This file contains a digest of genealogical software reviews that have appeared in the ROOTS-L news list from January 2, 1991 through June 29, 1991. ROOTS-L contains articles copied from the soc.roots news group. ROOTS-L articles are archived on the North Dakota Higher Education Network (HECN) host, Internet: LISTSERV@vm1.nodak.edu BITNET: LISTSERV@NDSUVM1 UUCP: ...!uunet!plains!vm1.nodak.edu!listserv and may be obtained via LISTSERV or anonymous ftp from the ROOTS-L.LOG* files of the ROOTS-L directory. Vic Abell, abe@mace.cc.purdue.edu, August 22, 1991 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 2 Jan 91 05:07:06 GMT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM From: "g.w.kattke" Subject: Re: GEDCOM In article , KQUINN@VM.UOGUELPH.CA (Kenneth W. Quinn) writes: > My question to the list this evening is a simple one. > What does GEDCOM stand for? I know GEDCOM is a standard > format that allows data to be transferred from > one genealogy software package to the next. But I want > to know what it is an acronym for. Thanx a bunch, GEnealogical Data COMmunications, according to my PAF reference manual. Jerry Kattke AT&T Bell Labs ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 3 Jan 91 20:59:32 GMT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM From: Vic Abell Subject: Re: Brother's Keeper In article <91003.135951II60016@MAINE.BITNET>, II60016@MAINE.BITNET writes: > Please, where can i get Brother's Keeper? A demo copy of BK can be obtained via anonymous ftp from wuarchive.wustl.edu It's in the mirrors/msdos/genealogy directory in three files: bk45bd1.zip bk45bd2.zip bk45bd3.zip ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 4 Jan 91 23:51:02 CST Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: Cliff Manis Subject: Genealogy on Simtel20 I just received the SIMTEL20, SIMIBM.IDX file and here is the current listing of Genealogy files while are available via FTP and EMAIL. The IP address is: 26.2.0.74 Disk Area Program Bytes Description of File ------ ------------------- ------------- ------- "PD1:","","BK45BD1.ZIP",200935, "Brother's Keeper (v4.5B) Family History, 1of3" "PD1:","","BK45BD2.ZIP",326317, "Brother's Keeper (v4.5B) Family History, 2of3" "PD1:","","BK45BD3.ZIP",208568, "Brother's Keeper (v4.5B) Family History, 3of3" "PD1:","","FHS1.ARC",167398, "FHS (Family History System), part 1 of 2" "PD1:","","FHS2.ARC",258733, "FHS (Family History System), part 2 of 2" "PD1:","","FT115.ARC",206212, "Family Ties: Genealogy program, Mormon Church" "PD1:","","GBBS9009.ZIP",19584, "Worldwide Genealogical BBS listing, 900901" "PD1:","","GED2T9.ZIP",73472, "Genealogy:Create Tiny Tafels from GEDCOM files" "PD1:","","GENKIT15.ZIP",61486, "A toolkit for Genealogists" "PD1:","","SLEKT02.ZIP",127275, "Norwegian language Genealogy program" ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 10 Jan 91 00:52:27 GMT Reply-To: Teri Pettit Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM From: Teri Pettit Subject: Re: PAF wishes In article <1991Jan9.210116.5656@cunixf.cc.columbia.edu> magier@cunixf.cc.columbia.edu (David Magier) writes: >As long as we're wishing for improvements in PAF, I really wish that >its search capabilities could be improved. There is no way to locate >records (for example) that contain a specific keyword or reference in >their notes fields. [examples deleted] >Also, I have difficulties locating all individuals in the file from a >particular place. As it works now, you can search by place only if you >know for sure which place-level field the place name is entered in. David, While I fully concur with your wish list for PAF (I have sent letters with these and other suggested enhancements to the development team in Salt Lake), I wonder if you have thought of the following workaround: 1. Export the entire PAF file to GEDCOM. 2. Search and replace text using your favorite word processing program. 3. Import the entire edited GEDCOM file to a new PAF file. 4. Look it over, and if it seems OK, delete the original PAF file. Of course, this is rather time-consuming, and I would not bother for searches/edits of minor importance. But I have done it twice where I found that I was consistently mispelling a county name, and it worked perfectly both times. I also make a habit of using the place levels consistently with level 1 = town or township, level 2 = county, level 3 = state, level 4 = country. (For foreign countries, levels 2 and 3 are the equivalent administrative jurisdiction, e.g., province and burrough.) The exception is place of burial, where I use level 1 for the cemetery, and push the others down a level. This has never been a problem, since I don't have any known burials in foreign countries in my database. If a level is unknown, I just leave it blank. This gives a lot of stupid empty commas in the output, but I prefer it to not being able to use the place fields effectively in search patterns. Does anyone else have any tips like this to share for PAF or other popular genealogical software? Teri Pettit pettit@adobe.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 23 Jan 91 13:02:27 EST Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: "Kenneth W. Quinn" Subject: Brother's Keeper Has anyone had this happen to them? In my database I am number 233. My great grandfather is 276. When I enter my birthplace and my baptizmal place, they end up in his birthplace and his deathplace. Conversely, when I enter his birthplace and his deathplace, they end up in my birthplace and my baptizmal place. My solution was to give myself a new number in the database. I was just wondering if this situation is unique to me or whether other BK users have had a similar experience Regards, ---------------------------------------------------------------- | Kenneth W. Quinn | CoSyid: KQUINN@CoSy.UoGuelph.CA | | Communications Services | VMid: KQUINN@VM.UoGuelph.CA | | University of Guelph | UOG01086@VM.UoGuelph.CA | | Guelph, Ontario |-----------------------------------| | Canada | | N1G 2W1 | ---------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 23 Jan 91 16:58:06 -0500 Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: "Anthony R. Guillory 904 644-1452" Subject: RE: Brother's Keeper I had something somewhat similar. My gggg grandfather's death date ended up in his son's (my ggg grandfather's) death slot, but I just assumed that I made a typo and corrected it. I think it accepted it this time, but I'm not positive. Anthony Guillory guillory@storm.dnet.nasa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 24 Jan 91 11:09:15 -0500 Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: Dave Chasey Subject: Re: Brother's Keeper From: "Kenneth W. Quinn" Subject: Brother's Keeper X-To: ROOTS-L@VM1.NODAK.EDU To: Multiple recipients of list ROOTS-L Status: O Has anyone had this happen to them? In my database I am number 233. My great grandfather is 276. When I enter my birthplace and my baptizmal place, they end up in his birthplace and his deathplace. Conversely, when I enter his birthplace and his deathplace, they end up in my birthplace and my baptizmal place. My solution was to give myself a new number in the database. I was just wondering if this situation is unique to me or whether other BK users have had a similar experience Regards, ---------------------------------------------------------------- | Kenneth W. Quinn | CoSyid: KQUINN@CoSy.UoGuelph.CA | | Communications Services | VMid: KQUINN@VM.UoGuelph.CA | | University of Guelph | UOG01086@VM.UoGuelph.CA | | Guelph, Ontario |-----------------------------------| | Canada | | N1G 2W1 | ---------------------------- I haven't had any similar problem, but in the "brotheru" utilities portion, there is a "quality" of data check that verifies the pointers. I would suggest running that (after making a backup, of course) and see if it helps. If that fails, John Steed, the author, would probably help. He responded quickly to a problem I had with an earlier version of the program. It was fixed in the next release...... Dave Dave Chasey -- wn9nbt@ecn.purdue.edu (Internet) .....pur-ee!wn9nbt (UUCP) ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 17 Jan 91 09:51:02 GMT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM From: Carol Montrose Subject: Re: FRU > >Is the PAF utility program FRU available anywhere by FTP? Thanks > (Personal Ancestral File) is a commercial package. > If you're not, why are you asking? Ellen, maybe it is good that she did ask...There are MANY shareware programs that enhance PAF, available. Many are on-line @ 614-476-3351--2400baud, N-8-1. Since I haven't used PAF, I can't tell if the FRU utility is a part or not. Carol -- Carol Montrose via cmhGate - Net 226 fido<=>uucp gateway Col, OH UUCP: ...!osu-cis!n8emr!cmhgate!130!Carol.Montrose INET: Carol.Montrose@f130.n226.z1.FIDONET.ORG ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 26 Jan 91 22:07:18 CST Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: Cliff Manis Subject: New Version, Brothers Keeper => Latest Version of Brother's Keeper, Version 4.5C now on Simtel20 <= About 5 days ago I finally telephoned John Steed, author or Brother's Keeper, and talked with him about 3-5 minutes, commenting about the use of Brother's Keeper, and also requesting that he send me a copy of his latest version direct. This was the first time I have talked with John. Anyway 2 days ago, I received the new BK, checked it, then uploaded the new version 4.5C to SIMTEL20 and Keith Petersen has sent me a message that it is available now. Those of you who are presently using BK, might want to request the latest version and use it. I understand it has lots of new features, and fixes. Since I use BK, as my primary Genealogy program, I will be using the newest version. > Subject: Brother's Keeper, File uploads to SIMTEL20 Yesterday, I uploaded the following new files to SIMTEL20. Filename Description of File =========== =========================================== BK45CD1.ZIP Brother's Keeper, Version 4.5C, Diskette #1 BK45CD2.ZIP Brother's Keeper, Version 4.5C, Diskette #2 BK45CD3.ZIP Brother's Keeper, Version 4.5C, Diskette #3 They are now in the PD1: directory. Please note: These files total 1.2 megs and will need to be requested one each only each day if you are using other than FTP. I'm sure that most of you understand how to request files from SIMTEL20 by now, since there are 100's of files available and they may all be ordered from LISTSERV@VM1.Nodak.Edu. As a sidenote, I understand that John Steed uses CompuServe, and his unix mailbox address is: 75745.1371@compuserve.com or you might need to use: 75745.1371%compuserve.com@vm1.NoDak.EDU to make the connection. Good Luck, Cliff Manis ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 30 Jan 91 22:51:48 -0500 Reply-To: aa624@cleveland.Freenet.Edu Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: James Moores Subject: Genealogy on the Apple IIe > >Can anyone out there tell me if there is a software package to do genealogy on >an APPLE IIE computer? I use BK on IBM for mine. > > Yes there are several packages that you can use. The two that are most well known are PAF available from the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) and Family Roots by Quinsept. Quinsept, Inc. Salt Lake Distribution Center P.O. Box 216 1999 West 1700 South Lexington, Ma 02173 Salt Lake City, Utah 84104 PAF (Personal Ancestral File) is a DOS3.3 based product that costs $35. and is a good amateur package. It has some features that a non-Mormon will not need as they relate to church certification, etc. It has limited printing, searching, etc. A big plus is it will create GEDCOM files as a part of the package. Family Roots is a PRODOS based product that costs $225. It is a professional grade product. It's features are too numerous to list here. There are other products less expensive and with less features available from Quinsept. Family Roots is also available in IBM and Commodore formats. I recommend that you send for a catalog to see what all they have. I hope that I have been some help. -- Jim Moores (aa624) Co-Sysop of the Genealogy Sig ---- GO ROOTS ---- ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 2 Feb 91 13:08:19 -0500 Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: "Anthony R. Guillory 904 644-1452" Subject: RE: GEDCOM Format Here are the programs that I know read/write GEDCOM: PAF, Family History System, ROOTS-xxx, Family Edge, BK, and Family Roots (I think). Anthony R. Guillory guillory@storm.dnet.nasa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 3 Feb 91 10:53:35 -0500 Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: "Anthony R. Guillory 904 644-1452" Subject: RE: GEDCOM Format >Subj: RE: GEDCOM Format > >> >>Here are the programs that I know read/write GEDCOM: PAF, Family History >>System, ROOTS-xxx, Family Edge, BK, and Family Roots (I think). >> >>Anthony R. Guillory >>guillory@storm.dnet.nasa.gov >> >> > >I must have missed something in Brother's Keeper because I have been >unable to import a GEDCOM file (the Royalty file that was seen here >earlier). Can you help? > >Sandra Rozhon (aa581@cleveland.freenet.edu) > No problem. Do you have the utility program called BKGEDCOM? If not then that is your problem. I think it comes with the 4.5C programs, but I'm not sure. If you need me to, I can send it to you UUENCODED. If you do have BKGEDCOM just type BKGEDCOM and select 'import' at the main menu. But be careful, since BK will automatically ADD this to your current data. If you want to keep the royalty file data separate from your family data, which is what I would do, then make a separate directory like \BK\ROYAL. I think BKGEDCOM allows you to specify the directory to import to so that should put the data in the separate directory. Then just go to that directory and type \BK\BK to run BK using those data files, you could also modify your path and just type BK.  _______________________________________________________________________________ Anthony R. Guillory INTERNET: Guillory@Storm.dnet.nasa.gov UUCP: {ames,east,decwrl,ucbvax,uunet}!storm.dnet.nasa.gov!guillory CompuServe: 73427,2515 GEnie: A.GUILLORY FidoNet: Anthony Guillory @ 1:3605/46 DECNET/SPAN: STORM::GUILLORY or 723::GUILLORY _______________________________________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 4 Feb 91 14:08:39 GMT Reply-To: Vic Abell Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM From: Vic Abell Subject: Re: GEDCOM Format In article <9102031537.AA15581@cwns1.INS.CWRU.Edu> aa581@CLEVELAND.FREENET.EDU (Sandra Rozhon) writes: >I must have missed something in Brother's Keeper because I have been >unable to import a GEDCOM file (the Royalty file that was seen here >earlier). Can you help? There is a separate program, BKGEDCOM.EXE, in the BK distribution that imports and exports GEDCOM (Genealogical Data Communication) format files. PAF (Personal Ancestral File) has an equivalent, separate program. The GEDCOM specification is available from the Family History Unit of the Church of the Latter Day Saints: Ancestral File Operations Unit 50 East North Temple Street Salt Lake City, UT 84150 (801) 240-2584 My copy cost $5.00, included the specifications for the PAF database files, and was well worth the cost and effort to get it. I used the GEDCOM specifications when designing a custom listing program for my personal genealogical data. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 4 Feb 91 14:59:01 GMT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM From: "Darryn J. Kozak" Subject: Re: GEDCOM Format From article <9102011728.AA09820@csoftec.csf.com>, by root@CSOFTEC.CSF.COM (Cliff Manis): > GEDCOM FORMAT ! ! > > I would like to see any discussion of the GEDCOM format. I am using > > Thanks for any comments.. Cliff I posted a similar request once, and got great response. Now it's my turn. For those who are unfamiliar with GEDCOM, it is the standard format for importing/exporting genealogical data used by the LDS. It is a well-defined yet flexible standard. The documentation for the standard is owned and maintained by the LDS and can be obtained from them for a modest fee (~$5). Unfortunetly I cannot remember who I contacted to get it in the first place. Anyone have the number for the "distribution center" in Salt Lake, I'm sure they would know. I have used the document to enable me to export PAF data to GEDCOM format and then import it to a Lisp program which graphs a person and all of that person's relatives (my Masters project - and yes I did say all, talk about big graphs!). Best, Darryn Kozak 3M Center 260-4A-08 St. Paul, MN 55144 phone: 612-733-3271 email: us269574@mmm.3m.com or kozak@umn-cs.edu FAX: 612-737-3213 ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 4 Feb 91 13:15:03 CST Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: JONES@ETSUADMN.BITNET Subject: GEDCOM format >Anyone have the number for the "distribution center" in Salt Lake, I'm >sure they would know. The number is (800) 537-5950. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 5 Feb 91 09:21:07 -0500 Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: "PennNet Tech. Services" Subject: GEDCOM Format > Here are the programs that I know read/write GEDCOM: PAF, Family History > System, ROOTS-xxx, Family Edge, BK, and Family Roots (I think). > Only the latest IBM PC version of Family Roots talks GEDCOM. The MAC version does not. (Including in the just released version.) ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 5 Feb 91 09:13:18 -0500 Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: "PennNet Tech. Services" Subject: GEDCOM Format > I would like to see any discussion of the GEDCOM format. I am using > Brother's Keeper and on of the features is saving in GEDCOM format, and > I do use it for transferring files and data with others. > One primary advantage to standards is that it allows many people to write software to a "non-moving" target. They don't have to worry about either reverse engineering the code (and possibly getting it wrong) or negotiating costly royalty deals with the primary vender (and therefore driving up the cost of the final product). In particular look in the current issue of The Federation of Genealogical Socities Newsletter - which I just got in Monday's mail. On page 2 is an advertisement for "GEDCOM UTILITIES". (I haven't analyzed the ad nor looked at the software), which appears to offer to make a prety looking "tree" from gedcom data files. I believe that we are begining to see the first of these "GEDCOM UTILITIES" begining to emerge and will see more of them as time goes on. Now if I could only get it and them to the NeXT... I've got a Slab to play with (for some indeterminate period of time) and boy would I like to be able to run my genealogical software on it!!! William H. Magill Manager, PennNet Technical Services Data Communications and Computing Services (DCCS) University of Pennsylvania Internet: magill@dccs.upenn.edu magill@eniac.seas.upenn.edu magill@upenn.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 6 Feb 91 16:46:51 GMT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM From: "Darryn J. Kozak" Subject: Re: GEDCOM Format From article <9102051413.AA04332@operations.dccs.upenn.edu>, by magill@OPERATIONS.DCCS.UPENN.EDU (PennNet Tech. Services): > > In particular look in the current issue of The Federation of > Genealogical Socities Newsletter - which I just got in Monday's mail. > On page 2 is an advertisement for "GEDCOM UTILITIES". (I haven't analyzed > the ad nor looked at the software), which appears to offer to make a > prety looking "tree" from gedcom data files. > > I believe that we are begining to see the first of these "GEDCOM UTILITIES" > begining to emerge and will see more of them as time goes on. > I tend to agree with this. I have already written a number of "utilities" for my own use, and I'm sure there are others who are doing the same thing. Darryn Kozak 3M Center 260-4A-08 St. Paul, MN 55144 phone: 612-733-3271 email: us269574@mmm.3m.com or kozak@umn-cs.edu FAX: 612-737-3213 ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 8 Feb 91 03:40:00 GMT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM From: Dan Garnitz Subject: RE: BK 4.5C GEDCOM SUPPORT SLO It is slower now .... mostly because it has been rewritten to import more info and to make sure that only the proper data is being imported. It is doing more double checks and verifications than it used to do, and I think it is written under a different compiler, have to verify that. But BKGEDCOM right now is many times slower than it was. Route: 33/6f1 33/7f2 33/0f5 1/10 .ORIGIN: 033/006 - The Pedalers Palace BBS - Falls Church, VA (703) 532-3051 GT-Net Together in D C - August 16-18, 1991 - Be There !! ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 13 Feb 91 14:56:00 CDT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: "Jennifer A. Bull" Subject: Genealogy program limit? Has anyone out there had any experience with the genealogy program Linkages (or GeneaLink)? I recently discovered a possible "limit" on Linkages of 10,000 records (with some entries taking up several records, depending apparently on the length of my comments). I'm curious as to the expandability of other genealogy programs on the market (i.e. how many "ancestors" they can hold). Any idea as to why such a limit would exist? I had just assumed that the program was only limited by the space on my hard drive (I should also mention that this is an IBM program). I don't understand why a programmer would include such a limit, and would appreciate any insight (preferibly as non-technical as possible!). Thanks. Jennifer Bull JB4071A@ACAD.DRAKE.EDU JB4071A@DRAKE.BITNET ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 12 Feb 91 11:58:36 GMT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM From: Chas Morrison Subject: Re: GEDCOM Format There also is a program called Family Tree which I use that has GEDCOM, but as I recently found out, will not properly transfer over to PAF. Either the GEDCOM format is not totally standard or there are different versions of it. Hope this helps. Charlie -- Chas Morrison via cmhGate - Net 226 fido<=>uucp gateway Col, OH UUCP: ...!osu-cis!n8emr!cmhgate!130!Chas.Morrison INET: Chas.Morrison@f130.n226.z1.FIDONET.ORG ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 14 Feb 91 07:38:55 EST Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: Ric Subject: Re: Genealogy program limit? In-Reply-To: Message of Wed, 13 Feb 91 14:56:00 CDT from On Wed, 13 Feb 91 14:56:00 CDT Jennifer A. Bull said: >Has anyone out there had any experience with the genealogy program Linkages >(or GeneaLink)? I recently discovered a possible "limit" on Linkages of >10,000 records (with some entries taking up several records, depending >apparently on the length of my comments). I'm curious as to the >expandability of other genealogy programs on the market (i.e. how many >"ancestors" they can hold). > >Any idea as to why such a limit would exist? I had just assumed that the >program was only limited by the space on my hard drive (I should also >mention that this is an IBM program). I don't understand why a programmer >would include such a limit, and would appreciate any insight (preferibly >as non-technical as possible!). Thanks. With my programmer's hat on -- When designing any system or package, each field is given a specific length. This length can sometimes be easily determined, i.e., the year field would be 2 or 4 characters in length depending on whether there is a need to carry the century, and the month and day fields can each be 2 characters in length since the greatest value they can have is '12' and '31' respectively. Other fields must be determined by a best guess figure so that excessive space is not required to hold the data. For example, many packages limit the last name field to 16 characters because _most_ last names will fit in a field that size. Still others are determined by what I like to call 'reasonableness'. I assume that this last reason is the one used to determine the limit on the number of entries. The programmer figured that _most_ users (perhaps as many as 99 percent) would never need room for more than 9,999 entries and therefore, he could make the record ID four characters long. The record ID is the key for all the records in the file. When entering a new record, the program assigns the next available record ID. Relationships, such as parents, spouse(s), etc. are added to the record by the relative's record ID. I know this doesn't remedy the situation for you, but I do hope this explains the 'WHY?'