[Ger-Poland-Volhynia] genealogy software

[Gary Warner]

Sue,

Thanks for the information.   I look forward to getting new data from 
you.  

Gary

Sue Eipert wrote:
> Gary,
>
> I realize that Legacy is a very good program, and I haven't had enough 
> experience with it to do a direct comparison of the two.
>
> I really just want to make the point that Rootsmagic is also a very 
> good full-featured program - and will be even better with version 4 
> (soon). Some people have found it  easier to use than Legacy.
>
> To answer your specific questions:
>
> 1. Rootsmagic has an extensive Merge function. I haven't used it 
> enough to know the details.
>
> 2. Rootsmagic has a master list for Places. Each place can have a 
> name, a note field, latitude and longitude, and attached links to 
> multimedia. The new edition coming up has enhanced abilities for 
> handling names and alternate names.
>
> 3. Yes.  Rootsmagic has a "Problem List". You can search for several 
> things, including:  Proper order of events, Birth before parent's 
> marriage, Birth before parent's  birth, etc. Also - Age at death, 
> marriage, etc, between your choice of ages
>
> 4. Names are entered in separate fields for Surname, Given Name, 
> Prefix, Suffix, Nickname.
>
> 5. Facts and events have separate fields for Date, Place, Description. 
> Each fact or event also has attached sources, notes and multimedia.
>
> Sue
>
> Gary Warner wrote:
>> Sue,
>>
>> I am not familiar with that program, so it is not my intent to 
>> belittle it in any way.   May I ask if it will do the following:
>>
>> 1.   Will it FIND and truly MERGE data that is inconsistent between 
>> two records?   Most software will first not find records to merge 
>> unless they are truly duplicates in all respects.   And mot programs 
>> that do find such inconsistencies will then not merge the data, but 
>> carry the inconsistent data as an "alternate" piece of information, 
>> like an alternate birth date, etc..  This ability to merge is 
>> paramount if you are ever to import data from us or anyone else 
>> without winding up with many duplicate records?
>>
>> 2.   Does it use master lists for locations and surnames?   This is 
>> again an important feature if you are going to eliminate duplicate 
>> records.
>>
>> 3.  Does it have the capability to check your data for potential 
>> conflicts- like people with multiple sets of parents, births after 
>> the death of the mother, born after death, married before 13, etc.?
>>
>> 4.  Does it require names to be entered in one field, or does it have 
>> separate fields for prefixes, given names, surnames, and suffixes?    
>> A single field for name entry can work, but it most often does not, 
>> and is one of the main sources of problems with merging of data, 
>> since the name can be exported incorrectly, and then a person might 
>> have a surname of Jr. or Elisabeth.
>>
>> 5.  Does your program allow the entry of events in a manner that it 
>> does not combine event places and event activities into a single 
>> field?   This is again another serious problem, since the export of 
>> data will move your event data into areas not intended.
>>
>> 6.  Will your program allow you to save a double date?   This feature 
>> is important when two sources of data have conflicting dates, and the 
>> ability to note such dates will usually cause you to pursue 
>> resolution of the conflict.   There are also valid reasons for a 
>> double date, as is the case if you enter in both the old Julian 
>> calendar date and the modern Gregorian calendar date in the same record.
>>
>> Gary Warner
>> SGGEE
>>
>>
>> Sue Eipert wrote:
>>> On the topic of genealogy software, I would like to bring up 
>>> Rootsmagic. It is a full-featured comprehensive software, but is 
>>> easy to use. It has a very online active user group with close 
>>> monitoring by its developer.  http://www.rootsmagic.com/overview.htm
>>>
>>> I am eagerly waiting for version 4.0 which is due out before the end 
>>> of the year. Many exciting features will be added - and are being 
>>> gradually described in the developer's blog. The developer has 
>>> stated that anyone buying version 3.0 now will be able to get v. 4.0 
>>> for free when it comes out.
>>>
>>> I have no connection with Rootsmagic other than being a satisfied 
>>> user for many years.
>>>
>>> Sue Eipert
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>   
>>
>>
>