From the Moderator
Dec 24, 2008 22:37:18 GMT -5
Post by Doug 周 on Dec 24, 2008 22:37:18 GMT -5
Thanks to Henry and Kevin for initiating and allowing this forum.
I discovered the need for a computer based genealogy program when years ago I watched my Uncle draw lines on paper between names of his siblings and connecting descendants and ancestors. He would then type data such as date of birth and occupations. Then he would Xerox similar sized photos, cutting with scissors and pasting with a glue stick. He would reproduce the copy either as a large banner or as a multi page book and distribute them to relatives during family gatherings.
A family tree is a dynamic entity. People get older and new photos are needed. Children are born, people pass away, new relationships connect, and people move to different parts of the world. It is tedious to update these events on paper, especially on larger trees. For several years I used first Winfamily (http://www.winfamily.com/), and then Legacy (http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/).
As I expanded my tree, the fact these programs do not display Chinese characters became problematic (more about Unicode in a later post). Their ability to incorporate media and the limitations of GEDCOM were issues (more on GEDCOM the ‘universal’ standard on a later post). There was the logistics of bringing a laptop containing the program to people’s homes or events to either share the output or input data. The advantages of using a web-based program became apparent.
I currently use Dynastree (www.dynastree.com) as my web based program to collaborate across large distances. I use PhpGedView (http://wiki.phpgedview.net/) as my home computer based program.
I have no financial interest in any program or software. I hope to learn from other people posting on this forum. I want to be open-minded about the evaluation of these programs and the discussion of tricks and tips. I have a lot to share. Be aware, many programs will evolve and improve with later versions and some of their deficiencies will be resolved. Hopefully this site will help keep track of these programs.
The emphasis of this forum is to exchange ideas and techniques while using genealogy software emphasizing the needs of Chinese culture and language.
For those interested in home computer genealogy software, please start by viewing: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_genealogy_software
Please feel free to post your experiences and tricks and tips about Chinese genealogy software programs, both computer based and web based.
Doug Joe
I discovered the need for a computer based genealogy program when years ago I watched my Uncle draw lines on paper between names of his siblings and connecting descendants and ancestors. He would then type data such as date of birth and occupations. Then he would Xerox similar sized photos, cutting with scissors and pasting with a glue stick. He would reproduce the copy either as a large banner or as a multi page book and distribute them to relatives during family gatherings.
A family tree is a dynamic entity. People get older and new photos are needed. Children are born, people pass away, new relationships connect, and people move to different parts of the world. It is tedious to update these events on paper, especially on larger trees. For several years I used first Winfamily (http://www.winfamily.com/), and then Legacy (http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/).
As I expanded my tree, the fact these programs do not display Chinese characters became problematic (more about Unicode in a later post). Their ability to incorporate media and the limitations of GEDCOM were issues (more on GEDCOM the ‘universal’ standard on a later post). There was the logistics of bringing a laptop containing the program to people’s homes or events to either share the output or input data. The advantages of using a web-based program became apparent.
I currently use Dynastree (www.dynastree.com) as my web based program to collaborate across large distances. I use PhpGedView (http://wiki.phpgedview.net/) as my home computer based program.
I have no financial interest in any program or software. I hope to learn from other people posting on this forum. I want to be open-minded about the evaluation of these programs and the discussion of tricks and tips. I have a lot to share. Be aware, many programs will evolve and improve with later versions and some of their deficiencies will be resolved. Hopefully this site will help keep track of these programs.
The emphasis of this forum is to exchange ideas and techniques while using genealogy software emphasizing the needs of Chinese culture and language.
For those interested in home computer genealogy software, please start by viewing: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_genealogy_software
Please feel free to post your experiences and tricks and tips about Chinese genealogy software programs, both computer based and web based.
Doug Joe