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Summary - Part 2 of 2
Survey - Record Keeping
Below are the responses to the survey … I have edited the responses only to save space. And … to give a certain degree of privacy, I have excluded any names and/or email addresses. I have simply marked the items as Response 1, Response 2, etc.
The rules I used for editing are as follows:
Responses are not necessarily in order.
Not all responses are listed.
Only answers to questions beyond the basic answer that may be found in
part 1 of the summary is provided, plus additional comments that may be
of interest.
Response 1
1. What computer program(s) do you use to store your information?
I use The Master Genealogist from "http://www.WhollyGenes.com/". In the past I also used Family Tree Maker to print trees and certain other reports, but that need is going away with TMG 3.0.
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
I assign each source a sequential number (1000+) and enter the source in TMG with that number. I keep a copy at home and the "original" in my safe deposit box. It is then possible to list my sources by number or description (title) using TMG.
Response 2
2. Do you use any other program(s) to store or record information?
I find the Family Tree Maker's note fields acceptable. However, for really long bits of information I store as WordPerfect 6 files in the Temp or FTW directories.
3. What program(s) do you use to Communicate with others?
I use Netscape with ATT Worldnet Service and, of course, more Juno. They are a free e-mail service. You can find their webpage: http://www.juno.com 4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
Since I store my information as hard copies and on the Family Tree Maker, the information is stored as appropriate with the person's name or their earliest progenitor’s notes field.
Response 3
2. Do you use any other program(s) to store or record information?
I also have Personal Ancestor File and use Brothers Keeper and The Family Edge for backup and for charts.
4. Describe your Record Keeping System. ...
I have a loose-leaf notebook for each of my principal family lines in which I keep all documentary material I have for that line. Each notebook is divided into sections for document copies, correspondence, photographs, excerpts from publications, etc.
Response 4
1. PRIMARY GENEALOGY PROGRAM. "Brothers Keeper for Windows" (BK5) is my primary program. I also keep a copy of PAF on my machine but seldom use it any more. It is much more convenient to create a new data set in BK5 to import stuff I download from the FHC, and if I do hit pay dirt with the FHC data, it is a simple task to merge selected group sheets into my main data set without going through a complex GEDCOM routine.
2. OTHER PROGRAMS USED TO STORE INFO.
a. I started a database in "Excel" thinking it would be a help in trying to match up loose people, but gave it up as too much work for the return achieved. BK5 has evolved to the point that it now has excellent "search on field" capabilities and really obviates the need for a separate database.
b. Back in Windows 3.11 I started to use a shareware program called "Editmaster" which is a replacement for the crummy "Notepad" that comes with windows. It is a jewel for many reasons that I wont go into here, but it lends itself to snatching and organizing bits of information. I use it to store and organize genealogical information of a general sort ... like a chronological list of American wars, the passenger list of the "Mary & John", surname bibliographies, data on "possible" ancestors and kin, etc. I keep it running in the background so I can grab a bit wherever I am, and with a few clicks, save it in an organized structure. My default directory is named "Gendata", with sub directories for "Surnames", Bibliogs, General, Tasklist, etc.
3. COMMUNICATIONS: a. For the Internet, "Netscape Navigator" is my browser of choice. I use "EWAN" as my Telnet client both as a stand-alone and as a Netscape plug-in, and although Netscape has FTP capabilities built in, I still keep a copy of WS_FTP running mostly for browsing library catalogs on-line. (old habits die hard <G>)
b. For FidoNet I still rely on my old favorite "Procomm". Windows 95 has "Hyper Terminal" built in and could be used for this purpose, but again, old habits die hard. Besides, I HAAAATE learning new programs when the one I am currently using is totally satisfying my needs.
4. RECORD KEEPING. (Remember, You Asked! <G>)
I located a two-drawer file cabinet within reach when I am at the keyboard. In the top drawer, I have a hanging file for each surname in my pedigree. Source papers about persons of that surname that HAVE BEEN entered into BK5 are filed numerically in the order they are received. (e.g. BUSH 34) I keep a manila folder in the back of each hanging file for material that HAS NOT been entered into BK5. These are NOT numbered. When a hanging file gets full, I simply start another and file it behind the first one.