. Ric P.S. The package I use has the same limit (10,000). Although I am no where near that limit, I have split my research into two files, one for my side of the family, and the other for my wife's. There are a few duplicate entries (my wife, children and I are in my file and in her file), but at least now I can store up to 10,000 entries in each making my limit now 20,000. I don't know who the unfortunate one is; you, for needing more than 10,000 records, or me, for not having found that many relatives. +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Richard Gillette (Ric) | This is not the end, | | | It is not even the beginning of the end; | | SOGILLR@VCCSCENT.BITNET | Perhaps it is the end of the beginning. | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Searching GILLETTE and SHAFER COFFLIN ROBERTS SNOW KENNEY KIRBY | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 14 Feb 91 13:05:52 -0500 Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: "Anthony R. Guillory 904 644-1452" Subject: RE: BKINDX.ZIP George, BKINDX.ZIP is a shareware program (not related to BK & John Steed) that indexes BK data files. It's fairly nice. I uploaded it to SIMTEL@) by the way. Anthony Guillory@storm.dnet.nasa.gov ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 14 Feb 91 15:54:07 GMT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM From: hardness@SLEEPY.BMD.TRW.COM Subject: Re: Shareware In response to Dorothy's question: > Does anyone have any suggestions about good shareware for > beginners in geneology > --preferably that does not require BASICA? Many thanks. > Dorothy Boyd-Rush I have used a program called "FTIES" from Computer Services, 1050 East 800 South, Provo, Utah 84601, (801) 377-2100. This is a shareware program which requests a registration fee of $50 if you like it. I have switched from an IBM-compatible to a MacIntosh so I cannot E-Mail the program to you. If you or anyone else sends a SASE, I will return a copy of the program. However, for $35 you can buy Personal Ancestral File written by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You do not need to be Mormon to use this program. The program can be purchased from any of the Church's many local branch genealogical libraries or by calling the Church distribution center at 1-800-537-5950 ext. 5274. For a small shipping charge, $5 I think, they will send you a copy. For $35-$40, you really can't go wrong. Good luck, Cory Schofield Schofield_Cory.MicroSoft_Mail@MAILGATEWAY.BMD.TRW.COM 539 South 2925 West Syracuse, UTAH 84075 ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 14 Feb 91 22:57:31 -0500 Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: "Anthony R. Guillory 904 644-1452" Subject: New version of BKGEDCOM (v2.9) -- FASTER!! I just logged on to CompuServe's ROOTS Forum for the first time in a few days and discovered BKGEDCOM v2.9 which is supposedly FASTER than versions 2.6 - 2.8 I will try to send it to SIMTEL20, but in the meantime, if anyone wants it send me a PRIVATE E-mail message, and I will get it out to you as soon as I can. It will be UUENCODED, ZIPPED, and split into 2 parts. I believe there are decoding and unzipping programs available from the LISTSERV, so send the following message to LISTSERV@VM1.NODAK.EDU with the following message (& no subject): GET GENEALOG HELPFILE if you dont already have programs to do this. This message will get you a help file which contains a list of available files, etc. Remember, send me a PRIVATE message, containing your address in the signature. DO NOT post requests to the list!!!! Anthony  _______________________________________________________________________________ Anthony R. Guillory INTERNET: Guillory@Storm.dnet.nasa.gov UUCP: {ames,east,decwrl,ucbvax,uunet}!storm.dnet.nasa.gov!guillory CompuServe: 73427,2515 GEnie: A.GUILLORY FidoNet: Anthony Guillory @ 1:3605/46 DECNET/SPAN: STORM::GUILLORY or 723::GUILLORY _______________________________________________________________________________ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 18 Feb 91 13:39:31 GMT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM From: Vic Abell Subject: BKGEDCOM timings Thanks to Anthony R. Guillory , I have been able to investigate the slowdown in BKGEDCOM between versions 4.5B and 4.5C of Brother's Keeper. The bad news is that the slowdown is really there, but the good news is that the later release of BKGEDCOM (version 2.9) from Anthony is even faster than the BKGEDCOM released with BK 4.5B. Here are the timings for importing my 3000+ person data base (~900 marriages) for three versions of BKGEDCOM. I used an ALR PowerFlex 80286 PC with the 80386SX (16 MHz) option installed. Elapsed Version Time BKGEDCOM 2.3 (from BK 4.5B release) 5:07 BKGEDCOM 2.7 (from BK 4.5C release) 1:02:51 * BKGEDCOM 2.9 (from Anthony Guillory) 4:58 * Yes, that is one hour, two minutes and 51 seconds. :-) Vic Abell ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 18 Feb 91 12:50:18 GMT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: Paddy Waldron Subject: Genealogical computing and TeX The following is a message which I am sending to TeXhax, the mailing list for TeX hackers. (TeX was designed for mathematical typesetting, but is essentially a desktop publishing system.) The offer to make my program available applies equally to ROOTS-L readers. Please note that I do not have time to read ROOTS-L messages at the moment, so you will have to contact me via personal e-mail at either of the addresses below. ================================================================== Some months ago in TeXhax, Dean Guenther put out a request for TeX macros for genealogists. The response was minimal. However, as an avid computer genealogist and TeXer, I had long intended to write an interface to produce LaTeX source files from my genealogical database. There are a number of such products on the market, and most now have the capability to write out data in a standardised format called GEDCOM (GEnealogical Data COMmunications) which can be read by the others. The package which I use is called Personal Ancestral File (PAF) and is produced by the Mormon Church in Salt Lake City on a non-commercial basis (i.e. they charge $35, a fraction of the cost of similar products from the private sector). I am now willing to make available my program, written in turbo Pascal, and the associated TeX and documentation files, to anyone out there who uses both PAF and TeX. The program produces descendants charts, giving all the descendants within a specified number of generations of a specified individual. It can also produce cascading descendants charts, i.e. one chart for every ancestor within a specified number of generations of a specified root individual. Cross-referencing means that no family appears more than once in the output. I would like volunteers to act as beta-testers, report bugs, and suggest improvements. For further information, please e-mail me directly. -- Paddy Waldron, Institute of Finance and Accounting, London Business School paddyw@lbs.lon.ac.uk waldron08@wharton.upenn.edu ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 4 Feb 91 14:08:39 GMT Reply-To: Vic Abell Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM From: Vic Abell Subject: Re: GEDCOM Format In article <9102031537.AA15581@cwns1.INS.CWRU.Edu> aa581@CLEVELAND.FREENET.EDU (Sandra Rozhon) writes: >I must have missed something in Brother's Keeper because I have been >unable to import a GEDCOM file (the Royalty file that was seen here >earlier). Can you help? There is a separate program, BKGEDCOM.EXE, in the BK distribution that imports and exports GEDCOM (Genealogical Data Communication) format files. PAF (Personal Ancestral File) has an equivalent, separate program. The GEDCOM specification is available from the Family History Unit of the Church of the Latter Day Saints: Ancestral File Operations Unit 50 East North Temple Street Salt Lake City, UT 84150 (801) 240-2584 My copy cost $5.00, included the specifications for the PAF database files, and was well worth the cost and effort to get it. I used the GEDCOM specifications when designing a custom listing program for my personal genealogical data. ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 19 Feb 91 22:27:20 -0500 Reply-To: aa624@cleveland.freenet.edu Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: James Moores Subject: Re: Apple software >-- >Bill Green Minot, No. Dak. =================================================================== Bill asked a question about what genealogy software was available for the Apple II computers. I responded to him via e-mail, but I thought that the following might be of interest to the general net population. Warning....if you don't care about Apple Genealogy Software, kill this message now, as it is quite long. Disclaimer....I have no connection to any of the companies below other than to be a user of Quinsept's Family Roots. Summary follows: Apple Genealogy Software ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FAMILY ROOTS - Quinsept, 20 Grassland St, P.O. Box 216, Lexington, MA 02173; 617-641-2930 (MA or foreign) or 800-637-ROOT (other U.S) Available for IBM and compatibles, CP/M, Commodore 64, TRS- 80, Apple and others; ($225 for the MS-DOS, Apple II and Commodore, $157.50 for Macintosh, $149 for CP/M and TRS-80), not copy protected; trial disk and guide, $9.50. MC, Visa and American Express. Specify computer type, disk type, CP/M version number, TRS or Apple model, etc. For "tinkerers," the noncompiled BASIC code can be purchased for an extra $20 (Apple version comes only in non-compiled Applesoft Basic). Apple ProDOS version requires 128K of memory on an Apple IIc, IIe, or IIgs. It will not work on an Apple IIe with only 64K of memory. Quinsept BBS on line from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. at 617-641-1080. All versions of Quinsept software can be migrated to all other versions (or machines) for a small cost usually for around $12/ diskette. Custom work (ie damaged diskettes) is $50/hour. ** See Family Roots Utilities at the end of this file) ** FAMILY CHARTS - Quinsept, Inc., address above. A partial Family Roots package including the full Family Roots manual, and the modules for data entry, charts, lists and all essential utilities. Does not do group sheets or person sheets. A good starter package. $150. Any computer except Macintosh. FAMILY SHEETS - Quinsept, Inc., address above. A partial Family Roots package including the full Family Roots manual, and the modules for data entry, group sheets, person sheets, lists and all essential utilities. Does not do charts. A good starter package. $120. Any computer except Macintosh. LINEAGES - Quinsept, Inc., address above. Two versions "Standard" - $49. and "Advanced" - $99. Apple PRODOS and MS-DOS versions are available. Store data for millions of people. Print pedigree charts, group sheets and list of names. "Advanced" version also prints descendants charts. MS-DOS needs 2 drives or a hard disk and an Epson Compatible printer. Apple version needs 1 drive and an Imagewriter printer. LINEAGES - Quinsept, Inc., address above. "Starter" version for the Commodore 64. Store data for 570 people. Print Alpha lists, print descendants charts and three kinds of ancestor charts - $29. "Standard" - $49. and "Advanced" - $99. versions available for Commodore 64/128. "Standard" will store unlimited number of people. Print charts, alpha lists, address labels, information sheets, text and blank charts. "Advanced" version allows up to 4 disk drives, any printer. Can be customized to add fields (ie occupation), print group sheets, etc. (THE) GENEALOGIST'S RIGHT HAND - User Friendly Systems, Inc., 6135 Ross Rd, Fairfield, OH 45014; 513-874-4550; $49. Apple II, IIe & IIc. GDBS - Genealogy Data Base System, Data Base Systems, P.O. Box 7263, Huntsville, AL 35807; 205-881-6957; $99.95 (includes s&h). Version 1.1 for Apple II computers. MACGENE - Tony Lucich, Applied Ideas, Inc., P.O. Box 3225, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; 213-546-2996. List price is $145, with an upgrade kit available for $25 to registered MacGene owners; copy protected. A "Club Pack" containing six full sets of MacGene is available to genealogy and/or Macintosh users' groups for $625. Checks only, no credit cards; the company has a 14-day return policy. Requires a 512K Macintosh; hard disk and Apple printer recommended. The company's literature says it takes full advantage of all Mac features and will link to other Mac software, such as MacWrite and MacPaint. Planned upgrades include a GEDCOM utility and a bilingual version. MAC HYPERCARD STACKS - For the Macintosh. All of the following programs need HYPERCARD (available for $49.95 from Apple) to operate. MACROOTS - Bruce W. Muckala, Rt. 1, Box 408, Bagley, MN 56621. $25/shareware. Version 4.0 available on bulletin boards. Only program that runs on 128K Mac. MY ROOTS - Mark Peters, 1513 Townee Lane, Naperville, IL 60565; 312-357-0932; Apple II+, IIe and IIc & IBM and compatibles; $49.95, run-ready version, $25 additional. Mac version projected, will be $99.95. OMNIS3 DATABASE - Template StarCom Software, Windsor Park East, 25 W 1480 N, Orem, UT 84507, 801-225-1480. A template for the Macintosh database program Omnis3 ($495). Program is listed in a catalog of add-on products for Omnis3 published by Blyth Software, creators of Omnis3. PERSONAL ANCESTRAL FILE (PAF) - Church of the Latter Day Saints (LDS - Mormans), Salt Lake Distribution Center, 1999 West 1700 South, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84104. 