OUR ROOTS Issue 6 (February 2001)

OUR ROOTS Issue 6 (February 2001)

Hello Dexter Zenar, this is Dexter sending you your personal copy of OUR ROOTS. To un-subscribe follow the instructions below.

Dexter Zenar mailto:dexter@zenar.com

http://webhome.idirect.com/~minazenar/

In This Issue

1. Message from The Editor

2. News

3. Article

4. In Future Issues

5. Tips & Hints

6. Cool & Free Stuff

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1. Message from The Editor

OUR ROOTS is ready to offer you the HTML based look of OUR ROOTS. HTML is acronym for Hyper Text Markup Language. An HTML based E-mail message looks, feels and behaves like a Web page. It can include pictures and can be made to look quite attractive if you (I mean we) know what to do. Unfortunately not everyone can receive HTML based E-mail and because of that we are asking that you respond indicating if you are interested in receiving HTML version of OUR ROOTS (see News below) and if so is your computer capable of receiving HTML based E-mail so that the messages do not come through scrambled. We will interpret no answer as indication that nothing should change.

Here is a brief explanation of what to look for to determine if your computer is capable of receiving and interpreting HTML E-mail. To use HTML E-mail, you need a Web-based E-mail account - one that supports standard mail protocols like POP (Post Office Protocol), IMAP (Internet Mail Access Protocol), SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), and MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions). Free accounts are available from HotMail, iName, RocketMail, MailCity, netMessanger, iMailBox, and others. If you already have a POP3 or IMAP account, recent versions of Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer include mail programs that read HTML E-mil.

Happy Valentine's Day!

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2. New This Month at http://webhome.idirect.com/~minazenar/:

We can prepare and publish OUR ROOTS in HTML format. That, however, is at your option. Please respond to this E-mail with one of the following answers: (1) "HTML Format Please", (2) "Text Format Please" or (3) "Both HTML & Text Formats Please". Place your response in the E-mail Subject field. To speed up the E-mail delete all other contents from it. Refer to the Editor's notes for the explanation of HTML

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3. February Article: Genealogy Software Programs (con't)

3.1 Programs for Windows (Con't)

3.1. 34 Ultimate Family Tree; VERSION: 3.0 BY: Palladium Interactive/Genealogy.com

NEXT RELEASE: THE DEVELOPMENT OF ULTIMATE FAMILY TREE HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. READ THEIR PUBLIC NOTICE OF 5-19-2000.

The Master Genealogist (TMG) is offering a special limited-time upgrade offer of 50% off TMG's regular retail price for UFT users.

BRIEF PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: LIST OF FEATURES FROM DEVELOPER (if available): http://www.uftree.com/UFT/Nav/uftabout.html

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Ultimate Family Tree 3.0 requires Windows 95/98, Pentium 90 MHz, 16 MB RAM, 256 color SVGA monitor (16 bit high color or greater recommended), 50 MB of hard disk space (5 MB of storage per 1000 individuals), double-speed CD-ROM drive. Optional 14.4 Kbps modem (28.8 Kbps or faster recommended).

GEDCOM INFO: Import/Export GEDCOM v5.5.

WEB SITE CREATION ABILITY: Yes.

REVIEWS (Online):

REVIEWS (Offline):

WEB SITE: http://www.uftree.com/UFT/Nav/uftabout.html

COST: $29.99

ORDERING INFORMATION: http://www.uftree.com/UFT/Nav/uftabout.html 15 Day Free Trial Version

TECH SUPPORT: UFTHelp@palladium.net

Phone: 319-247-3333

Fax: 510-795-4488

MAIN PHONE: 800-397-4243

FAX: 319-395-7449

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3.1.35 Win-Family; VERSION: 6.01f rel 1/2000 BY: Webhuset

NEXT RELEASE: Update! September 7, 2000. New fixpack for WinFamily 6.0 (upgrades to 6.01h)

BRIEF PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Win-Family has all the features desired by experienced users yet is very easy to use also for beginners in genealogy.

