Which software??

[carolchipp]

I have been asked by a new searcher about software for building a tree. This is something I know nothing about - I have Legacy but apart from uploading my tree I haven't used it as I can still use the tree I built on genes and I only use it for reference.
Any suggestions/preferences?

Carol

[Pam Downes]

Carol,
As has been said very many times, there is no 'right' program. It all depends on the individual user, how computer-literate they are, what sort of details they want, etc.
Have a read through some of the other posts in this thread - look for different program names in the headings.
And suggest to your friend that they sign up the free trials offered by most of the programs.
Just be aware that if you put your tree online with somewhere such as Ancestry or Genes Reunited, you usually have to keep paying your sub to be able to access it.
Pam

[Mr.Potter]

I have used Brothers Keeper for many years and have found it a straightforward and easy to navigate prog - free trial at bkwin.com - Charles.

[JAP1]

Imagine if a complete stranger approached one and said "Which car should I buy to drive about in? Any suggestions/preferences?"

Unanswerable, yes?

One would want to ask all sorts of questions before even contemplating giving advice.

The same goes for genealogical software.

And the car response would probably start from the basic premise that virtually all modern day cars are pretty good - as is the case for virtually all current genealogical software programs.

And, as with cars, it then comes down to things like cost, what you want it to do, the user's driving (computing) skills, etc, etc - and (ultimately) personal preference.

JAP

[Neil Wilson]

Good answer by JAP1.

There are 'free' cut down versions of most, but these do not give the user a full idea of the capability of the full version. The best one would be the one which 'ease of inputting data' the user finds best for them, the output (reports) can only be decided when a full version is purchased.

Personally, I steer clear of those which display your tree on the web, you never know who is out there and will rip off your work as their own.