This system works pretty well for me because I enter/copy verbatim ALL relevant material from whatever source into BK5. BK5 has a great capability for absorbing (and organizing) huge quantities of both text and graphic material. At the end of the quoted material, I enter the complete source citation in standard format, where the original of the source is located, who (if anyone) supplied me with the information, and at the end of the citation (in brackets) where the material is located in my files. As an example:
"At the first election of officers in April 1868, following the declaration of Youngstown as a city of the second class (more than 5000 inhabitants) Homer Hamilton, whose father Manuel had served as a trustee of the Village and Borough for several years, was elected a councilman. Others elected as councilman were Joseph G. Butler, Chauncey H. Andrews, Richard Brown, and William Barclay. George McKee was elected mayor; Owen Evans, marshal; Thomas Sanderson, solicitor; and Robert McCurdy, treasurer." [Williams H.Z., "History of Trumbull and Mahoning Counties", Sanders Pub. Co., Cleveland (1882); p. 365] [Loc: Rueben McMillian Public Library, Youngstown, OH] [CF:Hamilton-32]
This may seem like a lot of typing, but my Gateway "Anykey" keyboard has a terrific macro capability that makes typing repetitive entries a one-key snap. Having the full citation in the notes for each person in my database makes it really simple to look up or share data with cut-and-paste ease.
Response 5
After trying several share ware programs I settled in on Roots III several years ago. It was a bit difficult learning in the beginning, but once I knew how to use it I like it a lot and will probably keep using it as my main genealogy system.. I tried Roots IV when it came out and sent it back as it was too hard to use. I recently bought Roots V and it is easy to use and complete. They are changing the name to Ultimate Family Tree. It sells for $20 to 40 depending on what comes with it. However what I like about Roots III that the others do not have is the flags that show up when you search lists of names. That way I can always tell direct ancestors and which ones are on the Mother or Father side of the family. Roots V has flags and of course you can sort by ancestors, but in a long list of names you cannot tell who is direct. I tried The Master Genealogist and did not like it. Sent it back. I have an accessory program called Corel Family Publisher which prints out fan charts and other printouts that most programs don't give you. Cost $20.00. I will keep using Roots 5 for various reasons, but Roots III will be my main database. I also have Sesame put out by the makers of Roots III which is a data base with census forms and other forms ready to fill in and use. Very convenient.
For a browser I use Netscape 3 most of the time but I also have Microsoft Internet Explorer. I can get everything without having to use AOL or Compuserve.
I will be interested in finding out what others in your survey use.
Response 6
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
I keep 3-ring notebooks for each of my major families. In these I keep all of the copies I make from genealogies, newspapers, copies of wills, birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, etc. I also have most of these scanned into my computer and kept on a Zip disk that is reserved just for genealogy. I don't use a numbering system or anything like that--too confusing for me.
I suppose everyone tries things until they find whatever works best for them. I get confused by numbering systems sometimes, so I just use surnames.
Response 7
In answer to your survey, I offer the following: (1) I use Family Origins for Windows and Family Tree Maker - Family origins seems better for servicing my vast amount of my scanned pictures (2) I store my pictures on a read/write compact disc and I store a ged-com file for each of my four direct lines on a floppy disc (3) I use an Internet server, Netscape, Eudora Light, Fax and Explorer to communicate with others and (4) I have a binder for each of my four lines for pictures that I have scanned; I have a binder for each of my four lines for family group records; I have a binder, by family line, for document copies and I have all my documents indexed on a 4x5 card.
Response 8
1. What computer program(s) do you use to store your information? Family Tree Maker. I recently returned to genealogy after a 10-year hiatus; I was using Roots III when I left the fold, but once you've gotten used to Windows, it was easier to re-enter everything in FTM than to go back to DOS.
3. What program(s) do you use to Communicate with others?
Eudora Pro for e-mail; Netscape for newsgroups, bookmarks, etc; Fastfind to search (it will search 7 engines at once); Mindspring is our server - we've tried AOL, Compuserve and Prodigy at various times, and find Mindspring by far the best.