LANGUAGES SUPPORTED: Currently available in English, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Czech, French, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Slovak, Czech, Italian, Spanish, Icelandic,Hungarian, Faroe-Islands

LIST OF FEATURES FROM DEVELOPER (if available): http://winfamily.com/aboutwf.html

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 3.1(Version 4) ; Windows 95/98/NT, 486 PC or higher, 8 MG Ram, 7 MB disk space.

GEDCOM INFO: Supports GEDCOM import/export

WEB SITE CREATION ABILITY: Can automatically create your customized web pages

REVIEWS (Online): None yet available.

REVIEWS (Offline): Komputer (Scandinavian magazine presents the program in feb-mar 2000)

WEB SITE: http://winfamily.com

COST: Shareware version 4.0 for Windows 3.1/3.11 download: http://winfamily.com/edownload.html Shareware version 6 for Windows 95/98/NT download: http://winfamily.com/edownload.html ** Only limitation the shareware version has is the inability to print to your printer. Once registered you can utilize the full functions of the program.

ORDERING INFORMATION: Cost to register program: US -$50, All Other Countries Follow This Link http://winfamily.com/prices.html Upgrade Cost: $20

TECH SUPPORT: support@winfamily.com Forums: http://winfamily.com/

MAIN PHONE: +4755946503

FAX: +4755946501

3.2 Programs For Mac

3.2.1 Family Tree Maker Deluxe Edition for Power MAC; VERSION: Deluxe BY: Broderbund Software

FROM FAMILY TREE MAKER'S WEB SITE - NOTICE: "After long and careful deliberation, we've come to the conclusion that it is no longer feasible for us to continue development of the Macintosh version of Family Tree Maker. However, Macintosh family enthusiasts can still use our Family Archive CDs and many research tools to help you find your ancestors."

3.2.2 GEDitCOM; VERSION: 2.9.1 rel 9/2000 BY: John A. Nairn

NEXT RELEASE: No recent announcements. Future Plans for GEDitCOM

BRIEF PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: GEDitCOM is the customizable genealogy application for the Macintosh for editing and viewing GEDCOM genealogy files. You do not have to settle for the genealogy interface provided by other applications. Using GEDitCOM you can ``write" you own genealogy application. GEDitCOM gives you complete control of all features of how genealogy data gets edited and viewed. Of course, if you do not want to write a genealogy interface, you can always use the Default GEDitCOM Format provided with GEDitCOM which provides 100% access to all features of the GEDCOM standard.

LIST OF FEATURES FROM DEVELOPER (if available): http://www.geditcom.com/GCFeat.html

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Power Macintosh or better with a color monitor.

GEDCOM INFO:

100% compatible with GEDCOM. In fact, GEDCOM is the internal Standard. There is no need to "import" or "export" GEDCOM files. GEDCOM files are simply read & saved (if edited).

REVIEWS (Online):

REVIEWS (Offline):

WEB SITE: http://www.geditcom.com/

COST: $50

ORDERING INFORMATION: Download package at: http://www.geditcom.com/GCDown.html

TECH SUPPORT: support@geditcom.com

MAIN PHONE: 801-942-7768

FAX: 801-942-1148

3.2.3 Gene Macintosh; VERSION: 4.3 BY: David Eppstein

NEXT RELEASE: No recent announcements.

BRIEF PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Gene is a shareware genealogy database for the Macintosh. Use Gene to store family data and notes, draw and print family trees and pedigree charts, create web pages from your database, and exchange GEDCOM data with users of other genealogy programs.

LIST OF FEATURES FROM DEVELOPER (if available): http://www.ics.uci.edu/~eppstein/gene/UserGuide.html

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Information requested from developer.

GEDCOM INFO: Requested Info From Developer

WEB SITE CREATION ABILITY: Yes

REVIEWS (Online): none yet available

REVIEWS (Offline): none yet available

WEB SITE: http://www.ics.uci.edu/~eppstein/gene/

COST: Shareware Download: http://www.ics.uci.edu/~eppstein/software.html $15.00

ORDERING INFORMATION: http://order.kagi.com/cgi-bin/r1.cgi?DD&

3.2.4 Heritage; VERSION: 3.11 rel 1998 BY: Tag Software

* Limited information available on Heritage.