1-800-453-3860 ext 5274 outside of Utah, inside 1-800-662-3756 ext 5274. MS-DOS, Macintosh and Apple II (DOS3.3) versions available - $35 for all versions. MS-DOS requires 2 drives or 1 drive and a hard drive. Macintosh version requires 2 disk drives and 512k. Apple version requires 2 drives and an 80-column card. All versions require a printer. Will store unlimited number of people. Predefined fields include LDS specific fields (ie ordinance dates, etc). Will do family groupings, pedigree searches and print pedigree charts, group sheets. Sort capability and print lists is available. Research Data Filer allows your to document your sources. Genealogical Information Exchange (GEDCOM) allows you to create a standard file output that can be submitted to the LDS Ancestral File and interface with other packages (not available in the Apple version). PAF AND BACK - a utility for IBM and compatibles with a hard disk - $30. Allows transfer of data from Family Roots to PAF (Personal Ancestral File) in a GEDCOM format. Will also transfer with ROOTS III. Allows submission to the LDS (Morman) Ancestral File. From Quinsept. See address above. PHOENIX - GenTech, P.O. Box 3303, Eugene, OR 97403; 503-485- 0281 (nights). For the Macintosh; supports GEDCOM. Optional features allow storying, printing and analyzing census records, city directory information, passenger lists, naturalization records, IGI data, birth, marriage and death certificates, LDS ordinance data, ethnic information and more. Standard package, $119, each optional feature between $5 and $7. Free demo available. PHOENIX GenTech, P.O. Box 3303, Eugene, OR 97403; 503-485-0281 (nights). For the Macintosh; supports GEDCOM. Optional features allow storying, printing and analyzing census records, city directory information, passenger lists, naturalization records, IGI data, birth, marriage and death certificates, LDS ordinance data, ethnic information and more. Standard package, $119, each optional feature between $5 and $7. Free demo available. REUNION - Leister Productions, 14 Hill Blvd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, phone 717-697- 1378. For the Macintosh, requires 1MB memory and two 800K disk drives; $99 plus $4 s&h; Visa and MC. GEDCOM option scheduled for addition, at which time the price will increase to $129. Free brochure and sample printouts available. Family Root Utilities FAMILY ROOTS TREE CHARTS is a supplemental program that uses the data files created by FAMILY ROOTS (Quinsept, Inc). It is available from Quinsept, Inc, P.O. Box 216, Lexington, Massachusetts 02173, phone 617-641-2930. Price is $60. TREE CHARTS creates and prints special wall-type charts in which each person is in a box, and linked vertically and horizontally to other members of the family. Written by Alexander G. M. Smith, 175 Daniel Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1Y OE1. Available in MS-DOS and Apple ProDOS. FAMILY CONNECTIONS, a utility program for IBM and compatibles with hard disk, prints a variety of reports using Family Roots data transformed into dBASE III format. Available from Quinsept (address above). It can also prepare Tiny Tafels from Family Roots database. Can import from: Family Roots data via FAMILY ROOTS and also TREE CHARTS, ROOTS II data via Pathways, PAF data via FRASC, dbASE type data via Nantucket's (Clipper) CXUTIL Utility, which is included in the package. Can export to: dBase, Lotus, Wordstar, Footprints in History, TinyTafel. $75 from Quinsept Inc (see address above). FAMILY MOVE - a utility program for IBM and compatibles - $59. Allows exchange of Family Roots data via modem. From Quinsept. CHANGER - a utility for all computers except Macintosh. Allows you to change file-space, record parameters after data has been stored. ====================================================================== -- Jim Moores (aa624) Co-Sysop of the Genealogy Sig ---- GO ROOTS ---- ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 20 Feb 91 07:58:29 CST Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: THE GAR Subject: Re: Soundex programs?? In-Reply-To: Message of Wed, 20 Feb 91 04:54:09 GMT from On Wed, 20 Feb 91 04:54:09 GMT Kyla Ogle said: > I was wondering if there *exists* a program (or maybe more > than one) that, given say, an existing surname, would > generate *all* or *some* of the possible spelling variations? > I could pretty much accomodate any machine, any language, or > anything. Is there such a program available? Or will I have > to write one? :)) There is a Tiny Taffel program called something like TTGEN12. I believe it comes WITH Brother's Keeper, but I could be wrong. One of the features of TTGEN12 is that it will produce a Soundex for any surname. (rather than looking in one of those stupid books that never has surnames like SCHISSLER or WHARTENBERGER). Also, if you have access to a C compiler, Allen Jeddello (?) wrote a program that he sent to the list recently to generate Soundex codes. I'll see if I can find it and send it under private cover. /++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++\ ! Later + Systems Programmer ! ! Gary Warner + Samford University Computer Services ! ! + II TIMOTHY 2:15 ! \+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++/ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 20 Feb 91 13:21:01 -0500 Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: "William H. Magill" Subject: utilities for Mac > * A program to manipulate GEDCOM files and produce a text dump (or comma > delimited output file) sorted by certain fields. (i.e. id number). > What you want, is what GEDCOM files are. An ASCII file in a "defined" format, with delimiters. With unix it's easy to sort Variable length fields/records based on delimiters. I don't know how easy that is in other systems. As for on the MAC.... well that's a problem. The MAC doesn't have a convenient "generic" sort routine, or at least I've not encountered one. If you have access to a Unix (or VMS) system from your mac, just use kermit to upload the GEDCOM file - sort it up there and down load it again. William H. Magill Manager, PennNet Technical Services Data Communications and Computing Services (DCCS) University of Pennsylvania Internet: magill@dccs.upenn.edu magill@eniac.seas.upenn.edu magill@upenn.edu ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 20 Feb 91 21:39:42 GMT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM From: Theodore John Swift Subject: Re: Apple software >First: For a beginner, just how helpful is a genealogy software program? >Until you get deeply into it, is it really necessary, or would just a >plain old database work? It depends on how much of a computer wizard (or weenie) you are: you have to set up the database and maintain it, when what you really want to do is genealogy. I bought a copy of Family Roots for the Mac when it first came out, found it to be...a port, shall we say, and set it aside. Then I bought the Mormon's Personal Ancestor File for the Mac when it came out Dec 1989, and have been very pleased with it. Pleased enough to actually start pouring data into it. I've heard that Family Roots is getting better, but I haven't seen the latest version. Another nice feature of most genealogy programs is the ability to import and export files in the GEDCOM format, a plain-text (ASCII) representation of your database, complete with notes, etc. This could be done with your own high-powered database, but it would be a pain. >Second: If a program is helpful, what's available for the Apple ][C that >someone is familiar with? I've seen a few things listed, but would >appreciate user information before jumping in with both feet. As I confessed above, I don't have a ][c; I'm using a Mac Plus. But I think there are versions of PAF for the ][ series, and I know there is a version of Family Roots for the ][. I suspect FR for the ][ is even pretty nice to use: you can customize it in all sorts of ways that aren't available with PAF. It's just that the Mac version was a pretty lame port from something purely text-based, such as the IBM PC (not to get in a flame war with the Compatibles; it's just that things are done *differently* on the Mac. Your library might carry some genealogical magazines, such as _The Genealogical Helper_, _Heratige Quest_(?), or NGS's _Forum, which have sections devoted to genealogical computing. I know I've seen several programs for the ][, but Family Roots seems to be a contender. >And, last: Any suggestions on tracking down someone who may or may not >even still be alive? In particuliar, a father who hasn't really been >heard of since a divorce 45 years ago? Hmmm... For this, I have to refer you to the rest of the net. Someone recently mentioned a Social Security service that will help people contact others. The magazines often have a query section for "relatives presumed still living". Good luck. -- ---------------------- Ted Swift tswift@well.sf.ca.us "You bally well are informed, Jeeves! Do you know everything?" "I don't know, sir" ~P.G. Wodehouse ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 20 Feb 91 18:18:37 GMT Reply-To: Justin Masters Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM From: Justin Masters Subject: Re: Soundex programs?? In article GLWARNER@SAMFORD.BITNET (THE GAR) writes: |On Wed, 20 Feb 91 04:54:09 GMT Kyla Ogle said: |> I was wondering if there *exists* a program (or maybe more |> than one) that, given say, an existing surname, would |> generate *all* or *some* of the possible spelling variations? |> I could pretty much accomodate any machine, any language, or |> anything. Is there such a program available? Or will I have |> to write one? :)) | |There is a Tiny Taffel program called something like TTGEN12. I believe |it comes WITH Brother's Keeper, but I could be wrong. | |One of the features of TTGEN12 is that it will produce a Soundex for any |surname. (rather than looking in one of those stupid books that never |has surnames like SCHISSLER or WHARTENBERGER). | |Also, if you have access to a C compiler, Allen Jeddello (?) wrote a |program that he sent to the list recently to generate Soundex codes. |I'll see if I can find it and send it under private cover. Here's a copy of it. X-Sender: nobody@orca.wv.tek.com Reply-To: alanj@nevermore.WV.TEK.COM (Alan Jeddeloh) Organization: Tektronix, Inc., Wilsonville, OR Lines: 172 In article VAAHOGAN@UKCC.UKY.EDU (Roseann Hogan) writes: >I am looking for a program which calculats soundex codes for >surnames and generates file output. I wrote the following C program a while ago. It may help. WARNING: I never proved there are no errors in it. It passses the examples. It passes the examples given in Knuth (forget which volume). Caviat Emptor. Note: the comments were lifted from a post explaining soundex from about a year ago. Useage is "soundex " or "soundex < file" Input format is , one name per line. is any non-alpha or newline. Alphas may be upper or lower case, mixed. Output is on stdout. Format is : Users of MS/DOS style C may need to adjust the argc tests and argv indexes, I understand they are off by one from Unix(tm). ---------------CUT HERE --------- DON'T FORGET TO TRIM THE SIGNATURE ---- #include #include #include /* * * This is a summary of the soundex codes, and interpretations, should you run * across a Soundex Census. These REALLY are helpful (at least in my * experience). * * SOUNDEX CODE * ------------ * * Code Key Letters & Equivalent * ---- ------------------------ * * 1 b, p, f, v * 2 c, s, k, g, j, q, x, z * 3 d, t * 4 l * 5 m, n * 6 r * * * Rules: * ------ * * Letters a, e, i, o, u, y, w, h are NOT coded * - - - - - - - - --- * * First letter of the SURNAME is NOT encoded * ----- ------- --- * * All Soundex codes must contain 3 digits. Shorter numbers, append 0's. * --- ---- - * * When two key letters or equivalent appear together, (preceeding or following) *** IN THE ORIGINAL NAME *** * they are counted as one. (ie, KELLER = K-460 (two "L's" together combine) * (also, MENNON = M-500 N,N, and N all counted together, (remove all vowels)) * * * When searching through records that contain the same Soundex code, names are * arranged alphabetically. (Prefixes COULD be dropped, ie. van, Von, Di, de, * le, D, etc). * * Soundex codes are not limited by county/city locality, but rather by state. * This enables you to search an entire state for similar sounding names. * * 1880 Soundex Census will list households IF they had children under 10 yrs * old. __ * * 1900 Soundex Census is said to list ALL homes, regardless of children, etc. * * * Here are some examples to get an idea of how this code works. * * NAME CODE WHY * ---- ---- ---------------------- * * Masters M-236 M-str (truncate rest) * Anderson A-536 A-ndr (truncate rest) * Pratt P-630 P-rt (double letters, add 0) * McGee M-200 M-c (g-same group. Not counted, add 0's) * Lee L-000 L- (vowels not counted, add 0's) * */ int letter_values[26] = { 0, 1, 2, 3, 0, 1, 2, 0, /* abcdefgh */ 0, 2, 2, 4, 5, 5, 0, 1, /* ijklmnop */ 2, 6, 2, 3, 0, 1, 0, 2, /* qrstuvwx */ 0, 2 /* yz */ }; char name[256]; char buffer[256]; char alphas[] = "abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ"; char delims[] = "\t\b\r\n ~`!@#$%^&*()_+{}:\"|,.?