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
I'm most interested in the stories. I've divided my work into eight families, one for each of my grandparents and my husband's grandparents. I record the material in FTM and then export it to Word, where I format it, rewrite where necessary, and add where I can - my husband and I are both writers, so I've included various things we have written over the years. Eventually I will index it in Word. I've asked every member of my family (parents, sisters, in-laws, aunts & uncles, cousins, adult children, even 7 & 8 year-old granddaughters) to write their own biography, as well as their memories of other members of the family. Few have done it yet - and apparently many won't - but it is a good idea. I intend to give each person what I have collected and written about their particular lines. (My sister-in-law wouldn't be interested in my 8th great grandfather, but my sister would/should.)
I haven't gotten to a numbering system yet, and would be interested to hear how everyone else handles it.
5. Do you own a scanner or photocopier? If so, what make and model? I wish I could have afforded the HP. We bought a Scanmaker E3 by Microtech. (I believe that model is now discontinued.) I like it, but use it so seldom that I have to reinvent the wheel each time.
6. Do you have a special E-mail address to be used for attachments?
No, and so far no problems with either Eudora or Mindspring.
Response 9
I thought I'd take a few minutes and answer your questions about record keeping, etc. 1. What computer program(s) do you use to store your information? I started all of this without much guidance on what software was available. I stumbled upon Brother's Keeper in a shareware site and downloaded it. I have used it for over four years, migrating now to Brother's Keeper for Windows. I have tried PAF (my brother is a Mormon and he insisted that we be consistent) but I found it rather unfriendly and old-feeling. 2. Do you use any other program(s) to store or record information? I use Microsoft Word to hold information that goes beyond the "notes" area of Brother's Keeper. These files are then linked to Brother's Keeper for printing in reports, etc. I have also used simple DOS text files in the past, but they don't have the format capabilities. 3. What program(s) do you use to Communicate with others? My company has cc:Mail that allows us to communicate with the outside world over an Internet Service Provider. From home, I also use AOL (though I am NOT pleased with it). My work address is the one that is attached to the several lists. 4. Describe your Record Keeping System. System? There's supposed to be a system? Oh, no! Actually... I have kept everything within Brother's Keeper so far. I have requested and received very little in the way of primary sources that I can actually hold onto. Most of my family research so far has been in Maryland. There is a great repository of information collected by Harry Wright Newman that is held in the Southern Maryland Studies Center. I have accessed that data and photocopied a great deal on a few of my lines. Like you, I try to keep them organized. I use a notation like "Newman, HW: Edelman Notes." The notes themselves are just filed by family name. I guess I should really go back and number some of them for easier reference. 6. Do you have a special E-mail address to be used for attachments? No. My e-mail address here works with attachments. So... I hope this helps you in some way. Good luck!
Response 10
Good subject. I'm willing to enter my proverbial 2 cents.
1. I use Family Origins 5.0a by Parsons. I have tried FTM but came back to FO cause I like it's simplicity and user friendliness. Parsons also incorporates a Web Uploader and a FREE web presence for your files.
2. I use two (2) other storage mechanisms. First, I have compiled all my data into a rather simplistic, but huge WordPerfect table file. Columns in the table include Name, Reference, Date, Location, Family members mentioned and Notes. I can sort this table by either of the columns and can perform so rudimentary searches for names, etc. The table is well over 500 pages in length - even at 7.0 point font.
Secondly, I use a program called Documagix to keep electronic records of anything that I have accumulated in hard copy format. The program is a document management system that I use with my scanner to scan in correspondences, photocopies, signatures, photographs, etc. I'm still updating this but so far I have about 2,300 individual pages scanned in. This takes about 250MB of storage. The program also does OCR and allows for notations to be made. This, coupled with its excellent search engine allows me to find items rather easily.
3. I use MS Internet Explorer. I also have AOL, Compuserve and Prodigy, though I may drop Prodigy and Compuserve soon.
4. See Item 2. Also, I try to keep backups using my ZIP drive and 100MB ZIP disks. I had to have this due to the size and no. of the image files I generate. No particular numbering system - just alphabetically by name. The search engines simplify the finding process.
