> >My apologies for not being more clear. I was referring specifically to the >downloadable file, not the CD. > > My experience (I've done all this numerous times) with the *downloadable gedcom* is that it can be imported into practically *any* major Windows genealogy program (except that it can *only* be imported into FTM by using WinNT or Win2000), requiring from about an hour for Brothers Keeper to about 10 hours for Legacy, with typical import times of 2 to 3 hours. It is quicker by half to get it into Legacy by first importing it into PAF 4.0, then loading the PAF database into Legacy. This is exactly the process followed in making the cd. The gedcom is downloaded exactly as any of you would do it (maybe a bit faster!). Then, one at a time, this downloaded gedcom is imported into all the various programs. For many, using the cd is like hiring a neighbor boy to mow your lawn: you could do it yourself but prefer paying someone to do the time-consuming work for you (but likely at a lower rate/hour than for lawn-mowing!). For others, the cd is the only way they can succeed in accessing the data (e.g., FTM users not caring to bite the bullet and buy pricey Win2000 when they have no other need for it, or others simply overwhelmed by the process.). Currently, it seems that at least 75% of those interested in the OPD d/b, use FTM and are faced with the choice of (1) getting the cd, OR (2) switching to another program such as free PAF 4.0 (for this purpose, if no other). It is quite possible in PAF to split off a database containing those of interest to you, and exporting a gedcom of a size (less than 200,000 or so persons) which *could* be imported into FTM in Win95/98. But some would still prefer getting an occasional cd to the commotion of doing all this. So, at least for now, both methods are still available. Mac users aren't so fortunate. The only way they can currently get their hands on the gedcom is the re-assembled unzipped version of it included on the cd. And then, for some inexplicable reason, the import seems to be about 10 times slower. I hope this makes all this clear to everyone. John Robertson