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Scanners are also useful genealogy tools. Scanners come in all shapes and sizes. Most scanners on the market today are flatbed scanners, so named because the scanning surface is flat. With a flatbed scanner, you place the object you want scanned onto a slab of glass beneath a cover (much like a copying machine). There are also handheld scanners, photo scanners, and multifunction peripherals that incorporate a printer, scanner, copier and/or fax machine into one device.
All scanners come with a software bundle. At a minimum you should expect to receive software that will allow you to edit pictures. In most instances flatbed scanners also include OCR (optical character recognition)software that will translate a scan of a book into a word processing file.
Digital cameras are also useful in recording sites (cemeteries, old houses, etc.). They also allow you to copy documents if a traditional copier is not available. Cameras come in all prices. (Check the PC World buying guide). You can sometimes find last year's models on ebay.
There are many different ways to track and organize your genealogical information. The choice is one of personal preference.
Among the most basic is to use spreadsheet software that comes with the computer. Data on a spreadsheet can be sorted to reveal relationships of place, time and name. The amount and type of data that can be realistically included on a spreadsheet limit the effectiveness.
Some use word processing software to maintain family records. Limitations relate to the ability to analyze data for previously unknown relationships. Word processing is better suited for transcribing documents (a practice that will improve ones ability to read "old" handwriting) and for compiling the story of ones ancestors.
There are a number of software packages (including commercial, shareware and freeware) designed for genealogy. The "best" software depends on what feels best for the individual. At a minimum, the program must contain the following key features:
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| Genealogy Software Report Card |
Whichever software is used, it is important to use it consistently. Always use the same format for entering dates and places. Be careful about entering "unverified" information.
There are several software packages that will help organize data. These are not designed to replace the lineage based genealogy programs but to manage and store the information found on ancestors.
Clooz is a document-based program in which linkages are made between documents and the people contained within them. It includes templates for U.S. Federal censuses, all U.K. censuses, all major Canadian censuses, the two available Irish censuses, two generic censuses; photos; directories; miscellaneous documents (i.e., vital records, land, wills, etc.); correspondence; Irish valuation; sources and people). Clooz
Bygones is a genealogical note-keeping system designed so that it can work with a large variety of research note filing systems. It is designed primarily for people who use a laptop computer for onsite research. Even without the laptop, this program can help the user "keep on track" when doing research. Additionally, the users manual which can be downloaded contains a helpful chapter on organization of paper files. Bygones is a freeware program. Bygones
Animap is software that can help locate places. It has two basic parts. Part 1 contains over 2,300 maps of the changing county boundaries for each of the 48 adjacent United States for every year since colonial times. Maps may be viewed separately, or the program can set them in motion so you can automatically view the boundary changes. Part 2, SiteFinder, contains place names of cities and towns, railroad stations, trading Posts, cemetries, etc. Once a place is found it can be plotted on the maps. Animap
Deedmapper is software that can help to discover genealogical relationships by showing that person X sold a part of person Y's land. Use it to untangle people having the same name by analyzing their landholdings and transfers. The software allows you to print out pictures of individual plots to any scale. DeedMapper
There are many data CDs available. When buying a CD remember that not all CDs are created equal. A "good" CD will indicate the source of information it contains and a complete description of what is covered (e.g., location, time period, etc.).
The internet contains a wealth of "how-to" information. It can provide valuable background on the places and times in which our ancestors lived. By using the internet when preparing for a research trip, you can identify resources and save time when doing onsite research. You can find facts and clues on your ancestors on the internet. When finding information, it is important to distinguish between what is "fact" and what should be used as a clue. Always check for documentation. Always remember that there is more than one way to find information.