5. I have an Envisions 6600S flatbed scanner. It scans at 600 X 1200 dpi optical and up to 4800 dpi interpolated.
6. I use MSN as my E-Mail - no problem with large files so far.
Hope this covers everything. I'm a stickler for organization and find it quite easy to get unorganized with all the genealogy stuff I have gathered over the years. The above is just my little strategy for trying to keep ahead of the tide of information.
Response 11
I'll try to answer survey. First, let me say, I'm New. 1. Family Tree Maker 2. No 3. Netscape 4. none yet 5. I just purchased an HP Scanjet 5P. I think it's going to be great when I learn to use it. I may have to get some more software (Visioneer)to use it easily with Netscape mail. 6.No I'm sorry I can't be more helpful in your survey, however, I too would be interested in various methods, etc. used.
Response 12
here goes
1. software: Kith and Kin. tried several sharewares and this was the easiest. doesn't manage 2nd marriages very well. doesn't manage where my niece became my cousin's daughter very well either but other than that its pretty nice 2. other software: Excel but that was just for drawing trees as I didn't have Kith and Kin at the time. 3. communication: these lists which I found on the web (Netscape) e-mail and web based (homepage) forums. 4. systems: I'm not so far along that I've had to think about this very hard but would appreciate ideas before I get bogged down. 5. imaging hardware: not yet, hope to get a scanner but my daughter wants a swingset, etc. 6. attachments: never had any trouble of this kind.
hope this helps
Response 13
Thanks for starting this interesting topic!
1. What computer program(s) do you use to store your information?
I've used Brother's Keeper for several years, and recently downloaded the Windows version from John Steeds web site. I haven't tried any of the other programs, but BK serves my needs quite nicely, and I'm used to it.
3. What program(s) do you use to Communicate with others?
My main email account is with JUNO, and I also use MS Internet Explorer with a local ISP. I also maintain a bare-bones account with Prodigy, because I like their Genealogy BB format.
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
I have a small, cheap, wheeled file cart that I've used from the beginning. In it, I maintain a folder for each family unit (husband-wife and their children) in my ancestry. I use the 1/5 cut folders, and have arranged the insert tabs so that the generations line up. That way, I can tell at a glance to which generation a family belongs. (For example, my family has its tab in the very far left available position, my parents have theirs in the 2nd, my 2 sets of grandparents in the 3rd position, and so on). In these folders, I keep a Group Sheet for that family, copies of wills, deeds, and other documents, etc. (I also keep copies of these documents in my small fire safe). Then, I have 1 folder in which I keep one copy of every Family Group Sheet in my line, and folders for other BK printouts, miscellaneous printed references, copies of written artifacts, tidbits of local history, photographs, maps, and miscellaneous data gleaned from research sources (which I haven't been able to connect to my family). I also maintain a folder which I call "POSSIBILITIES!" in which I keep the myriad scraps of paper on which I've jotted down thoughts and theories.
I keep folders (report cover type) with: 1) a custom BK report which gives the names, birth date, spouse, father, mother, & death date of every person in my computer database. I refer to this VERY often. 2) another BK report of all my ancestors, their vital info, and any text files associated with them, and 3) another copy of each family group sheet in my line, organized by generation (each generation separated by a colored sheet of paper).
Response 14
1. What computer program(s) do you use to store your information?
The Master Genealogist v3.0. Been using TMG for 3 years now, it's great. used BK5.2 beforehand, which was nice, but not AS nice.
2. Do you use any other program(s) to store or record information?
Ummm... I use PaintShop Pro's browse utility to store JPGs that I've scanned. TMGW has an exhibit feature that could also handle this, but it's not as developed as I might like. The programmer, says it will be soon though.
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
The Master Genealogist has an excellent exhibit/source utility that I use to reference my real archives/documents/notes/photos etc. I usually file them away in file cabinets or archive boxes, attached to a small index card that describes the source and when it was entered into the database.
Response 15
1. What computer program(s) do you use to store your information?
I have used PAF for the past five or six years. I bought Family Tree Maker, don't like the way the fields didn't match up when I imported a PAF gedcom. I tried Brothers Keeper but don't like it either.
