Genealogy Software 
by John Cardiff
This page last updated: 03 Sep 2008

If you think brand loyalty is strong among car buyers, just wait until you get into a genealogy software discussion. Genealogy program users tend to be irrationally committed to justifying their choice of program. To the point that at the drop of a hat they'll try to sell you on switching from the one you are using to the one they chose. You have been warned!

As different as they are, one from another, genealogy programs are remarkably similar. After all, the mission (good genealogy) doesn't change. Using any genealogy program is easier and better than using none.

All genealogy programs have strengths and weaknesses. There is no single best choice for everyone.

Some are great at doing things you may not care about. Others lack or are weak on feature(s) you can't live without. Remember only two things count: your data, and what you can do with it.

In theory, your choice of program doesn't matter because they all allow you to "export" your data to a common file format called GEDCOM, which other genealogy programs can import. To the extent that's true, you can always switch programs at any time. So rule one is sweat any program's GEDCOM compatibility.

Unfortunately, true GEDCOM file portability is still more of a theory than reality. (Like trying to move documents back and forth between Word and WordPerfect.) It works for some and not for others. Don't assume it will work for you.

Genealogy programs all have a common mission.

	enter and record data as you find it, storing it in such a way you can easily access it again;
	help you document your sources;
	accept pictures, maps and other illustrations that help you tell your story in the most compelling manner;
	allow you to enter free form text, your narrative, each individual's biography
	provide date and relationship calculators, making your tasks easier.
	Check your data for obvious errors, such as: "he was born 10 years after his mother died" or "she married before she was born."

	print various types of charts and summary reports,
	print your genealogy book (complete with automatically generated indexes, page numbers, chapter headings, and preface)
	automatically turn your genealogy into a web site, ready to post on the Internet.
	Make a GEDCOM file of your data

Get the program that meets your needs. Wall chart enthusiasts should look for variety and depth of choice, and the ability to customize -- there are dozens of wall chart types out there. Potential book publishers should ensure their choice will produce the book format they want -- there are many to choose from. Those wanting to distribute their handiwork as web pages will want to pay attention to each program's web site generation features.

Failure to document your sources is a big whoops, for reasons previously discussed. So make sure documenting your data is quick, easy and thorough, in which ever genealogy program you choose.