Over the past +20 years I've used several different database programs. Current long time favorite is Millennia"s Legacy Family Tree, aka "Legacy" at legacyfamilytree.com. You can download the basic program free from their website. It is intuitive enough for a beginner to start right off. I have stayed with their reasonably priced Deluxe version with updates for many years now. They have many free helps, plus tie-ins with all popular sites. I have no connection to the company except as a user. Have to agree with the frustration of endless notices of hits on Ancestry that often track back to my own postings. You can use all of Ancestry free at your local public library. Am using always free FamilySearch.org more often for their better original records. 'Worth the subscription cost' would include AmericanAncestors.org. It all beats the way we did it in the 1970's! M M Morrow