In a message dated 3/30/2005 11:01:26 PM Eastern Standard Time, OHGALLIA-D-request@rootsweb.com writes: > Then there is the format of the data itself. It's great you've got a > backup copy of a genealogy database done in FTM Version 8 or whatever. > But I use Legacy Version 5, and the next researcher might use Reunion > Version 3 or whatever. So we can't use that data. And in one hundred > years FTM Version 113.5 might not be able to read that data either. > --------------------------------------------------------- Hi Marty, That's great advice you gave as I read that already FTM is saying that the new software will only read older FTM back for a couple of versions. So, FTM version 113.5 might very well not go back only to version 113.4. Isn't it ironic that after all our technology we are back to paper? When we did away with rag paper and started using wood pulp instead it was a huge mistake for the keeping of records as the paper made out of wood pulp would start deteriorating almost as soon as it is printed. The rag paper would last for generations but not the wood pulp paper. I was allowed into the stacks at the Library of Congress one time and as I walked down the aisle I noticed all these small bits of paper on the floor. Then I realized they were coming from the books stored on the shelves. Those books were gradually disintegrating and the pieces were falling out every time those books were moved. The Library has started copying all the books they can as fast as they can but it will be a huge job. I ought to know about printing as I worked in the Government Printing Office for 40 years. Most of what we printed will be gone before long. Whenever we printed for the Library we used rag bond paper instead of the usual paper. Now the same problem is popping up with CDs & DVDs. They won't last very long as they are made now. ------------------------------------------------------------ DVD now is now pretty much the standard, and there is a new format coming out Real Soon Now. If history talks, the new formats will replace the old and we won't be able to read the old. Does eight-track tape bring back any memories? How about wire recorders? Edison cylinders? Piano rolls? Each of those technologies was invented and died completely within about 2 generations or so. ----------------------------------------------------------- Hi Marty again, Yep, I have been through all that having made 8 track tapes, reel to reel tapes and have had to rerecord all that I want to keep onto the latest technology. I have some great 10" reels of tape with no tape player to play them on. I have been busy moving all my 8mm movies and VHS tapes onto DVDs. But how long will it be before I have to move them to something else? I'm 88 now so it may not matter. Tom Powell