What software do I need?

The software you require will depend on your needs, but it would be highly recommended that you make sure you can export your data at any-time, to a format called GEDCOM.

GEDCOM (an acronym standing for Genealogical Data Communication) is a proprietary and open de facto specification for exchanging genealogical data between different genealogy software. GEDCOM was developed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) as an aid to genealogical research.

Do I need Desktop Software?

This is personal preference, desktop software is ideal for those that don't have a constant internet connection. These software packages are installed on your computer and can only be used on the computer the software is installed on. The data is stored local, so ideally needs backing up from time-to-time. Many membership sites offer free software packages you can download, to try and entice you into using their services. An alternative to desktop software, is web based applications that allow you to do the same functionality as a desktop software package, but we will look at these next. If you are sure you need software for your PC, then please consider one of the below packages or similar. These packages are recommended as they give you the best of both worlds, it is a desktop application that can be used off-line on your PC. Also it can be linked to an Ancestry account, this then allows you to also use your data on-line through the website application and through a mobile device also (covered later).

Recording your Family History on-line

Recording and storing your family history on-line (on the cloud), can feel uncomfortable to some people, but once you understand the benefits it does make sense.

Using an on-line account does mean that as long as you have an internet connection you can record and update your family tree anywhere and at any-time. Also some membership accounts allow you to have mobile applications. These are great and really make your data truly portable. Please click on the Google Play button below to take you to the Ancestry mobile application.

Although I have mentioned Ancestry in this article, it is just an example of how flexible and easy it is to have access to your information at any-time, securely stored safely on the web. Also to join Ancestry is completely FREE. So you can open an on-line account and link it to a mobile app and start recording your data. It is only when you want to start using the service to look at hints and searching the databases, that you then need to subscribe. The good thing is you can just subscribe for a month or 2 at a time when you need it, but your account remains active. You can save money by subscribing for a longer period, like a year.