generations family tree
Is Generations Family Tree The Right Choice For You?
Are you looking for a software program to help you with your family history research, documentation and charting? If you’ve searched online or been to the software section of your local Barnes and Noble store, then you know there are several options available to you, so how do you choose?
One of the most popular and inexpensive programs available is Generations Family Tree from Broderbund Software. Before you hand over your hard-earned cash, you need to know if this program is a good fit for your needs.
If you want a program that is quick and easy to setup and use, as well as one that makes beautiful full-sized family tree charts, then this software is a great choice for you. As a bonus it comes bundled with several CD’s worth of database information.
Generations Family Tree is easy to install, setup and use with several features to please genealogy beginners as well as intermediates. There are many benefits to users of this software, but perhaps the favorite feature is the ease with which you can create family tree charts, from normal letter-sized all the way up a full-sized wall chart. You will have a difficult time finding an easier to use program for creating stunning family tree charts.
Another great feature of this program is the ease with which you can add audio and video to your genealogy diagrams. You can literally click on a file and use drag and drop editing to make quick, easy adjustments to your charts. It’s so simple to use that you’ll have a great looking chart with multi-media capabilities in no time!
Also included in this software bundle is a stack of CD’s with genealogical database information that will keep even an advanced genealogist happily researching for hours on end. One set of CD’s includes actual images of the documents from the US Census of 1800! Depending upon which version of this program you purchase, some of the CDs may include in-depth European genealogy database information as well as US information.
With all these great features are there any problems with this program? Unfortunately, yes there are some downsides to this application. An important feature for genealogy research is the ability to accurately and properly document source information. Although Generation Family Tree handles this function with ease, what it doesn’t do is handle complexities such as verification of source data. This is an important feature for family history research, and advanced genealogists will certainly want a software program to assist with this process. Generations Family Tree doesn’t quite measure up in this important area.
Another item to consider is this: Broderbund Software is no longer actively selling this software. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider using it. You can still find vendors who are selling it until they run out of stock. And you should expect to pay a discounted price for it. So you should be able to find a great user-friendly program at a really great price!
Is this program the best choice for you? If you want an easy to use program that helps you to create beautiful family tree diagrams, to document your family history research and comes bundled with extra database information, then this is certainly an excellent fit for you. If you are looking for a program to assist with verification of source data, then you need to keep looking.
In general, Generations Family Tree is a good choice for genealogy beginners and many intermediates, but advanced users will be disappointed with it. It is a great value for your money.