Genealogy Software

One of the keys to successfully researching family history is to stay organised.  In the beginning a lot of information can be fairly easily gathered in a short time.  Blank family group sheets are a terrific first step to document each family, but soon you will be looking for something better.  Consider then a software program.  A number of options are available. Victorian GUM (Genealogists using microcomputers) are a special interest group of the Genealogical Society of Victoria who provide advice and sales of the most popular software programs.  These include Family Tree Maker which is owned by and compatible with Ancestry.com, so particularly handy if you wish to also maintain a separate online tree.   Legacy Family Tree is available as a free download, after which a deluxe version is available for purchase.  For more information about genealogy software programs visit the Genealogy software guide.

Family History Database

Before you get too drowned in certificates, photocopies and paperwork from your family history research it really is a good idea to install a program on your personal computer into which you can type all your important names, dates and more. These are variously referred to as your family history database, program or software package.

There are a number of free ones which you can download online which can get you started.
Legacy
Free online training is also available on their website.
My Heritage
Personal Ancestral File

Other programs worth exploring are linked from
Cyndislist - free software & computers
and Free genealogy software

Australian Family Tree Connections - programs

You can also search for reviews on various programs, and be aware that updates for some programs are available at a fee.

There are usually online support groups that will assist you if you are having trouble with your program.
I have also referred in a previous posting to websites that will also store and display your information.

Do you use a database? Which one would you recommend and why?

Free genealogy software

If a family history database program is on your Christmas wishlist, re-consider. There are many programs available which offer FREE downloads so you can try before you buy. In some cases the standard free download may suit your needs.

Check out the following:
RootsMagic There are five programs availalble here. The FREE trials are working copies of the software that allow you to take the program for a spin and get a feel for the interface and feature set. The trials generally have a limitation on the amount of information you can enter and / or a few features disabled.
When you purchase the program you can receive the program on CD through the mail, or can order it as a download so you can unlock the trial and begin using the full program immediately. Any data you have entered in the trial version will be picked up and used by the full version of the program.

In addition, you are invited to be among the first to see and use Roots Magic 4 and participate in the community preview program.

Legacy Family Tree standard edition
Personal Ancestral File is available from Family Search.org
Vist further links on Cyndi's List Free Software

Do you know of one that may not be included in these lists? Please add a comment.