You’ll begin by completing your individual record-typing in your name, date and place of birth, parents’ names, spouse’s name, children’s names and other genealogically significant details. That’s exactly what you’ll do when you launch your genealogy software for the first time. Easy Data EntryĪ genealogist’s first rule of thumb is to start with yourself and work backward. For software-seeking genealogists, these six characteristics are must-haves. People have certain expectations for a potential mate-traits they can’t stand and qualities they can’t live without. So think of this beginner’s guide to genealogy software as a matchmaker of sorts: We’ll help you identify what you want from a long-term relationship and pick a program with which you share real chemistry. It might even take a few flings before you finally find true love. Trying to find the right program for you is a lot like dating: Your ideal match depends on what qualities are most important to you, and whose interface you find most attractive. In other words, your perfect genealogy software mate. You yearn for a partner to accompany you through genealogy’s twists and turns-a companion to support you in your research-tracking endeavors and make your pedigree pursuits more fulfilling. It happens to every family historian eventually, regardless of research experience or computer skill: You reach the point where you don’t want to go it alone. Family Tree Templates and Relationship Charts.

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