Before buying genealogy software you should know that there’s currently over 40 different products on the market. Each of these programs are acceptable if you just want to see or organize family information in different ways, so really a lot of the determining factors come from your computer system’s logistics and your budget.

If you already use genealogy software and like the results you’re getting, then check online to see if that company offers upgrades. Traditionally, you can get an upgrade for far less than the cost of new software. And, if you’re happy with the software you’re using and comfortable with it, it makes sense to stay in that comfort zone. Now, if you’re looking for something new or different, you need to take a look at exactly how you plan to apply the software. Do you want a program that can, for example, take the data and create a color printout suitable for gift-giving?

Or, perhaps you just want an inexpensive program that manages databases effectively. In pondering this, try to think long term. If you’ve already found you’re really “getting bit” by the genealogy bug, you may grow out of very rudimentary software quickly. Additionally the lower end programs don’t’ offer a lot of variety in how the data can be formatted, stored and linked. Now look at features.

Do you think you’ll need a system that handles various languages? Do you want software that’s compatible with LDS databases? Will you want to be able to import and export the data you collect easily? Do you want to be able to keep scanned documentation with your database?

Bear in mind that there are some free software programs available out there through reputable sites that’s worth trying. You may find a trial run with several of these programs refines your awareness of what you REALLY want in genealogy software. Now let’s get picky. - How much space is there for recording people’s names?

In an era of hyphens and several middle names, this isn’t a silly question. You need enough room to record a person’s name completely as well as variants if applicable. - Can you sort the data you collect various ways (by date of birth, by region, etc.)?-

Can you record information such as occupation, or add notes to your files that can aid in future research?- Multiple parents: many children will have both natural and step parents, both of which need to be recorded for accurate recordkeeping. - Source notes: is there a place where you can note your sources (this is very valuable for future research)

Finally what about narratives? If there’s a way that the program you use can organize information so its more easy to put it into book form, it will save you a lot of time. For example, if it can create footnotes, a bibliography, etc. This way you can share your discoveries like a story with friends and family alike.

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