Software

You can organize your genealogy materials with pen and paper or on your computer with a word processor or database, but organization is easier when you use genealogy software -- computer programs created specifically for the hobby. Genealogy programs can print charts and forms, sort and search data, and do a variety of other tasks.

Which program is best for you? It depends on what features you want in a program and the type of computer that you own. Read reviews, check out demos, and talk with other genealogists about their software.

Some of the more popular programs include:

• Family TreeMaker <familytreemaker.genealogy.com/newftw.html?Welcome=1022003238>
• Legacy <www.legacyfamilytree.com/>
• Reunion <www.leisterpro.com/>
• RootsMagic <www.rootsmagic.com/>