Columnists

Genealogy Corner… Software For Your Own Autonomous Record – Part 1

Issue 48.15

Part One

I get this question a lot: Do I still need a genealogy program on my computer or is Family Tree enough?  My answer is “It depends!”  If you are just beginning and you don’t already have a genealogy program with any data in it, then you could use Family Tree at FamilySearch.org to keep your family information safe.  However, there are many reasons to have your own database on your own computer.

If we put all of our information in FamilyTree and someone changes it, we don’t have anything to go back to as a reference.  If we happen to have a paper copy that we started with, then yes you could just use the Family Tree exclusively.  Having a desktop program is not absolutely necessary for a once-in-a –while genealogist. Family Tree isn’t the best place for storing living information or any skeletons you aren’t ready to unveil.  You are allowed to add living and they will be private and viewable only to you.

The biggest reason to have your own genealogy software program is to keep your data pure.  You need a clean, trusted copy of your own research. You know where it came from and who is changing it and you can keep it as a reference as you add the information to the Family Tree.  Plus if someone makes a change to the family tree that you don’t agree with, you have something to fall back on.  I find it is best to compare my program with the Family Tree and correct the Family Tree information as I go.  I also add as many sources as I can find especially those freely available at FamilySearch.org, Ancestry.com, FindMyPast, My Heritage, and others. Check for sources and attach them to your ancestor, even if you know the data is true. Leave a trail of well researched information for others to see.

Family Tree is using the SCOE (Source Centric Open Edit) System. This means anyone can change anything. So you need your own copy to be able to fix other’s mistakes if they occur. Does this happen? Yes, but malicious attacks are very rare. That is why there is a report abuse feature. Most are innocent mistakes made by beginners. They may not realize that Thomas Calhoun who married Mary was one of three couples by the same name in the same area, and may merge them. They may not think 34 children is a lot for one family, but I do and if I spot the problem, I can go in and sort out the families again and make notes and add sources.  This stops incorrect changes.  I can also look for possible duplicates and mark those who are not a match so that they won’t come up again.

Printing fancier reports and customs charts and forms is one of the big reasons people buy genealogy software.  There are many programs with lots of bells and whistles, so you can choose which one you want to use.  There is a list of them at https://familysearch.org/apps/  with everything from Windows to Mac to Mobile devices. There are apps just added to the App Gallery, ways to find ancestors, family tree software, charts and tree viewing software and tree analyzing software. Part 2 continues next week.

For more information, contact Shanna Jones 435-628-4900 shannasjones@msn.com

Comments are closed.