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We are discussing Tracing family history
With Antoinette Buchanan, Stephanie Ryan and Jennifer Higgins

Question:
How do you compile a chart to store names of ancestors?

Answer:
Jennifer - The type of chart that you compile to store the names of your ancestors depends entirely on your own needs and wishes.

You may be happy with a simple Word document, recording the name of your ancestors and their families in a multi-indented format, indenting another step for each generation. You can use the FIND function in the Edit drop down menu to find family members. This type of listing has the advantage of allowing any data you like to enter but can quickly become quite cumbersome and difficult to consult. A similar listing can be done in Excel with the extra sorting facilities it provides. For instance you can sort on surname or birth or death year.

There are a number of computer programs available, of varying complexity, that allow you to enter names on a data base and then produce a range of listings and charts. Some allow you to import photographs and other scanned material. Family Search offer a simple free downloadable program (PAF) on the Family Search website and a companion program to produce colour charts. You may find other packages available freely or as shareware (a nominal fee is requested) by entering 'free family history programs' as a search in Google.

Other more powerful programs are available for purchase from major genealogy societies and genealogical suppliers such as Gould Genealogy . These are available for both Microsoft and Mac systems. A number of the programs have free downloads so that you can try out the program before purchasing it.

The major genealogical societies have computer user groups where you may be able to obtain advice and opinion about the best computer program for you needs. For example, the Genealogical Society of Victoria has GUM and the Society of Australian Genealogists has groups for users of particular family history packages, see the Society of Australian Genealogists website .

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