"The Best," of course, will be different for different individuals. Each program has its strengths and its weaknesses; none is perfect. Being a Family Tree Maker bigot, I of course would agree that it is the best -- but I've never tried any of the others (been using FTM since Version 4, I think -- no need to change). Some people have had issues with FTM 2012, but most of those issues seem to deal with the interface to ancestry.com. I don't see a need for the interface, myself, so haven't upgraded from 2011. Having been in the computer field for 35 years or so (no longer), I'm impressed with the data base design in FTM. It has many, many capabilities that can take years to discover but is still useful right away to a new user. I'd recommend FTM 2012, since that's the version that's now available, but I'm also sure that others will chime in with their own favorites! Dave Liesse Skingco Services, LLC On 1/14/2013 16:11, Cynthia Swope wrote: > 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 >