A11: What software is there for genealogy on a DOS or WINDOWS computer?

There are several types of software available for DOS and Windows, probably the most popular are:

• Family Tree Maker -from Broderbund
• Family Origins -from Parsons
• Personal Ancestral File (PAF) -Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
• Brother's Keeper -a shareware product.

There are also several other programs available and all are good for different things. When choosing a software program to use it is important to really understand what is the most important thing to you. To some, source information is very important, to others the amount of space available for notes and to others the most important thing might be the report capabilities.

Before one selects a program always try and find a working demo by checking Internet Web Sites. Most manufacturers have demos or at least detailed explanations of their programs. Also, a good source for information, if you are on Compuserve, is the Genealogy Forum (go roots). There is a whole section devoted to DOS Software and one devoted to Windows Software. Compuserve also has a forum devoted to program support and answers are usually found there for most questions.