NEXT RELEASE: No recent announcements.

BRIEF PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Macintosh genealogy program available in English, Danish, French & German.

LIST OF FEATURES FROM DEVELOPER (if available): http://www.eskimo.com/~grandine/heritage.html

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: None listed at web site or provided by developer.

GEDCOM INFO: Yes, but developer did not specified what versions.

WEB SITE CREATION ABILITY: No

REVIEWS (Online):

REVIEWS (Offline):

WEB SITE: http://www.eskimo.com/~grandine/heritage.html

COST: Shareware.

Registration $15.00.

ORDERING INFORMATION: Follow FTP link at: http://www.eskimo.com/~grandine/heritage.html

TECH SUPPORT: grandine@eskimo.com

MAIN PHONE: None listed at web site or provided by developer.

FAX: None listed at web site or provided by developer.

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3.2.5 Reunion; VERSION: 7 rel 5/4/2000 BY: LeisterPro

NEXT RELEASE: No recent announcements.

BRIEF PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Reunion helps you to document, store, and display information about your family -- your ancestors, descendants, cousins, etc. It records names, dates, places, facts, plenty of notes, sources of information, pictures, sounds, and videos. It shows family relationships in an elegant, graphic form -- people and families are linked in an easy-to-understand fashion.

LIST OF FEATURES FROM DEVELOPER (if available): http://www.leisterpro.com/Doc/What_is_Reunion.html

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Mac OS 7.6 or newer. If your Macintosh has enough memory to run Mac OS 7.6 or newer, you have enough memory to use Reunion. Reunion is delivered on a CD. Complete installation requires about 12 MB, which includes 9 MB for the electronic manual files. Family files require about 400 K per 1,000 people.

GEDCOM INFO: Reunion supports the importing Gedcom files. Reunion exports in one of three Gedcom formats; Ancestral (for inclusion in the Ancestral File of the LDS church), Gedcom 4 (for older genealogy programs), Gedcom 5.5 (for current genealogy programs).

PROVISION FOR SOURCES: Free form and structured source formats available.

WEB SITE CREATION ABILITY: Yes.

REVIEWS (Online): http://www.leisterpro.com/doc/reviews.html

REVIEWS (Offline): MacHome Journal 6/99, MacAddict 2/98 and MacWorld 1/98.

WEB SITE: http://www.leisterpro.com

COST: Street Price about $99. Demo download of v7

ORDERING INFORMATION: http://www.leisterpro.com/doc/buy.html

TECH SUPPORT: MAIN PHONE: 717-697-1378

FAX: 717-697-4373

MAILING LIST: Subscribe to Reunion Talk E-mil Digest

3.3 Programs for UNIX

3.3.1 GeneWeb; VERSION: 3.07, Rel 8/19/2000 BY: Daniel de Rauglaudre

NEXT RELEASE: GeneWeb 3.08 in preparation.

BRIEF PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Genealogy software with a Web interface, usable off line or as Web service; pages dynamically generated.

LANGUAGES SUPPORTED: Documentation: English, French, Dutch, Swedish; Program: Chinese, German, Danish, English, Esperanto, Spanish, French, Hebrew, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish

LIST OF FEATURES FROM DEVELOPER (if available): http://cristal.inria.fr/~ddr/GeneWeb/en/index.html

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows or UNIX.

GEDCOM INFO: Import/Export v5.5

PROVISION FOR SOURCES: Yes.

WEB SITE CREATION ABILITY: Ability to generate pages without links to create Web pages.

REVIEWS (Online):

REVIEWS (Offline):

WEB SITE: http://cristal.inria.fr/~ddr/GeneWeb/

COST: Freeware

ORDERING INFORMATION: N/A - Freeware

TECH SUPPORT: daniel.de_rauglaudre@inria.fr

MAILING LIST: http://cristal.inria.fr/~ddr/GeneWeb/

3.3.2 LifeLines; VERSION: ? BY: Tom Wetmore

NEXT RELEASE: No further releases or updates scheduled. THIS SOFTWARE PROGRAM IS NOT SUPPORTED.