-=[];'\\,./"; main (argc, argv) int argc; char *argv[]; { char *p1; char *p2; if (argc == 2) { p1 = strpbrk (argv[1], alphas); p2 = strpbrk (p1, delims); if (p2) *p2 = '\0'; soundex (p1); } else { while (fgets (buffer, sizeof (buffer), stdin) != NULL) { p1 = strpbrk (buffer, alphas); p2 = strpbrk (p1, delims); if (p2) *p2 = '\0'; soundex (p1); } } } soundex (nme) char *nme; { int length; int i; int last; int count; printf ("%s:\t", nme); length = strlen (nme); strcpy (name, nme); putchar (toupper (name[0])); putchar ('-'); for (i = 0; i < length; i++) { name[i] = toupper (name[i]); if ((name[i] >= 'A') && (name[i] <= 'Z')) { name[i] = letter_values[name[i] - 'A']; } } last = name[0]; count = 0; for (i = 1; i < length; i++) { if ((name[i] != 0) && (name[i] != last)){ printf ("%d", name[i]); if (++count >= 3) break; } last = name[i]; } for (; count < 3; count++) putchar ('0'); putchar ('\n'); } ---------------CUT HERE --------- DON'T FORGET TO TRIM THE SIGNATURE ---- -Alan Jeddeloh (503) 685-2991 Tektronix Network (Yes, we're still here) Displays D/S 60-180; PO Box 1000; Wilsonville, OR 97070 alanj@nevermore.wv.tek.com Quoth the printer, "Nevermore!" ----------------------------- end of included file -------------- | | | /++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++\ |! Later + Systems Programmer ! |! Gary Warner + Samford University Computer Services ! |! + II TIMOTHY 2:15 ! | \+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++/ -- "You're beautiful and angular! If you were a gas, | Justin Masters you'd be inert." - Deter (Saturday Night Live) | jmasters@fws136.intel.com ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 22 Feb 91 02:03:54 GMT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM From: Chas Morrison Subject: Re: Shareware I like Family Tree Journal very much and is available I've been told over a BBS at 614-868-9039 in Reynoldsburg (Columbus) Ohio. Charlie -- Chas Morrison via cmhGate - Net 226 fido<=>uucp gateway Col, OH UUCP: ...!osu-cis!n8emr!cmhgate!130!Chas.Morrison INET: Chas.Morrison@f130.n226.z1.FIDONET.ORG ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 1 Mar 91 17:15:36 CST Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: Cliff Manis Subject: Re: Genealogy software > Subject: Genealogy software > I need some very basic information about genealogy software. > However I will use BK at home on my IBM PC. How do I get this BK home? > Should I just write to the owner and request a copy? > > I would appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction. > Samantha: There are many different kinds of Genealogical software available for the IBM compatiable machines. As I've said many times - I use BK, and have for quit sometime, it serves most of my needs and others are meet with custom software using the GEDCOM file which BK has created. In your case its probably easier if you just send a letter to the author of Brothers Keeper and request a copy for evaluation. He will send it but it normally take a couple weeks. His name is: John Steed (Brother's Keeper) 6907 Childsdale Road Rockford, MI 49341 The latest version 4C, and it is the one which is on SIMTEL20. I talked with John for the first time about 1 month ago, and he sent the lastest version, and I uploaded it to SIMTEL20. Please note my disclainer. I have put lots of information on GENEALOG about how to access the files library on SIMTEL20, and the best way to get that information is, request the file 'asimtel' from GENEALOG. GET GENEALOG ASIMTEL It is only a 28k file, telling everything about SIMTEL. Good luck... cliff Standard Disclaimer: We are not associated with anyone. (PERIOD). (.) _=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=_ | Cliff Manis K4ZTF Manis/Manes Family History Caretaker of GENEALOG | | Searching: MANIS MANES MANESS MANOUS MANERS WHITEHORN CANTOR CANTER | | USMAIL: P. O. Box 33937, San Antonio, Texas 78265-3937 | | INTERNET: cmanis@csoftec.csf.com GEnie: Cliff.Manis | | BITNET: cmanis%csoftec.csf.com@VM1.NoDak.EDU | | I'm Easy, Don't push to hard, you might OVERDO it ! ! | _=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=_ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 7 Mar 91 20:48:09 GMT Reply-To: Vic Abell Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM.PSU.EDU From: Vic Abell Subject: Re: GEDCOM file descriptions/format In article <1991Mar7.191202.2023@ms.uky.edu> beech@ms.uky.edu (Wayne Beech) writes: >I was wondering if someone could tell me where I could locate information on >GEDCOM files. I would like a description of what these type of files are >used for as well as specific information on the files contents and format. I have a copy of the GEDCOM and PAF specs that I learned about in an article of Tue, 11 Jul 89 15:14:31 CDT by tswift@well.UUCP (Theodore John Swift): : As for copies of the GEDCOM spec and PAF file formats, I sent off to : : Ancestrial File Operations : Family history Dept. : LDS Church, Salt Lake City, UT 84150 : 1-801-240-2584 : :The phone number is for "Customer Support", but I think it's the one I :used to order the GEDCOM specs. For $5.00, a la Visa card, they sent me : :* PAF 2.1 Family Records Data Structure Description, 23 June 1988, 12 p. :* GEDCOM release 3.0, 9 Oct 1987, 131 pages (!) :* PAF GEDCOM Specifications, 8 June 1988, 36 pages Vic Abell ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 8 Mar 91 03:01:47 GMT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM.PSU.EDU From: Theodore John Swift Subject: Re: Mac genealogy software) (was: Family Tree Software sgk@penguin.mitre.org (Sharon G. Kass) writes: I am looking for software packages which will help me store and print out my family tree (as much as I have so far and more later). Anything that can run on a MAC, SUN, or Ultrix would be great. I hope to find a package that can store things like name, date-of-birth, date-of-death, place-of-birth, places-of-life, final-resting-place, known-for (occupation), spouse-name, and related stories, for each node on the tree. I don't have any fancy long paged printer. Hopefully the software will allow easy data entry and will print out pages as if they were pieces of a jigsaw puzzle which I could then attach. The Macintosh version of PAF will do all these things, with the possible exception of the "jigsaw puzzle" pedigree chart that you asked for; it seems like no program will do that, though I've been thinking of writing one for several years (so many projects, so little time :-) ). Like any good Mac program, it will work on whatever printer you yave (Imagewriter at home, laserwriter at work, etc.) To read more about it, have a look at Cliff Manis' roots listserver in a few days: I just mailed him a copy of my detailed review of PAF that I wrote for soc.roots last year. For now, here's an answer I posted a while ago: ---- Yes, there are several genealogy programs out for the Mac. I have two of them: "Family Roots" by Quinsept in Mass., and "Personal Ancestor File" (PAF) by the LDS (Mormon) Church in Utah. Though FR is potentially more flexible and expandible, the version I have is still needs some *good* user interface design. So I've been using PAF, which is very nice. Here's some ordering info from the net: From outside Utah (I assume), call the toll-free number: 1-800-453-3860 You will then get one of those automated answering machines that asks you to punch in numbers. It tells you to punch in the extension number if you know what it is. Punch in 5274. This will connect you with the order people. They will ask you for the vitals (name, address, MC/VISA number etc). The correct order number is PBGS161A. Cost is $35 and INCLUDES shipping costs. Time to delivery at your home was stated at 10-21 days (for my case). The address is: Salt Lake Distribution Center 1999 West 1700 South Salt Lake City, UT 84104 Sales tax is required from residents of: Ala., Cal., Colo., Ga., Hawaii, Idaho, Kans., Ky., La., Miss., N.D., S.D., S.D., Va., and Wyo. There is a full blown review of PAF for the Mac in Genealogical Computing magazine, Jan-Feb-Mar 1989 issue (Vol. 8, Num. 3). --Bruce Holm I think PAF is also available from: Ancestrial File Operations Family history Dept. LDS Church, Salt Lake City, UT 1-801-240-2584 MS-DOS version (others available) on 5-1/3" floppy, Stock No. PBGS1642 - $35.00 Also, PAF Technical Support people are at 1-800-453-3860, ext 2584. [This seems to be the same number as Bruce Holm's suggested order number.] The office is staffed from 8 am to 4:30 pm mountain time. This number is for calls from within the U.S. only; if you are outside the U.S. you will need to call (801) 240-2584. My apologies if this looks too much like an advertisement- I have no connection with any of these companies, other than as a humble customer. -Ted -- ---------------------- Ted Swift tswift@well.sf.ca.us "You bally well are informed, Jeeves! Do you know everything?" "I don't know, sir" ~P.G. Wodehouse ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 9 Mar 91 20:19:00 PDT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Comments: Warning -- original Sender: tag was NETNEWS@PSUVM.PSU.EDU From: Bob Gullick Subject: GENEALOGY SOFTWARE Every person has different preferences, Samantha, but I have tried several programs (Not Roots, tho) and found that PAF from the Latter Day Saints is about as good as there is to be found and 2 years ago was only $35.00. If interested you can write The Family History Dept. Ancensteral File Operations Unit 50 East North Temple St. Salt Lake City, UT 84150 or call them at 801 240 2584. Hope this helps. Bob Gullick Route: 4/0su0 43/2su0 1/10 .ORIGIN: 004/000 - Oak Lawn Online - TXDAL (214) 358-5192 @ 9600 - Jim Rash ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 18 Mar 91 19:32:00 CDT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: "JPENCE@CARLETON.EDU" Subject: Good Review of MS-DOS Genealogy Software in File "FAQ 0004" Greetings! Be sure to check out the latest REVIEW of Genealogy Software in (F)requently (A)sked (Q)uestions File in the SERVER called FAQ 0004 Reminder: to get this file E-Mailed to you simply send the following command to the server and not the list: GET FAQ 0004 and that's all ! _________ / \ |===========| ____________________________________________________ _ | |-/ | |\ | J.R.P. | Jim Pence - JPENCE@CARLETON.EDU | | | | 1955 | Carleton College Computer Center | | | | | Northfield, MN 55057 - (507)-663-4490 | | | |===========|-\____________________________________________________|_|/ \ _______ / ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 18 Mar 91 22:02:00 EST Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: "Tom Cunningham, Computer Science Department" Subject: Some Software Reviews "The Alternative Software Bulletin"; Vol. 1, No. 5, March 1991; Binary Press; P.O. Box 757; Brooklyn, MI 49230; pp. 5 to 7; contained software reviews for Brother's Keeper (Ver. 4.5B), Family Tree Journal, Family Ties (Ver. 1.19d), and Family History System. Tom ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Martin's Law: You can't learn anything unless you almost know it already. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thomas P. Cunningham BitNet: TPC@IUP Associate Professor DNS (mx) TPC@Grove.IUP.Edu Computer Science Department Desk: 412-357-2463 Indiana University of Pennsylvania Office: 412-357-2524 Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705-1087 FAX: Upon Request ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 8 Apr 91 20:35:00 PDT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: Andy Kohler Subject: Amiga Genealogy Software - norgen For those of us who have Commodore's Amiga computer, I have typed in this announcement regarding 'norgen', a piece of genealogical software for the Amiga. This announcement is from the magazine .info, April 1991, page 28: GENERATION GENERATION Genealogical software is rare enough that the release of Version 2 of norgen is well worth mentioning. The first version was released a couple of years ago and this new incarnation has been considerably reworked. The number of records and length of the fields is limited only by storage space, and there are 10 user- definable fields in addition to the standard ones (noteworthy for LDS Church purposes). The set of standard genealogical reports has been expanded and there are utilities to ensure the integrity of your data as well as make sure it's organized for the best performance during seraches and other functions. Probably the best thing about this version, though, is that it can link IFF images .a graphic format. to records. What a great thing to do! You could scan all those old photographs and attach them to the record of the person in the picture. No more wondering if that's Aunt Bessie on a bad day or Uncle Cletus without his mustache. $99.95 from Norris Software, 3208 West Lake St., Suite 65, Minneapolis, MN 55416 (612) 827-2766. I have not tried this software, though it may just the thing for me to start using on my system at home. I have no connection with Norris Software or with .info magazine, except as an occasional user (or potential user) of their products. Perhaps someone with this software could post a user's reaction to it.... Andy Kohler ecz5ack@UCLAMVS or ecz5ack@mvs.oac.ucla.edu ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 9 Apr 91 12:31:11 EDT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: kquinn%cosy.uoguelph.ca@VM.UOGUELPH.CA In-Reply-To: Martin, If you're running IBM PC or compatible, you may wish to try Brother's Keeper 4.5C. It is shareware, not freeware. You can FTP it from wuarchive.wustl.edu \mirrors\dos\genealogy (I think) And if ya wouldn't have so much mail in your reader it wouldn't crash!!!!! ;-)))) Kenneth Quinn Communications Services University of Guelph (kquinn@VM.UoGuelph.CA or kquinn@CoSy.UoGuelph.CA) ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 22 Apr 91 07:35:00 EST Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: "Dorothy M. Paul (219) 239-6640" Subject: Re: Indexing software My personal favorite is Wordperfect 5.0. Just recently I learned how the do the Merge/Sort, which would work well for your indexing. Then you would have all the other wonderful features of WP for other areas of the newsletter. Just my humble opinion. Dorothy Paul LGG4BD@IRISHMVS Looking for Blohm [MI,IL,Germany], Molke [MI,IL,Germany] Berkley [IN,ID,NB -??Virginia??], Clayburne [NB,MO - ??Scotland/Ireland??]. