In my opinion, there is no best. All have many positives and some negatives. The Master Genealogist 8 is probably the most customizable of all the programs but it has a very large learning curve. Roots Magic 6 and Legacy Family Tree 7.5 both have free versions They are both very good programs. Family Tree Maker does not offer a trial version. It is an excellent program if you wish to sync your family tree between your desktop and Ancestry.com. I suggest, she try the free versions to see which she likes, if any. If she likes one of them, she can later upgrade to a deluxe version for a nominal charge. Eileen _______________________________ Eileen A Souza, P.L.C.G.S. Eldersburg, MD Old Bones Genealogy LLC info@oldbonesgenealogy.com www.oldbonesgenealogy.com > -----Original Message----- > From: transitional-genealogists-forum-bounces@rootsweb.com > [mailto:transitional-genealogists-forum-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of > Cynthia Swope > Sent: Monday, January 14, 2013 7:11 PM > Cc: Transitional-Genealogists-Forum@rootsweb.com > Subject: [TGF] Advice on software for non mac > > A cousin has asked what she should buy. She's never used any software. > I've looked at reviews and seeking opinions on Family Tree Maker 2012, the > program I'd suggest to her from what I've read (it was editor's pick in PCMag). > > I use Reunion-would recommend it, but she doesn't have a Mac. I want to provide > her GEDCOM of our shared family, and want to be able to upload to her > separately all the images associated so that she has them as well. > I want her to buy 'the best' but recognize that some are easier than others. She'll > be adding her progeny and branches to a substantial study but I don't want to > limit her choice to her being a beginner to software because what she's receiving > is serious and complete study that will provide a sort of template for her. > > Am I right that Family Tree Maker 2012 is the best? > > Thanks for any input > Cynthia > The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive > environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to > professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to TRANSITIONAL- > GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' > without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message