MORE INFO: This software is unsupported and of a highly technical nature and has a small, tight user community. There are no plans for further releases or updates.

BRIEF PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: LifeLines stores persons, families and other records in databases. Databases and records can grow to any size, with few restrictions on their contents. LifeLines automatically supports lineage-linking between persons and families, and lets you set up your own inter-record linking schemes.

LIST OF FEATURES FROM DEVELOPER (if available): http://www.bartonstreet.com/software/lines/basics.html

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

GEDCOM INFO:

WEB SITE CREATION ABILITY: At this time Lifelines does not produce HTML for use on websites, but this feature may be added in a future release.

REVIEWS (Online):

REVIEWS (Offline):

WEB SITE: http://www.bartonstreet.com/software/lines/index.html

COST: Unix version is Freeware

ORDERING INFORMATION: Download (follow FTP link at): http://www.bartonstreet.com/software/lines/index.html

TECH SUPPORT: Tech support via mailing list shown below.

MAILING LIST: To join send the message: SUB LINES-L Your Name to listserv@vm1.nodak.edu. Substitute your name for Your Name. The address of the mailing list is lines-l@vm1.nodak.edu.

MAIN PHONE: None.

FAX: None.

3.4 Programs for DOS

3.4.1 Brothers Keeper; VERSION: 5.2B BY: John Steed

NEXT RELEASE: Updates released every 2 weeks.

BRIEF PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Brother's Keeper is a DOS (or Windows) genealogy shareware program that will help you organize your family history information and let you print a large variety of charts and reports. There is no charge to download BK to try it out. A powerful and easy to use shareware program. Changes & enhancements continually provided.

LIST OF FEATURES FROM DEVELOPER (if available): Brothers Keeper - DOS Genealogy Program Features

LANGUAGES SUPPORTED: English, Danish, French, German, Norway

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Requested Info From Developer.

GEDCOM INFO: Requested Info From Developer.

WEB SITE CREATION ABILITY: Requested Info From Developer.

REVIEWS (Online):

REVIEWS (Offline):

WEB SITE: http://home.sprynet.com/~steed/homepage.htm

COST: Shareware. $49 Register w/manual.

ORDERING INFORMATION: http://home.sprynet.com/~steed/homepage.htm

TECH SUPPORT: 75745.1371@compuserve.com 616-364-5503

MAIN PHONE: 616-364-5503 74774.650@compuserve.com

FAX: 616-866-3345

3.4.2 Pro-Gen; VERSION: 3.0, Rel 9/99 BY: J. Mulderij & D.J. Scholte in't Hoff

NEXT RELEASE: Scheduled for October 1999. The new version will have major improvements, over 150 improvements, including larger database and better graphical output.

BRIEF PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: PRO-GEN is a genealogical program that is very easy to use for genealogists, but also very powerful for people that have some PC-knowledge. Almost everything can be changed to your needs; from simple listing-outputs up to the database layout ! It even has a programming environment to change or create advanced reports. Reporting on screen or paper, but also full formatted WORD-RTF files or WordPerfect files and also HTML-internet files.

LANGUAGES: Available in Dutch, German, English. Output languages: English, Dutch, German, French, Frisian, Polish, Papiamento and South-African.

LIST OF FEATURES FROM DEVELOPER (if available): http://home.wxs.nl/~progen/gbhome.htm (English version)

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: IBM-PC or compatibe with fixed disk and 640 Kb memory, MS-DOS 3.0 or higher. Use in a DOS-box of WINDOWS, WINDOWS 95 or OS/2 is possible. Required disk space - program about 4.5 Mb. data about 1 Mb for 1800 persons.

GEDCOM INFO: Import/Export v5.5

WEB SITE CREATION ABILITY: Yes.

