- #FAMILY HISTORY DATABASE FOR MAC HOW TO#
- #FAMILY HISTORY DATABASE FOR MAC INSTALL#
- #FAMILY HISTORY DATABASE FOR MAC SOFTWARE#
- #FAMILY HISTORY DATABASE FOR MAC TRIAL#
- #FAMILY HISTORY DATABASE FOR MAC PC#
I realize that many genealogists work around this problem by keeping a separate source log using their own individual (EE or other) templates.
#FAMILY HISTORY DATABASE FOR MAC HOW TO#
Either way, I don’t want to have to look up every source in EE just to figure out how to enter the information in the source template.
#FAMILY HISTORY DATABASE FOR MAC SOFTWARE#
What I Want in a Genealogy Database ProgramĦ. Ease of Use – Ok, now I have viewed a few tutorials and understand how to enter data, enter an event and source but how easy is it to accomplish this task? How many clicks does it take? How long in seconds, minutes? Are keyboard shortcuts straightforward?ħ. Ahhh, Sources – At the least, the software should turn out Chicago-style source citations at the best, Evidence Explained-style. If I get this far with a program I’m ready to take it for a test drive and take in that new car smell. Notes – Is there an easy-to access Notes Field? (see more on this below) Then, I look my next requirements:Ĥ. GEDCOM – Will the program export and import basic names, birth, death, marriage, and notes?ĥ.
#FAMILY HISTORY DATABASE FOR MAC TRIAL#
Fortunately, a bit of web research and playtime with a trial version will usually illuminate how a program addresses 1-2-3. I figure that if the program is counter-intuitive, lacks instruction, or produced by a company that doesn’t communicate with its users, I may not want to go there at all. You might notice that I haven’t even gotten to the genealogy part yet. When a product developer relies too much on users for training and help for newbies and provides little in the way of updates and company/customer interaction, I can’t help but think that the company doesn’t care much about keeping me as happy user. I look for an active user base AND a responsive development team. To my mind, many happy users is a reflection of a responsive product team working to keep people on board with their software. They need users who will bring in more users. Software developers are not making their product without the hope of a profit. I don’t care if the training is online as a webinar or a YouTube video, or driven by screen-shots in an e-book. I don’t want a Help-driven user guide that begins with an overview of the main screen and ends with a chapter on Troubleshooting, with a note to “visit our helpful forum if you have any questions.” I want Step-by-Step tutorials on how to enter an person how to add a marriage how to add/edit a source. Intuitive Interface – a Windows program should use Windows-like commands a Mac program should use Mac-like commands.Ģ. What I Need in a Genealogy Database Programġ. I’m fine with using GEDCOM exports to move my data to another program to take advantage of a special report or chart, but overall I think that using my MAIN database should be a relatively painless experience. It’s helpful when bloggers share their software experiences, workflows, and workarounds like Randy Seaver’s multiple series on genealogy software, or Amy Coffin’s fresh start, or Marian Pierre-Louis’ Genealogy Software Upheaval.īefore installing Family Tree Maker Mac 2, I had a good idea of what features were most important to me. Usually, there’s a flurry of set-up and training, and sometimes an informative follow-up post or two. Whenever a genealogy blogger mentions trying out a new database I’m keenly interested to see how it works out. Each program has features I like and some I don’t like. On the Mac, I’ve run Legacy and RootsMagic via CrossOver and the native Mac version of Reunion 7.
#FAMILY HISTORY DATABASE FOR MAC PC#
On my PC systems I’ve used Legacy Family Tree (Versthrough Version 7), Personal Ancestral File, and Roots Magic 4.
#FAMILY HISTORY DATABASE FOR MAC INSTALL#
I know I could run some of my old Windows favorites but then I’d have to buy and install Windows which I’d like to avoid. I don’t like the limited software selection. I like the seamless integration with my iPad and the zippy start-up. I’m ambidextrous when it comes to computer platforms, but switched my main home system from PC to Mac just over a year ago. The itch usually starts because I’m frustrated by my computer equipment or software features (or lack therof), but sometimes I’m just curious to see what’s new. At RootsTech I heard considerable buzz about the new Family Tree Maker Mac 2 withTreeSync, and I’ve been trying out the latest version for the past six weeks or so. The alternative in my world is utter chaos.Įvery once in a while I get a bug to try something new in world of genealogy database software. Why use genealogy software? Mostly, to collect and organize my research in one place. The current discussion - Nolichucky Roots, Genea-Musings, Marian’s Roots and Rambles - of database programs and research workflows prompted me to chime in with my two cents.