Genealogy
with David W Weatherill

Computers and family history

As I visit the various society libraries, record offices and libraries I note more and more use of personal computers by family history researchers. Most of the family history and archives research facilities will now allow personal lap-top computers to be used in their premises, plus in many cases supply power outlets to allow you to use these lap-tap computers without worry about the batteries running down. Computers are making the organisation, storage and retrieval of information much easier.
Personal computers, along with the many software packages and printers/scanners, are becoming cheaper and more readily available. Many of the software programs are being continually updated to bring them in line with updates to computer operating systems. This can present an issue for the user in that do they need to continually purchase the updates. My personal belief is when you find a program that meets your needs, stick with it, and only upgrade if you see a need for it, for instance, if you would like to import photos or documents into the family groupings.
You will find quite a few family history software programs now available, ranging from those that are free to the more expensive ones. It is of value, before you make a decision on the program that you would like to use, to check with friends who are using a program and get their advice. Also most of the genealogical/family history magazines now have a computer section that provides information on the various programs and the various societies such as the GSV also provide assistance. One of group, VicGUM – Victorian Genealogists using Microcomputers, is also an excellent resource to consider. This organisation can be contacted through the GSV and provides a monthly newsletter, monthly meetings, provides support, sells software and has demonstrations at different times on the programs they have. Also in the GSV Bookshop is a folder of information including examples of printouts, available to look at. All programs in this folder can be obtained from the GSV.
Current software programs available include Family Tree Maker; Generations; Brothers Keeper; Legacy; Relatively Yours; and The Master Genealogist. This is not the complete list, just a few of the more commonly used programs. The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons) also produce a very good, inexpensive program called PAF: Personal Ancestral File. Most of the programs are for those using Windows software, but there are programs available for Macintosh computers.
In choosing a software program you need to consider your needs and choose a program that will meet these needs. Some programs will not allow you to import photos or copies of documents into them; most later versions though will provide this facility. Also, you need a program that will allow for the many hundreds (or thousands) of family members you find and want to add to the database as well as printing out charts and documents (family trees, family group sheets) including a preview option before you print them out. To assist new (and experienced) users there are a number of program groups that operate, running meetings, assisting members and providing a regular newsletter. Some genealogical/family history societies have these as support groups within their structure. Check with your local group or the GSV regarding these.
One important aspect of using computers for your research is remembering to continually back up your information either onto floppy disks, CD-Rom (if you have a CD reader/writer drive) or a portable hard-drive. Computers can develop the unfortunate habit of ‘crashing’ when you least expect and you can lose all your data, if it is not backed up.
Another important point is to make sure to note where you obtained the various pieces of information. Many programs have the facility to either footnote or source each piece of data so that in the future you will know where it came from, or if you provide your family history data to other family members they will know where you obtained the data. Finally it is important to check and double-check (validate) the accuracy of any information you might find or receive. Mistakes are very easily made if the data is not validated.
I hope the above will provide you with a brief overview of this area. Good luck with your research. If you do have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. The GSV can also be of great help with further information. You can contact me either by email at dww@tpg.com.au or phone or write to me care of The Genealogical Society of Victoria Inc, Level 6, 179 Queen Street, Melbourne 3000, phone 9670 7033.