REVIEWS (Online):

REVIEWS (Offline): Tested by Dutch HCC club and by PC-KOOP journal.

WEB SITE: http://www.pro-gen.nl/ (select language page: English, Dutch & German)

COST: 98 Dutch Guilders English Demo Version Download (v3.0a) The only limitation of the demoversion is that it can store a maximum of 50 persons per file.

ORDERING INFORMATION: http://www.pro-gen.nl/gbhome.htm (English version)

TECH SUPPORT: http://home.wxs.nl/~progen/gbhome.htm +31-547-362755 +31-547-363889 mulderij@pro-gen.nl

USERS GROUPS/MAILING LISTS: Dutch usergroup that has 2200 members (of the 7000 PRO-GEN users) homepage Dutch PRO-GEN usergroep

MAIN PHONE: +31-547-362755

FAX: +31-547-363889

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4. In Future Issues

Some of the subject we will cover in the coming issues of OUR ROOTS (your suggestions and contributions are welcome) include:

- Pedigree Charts

- Family Group Sheets

- Sources Checklists

- Research Log

- Interview Questions

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5. Tips, Hints and Other Stuff about Your Surname Research

Previously, I suggested that we use GEDCOM common file format to share our family histories among different programs and different computers (i.e., MAC and IBM architectures). Earlier last month I received a question: "What is a GEDCOM file?" Since some of you reading this newsletter are fairly new to using a computer program for genealogy, I'll share the explanation this way:

GEDCOM is an acronym for GEnealogical Data COMmunications. GEDCOM is a computer format that allows one type of software program to read the Genealogical records created in another program. Some years back, genealogists who use genealogy software quickly learned to appreciate the introduction of GEDCOM files. It has become the standard for the exchange of computerized data. The methodology was created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They used it in their own software program, PAF (Personal Ancestral File). Refer to recent issues of OUR ROOTS for detailed reference. Now, practically every genealogical software program on the market provides the capacity and directions for creating, sending, receiving, and reading this type of file. The file is in a textual format with the file name ending (file extension) with ".GED." Most of the data will transfer correctly, although as software has become more elaborate and with different fields for data entry, some items may be omitted or might move into a different field than in the original software. Since the conversions aren't completely fail safe, the data should always be checked for possible errors introduced during the conversion process. However, even with these limitations, the use of GEDCOM files saves enormous amounts of time, replacing re-keying of data from a printed source.

GEDCOM files can be sent as attached files via E-mail. They can of course also be saved on to a diskette. When a person receives a GEDCOM file, it is highly recommended that it be opened in a new family database rather than placing it directly into one's own family database. This precautionary additional step allows for quality check of the data and depending on the results the data could be integrated into one's own database.

In addition to exchanging GEDCOM files with family members or "Internet Cousins," genealogists commonly download GEDCOM files from Internet sites such as FamilySearch and Ancestry.com, to mention only a couple. Always verify the data before accepting it is accurate. It is important to consult the program manual for particular genealogy software or read the computerized HELP explanations for specific instruction about how to create a GEDCOM file or how to open one.

SUGGESTION: Create a small GEDCOM from your own software database; then create a new practice "family" file and open the GEDCOM in it. You can evaluate the procedure and be assured that you are doing it correctly. You will be surprised at how quickly the file is created and how little space it takes since it is a compressed file. It takes very little time for an attached GEDCOM to travel via e-mail. A person at the other end of the line can be studying the data you send within minutes!

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6. Cool and Free Stuff

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You received OUR ROOTS because you either expressed interest in Family History Research or your surname is or was one of the ones listed on http://webhome.idirect.com/~minazenar/.

The opinions expressed in this E-zine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of InfoMethods. InfoMethods makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, about the truth or accuracy of the contents of the OUR ROOTS or http://webhome.idirect.com/~minazenar/.

We want this newsletter to be the best one around. If you have suggestions, ideas, or feedback about this newsletter, feel free to E-mail us mailto:dexter@zenar.com or go to http://webhome.idirect.com/~minazenar/FeedBack.htm

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