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
I have two file cabinets full, arranged by state. I also have many file in my out of sight room
5. Do you own a scanner or photocopier? If so, what make and model? I don't have a scanner at home, but can use my HP at work, so I carry a zip drive back and forth whenever I need to scan stuff
6. Do you have a special E-mail address to be used for attachments?
I don't have any special E-mail for attachments, so far I have had no problems with my regular email with Phoenix.net
Response 17
I have all my information in notebooks, all of it keyed through a now defunct software program that beat Microsoft hands down. There is a notebook for every major surname and each notebook includes all the female lines coming out of or going into the main surname and they're loose-leaf and each references surnames at the bottom of the page when page flipping is necessary. It sounds confusing, but it really isn't. I am and will always be updating it every time someone dies or a baby is born or someone gets married - hence the loose-leaf. (not to mention the chore of rekeying everything in a more modern word processing package as time permits)
I have a notebook for my dad's surname and his mothers and her mother's and my dad's father's mother. My information is far smaller for my mother so all of her mother and father's are in one notebook. Now, I have one for my husband's father and one for his mother and all of their lines still fit in a notebook each; however, three years ago we had to make some adjustments to reference my mother-in-law's notebook to my grandfather's mother's notebook - seems we're 10th cousins! And nearly forgot, a new notebook for my sister's husband's family which I finally relented to investigate.
I tried PAF early on and it just wouldn't handle what I had. I fooled around with Family Tree Maker but never got past keying in my father's direct line. Now, I've got RootsV and if someone could find me the time, it might happen.
My research storage? I've got five or six plastic crates with lids for hanging files which recently replaced cardboard ones that had seen better days. I've got four stacks on the dining room table (we eat off our laps) and two on the floor in the rec room. I'm awaiting the purchase of a new crate or two and the time to put everything away. The office has a pile on one side of the printer and, let's count, three on a card table. I know exactly what's in each pile. AND the reference books are lined up across the couch in the office like a big shelf.
And to complete the organizational nightmare, there's a notebook, some highlight sheets with names and dates and pencils in my car at all times in case I'm ever downtown and can run into the archives.
Our computer: The first works were keyed from my grandfather's typing onto an Apple IIC; then rekeyed to an IBM format for a 286, which I could keep through the 486, but the disks are worthless on the Pentium due to the software problem. You see, after keying it in so many times, I've got most of it in my head. The hard disk on the Pentium is full (not me, my kids did it) so the prospect of another gig or two is in the near future.
Scanner: now where would I put it?
I hope this has been helpful to someone out there to know that there really is someone out here in cyberspace who's got major housekeeping problems.
Response 18
Guess I'll weigh in here too --
1. What computer program(s) do you use to store your information?
Brother's Keeper for Windows. From time to time I've considered getting Family Tree Maker so that I can read some of the newer CD-ROMs that require it. However, the prospect of changing over genealogy programs is too daunting, so I just stay with BK.
2. Do you use any other program(s) to store or record information?
Just a few megs of stored email and MS Word files on my PC. I save all my genealogy-related email to disk. Then if I need to find something, I use a disk search utility to search for the text within the different files. I find that I go back and refer to old email a _lot_.
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
I started off two years ago with three filing cabinet drawers, one for my father's lines, one for my mother's, and one for my wife's. Inside each drawer is a hanging folder for each surname. I just throw material willy-nilly into each one -- letters, birth or death certificates, census photocopies, whatever.
Then I found that the one particular line I have in Sussex Co DE was so mystifying that I started accumulating massive amounts of data just on it. It now takes up a file drawer just by itself. This has hanging folders for different kinds of material (birth, marriage, death, probate, census, cemetery, etc, etc).
5. Do you own a scanner or photocopier? If so, what make and model?
I've done a few scans on an HP Scanjet IIc at the office. My wife and I are really interested in getting a photocopier for the home if we can ever settle on one.
