Issue 2.11
If you decide to use a family history computer program, choose one that allows you to transfer family history information between your personal database and the new FamilySearch website. If possible, use a program that can transfer information without the use of GEDCOM files. If you cannot use one of these programs or prefer not to, select one that creates GEDCOM files.
If you decide to use one of these programs, choose a program that has the following certifications: Access. Programs that are certified for access can download information from the new FamilySearch website and add it to your database. Update. Programs that are certified for update can send information from your database to the new FamilySearch website without using GEDCOM. Sync. Sync is short for “synchronization.” Programs that are certified for “sync” maintain a two-way communication between your database and the new FamilySearch website. You can do the following:
Combine duplicate records that you obtained from the new FamilySearch website and send the combined record back to the website. Send new information and corrections from your personal database to the website. Download to your database the changes and new information that others add to the website. You choose the individuals that should be synchronized and whether the information exchange occurs.
Many popular family history computer programs have these certifications. For a list of programs, see http://www.familysearch.org/eng/affiliates/index.html.
If you use Personal Ancestral File, you might be able to use a program that is certified to work with the new FamilySearch website without the use of GEDCOM. For a list of add-ins, see http://www.familysearch.org/eng/affiliates/index.html.
As a minimum, select a computer program that creates and imports GEDCOM files. Personal Ancestral File and many other family history computer programs do. GEDCOM files allow you to exchange family history information with others who use computer programs that accept GEDCOM files. After you create a GEDCOM file, you can contribute it to the new FamilySearch website. The website does not allow you to export GEDCOM files that you can put into your personal database. Instead, you have to retype the information into your personal database.
The following features are particularly helpful if you plan to use GEDCOM to exchange information with the new FamilySearch website:
Unique Record Serial Numbers. A unique record serial number is a unique identification number that is assigned to each record in a .paf file. Unlike other identification numbers, which are unique only within the same database, unique record serial numbers are unique worldwide. (You may also hear these numbers called “GUIDs,” “Global Unique Identifiers,” or “Globally Unique Identifiers.”) These numbers allow the program to minimize duplication when contributing GEDCOM files to the new FamilySearch website.
The following computer programs support unique record serial numbers:
Personal Ancestral File 5.0 and higher
Legacy Family Tree
Roots Magic
Ancestral Quest
Reunion 9
Shanna Sullivan Jones is a professional genealogist. For additional information, Shanna can be reached at (435) 628-4900 or shannasjones@msn.com