Lesson 14 - Where Do I Store All This Information?

Where Do I Store All This Information?

Now that you have started finding information, where do you keep it?

Some prefer to keep everything on paper in ring-binders or hang files.

(See the family group sheets in the FILES section of the group page). Family Group Sheets will help you keep track of each family. They need to be updated every time you find additional information.

Family Tree Programs for your computer and/or online.

There are many good family tree programs available. I don’t know about any of them except Legacy, which is what I use.

FTM – Family Tree Maker

Roots Magic

Legacy

I highly recommend that you try before you buy to see if the program works the way you want.

NOTE: Legacy offers a free version that you can use as long as you want. I used the free version for years before I purchased the deluxe version. Legacy doesn’t work on Mac computers.

With any of these programs you MUST backup, backup, backup.

1.     To your computer hard drive.

2.     To a cloud-based platform e.g. Dropbox

3.     To a thumb drive or removable drive.

You should do this every time you add information. If your computer crashes you don’t want to lose all your information.

Online Family Trees.

Again, there are many to choose from. Some are free, and some are subscription only.

Ancestry – Subscription required except for DNA tree. I think Public Trees are free but check first.

My Heritage – First 250 are free, subscription after this.

Geni Tree – Free or purchase pro version

Wiki Tree – Free

FamilySearch Family Tree – Free but anyone can edit any information you enter.

I only have my One-Name Study online as I’m trying to find other researchers.

Whichever way you choose to record your family information, take the time to research and find the right solution for you.