6. Do you have a special E-mail address to be used for attachments?
I just get attachments in email at my regular email address at Netcom. However, as any good system administrator will tell you, Internet email was never designed for shipping large (greater than, say, 250K) files around as attachments. If I have a large file to share with someone, I put it out on my ftp directory and tell them where to find it with their web browser. I'd encourage you to consider this (or placing files on a home page) if you have big files to share with others.
Response 19
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
Most stuff put into computer immediately. Large boxes of junk periodically surveyed
Response 20
1. What computer program(s) do you use to store your information? First of all I don't buy software. Second I find simple text files the easiest and most convenient way to store my data. It is very easy to cut and paste material from file to file including email messages. The text files also lend themselves readily to hypertext markup language.
2. Do you use any other program(s) to store or record information?
a few megs of stored email and a shareware editor with a universal search module.. I find that I go back and refer to old email continuously.
3. What program(s) do you use to Communicate with others?
Eudora and Netscape. I have used Telix, which is most useful if you don't have Internet access. I would be glad to find a public domain program that allows me to cut and paste directly from DOS text files to Eudora messages. As of now I have to put the file in Netscape before I can paste it to Eudora. Eudora should have a means to insert text files into messages directly from an editor. Notepad would probably serve me like Netscape does, but I would like to go directly from an msdos editor to Eudora.
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
A. On the computer: everything is in text files and working toward using HTML These files are organized by surname and by state to a large extent.
B. Hard Copy: two cabinet drawers: 1. father 2. mother Organized by surname and by state and by county
Response 21
1. What computer program(s) do you use to store your information? PAF -- and I really like it. Then I use Kinpublish to read the PAF info. and put it in a more readable form. 4. Describe your Record Keeping System. After info. is typed into PAF, I run a copy for my 3-ring binders which are set up for every family line. In these binders, I also keep the proof copies, so everything is in one place. However, my daughters each have a backup of my PAF records, in case of disaster. And my notes are complete insofar as to where I found the information - and the information is typed into the notes as well, as I figure they won't have a particular book to see what was said about their ancestors - and this way they have it all printed out.
On my unrelated information, I keep a duplicate copy of PAF on a smaller computer and keep the family info. together. In the notes, I put like BR1 as a ref. and then file folders are kept for BRown and the documents themselves are numbered BR1, BR2. It really works slick when you want to see if you have a certain person in your files - but you don't have to take the time to type all the ref. into your notes.
Response 22
2. I use MS Word keep notes and save narratives documenting my research.
4. My record keeping system, I'm embarrassed to say, is sort of random. I use the Windows Explorer folders to keep track of correspondence and I have several binders to keep information I've found relating to surnames. Let me know what responses you get and perhaps they will give me ideas to also redo (or create) my system.
5. I just purchased a Microtek ScanMaker E3. I'm still learning it and very happy with the results, so far. I figured that I would learn on a lower end system.
6. I use Microsoft Network as my ISP and MS Exchange as the mail client. Works great for attachments. Though, I have yet received very large attachments. Don't know what Microsoft's limit is.
Response 23
2. Do you use any other program(s) to store or record information?
I have quite a few MS Word files and in the past have created database files for deeds and probate info.
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
I keep paper data in an alphabetical file folder system in two filing cabinets. I also have a series of 3-ring binders for data.
5. Do you own a scanner or photocopier? If so, what make and model?
I have an HP scanner available to me at work. I don't own either a scanner or photocopier.
Response 24
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
I use a three-ring binder for my family and one for my wife's family with sections for genealogical reports and separate family information. I also keep working files in folders.
Response 25
Hello all,
My two cents worth:
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
Besides my word and excel files, I have two file drawers (Maternal & Paternal) which are sorted by SURNAME then by particular records i.e. Birth, Death, Marriage, Census (by year), Probate, and Wills. Will the results of this survey be posted?? I think the results would be very interesting.
Response 30
1. What computer program(s) do you use to store your information?
Family Tree Maker. (I have a relative on Roots, we exchange discs...moderately successful)..Both programs have conversion features.
2. Do you use any other program(s) to store or record information?
Microsoft Word..storage copying, shrinking of charts, editing of charts, coloring of charts. Find editing features way past my FTM. Can change generation descriptions to fit the person I may be sending info. to.
