Genealogy Chat

I am thinking of asking for FTM for Christmas, but which version?
Which year is a good year, would the latest, 2010 be best, or does it have glitches that need ironing out? What is the difference between the normal version and Platinum?
I would also like to know whether any of them can print a Descendant report from the top down showing all siblings etc, rather than left to right?
Any advice from users would be great.
Many Thanks,
Susan

Sorry to be dim but as a novice culd you tell me what FTM is?

Sorry Lesley, it's short for Family Tree Maker, software for inputting all your family tree information.
Susan

There are two completely different Family Tree Maker Programs.

FTM 2006 or Version 16 which is no longer being enhanced. Most members on GR who use FTM have this version. At present it is not certified to work on Windows 7

FTM 2010 is the latest version but looks feels and works completely differently to the 2006 version. 2006 data can be converted to run on 2010 but there is no backward compatibility.

FTM 2010 started life as 2008, which by all accounts had a lot of bugs errors and omissions. These were largely sorted by 2009 . The 2010 version had added more functionality.

FTM 2010 is certified for Windows 7.

Thank you for the information Hawkwind.
I would still be interested to know how other people find FTM to use.

Regards,
Susan

Hi

I am a novice and have Family Tree Maker 2009 which I find easy to use. I haven't used any other version but didn't see the point in buying an old version when I became interested in genealogy earlier this year. I find that the reporting system is good and particularly like the mapping facility which shows which ancestors lived where and plots the addresses. The software I bought came with a free 6 month subscription to Ancestry which saved me quite a few pennies. I'd definately buy it again as I haven't had any problems with it and it's fit for my needs.

Best wishes
Hilary

Thank you Hilary, the mapping facility sounds interesting, I have not had that before.
Susan

Ive got the 2009 version which Ancestry gave me free as I had bought a copy of the disastrous 2008 which we all basically gave up on.

I still use the 2006 most of all.

I recently got another 2009 program simply because it came with 6 months free ancestry sub and I got it for zilcho, using tesco coupons. I shall use the sub with it but give the actual program to another member who has asked for it.

I use Reunion but I have a FTM 2005 lurking on my computer - I might have a play with that to see if Father Christmas should send me an upgrade of FTM or something else. Can I download upgrades for it or do I have to go to a 'real' shop? What other program is good? I am listening to this thread with interest so keep going.
cheers,
Jill

Thanks Heather, I'll give the Tesco coupons a look, sounds like a good deal.
Susan

Jill,

No you cant download upgrades, you have to purchase the disc. The only upgrade for 2005 is to 2006 and from what I remember, the changes were fairly minimal, so probably not worth it.

2008-2010 is a completely different program, not an upgrade (By the way, don't even consider 2008 as it was full of bugs)

However, it comes with a utility which will convert 2006 and earlier format tree data to it's new format. Once converted you cant change it back, so you need to keep a copy first in case things go awry.

Thanks Hawkwind,
I haven't really used FTM 2005 so what is the ultimate one you recommend? And about how much would Father Christmas be looking at spending? - and would he get it from the normal computer software shops or have to send away for it? (yes sir, I really AM that naive!)
cheers,
Jill

Have a look on this site.

http://www.twrcomputing.co.uk/

I have used them on several occasions and can speak as a satisfied customer.

The difference between Normal, Platinum etc is in the extras you get. Your family tree software is exactly the same for a particular version number.

Sorry to appear a bit dim, Hawkwind, but am I looking at 2010 Platinum FTM? I've just had a look but am still a bit confused as to which is the better one
thanks for your patience,
Jill

n

so which did you get?

.........................
I went ahead and got the FTM (Platinum) and am having problems with it. The functionality is not brill and when I try to download from the Anc UK site it duplicates some people. I much prefer the GR one for interfacing. Problem is, I have made a booboo on my GR tree and don't know how to sort it out.
Blush!