Best Reviewed
Genealogy Software
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- Best genealogy software for professionals The Master Genealogist v7 Gold *Est. $60
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- Free
- Good for novices, pros
- Easy data input
- No decent publishing tools
- Needs $7 upgrade to do good charts
Reviews say there are few negatives about Personal Ancestral File – it's free, and its powerful functions and easy interface make it an ancestor to other genealogical software. But there are no current plans to update version 5.2 (it's maintained by the Church of Latter-Day Saints). Experts say the data input is easy, it can handle different languages (Chinese, Japanese and Korean characters, too), and the Windows programs are good for novices and pos. But there are few features for books or web pages and you'll need to spend about $7 on a software upgrade if you want decent charts. If you want publishing features, reviews suggest RootsMagic 3 (*est. $30) or Legacy Family Tree 6.0 (*est. $30).
A detailed comparison chart at TopTenReviews.com is helpful when comparing software, and editors also contribute short editorial overviews. The individual reviews at About.com, Ancestry.com and Canada's National Genealogical Society are also insightful.
Our Sources
In this comparison review, Personal Ancestral File just misses the top ten rankings, but there's a review (link is on the left side) that says it's easy to use but a bit limited.
Review: Genealogy Software Review, Editors of TopTenReviews.com
2. About.com
Professional genealogist Kimberly Powell ranks software based her "personal choice." Personal Ancestral File gets 3.5 out of five stars, and is "user friendly." (Note that ConsumerSearch and About.com share a parent company but are not editorially affiliated.)
Review: Genealogy Software Roundup 2007, Kimberley and Albrecht Powell, Oct. 2007
Software isn't ranked by editors at Family Tree Magazine, but pros and cons for each title are listed. Personal Ancestral File has lots of plusses, but a drawback is it's no longer being upgraded.
Review: Software Guide, Editors of Family Tree Magazine, 2008
Family Tree's 2002 full review of Personal Ancestral File remains posted on its message board. Among the plusses noted are an ability to handle Asian characters and extremely simple data entry. But to create add-on charts, you'll need to buy a companion CD for about $14.
Review: Personal Ancestral File 5.2 For Windows Software Review, Rick Crume, Oct. 12, 2007
5. Ancestry.com
Professional genealogist Barbara Renick provides an overview of an older version of Personal Ancestral File rather than a critical, comparative review, but it's worth a look.
Review: Personal Ancestral File 5.1, Barbara Renick, July 1, 2001
6. National Genealogical Society (Canada)
This is a review of an earlier version of Personal Ancestral File, and while it's outdated, the detailed report gives insights into the basics of the software.
Review: Personal Ancestral File 5.1 Review, Bill Mumford, Jan./Feb. 2002
Genealogy Software Runners Up:
3 picks including: About.com, Family Tree Magazine…
2 picks by top review sites.
1 pick including: About.com, Family Tree Magazine…