I also store txt. files from E-mail, web other on microsoft word..under two family name files, sub categories in genealogy..sub category of Pat MS files.
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
ADHOC --- Card board boxes: maternal & Paternal families separate, each family name sep. file followed by first born..maiden, married behind & so on...File drawers & myriad shelves for research books. Great system...just can't find anything when I need it (smile?)..I could use some help here..& believe there's a place for an entrepreneur.."come in and sort your genealogy files YIKES!I
5. Do you own a scanner or photocopier? If so, what make and model? NO! - This has been a matter of discussion in my household!! Waiting for better quality control and price break.
6. Do you have a special E-mail address to be used for attachments? No I don't. I don't know if any of the services I use have this feature: i.e., Prodigy, AOL?
Pls. do publish results and would very much like to keep up on what's going on with scanners!
Response 31
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
BK assigns numbers to each name entry Good idea. It has been interesting seeing how others are maintaining their records.
Response 32
1. What computer program(s) do you use to store your information?
PAF with Hot Notes. and I prefer to stay with it. My husband uses Master Genealogist because of the flexibility.
2. Do you use any other program(s) to store or record information?
Word Perfect. Gen Book. When ready [omitted] inserts the graphics and pictures using a scanner and Adobe Photoshop.
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
I keep some documents in an acid proof box. I also have a book for each family, labeled by state and documents. HOT NOTES enables me to insert sources. I also have files of source materials not directly related but with the same names or other persons in the area at the time of my ancestor and historical data of the areas I am researching.
Response 26
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
Random access out of drawers. I try to enter everything into Family Tree Maker. 5. Do you own a scanner or photocopier? If so, what make and model? No. I take photos of pictures or documents and copy them in via Konica's Picture Show floppy.
Response 27
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
Maintain paper files (Xerox copies of books, spiral notebooks, or hard copy downloaded files or E-mail) by state. Record the source in the note section on PAF for each entry. Maintain a hanging file Suspense file (by state) - for items that might be important - these I try to review at least monthly. Have set aside section of basement to store these boxes.
This method is not perfect; it can be time consuming to find the original notes. But since my research centers in separate geographical areas; I have made it work.
SUGGESTION for survey - remember to back up! Keep my copy at the office.
Response 28
As a novice, I'd love to hear what more experienced researchers are up to.
4. Describe your Record Keeping System. I am relatively new to genealogy so have not accumulated too much yet. Keep 3-ring notebooks sorted by each main family name that contain birth/death certificates, official documents, cemetery photos, etc. I can readily grab and carry these notebooks on research trips (depending on where I'm going). Keep each page in clear plastic sheet, so I can pop out and carry if needed and not mess them up. Surplus information, original notes, etc., I keep in hanging file by family name.
Response 29
Hi! my "answers" are as follows:
1. What computer programs do you use to store your information?
Well, I started with PAF and Roots II in 1985. All went well until Roots III hove into view! I experienced a steep learning situation which I almost conquered (bemoaning program text writers and their non-understanding of US out there!). Then I found Family Tree (pretty easy to use); Brother's Keeper (not intuitive for my "inductive" bent); Family Origins (easy to use and most like my thought patterns); and a few years ago, TMG( a little difficult but I agree with the freedom principle- freedom to create almost any infra system I wanted). Now I have Visual Roots loaded into my new Windows 95 system (32 mb RAM. Pentium 133 ,17 inch screen which I really use almost all of and love having for graphics, etc. ) Now I expect to store data of all kinds, pictures of all kinds, and sounds and video os all kinds (just need time to learn exactly HOW!). I have ordered the new Ultimate roots program and believe I will like it too!! I store copies of all my work at various stages on the above programs - as backups and as ways to make direct contact with others who own those programs by gedcom or whole files.
2. Do you use any other programs to store or record information?
Yes. I have used (somewhat) Sesame and use a data base for genealogical contacts and two databases for my main families (mother and father) where I rigidly control fields for retrieval reasons.
