WHo do you think you are?
Posted by: Jonathan Gorse on 20 September 2006
After watching 'Who do you think you are?' and becoming somewhat addicted to the programme I am planning to do some work researching my own origins. This urge has been particularly powerful since I lost my last Grandparent last week at the ripe old age of 92.
It striks me that it would be wise to buy some software to support my endeavours and I'm wondering if any of you have already done this and what software you'd recommend??
The leading software seems to be GSP Family Tree Maker, Family Historian V3 or Roots Magic. I'd welcome advice on which you chaps would recommend - they're all less than £40.
Also for those of you that have done this how far did you get? Was it worth the effort? How much effort was involved? How much can be done from the comfort of the home and how much involves me trecking around the country - which I don't really have a lot of time for (though if I can get my Mother roped into this who is retired then I think we can do a certain amount!) Indeed part of the reason I am attracted to this is to get my parents involved in something to stop them becoming too retired! My Mother has always had a keen interest in history, worked in a legal office for years so this may be just her thing.
Anyway - would appreciate any advice.
Thanks,
Jonathan
It striks me that it would be wise to buy some software to support my endeavours and I'm wondering if any of you have already done this and what software you'd recommend??
The leading software seems to be GSP Family Tree Maker, Family Historian V3 or Roots Magic. I'd welcome advice on which you chaps would recommend - they're all less than £40.
Also for those of you that have done this how far did you get? Was it worth the effort? How much effort was involved? How much can be done from the comfort of the home and how much involves me trecking around the country - which I don't really have a lot of time for (though if I can get my Mother roped into this who is retired then I think we can do a certain amount!) Indeed part of the reason I am attracted to this is to get my parents involved in something to stop them becoming too retired! My Mother has always had a keen interest in history, worked in a legal office for years so this may be just her thing.
Anyway - would appreciate any advice.
Thanks,
Jonathan
Depends if you have a computer that you can talk to - and which answers complicated search questions in seconds 
Anyway assuming you are not James T Kirk or J L Picard you might like to look at:
www..ancestory.co.uk they charge a yearly subscription or you can buy vouchers. Offer a 14 day trial but require credit card details. Of all the ones I have used this is the best - but be prepared for a lot of hunting.
http://www.genesreunited.co.uk/ is also good for building family trees on-line. Again they offer a 14 day trial.
If you are UK based the census information (up to 1901) is good - but again you will pay for it via ancestory.co.uk.
Really depends how much information you already have as to how easy it is to find information. Whichever way you do it it will cost though! I have never tried the software you mention, try and get a demo to make sure it does not just draw pretty family trees.
Steve
Anyway assuming you are not James T Kirk or J L Picard you might like to look at:
www..ancestory.co.uk they charge a yearly subscription or you can buy vouchers. Offer a 14 day trial but require credit card details. Of all the ones I have used this is the best - but be prepared for a lot of hunting.
http://www.genesreunited.co.uk/ is also good for building family trees on-line. Again they offer a 14 day trial.
If you are UK based the census information (up to 1901) is good - but again you will pay for it via ancestory.co.uk.
Really depends how much information you already have as to how easy it is to find information. Whichever way you do it it will cost though! I have never tried the software you mention, try and get a demo to make sure it does not just draw pretty family trees.
Steve
I am managing to research my family with the use of ancestry.co.uk having subscribed for a year to give it a whirl, having already used it for 30 days free.
I have found the experience to be a mixed bag really, missing jigsaw pieces coming together with patience.
From the bare bone knowledge my late dad left me regarding his family I have built up a decent picture of my roots.
If you really want to stretch it you can have a dna profile done which will link you with others in the world who share your dna
Go for it, I have found it interesting, and to some extent a reality check.
I have found the experience to be a mixed bag really, missing jigsaw pieces coming together with patience.
From the bare bone knowledge my late dad left me regarding his family I have built up a decent picture of my roots.
If you really want to stretch it you can have a dna profile done which will link you with others in the world who share your dna
Go for it, I have found it interesting, and to some extent a reality check.