Rating: 
Summary: A lot of hype
Review: After toying with several different genealogy data processing programs, I find I use Family Tree Maker exclusively. The beauty of the program is that it is very easy to learn and very easy to use, an aspect which allows you to focus on the material you are processing rather than the program itself. In addition to this, individual entries can be tagged with detailed information, revision is simple, and the program is capable of generating numerous useful reports and print outs with a minimum of effort. I strongly recommend the program.When used in conjunction with a subscription to Family Tree Maker's internet database (there is an extra fee for this), the program can produce startling results. I do feel the subscription is worth the cost--but I also offer a word of caution here: researchers should never assume information obtained in such manner is completely accurate. They should instead regard such information as a starting point for their own direct research and prove each entry through independent research.
Rating: 
Summary: The Standard--and Essential--Program
Review: After toying with several different genealogy data processing programs, I find I use Family Tree Maker exclusively. The beauty of the program is that it is very easy to learn and very easy to use, an aspect which allows you to focus on the material you are processing rather than the program itself. In addition to this, individual entries can be tagged with detailed information, revision is simple, and the program is capable of generating numerous useful reports and print outs with a minimum of effort. I strongly recommend the program. When used in conjunction with a subscription to Family Tree Maker's internet database (there is an extra fee for this), the program can produce startling results. I do feel the subscription is worth the cost--but I also offer a word of caution here: researchers should never assume information obtained in such manner is completely accurate. They should instead regard such information as a starting point for their own direct research and prove each entry through independent research.
Rating: 
Summary: I have to agree with "a software user from MN" re: Andy
Review: Andy, if you DO happen to manage to find your family tree on any of Family Tree Maker's CD's or anywhere on-line, it's because somebody else did all the research! Not to mention, it probably contains errors. (I know, I personally found plenty!) Most of the fun of genealogy is in finding the information yourself; it's like detective work. If you're really interested in genealogy, get yourself a good genealogy book (I would recommend Sharon Debartolo Carmack's books) on how to start your research, even "Genealogy for Dummies" (no insult intended!). It really is a wonderful hobby, you just need to realize that it takes WORK! (and money for vital records, i.e. birth, marriage and death records, but it's worth it to see a signature of a great-great grandparent from the 1850's!) Believe me, it's definitely worth it.
Also get yourself some good genealogy software, (Family Tree Maker is in my opinion the best) - It's money well-spent, you will use it a lot.
Rating:
Summary: A lot of hype
Review: I am very disappointed with the upgrade from 8 to 9. There is hardly any difference between the two programs, and the interface is still a clumsy, antiquated, early Windows edition that Broderbund hasn't even bothered to upgrade to a more modern Windows interface. Many features are annoying that should have been corrected long ago, that only if you're a savvy Windows user can you work around--maybe. I have used this product for many years and haven't found a better substitute yet, but maybe it's because I haven't looked, and maybe it's about time. The product has hardly changed despite the many hyped "upgrades." Broderbund invests more energy, it appears, into the hype surrounding all of its add-ons rather than into more substantial software. The source feature is essential for accurate documentation, but it is clumsy to use and limited, and doesn't even produce the correct printed formats (consult an MLA handbook, Broderbund!!!).
Rating:
Summary: This is Software!
Review: I am writing this for anyone who might make the same mistake as me. I bought this thinking that i might be able to increase my knowledge of my own geneology, and it looked promising. I got many results after my first search. However, when i clicked on each individual item that the program found as a lead, they would give me no further information unless i subscribed further to their services. After already spending 50 dollars, they were asking me to make yearly subscription-adding up to hundreds of dollars per year. While I'd love to be able to trace my geneolgoy, I must say thanks, but no thanks.
Rating: 
Summary: Looks Great But...
Review: I am writing this for anyone who might make the same mistake as me. I bought this thinking that i might be able to increase my knowledge of my own geneology, and it looked promising. I got many results after my first search. However, when i clicked on each individual item that the program found as a lead, they would give me no further information unless i subscribed further to their services. After already spending 50 dollars, they were asking me to make yearly subscription-adding up to hundreds of dollars per year. While I'd love to be able to trace my geneolgoy, I must say thanks, but no thanks.
Rating:
Summary: This is Software!
Review: I just have to respond to the review I saw regarding "Andy" who could not just pull up his ancestry with the touch of a button. This is software to help you compile information - NOBODY gets that info for free! There is a lot of research involved in finding your family tree. I have only version 8.0 so far, but it is an awesome program that really manages my info - like it is supposed to. Go to a history center or courthouse and roll up your sleeves if you really want to find your history!!
Rating:
Summary: User friendly for all ages and ability
Review: I teach Family Tree Maker to senior citizens and am an amateur genealogist. It usually takes no more than an hour or two for my students to get around enough basics about Family Tree Maker to start entering their genealogy. It has clear windows and comfortably large fonts, very user friendly error messages that actually make sense.... (ie when typing a name all in lower case, a message pops up saying "the name may have too many or too few capital letters" and you have the option to make the change right there or use the "auto-fix" button).
As another review mentions, this is first and foremost a data entry tool for genealogy, as well as a data output tool such as family trees of various configuration, several standardized reports, and my favorite: the ability to put a genealogy book together.
Family Tree Maker's helpful research tools should be used in combination with classic research mediums: Libraries, genealogy groups, the internet, historical societies, local town halls....
Rating:
Summary: Family Feast
Review: This program provides one with all of the neccessities to track and record their family tree and the ability to add footnotes and other memorandum to the individuals. It is able to retain all of the information fed into it and record what one wants written out in all different kinds of formats. I highly recommend this program to all who are interested in their "roots" or just want to leave information to their progeny.
I not only had a good time working on it but was able to reestablish relations with distant relatives.
Rating:
Summary: Family Feast
Review: This program provides one with all of the neccessities to track and record their family tree and the ability to add footnotes and other memorandum to the individuals. It is able to retain all of the information fed into it and record what one wants written out in all different kinds of formats. I highly recommend this program to all who are interested in their "roots" or just want to leave information to their progeny.
I not only had a good time working on it but was able to reestablish relations with distant relatives.
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