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 22 Apr 91 11:50:00 EDT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: MAJ LARRY REED Subject: Re: Indexing Software E L E C T R O N I C M A I L (DDN Host Address: GW1.HANSCOM.AF.MIL) Date: 22-Apr-1991 11:50 From: Maj Lawrence A. Reed Username: REEDL Dept: ESD/TNU-2 Tel No: (617) 377-7221 TO: _WINS% ( _DDN[ROOTS-L@VM1.NODAK.EDU] ) Subject: Re: Indexing Software I use WordStar 2000+ for word processing which has provisions for tagging anything you want indexed and creating a standard two column index automatically. I use if for the everyname indexes that I include with journal transcriptions, etc. Other software packages have the same kind of feature, just depends on which you like best. For touch typists, WordStar is one of the best since they put all commands at your finger tips - no reaching around for control keys and such, though you have to be careful which version you get. The consumer line (WordStar 3.0, 3.3, 4.0, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0) is only now approaching the capabilities that the commercial line (WordStar 2000+ rel 2.0, rel 3.0, rel 3.5) has had for years. BTW WordStar 2000+ rel 3.0 is avail from DAK (???) and other discount houses for $99 or less. It originally sold for around $500.00. I am not connected with WordStar (can't stand their consumer line, either), but like their commercial line very much. Larry Reed reedl@gw1.hanscom.af.mil ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 May 91 10:05:00 EDT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: DEIS@ZODIAC.BITNET Subject: Re: Computer hardware recommendations wanted Hello Charlie Towne and Rooters, Charlie, you asked for EMAIL but this seems like a good topic to discuss out in the open. What kind of hardware do you need to do genealogy on computers? First, no matter WHAT program you are using, estimate the size of hard disk you think you want, and then buy one TWICE AS BIG. Nobody can ever believe how rapidly their hard disk filled up. And it takes a person of real discipline not to have their hard disk 97% full at all times. So get a big hard disk, 30 meg minimum, bigger is better. For the other things you ask, screen, RAM, 286, 386... none of these make much difference if you are planning to use PAF. Personal Ancestral File was written to be the "Lingua Franca" of computer genealogy. It will run on nearly anything. BUT the questions are not irrelevant because if someone really gets INTO computer genealogy, they may eventually want to get the Cadillac of programs, Roots III. I can't run Roots III on any computer I own because of exactly the sort of things you are asking. For fancy software, you need fancy hardware! So if you can afford it, it's better to have it at the start. Frank FRANK.DEIS on GEnie DEIS@PISCES.RUTGERS.EDU ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 May 91 10:32:31 EDT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: Emmett Black Subject: Re: Computer hardware recommendations wanted Charlie Towne requested info about hardware configs... Personally, I think that the Macintosh LC is the best deal going. For under $2400, you can get a Mac LC with a color monitor and 4 megs of memory and a 40 (or was that 60?) meg hard disk... and also get a program called "soft-pc" that will let you emulate an ibm pc. Soft pc emulates sufficiently well that you can actually run MS windows under it ... the flight simulator runs too ("standard" for measuring "compatibility") ... performance is about like that of a standard 286 from IBM (the clones are faster than the "true-blue") ... Sooooo... you can run all of the ibm pc programs AND all of the Macintosh programs (you'll really like the mac version of PAF better than the ibm version). and if that wasn't enough, there is also an Apple-IIe board that makes the Mac LC emulate the Apple-II ... and you can run all THAT software too. (and a lot of the schools use the Apple-II's; others use the ibm pcs ... some use Macs; so you've got the kids covered...) You insert a 3.5 inch floppy, in either of these three formats, and the system can recognize and deal with them... True, the Mac LC is not as fast as the Mac II family (may be "as fast" as the original Mac II), and not as fast as the 386 pc compatibles... but it appears to be quite adequately fast (how fast can you blink?), and it certainly does give the best "coverage" ... with our company discount, this beastie comes WAY down in price. I'm thinking very seriously about ordering one of these Mac LC's for myself. --Emmett ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 May 91 10:51:40 -0400 Reply-To: aa581@cleveland.Freenet.Edu Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: Sandra Rozhon Subject: Re: pafp21.zip > Replying to a message from: C8498%UMVMA.BITNET@VM1.NoDak.EDU (Kevin Scantlan) >Thanks for letting us know about the error. I was getting ready to punch out my >I would be interested in getting my hands on this utility. Maybe you can post a >little summary of its capabilities. > > Sure! Be happy to describe it. There are actually two versions of this program. One that uses the Family Ties data, and the one I just sent which is used on PAF (Personal Ancestral File) data. The program draws family tree wallcharts in a dropline tree format. Across the top and down the sides are grid numbers like a map. After printing the chart, the program continues on to print a complete index telling you exactly where you can find an individual on the wallchart using that grid. If you are a person who responds well to visual input, you'll enjoy using this utility as it really helps to see just who belongs to who (or is that whom?) The nice thing about this program is that it calculates the number of pages it will need to display the tree properly, then prints everything out in a single stream. When it's done, you can separate the sections, trim off the right edge, tape together, and have a nifty chart to hang on the wall, roll into a scroll, or put in a notebook (only if working with minor sections of a family, of course). What I've done is print up family groups and keep each chart with the appropriate section in my three-ring binders. Then I've made up one that includes everybody for an overall look. That measures 8' by 3' when assembled. This program is shareware and may be registered for $27.50 at: Common Sense Software 2068 Trailwood Drive Cincinatti, Oh, USA 45230 Sandra ps: If anyone needs it, I can upload the Family Ties version, too. -- |~~~~~|~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|~~~~~| | O | From: Sandra Rozhon aa581@cleveland.freenet.edu | O | | | Genealogy SIG (go roots) Free-Net: (216)/368-3888 | | | O | Wordprocessing SIG (go wp) telnet via: 129.22.8.75 | O | ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 May 91 17:31:00 EDT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: MAJ LARRY REED Subject: re: computer hardware recommendations E L E C T R O N I C M A I L (DDN Host Address: GW1.HANSCOM.AF.MIL) Date: 01-May-1991 17:30 From: Maj Lawrence A. Reed Username: REEDL Dept: ESD/TNU-2 Tel No: (617) 377-7221 TO: _WINS% ( _DDN[ROOTS-L@VM1.NODAK.EDU] ) Subject: re: computer hardware recommendations Regarding computer hardware for genealogists: A medium speed machine with adequate hard disk and color monitor (for flexibility - your won't use it for only genealogy) can be had nowadays for a nominal sum (price follows). I STRONGLY recommend the purchase of a mouse. PAF, for example, is a real pain without one, much less useable IMHO. Systems which emulate IBM are OK if they are fully compatible and the price is right. So, what would I buy? an IBM 286 AT 12 MHz clone min 40 MB hard drive 1.2 MB 5-1/4 floppy 1.44 MB 3-1/2 floppy 4MB RAM VGA card w/512K (I like 1MB better) RAM a good VGA monitor What should this cost? Well, in Boston at the monthly computer show/pc flea market a system like this sells brand new from a reputable company with a good warranty for about $800. A 386/25 with 100 MB HD sells for around $1650. You can get XTs for much less, but I personally find their lack of speed to be very frustrating. And since my machine is also used by other family members to compose music, play graphics-intensive games, etc., I wouldn't be satisfied with less than an AT. Others like MACs, but I have no experience there so won't comment. There's my 2 cents worth. Larry Reed reedl@gw1.hanscom.af.mil ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 May 91 16:30:50 CDT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: Cliff Manis Subject: Re: pafp21.zip Kevin and Roots-L Ref the "pafp21.zip" file. > I would be interested in getting my hands on this utility. > Maybe you can post a little summary of its capabilities. I be be posting a copy of this in GENEALOG, maybe tonite. Thanks for waiting ...cliff Standard Disclaimer: We are not associated with anyone. (PERIOD). (.) _=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=_ | Cliff Manis K4ZTF Manis/Manes Family History Caretaker of GENEALOG | | BITNET: cmanis%csoftec.csf.com@VM1.NoDak.EDU | | I'm Easy, Don't push to hard, you might OVERDO it ! ! | _=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=_ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 May 91 12:05:30 EST Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: George Waller Subject: Hardware configuration Here is what my parents are getting (today!) for genealogy: Gateway 386SX, 16 MHz, 2 MB RAM, 40 MB hard drive, 3.5" 1.44 MB and 1.2 MB floppy drives, internal 2400 baud modem, mouse; DOS 4.01 and Windows 3.0. This for $1599 plus $95 shipping, no tax. Epson LQ510, 24-pin dot matrix printer for $250 + shipping. Microsoft Word for Windows (price ?) Brother's Keeper and PAF -- am assuming my mother will go with BK and register it. They also get free life-time 24-hour 7-day software/hardware/telecomm technical support (see my sig below). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ George Waller, Microcomputer Consultant HBLADM1@UCONNVM.BITNET Homer Babbidge Library, University of Connecticut, Storrs CT 06269-1005 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- George Waller, UConn, HBLADM1@UCONNVM.BITNET --> Happy Hunting! May Pole please: Parents for Nancy Jane Hunter (1862-1916 Lincoln Co TN) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 2 May 91 13:10:00 EDT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: fortmapl@UDAVXB.OCA.UDAYTON.EDU Subject: Hardware (and software) I really don't know what to recommend since I don't know too much about computers. What I can tell you is what I am using that works. I am using an IBM AT clone. It's a 286 12mHz w/ 1mb memory, a 20mb hard drive, a high density 5-1/4 floppy, and monochrome graphics (Hercules compatible), running IBM DOS 3.2 and for genealogy I'm using Family Ties. This works fine for me, but then I haven't tried any other software or hardware. Paul L. Fortman, University of Dayton fortmapl@dayton.bitnet fortmapl@udavxb.oca.udayton.edu - Genealogy Research: Blackwell, Fortman (Vortmann), Hewitt, Longenbaker, Reiling, Rom, Schenk, Wayman. ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 May 91 22:18:18 -0400 Reply-To: ah189@cleveland.Freenet.Edu Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: Denis Reid Subject: PAF Hints I have recently been answering privately queries concerning PAF questions and been asked to post some of them to the net. I hesitate doing so, because I am certainly not a PAF expert, but unless told otherwise, I will post answers to some. Remember these answers relate to Version 2.2 of PAF. Jerry Kattke was having a problem entering duplicate notes over and over again upon entering individuals. Assuming he was using the PAF NOTES2.DAT file method (there are two other ways to record notes) I suggest the use of the F8 key. This key not only duplicates such fields as names, dates and places but also will duplicate notes entered on the previously entered individual. Also, the Alt-I key is new to version 2.2. It will display a list of the last 20 individual records you have entered. This is very handy. There are also some interesting utility programs circulating on the local BBs using the PAF Family Record Data. One of these is called, FRU (Family Record Utilities). Some of these features, I suspect will eventually be incorporated into future versions of PAF. If not, there is certainly a lot of stuff packed into these various programs that PAF forgot, or left out. Denis -- Denis Reid INTERNET: ah189@cleveland.freenet.edu BITNET: ah189%cleveland.freenet.edu@cunyvm ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 3 May 91 22:45:38 -0400 Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: Carol Botteron Subject: Re: PAF Hints -- Tell Which Computer & Version! Anyone who is asking or answering a question about PAF -- remember there are different versions for different computers. You can prevent a lot of confusion if you make it clear which one you are talking about. The IBM software appears to be in version 2.2 now and is said to have all sorts of nifty bells and whistles. The Macintosh version is still 2.1; 2.2 was supposed to come out several months ago but hasn't. (I'm waiting!) There's an Apple version too, and maybe others. The current IBM version can do a lot of things that the others can't. In the past we have had exchanges with one person saying "PAF can't do..." and someone else saying "Yes it can." Let's not start that up again! Has anyone been able to get more current info on the Mac and Apple versions? I want to buy my parents the Apple version and convert my Mac files, but people say that can't be done by current PAF. BTW, if anyone is buying a computer for genealogy, be sure the monitor is easy to read. Some, especially some color monitors, can be tough on the eyes. Carol Botteron botteron@bu-it.bu.edu ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 5 May 91 16:28:17 CDT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: Cliff Manis Subject: Simtel Genealogy Archive To: All the Readers of Roots-L Genealogical Programs on Simtel20 Available in ....and a new file on GENEALOG, which describes how to get the files from Simtel. (see below ****) Please read this...... I have just uploaded the PAFP21.ZIP program to the GENEALOGY area within the WSMR-SIMTEL20.ARMY.MIL archives (Simtel20, as it is called). It is available now and is accessible either via ftp or regular mail. I will be storing MSDOS programs (.zip) of GENEALOGICAL interest on the Simtel20 Archives, and also still maintaining the the GENEALOG area (on LISTSERVER) storing HELP files and ASCII files of Genealogical Interest. Those of you who have FTP available at your site, will be able to access the files on Simtel20 via FTP making access to the file much faster. FIRST of all, Simtel20 only maintains programs, so first get the following HELP file for using the archive from GENEALOG. It is only on GENEALOG. **** The new file on GENEALOG which tells about how to get files from Simtel20, and it may be received from GENEALOG in the normal way by sending the following line: GET GENEALOG SIMTEL20 to listserv@vm1.Nodak.Edu.. This "SIMTEL20" on GENEALOG is 28k of information telling how to access the archives via FTP, and mail, if you are using BITNET, VAX/VMS, and about the problems you have have while trying to access it. Please note the new IP number for WSMR-SIMTEL20 is 192.88.110.20 for those of you using FTP. For those of you using regular uupc mail to get the files, just follow this example: Send a message to: listserv@vm1.NoDak.Edu with the following line as text of the message /pdget mail pd1:pafp21.zip uuencode Now that's easy enough, just mail it, and probably within one day, you will receive the program "PAFP21.zip" in uuencoded form from simtel. Sometimes it takes 2 days, but do not send the request twice. To obtain a listing of the files which are currently in the area on Simtel which have been there for 700 days, just send the following line to the same address: /pddir pd1: 700 and you will receive the listing. (I just received a new files list today). This should make life easier for all trying to receive the programs and Good luck in your genealogical efforts....... ..and I'm sure many of you already access files from Simtel, so please excuse this very boring explanation. ! ! ! later.. Cliff Manis Standard Disclaimer: We are not associated with anyone. (PERIOD). (.) _=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=_ | Cliff Manis K4ZTF Manis/Manes Family History Caretaker of GENEALOG | | Searching: MANIS MANES MANESS MANOUS MANERS WHITEHORN CANTOR CANTER | | USMAIL: P. O. Box 33937, San Antonio, Texas 78265-3937 | | INTERNET: cmanis@csoftec.csf.com GEnie: Cliff.Manis | | BITNET: cmanis%csoftec.csf.com@VM1.NoDak.EDU | | I'm Easy, Don't push to hard, you might OVERDO it ! ! | _=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=_ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 6 May 91 11:13:00 EDT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: MAJ LARRY REED Subject: Computer Hardware Prices E L E C T R O N I C M A I L (DDN Host Address: GW1.HANSCOM.AF.MIL) Date: 06-May-1991 11:11 From: Maj Lawrence A. Reed Username: REEDL Dept: ESD/TNU-2 Tel No: (617) 377-7221 TO: _WINS% ( _DDN[ROOTS-L@VM1.NODAK.EDU] ) TO: _WINS% ( _DDN[JSTEPHEN@UGA.CC.UGA.EDU] ) Subject: Computer Hardware Prices In response to my comments last week regarding computer hardware and prices, John Stephen (jstephen@uga.cc.uga.edu) asked which companies offered what appear to be extremely low prices. Since I think others are interested, I am providing information from flyers obtained at the regional computer show I attended here in Boston on Saturday the 4th of May. *** DISCLAIMER *** I am not associated in any way with any of these companies. I have not purchased from them. The offers were available on Saturday but I cannot guarantee they are available today. I claim no knowledge as to dependability, reliability, etc regarding these companies. Deal with them at your own risk!! That said, they do continue to come to the computer shows here in the area and do business, for what that's worth. COMPANY: NPC computer Corp, 1320 Centre Street, Newton Centre, MA (800) ALL-XTAT Buy components & assemble systems & sell under their own name. Offer Free 18 month on-site warranty on some systems, free tech support, 30 day money back guarantee 386-25, 42Mb IDE hard drive, SVGA w/512K, VGA monitor, 1 FD, 12 mo warranty $1295.00 COMPANY: Logic Computer Solutions, Inc., 135 Elm Street, Braintree, MA 02184 (617) 380-3524 Buy components & assemble systems & sell under own name 12 mos parts & labor warranty, free technical support, 7 day money back guarantee 286-12, 1 MB RAM, 1.2M & 1.44 MB floppies, 42Mb IDE hard drive, VGA card & monitor $795.00 286-16, same as above $869.00 386-25, 100Mb IDE hard drive w/64K internal cache, 1.2M & 1.4Mb floppies, SVGA 1024X768 card w/.28 dpi SVGA monitor, 1:1 interleave controller, $1549 COMPANY: Online Computer Sales, 5 Elm Street, Suite 16, Danvers, MA 01923 (508) 777-3923 Buy components, etc 1 yr parts, 3 yr labor warranty 286-12, 40MB HD, one floppy, 1MB RAM, .28 dpi SVGA monitor, VGA card w/256K, $879 386-25, 40MB HD, one floppy, 1MB RAM, SVGA monitor, VGA card etc $1425 COMPANY: Microtime Computer Center, 215-B Salem St, Medford MA 02155 (617) 396-6726 286-12, 40 MB, 2 floppies, VGA $819.00 386-25, 40MB, 2 floppies, SVGA monitor, VGA card etc $1499 I don't know what the mailorder charge, credit card charge, shipping charge, etc would be. Some advertise mailorder, some don't. My real reason for posting this is that if you are paying more than the above prices, - DON'T. These are competitive prices in the Boston area complete with 12 month or more warranty and local service. Press your local dealers to match these prices. If you are computer hardware literate and your local dealer wants much more than the above prices, buy by mail and fix your own. If you can't, I guess you are at the mercy of your local dealer. Hope this info is of use to you. Larry Reed reedl@gw1.hanscom.af.mil ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 May 91 21:32:02 CDT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: Cliff Manis Subject: GENEALOGY: on SIMTEL Note: This is part of a msg which I received from Keith tonite and this Genealogy part I am posting to the ROOTS-L net. I received these to files this week from a ROOTS-L reader and later uploaded them to SIMTEL. Good luck... Cliff Manis > Subject: Recent msdos uploads to SIMTEL20 > > Notice: Please note SIMTEL20's new IP address is 192.88.110.20, > effective immediately. Please use it instead of our old > address if you use IP numbers instead of the host name. > > The following files have been recently uploaded to SIMTEL20: > > NOTE: Type B is Binary; Type A is ASCII > > Filename Type Length Date Description > ============================================== > Directory PD1: > DESCEN21.ZIP B 25344 910505 Genealogy: Expanded descendant chart for PAF > PAFP21.ZIP B 132096 910504 Genealogy: Family Tree Print utility program > > If you are unable to access SIMTEL20 via Internet FTP or through one > of the BITNET/EARN file servers, most SIMTEL20 MSDOS files, including > the PC-Blue collection, are available for downloading on the Detroit > Download Central network at 313-885-3956. DDC has multiple lines > which support 300/1200/2400/9600/14400 bps (HST/V.32/V.42/V.42bis/MNP5). > This is a subscription system with an average hourly cost of 17 cents. > It is also accessable on Telenet via PC Pursuit and on Tymnet via > StarLink outdial. New files uploaded to SIMTEL20 are usually > available on DDC within 24 hours. > > Keith Petersen > Maintainer of SIMTEL20's MSDOS, MISC and CP/M archives - [192.88.110.20] > Internet: w8sdz@WSMR-SIMTEL20.Army.Mil or w8sdz@vela.acs.oakland.edu > Uucp: uunet!wsmr-simtel20.army.mil!w8sdz BITNET: w8sdz@OAKLAND > Standard Disclaimer: We are not associated with anyone. (PERIOD). (.) _=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=_ | Cliff Manis K4ZTF Manis/Manes Family History Caretaker of GENEALOG | | Searching: MANIS MANES MANESS MANOUS MANERS WHITEHORN CANTOR CANTER | | USMAIL: P. O. Box 33937, San Antonio, Texas 78265-3937 | | INTERNET: cmanis@csoftec.csf.com GEnie: Cliff.Manis | | BITNET: cmanis%csoftec.csf.com@VM1.NoDak.EDU | | I'm Easy, Don't push too hard, you might OVERDO it ! ! | _=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=_ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 7 May 91 23:32:00 EDT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: "JOHN R. LEWIS, PH.D." Subject: Re: PAF Users' Group Here is more complete information on the International PAF User's Group in reply to a query by Susan Mower. The address is: International PAF User's Group 2463 Ledgewood Drive West Jordan, Utah 84084-5738 The membership is $12.50 per year (which is $0.50 higher than my earlier reply). The membership provides the quarterly newsletter. The most recent issue contained 23 pages. It appears to consist of short articles on techniques and strategies in using PAF (Personal Ancestral File) and tips and questions from the members. While I was sufficiently impressed to order the back issues I should point out that my only connection is as a new member/subscriber. John R. Lewis ADP Project Manager Veterinary Teaching Hospital University of Tennessee VETDSMDV@UTKVT1.VET.UTK.EDU Internet VETDSMDV@UTKVX1 Bitnet ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 1 May 91 13:22:03 EDT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: Howard Steel Subject: Re: Computer hardware recommendations wanted In-Reply-To: <9105010215.AA12364@emory.mathcs.emory.edu>; from "Charlie Towne" at Apr 30, 91 9:30 pm > Some specifics I'm wondering about are: > 1. Is a 286 computer sufficient, or do you recommend a 386? 