Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Genealogy Software.

Ratings

Feature Set

Does the software have a lot of bells and whistles available? The list of the software's abilities and unique attributes printed on the outside of the box is often called the feature set.

Ease of Use

This is one of the most important features that we at Genealogy-Software-Review look for. Is the product user friendly-easy for beginners and experienced computer users alike?

Reporting & Publishing

How simple is the software to install and use on your computer? Do errors pop up during the installation? Is there help available?

Help/Documentation

Is the Help easily found and informative? Did the Help answer your questions?

Management Tools

Import/Export - Gedcom Files

The GEDCOM file specification, which stands for GEnealogical Data COMmunication, was created in 1984 by the Family History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to exchange genealogical information between different software programs. You can import & export your database between various genealogical software programs via a GEDCOM file.

Customizable Languages

Allows you to choose a different language other than English.

Open Multiple Databases at Once

Allows you to view the contents of a second database while the first is still open.

Problem Spotter Alerts

This tool searches your family file and checks the information for some common errors and discrepancies.

Multimedia Support

You can add digitized pictures, sound clips and video clips to the individual records and sources with this feature to enhance your records.

Multiple Relationships (adoptive-foster)

This feature allows you to enter more than one set of parents for an individual-for example: birth parents, divorced parents, adoptive parents and foster parents.

Relationship Calculator

This feature allows you to find the common ancestry between two individuals.

Query/Search for Individuals

You can search for specific individuals or groups of individuals with this tool.

Re-Number Individuals

Each individual and marriage record in a family file is assigned a unique record number as it is added. If you always add new records in a precise order, these numbers would be sequential with no holes. But,in reality, numbers are abandoned when you delete people or merge duplicate records. In theory, this does not cause any problems, but most genealogists would like to keep the numbers sequential and orderly as possible, and so they may employ the Renumber Individuals tool.

Counting Unlinked Trees

Often times there are unlinked individuals (or groups of individuals) in your family file along with your main family line. These names are often hard to find because they never show up when you are navigating through your family line. Unlinked trees are often displayed in the name list, so you can keep track of them until you discover where they fit in.

Soundex Calculator

Soundex is a type of index that groups together surnames that sound similar but are spelled differently. Each surname is assigned a code. The code consists of the first letter of the name and three numbers based on the next three consonants of the surname. Vowels are ignored.

Track Medical Conditions

This feature allows you to record medical information about an individual.

Address Book

The Address Book contains the master address entries for the family file.

Views

Family

This view option shows an entire family-husband, wife and children.

Pedigree

This view gives you a four-generation pedigree chart for either yourself or another individual.

Reports and Charts

Ancestor & Descendant Charts

Generally, this type of display shows more generations for an individual's direct-line ancestors but less information about each individual.

Ancestor & Descendant Narrative Reports

An Ancestor Narrative Report is a book-style report that begins with a specific person and moves back through the person's ancestors.

Ancestor Pedigree Reports

This report lists an individual with his or her direct ancestors (parents, grandparents, great grandparents, etc.).

To-Do Lists

You may opt to create To-Do lists to more easily track research progress and related tasks.

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