ward-consultant-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Peter F. >> Thorne >> Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 12:06 PM >> To: LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT@rootsweb.com >> Subject: [LDS-WC] What genealogy program do I select? >> >> Hi! >> >> >> >> I have been using Personal Ancestry File published by the Church. With >> the >> announcement that this program will no longer be supported, I have been >> considering selecting a commercial program. While NFS is great for >> recording >> information, I felt that research for new information might be enhanced >> by >> subscribing to Ancestry, RootsMagic or similar program. >> >> >> >> I realize that I have no knowledge about commercial programs and what >> they >> offer. Consequently, I felt some of you might share some of your insights >> and experiences that would help me in this decision. I am also looking >> for >> other programs for personal history, family atlas or any other programs >> you >> might recommend. >> >> >> >> Peter F. Thorne >> >> Toms River, NJ >> >> >> Please send the one word message SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE to >> LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-L-REQUEST@ROOTSWEB.COM >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >> LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' >> without >> the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >> >> >> >> Please send the one word message SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE to >> LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-L-REQUEST@ROOTSWEB.COM >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to >> LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' >> without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >> > > > Please send the one word message SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE to > LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-L-REQUEST@ROOTSWEB.COM > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' > without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >

Please can I add something to Peter's comment and hopefully help him come to the realisation I have come to. I was very concerned when my Director returned from the Temple last year and told us she had been told that we did not need PAF anymore. She herself had not been using PAF anyway and in fact is not comfortable with the computer; I on the other hand had spent the last eight years assisting people with their record keeping on PAF! I felt a degree of bewilderment and it was only after my own investigation I realised that the Temple worker was only really saying that for preparing Temple ordinance work we did not need PAF.i.e. gedcom file from PAF to Temple Ready at the FH Centre. This then became clear to me and what you say Peter is true. Research work which goes on before one enters names into nFS needs a place to be put. We must not tell members who have been diligently filling their PAF with their data that it is no longer needed...... it is the greatest offputter that can be said to anyone who has, perhaps, 1000+ names stored in their file! I continue to use PAF all the time. Family Insight the Ohana program supports it and I have PAF open when I transfer names into nFS one at a time and of course use it for gedcomming family groups. I have come to see for teaching purposes at least we have three processes which goes on in this work, 1.Research 2. Entering into nFS to prepare for. 3. Temple work. We so often hear of Temple work being promoted, but now without the other two, Temple work could not be achieved. Cheers Kathy ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter F. Thorne" <thornept@comcast.net> To: <LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 5:06 PM Subject: [LDS-WC] What genealogy program do I select? > Hi! > > > > I have been using Personal Ancestry File published by the Church. With the > announcement that this program will no longer be supported, I have been > considering selecting a commercial program. While NFS is great for > recording > information, I felt that research for new information might be enhanced by > subscribing to Ancestry, RootsMagic or similar program. > > > > I realize that I have no knowledge about commercial programs and what they > offer. Consequently, I felt some of you might share some of your insights > and experiences that would help me in this decision. I am also looking for > other programs for personal history, family atlas or any other programs > you > might recommend. > > > > Peter F. Thorne > > Toms River, NJ > > > Please send the one word message SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE to > LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-L-REQUEST@ROOTSWEB.COM > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' > without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

