1 Spokane 22 nd Ward Lesson 4 “Getting Your Computer’s Help”

2 Lesson Objectives Learn about the advantages of family history computer software Learn things your computer can do for you Learn what a GEDCOM file is

3 Your Computer Loaded with a family history software program has the power to do many tasks quickly and easily that would otherwise be difficult and time-consuming for you.

4 Things Your Computer Can Do For You  Store all of your information in an organized manner and out of sight  While you will still have a lot of paper, the bulk of your family history will be stored electronically in a very small space.  Computers can sort information and print it out in many different formats including:  Pedigree Charts  Family Group Records  Descendancy Charts  Kinship Lists

5 Things Your Computer Can Do For You  Depending on your software, you can create any or all of the following lists:  Possible Problems  Duplicate Names  To Do Lists  Sources Lists  Facts Without Sources  Individuals without parents  Individuals without LDS ordinances  Address Lists  Birthday and Anniversary Lists

6 Things Your Computer Can Do For You  You can print out blank forms (such as, pedigree charts, research logs, etc.)  Documentation of facts can be more complete with the aid of software.  Once you enter in data, you never have to retype it again  Some family history software provides plenty of space to add notes or stories.

7 Things Your Computer Can Do For You  Most family history programs have a date calculator, a relationship calculator, and a Soundex calculator.  Most family history programs have the ability to merge duplicate records of the same person into one record.  You can transfer information electronically.

8 Things Your Computer Can Do For You  You can create a GEDCOM file for TempleReady.  You can also create a GEDCOM file to add your family history to Ancestral File or to preserve your genealogy through the site on the internet.  Your computer connects you with the world of family history in cyberspace.

9 Things Your Computer Can Do For You  You can compile and print your family history.  You can add photographs to your text.  You can print a descendancy family history using the Ahnentafel or Modified Register.

10 What is a GEDCOM File? GEDCOM is an acronym that stands for: GEnealogical Data COMmunication Developed in 1987 by the Church, makes it possible to transfer family history data between different family history software programs. It has now become the standard GEDCOM files can be attached to s GEDCOM files can be converted to HTML so that can be placed directly onto the World Wide Web.

11 Which Family History Software? There are nearly 40 different programs on the market Ask family and friends which programs they are using and why. There is an advantage to using the same program as those with whom you are likely to exchange information.

12 Personal Ancestral File (PAF) Developed by the Church Has become one of the most widely used programs Can be purchased from the Church for $5.00 (version 5.2) Is free by downloading from

13 Websites For Other Software Ancestral Quest Cumberland Family Tree software.comwww.cf- software.com Family Origins Family Treasures Family Tree Maker

14 Organizing Computer Files Your computer can help you reduce stacks of paper by organizing your information. Remember that the goal of a good filing system is to have quick access to each piece of information through the use of logical divisions and clear file names.

15 Create a Correspondence File Consider creating a separate correspondence file on the computer. You can then search quickly for a specific name. Summarize each piece of correspondence. Include all essential data, such as: Name, address, phone number, address, etc. Also include a summary of your response to each letter.

16 Getting More Information Matthew and April Leigh Helm, Genealogy Online for Dummies, Foster City, CA: IDG Books Worldwide, Inc., Visit with sales people in a variety of computer stores before buying a computer. Compare. Check computer periodicals at your local library.

17 Assignments Practice exporting a GEDCOM file to a disk using Ancestral File (or PAF) and TempleReady Take time to learn one new facet of your computer hardware or family history software Learn the difference between notes and sources. Practice adding notes and sources Learn to document your family history information. Learn to attach a GEDCOM file to an