Genealogy program
A genealogy program is a computer program and an aid in genealogical research . It supports the genealogist in the administration and preparation of genealogical data. So it takes over
- the data storage
- the evaluation and
- the presentation of the data z. B. in the form of reports, lists, charts and tables
as well as the preparation and creation of publications z. In the form of local family books , genealogical websites, and CD-ROMs .
history
Around 1980 the first, then DOS-based, genealogical computer program was implemented on behalf of the Genealogical Society of Utah . PAF ( Personal Ancestral File ) was constantly evolving. However, since July 2013 it can no longer be downloaded and no support is offered for it. At the same time, a format for the data exchange GEDCOM was developed, which due to various reservations is not supported by all providers of genealogy programs. Some programs do not allow electronic export or import of data, others limit the number of characters in the input fields or mix event-related information into a kind of collective note.
Functions
Good software enables already saved persons to be recognized when entering data (avoidance of duplicates). Linking relevant data, audiovisual media and documents with the associated events and people seems particularly useful. The software can also relieve the researcher of stereotypical work, e.g. B. Plausibility checks :
- Input error (birth or marriage after death)
- Minimum marriage age
- Maximum age at marriage
- Maximum age
- Minimum age for the first child
- Maximum age of the last child