I came in a bit late on this subject; I guess the summary of the many messages on this subject is that people are happy with Family Insight, Ancestral quest, and Roots Magic. I think the one you like best may be more of a function of what is easier for your to learn based on how you learn and your previous software experiences than on the program itself. I would just like to point out two things: One, as mentioned is that all three of these programs have free trial periods, and the other is that they all have good tutorials on their websites that you can view to see some of their features. I have been a great fan of PAF Insight since its earliest days, and beta tested Ancestral Quest, but have chosen to work with Roots Magic as it has some features I really, really like, and have found it very easy to use. I have been doing a methodical clean up and combining of NFS, family by family, and in 5 hours Monday I did 191 people on Roots Magic using it on my laptop next to my desktop with NFS on it, which is much faster than I can go doing NFS alone. I checked for a while to make sure that every change I made in Roots magic "took" in NFS, and it did a very good job, but I have just a few questions about Roots Magic I wonder if someone can answer. For me, I can tell what changes I am making to both NFS and to my database when I sync a lot more precisely than I can with the other programs. 1. Can you currently change the NFS summary screen using RM? 2. Is there a way to keep the changes you have just made from showing up one the "what's new" list? I also feel it has some very powerful features I have not explored in refining my sources, fixing place names, geocoding. Are there any lessons anywhere in using these features? Doris ----- Original Message ----- From: Peter F. Thorne<mailto:thornept@comcast.net> To: LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT@rootsweb.com<mailto:LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2009 10:06 AM Subject: [LDS-WC] What genealogy program do I select? Hi! I have been using Personal Ancestry File published by the Church. With the announcement that this program will no longer be supported, I have been considering selecting a commercial program. While NFS is great for recording information, I felt that research for new information might be enhanced by subscribing to Ancestry, RootsMagic or similar program. I realize that I have no knowledge about commercial programs and what they offer. Consequently, I felt some of you might share some of your insights and experiences that would help me in this decision. I am also looking for other programs for personal history, family atlas or any other programs you might recommend. Peter F. Thorne Toms River, NJ Please send the one word message SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE to LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-L-REQUEST@ROOTSWEB.COM<mailto:LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-L-REQUEST@ROOTSWEB.COM> ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-request@rootsweb.com<mailto:LDS-WARD-CONSULTANT-request@rootsweb.com> with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Peter Says: I have been using Personal Ancestry File published by the Church. With the announcement that this program will no longer be supported.... Peter F. Thorne Toms River, NJ Donna in Canada Says: I have not heard any announcement about PAF (Personal Ancestral File) not being supported by the church. Have heard the church is not updating or making any changes to PAF. The church still supports PAF just not updating. Check KD 102204 in the Help Center in new FamilySearch. from that document: PAF Is Still Needed PAF is one of the genealogy database programs that can produce GEDCOM files, which can be uploaded to the new FamilySearch. While there are no plans to further develop PAF, it remains a dependable and easy-to-use program

Doris, the LDS tutorials are here http://www.rootsmagic.com/fs/ There is a tutorial on the CD, but I don't believe it covers the things you are talking about. I believe you are in Ogden, but, I am teaching Bruce's RM class at the UVPAFUG on Saturday if you want to drive down. http://www.uvpafug.org/meeting.htm And I'd suggest Randy Seaver's Genea-Musings blog as he has been learning RM and posting his experiences with it at: http://www.geneamusings.com/2009/04/working-in-rootsmagic-4-post-15.html Also, I have been syncing my database to nfs for about a month and I have about 2700 of my people linked --- got a long way to go. As fanatic as I am about my database, I'm amazed how many problems I am uncovering --- and of course shocked at how many more duplicate ordinances I have found that I thought had not been done. I had manually checked and rechecked, used other add-on programs etc and still RM found more. But I'm cleaning up nfs :-) SueM DORIS BATEMAN wrote: > I came in a bit late on this subject; I guess the summary of the many messages on this subject is that people are happy with Family Insight, Ancestral quest, and Roots Magic. I think the one you like best may be more of a function of what is easier for your to learn based on how you learn and your previous software experiences than on the program itself. I would just like to point out two things: One, as mentioned is that all three of these programs have free trial periods, and the other is that they all have good tutorials on their websites that you can view to see some of their features. I have been a great fan of PAF Insight since its earliest days, and beta tested Ancestral Quest, but have chosen to work with Roots Magic as it has some features I really, really like, and have found it very easy to use. I have been doing a methodical clean up and combining of NFS, family by family, and in 5 hours Monday I did 191 people on Roots Magic using it on my laptop next to my! > desktop with NFS on it, which is much faster than I can go doing NFS alone. I checked for a while to make sure that every change I made in Roots magic "took" in NFS, and it did a very good job, but I have just a few questions about Roots Magic I wonder if someone can answer. For me, I can tell what changes I am making to both NFS and to my database when I sync a lot more precisely than I can with the other programs. > 1. Can you currently change the NFS summary screen using RM? > 2. Is there a way to keep the changes you have just made from showing up one the "what's new" list? > > I also feel it has some very powerful features I have not explored in refining my sources, fixing place names, geocoding. Are there any lessons anywhere in using these features? > > Doris > >