3. What programs do you use to Communicate with others?
I use IDT for e-mail and Internet searching I use Prodigy for some lists and e-mail. I use AOL for genealogical lists and board
I still have a "classic" account on Prodigy for Genealogy groups (a lot of old friends from the 1987s and on!) I have a Juno account (fast-easy-dependable-free!)
4. Describe your record keeping system
Yessss. well, sure... I began with a pleated accordian folder which lasted one week. So, then standing folders , more standing folders and filing cabinets and more and more. I had to change from folders with family names to folders with family and GIVEN names and color coded (using three bright dots which allow many variants and can be found really quickly.) A family meeting was called to downright limit my use of every flat space in house to sift and sort and prepare answers to queries! I now have only one room and one corner to defile.(enfile?) I do use numbering schema for databases but I seem to need several secretaries and filers and coders in order to handle the mass of stuff that occurs so from the Computer and Scanner to the standing files (well, ok, laying files too) I can easily create a half foot in one week - pictures, notes, pedigrees (marked and noted) photos, receiving materials from others, preparing material from my copier to go to others and often having to pre-file unfinished work until I can find exactly what I KNOW I have (well, ok, think I have).
5. Oops, I forgot the Scanner question so:
Yes I just got a Mustec 800 IIsp and it works very nicely but I have 5 different Programs to use for "gussying" up (is there such a word?) what I scan - Programs like iPhoto Plus, Paint Shop Pro, Text Bridge Classic( text scanning), Micrografx Picture Publisher, and several I don't even remember the name of. Friends each support a different one! Oh woe is me! ps. you perhaps think I am spending too much money on hardware, software, communications servers, and paper and electric energy and too much time on genealogy? Yep! That is so, but I am focused...(well, ok, I try)
Response 34
1. What computer program(s) do you use to store your information?
LifeLines (shareware), available for UNIX, DOS or W95. There is a link in my genealogy WWW page. All data are stored as GEDCOM, and the program includes a report language which can access the database and print it in any format imaginable. A listserver for LifeLines connects its users, who have contributed many interesting report programs. I like BK but I find import/export to GEDCOM from BK is imperfect.
2. Do you use any other program(s) to store or record information?
I use emacs as the editor for LifeLines.
3. What program(s) do you use to Communicate with others?
Juno (PC), emacs-vm (Unix) or Netscape.
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
Data gets stuffed into the little free bags I get at conferences by family, so it is ready to get hauled to the library at a moment's notice.
Response 35
1. What computer program(s) do you use to store your information?
For years, I used PAF but the "Church" didn't support it well enough and the report generator was terribly weak. I evaluated the market and moved to REUNION V4.0 and have been very happy with it.
2. Do you use any other program(s) to store or record information?
I have used Foxbase but currently use EXCEL V5 in the "Document" format which allows tremedous capability in number of pages as well as graphing
3. What program(s) do you use to Communicate with others?
I have used Netscape since it started and carried it through v3.01. Netscape has always been a little unsteady (causing system crashes occasionally) and uses far too much RAM. I have switched over to Internet Explorer which is far less RAM hungry and more stable. I use Eudora Pro V3.1 for email in specifically.
4. Describe your Record Keeping System.
I use a normal straight-forward numbering system (1.0 for father, using numbers, e.g. 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 for sons, and letters, e.g., 1.a, 1.b, 1.c for daughters) for all entries once I've proven where they should be attached. The numbering system is also cross-referenced with the source index that I keep separately, but giving the index reference with the page number where the material was found.
5. Do you own a scanner or photocopier? If so, what make and model?
Have a Xerox scanner for photo input to Reunion after sizing the scanned photo using Adobe Photoshop s/w
6. Do you have a special E-mail address to be used for attachments?
No, I use one email address and Eudora Pro V3.1 email software. I tell Eudora where to save any attachments and I have it set up so that it operates for me in the background automatically while I'm doing other things. I generally "clear" my mailbox every 30 minutes.
Response 36
Hello
I just want to thank you for your attempt at gathering useful information. I am so very new at this stuff I’m afraid that my rsp would be of little value. I have recently purchased FTM and use AOL. As far as a "system" goes it is thus far hit and miss...of the totally unorganized sort.
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