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Pat Norton

Comparison of various Genealogy Programmes

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I recently assisted in running a genealogy beginners training course, and one thing I noticed that they had several comparisons showing features of a “selected” 10 – 15 top genealogy programmes [of which TMG V7 was one]. Most of the data regarding TMG was correctly shown but there were several obvious omissions.

Some of the sources of the comparison data are as follows;

1. Richard Wilson’s Comparing Windows Genealogy Software at http://rwilson.us/comparison.htm which is dated at about 2008.

2. Bill Mumford’s Report Card – not now available. www.¬mumford.¬ca/¬reportcard/ dated about 2004. Old pdf copy used.

3. How to find the best Genealogy Program at http://www.gencom.org.nz/Best_Program.htm which is dated about 2001.

4. Comparison of genealogy software – Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of...ealogy_software last updated 30 Mar 2011.

Appears to be copied from Bill Mumford’s original site.

5. GenSoft Reviews at http://www.gensoftreviews.com/ which is dated at about 2011?

6. Louis Kessler's Genealogy Software Links, now at http://www.gensoftreviews.com/ dated about 2011?

 

Between the members running the genealogy beginners training course, we had 7 different programmes, of which mine was TMG V7. Whilst we all favoured our own chosen programmes, I did notice that there was considerable bias amongst the trainers. (Please note that bias is most noticeable when it conflicts with my opinion).

 

Is there any up to date comparison of Genealogy Programmes that is available – preferably similar in style to the Mumford Report Card?

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Pat -

 

I do not know of an online source for an up to date comparison. In the 2010 paperback 'Which Genealogy Program?', Kerry Farmer and Rosemary Kopittke (www.familyhistoryresearch.com.au) compiled a detailed survey and feature list of current genealogy software. The software is not rated. There is more information and a list of the programs included in the survey here.

 

Virginia

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Thanks for this interesting topic. After browsing the links provided, most every genealogy program could produce ancestor and descendant charts. I saw no mention of any having the ability for the user to hand edit charts, such as VCF. Most programs can build, display and allow editing genealogical data, acceptably (some, so little better than others).

 

If I had to pick the most important feature of a genealogy program, to me, it would be providing the ability of editing charts (like with VCF). The second most important feature is the ability to edit reports with a word processor. I have never seen a standard computer generated chart or report that was exactly the way that I wanted it to be.

 

Is this hand editing ability only of prime importance to me? Does any other genealogy program have these charting features? This feature seems to be ignored in all of the reviews. Is it ignored because the ability is so rare in existing products, or is it because so few care?

 

Thanks again,

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RootsMagic uses the same chart engine as TMG. The charting app written from the engine would differ.

 

Legacy also has a competent chart app.

 

You would need to test both to see if they meet your standards. :)

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I refer to my original post and have now come across this review of TMG 7 and TMG 8 by Tamarra Jones.

See >>> http://www.tamurajones.net/TMG8PublicBeta.xhtml

 

Is this review accurate?

Has anybody from Wholly Genes given a reply to this review?

 

I have had a look at some of his/her{?} other reviews at http://www.tamurajones.net/reviews.xhtml - Is this person for real?

He/she obviously lets personal likes or dislikes effect the review

regards

Pat Norton

 

(Please note that bias is most noticeable when it conflicts with my opinion).

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Pat -

 

It's difficult to refute or dialog with Tamura Jones because he does not permit comments. I follow his blogs and often learn from them - particularly the interesting series on Ahnentafel and Fan - but you soon recognize his special concerns and can put his opinions in context a bit. I've wished he could get past his biases - founded or not - about TMG and acknowledge those unique features more important to the user and which set TMG above and apart - the narrative reports, customizations, charts, exceptional support and community contribution.

 

Virginia

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