286 is fine but the 386 will be quicker. > 2. How much RAM? 1 meg? 2 megs? The more the merrier (up to a point), but 1 meg is fine. > 3. How large a hard disk? 40 Meg; 10's and 20's just seem to fill so fast with utilities and such that you zstart to press the space when it comes to databases. > 4. What quality monitor? If you aren't doing anything but text CGA or EGA are more than adequate. If you are concerned with graphics, better consider a VGA or better. > Printer? Again, you decide the quality. Desk top publishing? Then you want a laser. Very good quality prints for families friends (and maybe resumes and such), then a bubble-jet is the ticket. Otherwise just get yourself a good quality dot matrix printer (anywhere from 9 - 24 dot) > 5. What size floppy drive (5 1/4, or 3 1/2)? Yes; but if you can only afford one, than might as well make it 5 1/4 (still more stuff available on it than the other, but the 3 1/2 stores better). --- / / / / / / / / / / :-(I Think, Therefore I Am, I Think :-) / / / / / / / / / / / Howard.Steel@Waterloo.NCR.COM NCR CANADA LTD. - 580 Weber St. N / / (519)884-1710 Ext 570 Waterloo, Ont., N2J 4G5 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 15 May 91 08:24:00 PST Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: "Dave Storla, Information Resources (formerly Computer Services)" Subject: Re: LDS ONLINE SEARCHING Carole Hinders asked the question about whether the resources of the Family History Center in Salt Lake were now (or in the future) accessible via BITNET or other on-line services. I am a volunteer in the local Family History Center (though non-Mormom) and from the information that we have received from Salt Lake, the answer is no they do not at present allow on-line searches nor do they envision that being available in the future (even though you and I and probably the whole world wish we could!). The nearest we can come is to go to a local Family History Center (if there is one near by) and use their computer system to access the IGI, the Ancestral File (as of 1989, I believe with a release of the 1990 data soon), the Social Security Death Index (primarily covers from early 1960's up to late 1980's). The IGI is easier to search on CD-ROM since all the information about a country can be searched at once rather that having to search just a section (state, county, etc.) of the country. Be aware though that many of the Family History Centers have their computer/CD-ROM setups but others do not AND their generally is a time limit on use (either a half hour or hour). The computer/CD-ROM setup also allows data from the CD-ROM to be printed (there is a charge per page) OR to be downloaded onto diskettes (I think the configuration is for either 5 and 1/4 or 3 and 1/2 inch diskettes- that's what I have seen at 3 different Family History Centers). David L. STorla Central Washington University Ellensburg, WA 98926 (509) 963-2955 Email address (BITNET) SYSDAVES@CWU.BITNET ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 27 May 91 16:37:00 CDT Reply-To: ROOTS-L Genealogy List Sender: ROOTS-L Genealogy List From: "JPENCE@CARLETON.EDU" Subject: New FAQ 0601 - Hardware for Computerized Genealogists Many thanks to Charlie Towne for compiling this info! ************************************ A few weeks ago I posted an article in soc.roots/roots-l asking for advice on buying computer hardware for genealogy work. I told you I'd send you the results for an FAQ file you're working on. Well, here they are, finally. I received almost 20 replies, most via email, but 3 or 4 were posted to soc.roots/roots-l. My original posting was: >My two sisters and I are thinking about buying a PC for our mother, >the family genealogist. She doesn't have any background in computing, >but has recently started using an Epson (IBM clone) at her local library, >and is having lots of fun. >I'm interested in recommendations on what hardware to get. Whatever we >buy should be able to run PAF, since that's what she's familiar with. >I've been monitoring this group for a while, and have looked in the >ROOTS-L files, but haven't found this kind of basic information yet. >Some specifics I'm wondering about are: > 1. Is a 286 computer sufficient, or do you recommend a 386? > 2. How much RAM? 1 meg? 2 megs? > 3. How large a hard disk? > 4. What size floppy drive (5 1/4, or 3 1/2)? > 5. What about printers? >Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. Please email if possible, >since I suspect this is old stuff to regulars in this group. In general, the results may be summarized as follows: 1. A 286 is fine for genealogy, but a 386 or 386SX might be better if it will be used for other things too. There were also 3 or 4 strong recommendations for a Macintosh. 2. 1 meg RAM is enough to start, 2 meg if getting a 386 with Windows, or a Mac. 3. Most thought a 40 meg hard disk was plenty, but some recommended more. 4. Getting a good quality monitor and printer was emphasized by many. Some mentioned that a color monitor wasn't necessary for genealogy, but it was nice to have, and more fun. A 24-pin dot matrix was usually recommended as a minimum, or even a laser printer. 5. Almost everyone recommended getting both sizes of floppy drives - a 5 1/4 for compatibility with lots of existing software and data, and a 3 1/2 for new stuff because they're more durable and hold more. Below are all the replies I received, both email and posted. Since in my original post I asked for email, and didn't say I'd be posting a summary, it's possible that some people who responded may not have wanted their response made public. (Although I don't know why, there's nothing very controversial about this subject.) Anyway, just to be safe, I sent mail to each person asking for permission to forward their response to you. Everyone said OK, except for three people I haven't heard from yet. In the replies included below, I've therefore left the sender's name off the last four messages. Hope this helps in putting together your FAQ file. Charlie --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Scott Dickson +1 814 865 0829" As far as what kind of minimum configuration for PAF, I'm using an ancient IBM XT w/ 512K and a 10MB drive. It's really slow with a database of about 1800 people, but I get by. PAF is pretty efficient as far as its general access patterns, so the only time speed is a problem is in sorts. Also, sometimes when I run PAF, instead of just FR, and then try to do fancy prints, I run out of memory. Did you know that PAF supports a mouse? Works pretty nicely in the pedigree chart (option 4). That way, you almost never need to use the rest of the menu. I'm replacing my xt with a 386/33 this summer, tho. I expect PAF will work better then. --SCott --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Roger Egeberg In article <1991Apr30.213001.7252@eagle.lerc.nasa.gov> you write: > >Some specifics I'm wondering about are: > > 1. Is a 286 computer sufficient, or do you recommend a 386? > 2. How much RAM? 1 meg? 2 megs? > 3. How large a hard disk? > 4. What quality monitor? Printer? > 5. What size floppy drive (5 1/4, or 3 1/2)? > Let me answer your question twice. You asked about using PAF, so I'll answer considering only PAF, and then again looking to the future and other possible uses. (Did that make sense?) For running PAF and other genealogical work: 1. I run PAF at home on a 286 and it runs very nicely. 2. 1 meg is plenty 3. 40 meg should be plenty 4. I would suggest VGA card with a decent quality color VGA monitor. If you're running out of money, I think monochrome (black & white) VGA monitors are also available. PAF doesn't do much with color or graphics, so I wouldn't get a high resolution or multi-sync type monitor. Whatever you do, don't get one with a CGA card and monitor. It is much easier on the eyes to look at the characters on a VGA (or EGA) than those on a CGA. You'll probably want something with near letter quality print for printing letters. Most 9 pin dot-matrix printers now days have good near letter quality print. The 24 pin dot-matrix printers are even better. Of course, if you can afford it, a laser printer is REAL nice. 5. I'd get both, if you can. You'll find stuff on both sizes, and if you want to share things with someone else it is nice to be able to read and write both sizes of disk. Now, my recommendations in general: 1. Get a 386 if you can afford it - or at least a 386SX. If she is ever going to run Windows or some of the other new stuff coming out, it would be nice to have a 386. 2. I'd get 2 meg, but on most computers it is fairly easy to add more memory - and getting cheaper every day. 3. I'd probably get an 80 meg. 4. Same as above. 5. Same as above. I hope this helps. It's tough to decide what to get, and it seems that the more research you do, the more options you find that are available. Normally I'd also suggest looking at a MacIntosh, but since she has already started learning in the PC world, she's over that first big hump. -- Roger Egeberg NDSU Extension Service BITNET: nu062423@ndsuvm1.BITNET North Dakota State University Internet: egeberg@plains.NoDak.edu --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Ellen K. Seebacher" In article <1991Apr30.213001.7252@eagle.lerc.nasa.gov> you write: >I'm interested in recommendations on what hardware to get. Whatever we >buy should be able to run PAF, since that's what she's familiar with. >I've been monitoring this group for a while, and have looked in the >ROOTS-L files, but haven't found this kind of basic information yet. > > 1. Is a 286 computer sufficient, or do you recommend a 386? Skip 'em both and get a 680x0 (also known as a Macintosh). PAF on a Mac is an absolute joy to use, and runs well even on a 68000; if you want something a little more advanced, the new Macs are based on 68020 and 68030 chips. > 2. How much RAM? 1 meg? 2 megs? Two, at least. (PAF runs fine under 1, but System 7 is coming out soon....) > 3. How large a hard disk? Twenty megabytes, at absolute minimum. More won't hurt. > 4. What quality monitor? Printer? For your mother, probably a Classic (built-in monitor) or LC (your choice, though the basic color monitor is nice). We have an Imagewriter II at home, but I understand the new StyleWriters are pretty good. > 5. What size floppy drive (5 1/4, or 3 1/2)? 3.5" floppies are becoming standard even in the DOS world. They're also a lot harder to damage. Good luck, Ellen Keyne Seebacher (elle@midway.uchicago.edu) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: pettit@adobe.com (Teri Pettit) In article <1991Apr30.213001.7252@eagle.lerc.nasa.gov> you write: >My two sisters and I are thinking about buying a PC for our mother, >the family genealogist. She doesn't have any background in computing, >but has recently started using an Epson (IBM clone) at her local library, >and is having lots of fun. > >I'm interested in recommendations on what hardware to get. Whatever we >buy should be able to run PAF, since that's what she's familiar with. >I've been monitoring this group for a while, and have looked in the >ROOTS-L files, but haven't found this kind of basic information yet. Have you read any issues of Genealogical Computing, a quarterly magazine from Ancestry, Inc.? They have reviews of both hardware and software from a genealogists perspective. PAF runs on IBM compatibles, Macintoshes, and Apple II's. The Apple II is rapidly being desupported, and is pretty much of a toy anyway. Your primary choice is between a Mac and an IBM compatible. The main advantage of an IBM is that there is a lot more home and hobbyist software for it, mainly because a Mac used to be much more expensive. (It had no clones to drive down the pricing.) This caused most software for the Mac to be aimed at business and other professional uses, as the home market was not big enough to be worth targetting. Apple has now decided to price the low-end Macintoshes in the same range as IBM clones, to grab some of that market of people for whom price is a very fixed constraint. But even though there is no longer much of a price differential, for things like genealogy, which do not have a big professional market, there is still a chicken and egg problem with software. The software developers don't want to target a market which is not yet very big, and the market grows very slowly because it is inhibited by lack of hobbyist software. In the case of PAF, there are a lot of second-party utilities for the IBM version which are not available for the Mac. You tend to order these through the mail from notices in bulletin boards or ads in genealogy magazines. The utilities do things like draw charts in formats which PAF does not provide, or sort lists in non-standard orders, etc. The main advantage of the Mac is that it is a lot easier and more fun to use. Microsoft Windows does not do very much to even this out. For one thing, a pretty small proportion of MSDOS programs run under Windows. If you limit yourself to Windows programs, your choice is a lot less than you have on a Mac, and more choice of software was the biggest reason to pick an IBM-compatible anyway. For another thing, you still have to deal with the operating system and hardware before you start your application program. Setting up a new IBM is complicated. Setting up any Mac, you just take it out of the box, plug it in, and push the boot button. The system is already installed. There are no options to set. It's easier than hooking up a VCR. More like plugging in a microwave. Most Macintosh programs can be used effectively without ever reading the manual! There are no file names or command names to remember, since everything is right in front of you. (Another advantage of a Mac that not very many people are aware of is that it is faster, for a comparable amount of money, especially on any tasks that take a large amount of memory. The system architecture takes better advantage of increased memory.) I have a Macintosh (IIci), and would not consider changing. But I am frustrated with the limited availability of genealogy software for it. I wish they would make a Mac version of Roots III, for example. There are emulation programs which let you run any DOS program inside an IBM-emulation window, but I hate IBM-style user interfaces, and am not sure I could stomach communicating with a PC program on my Mac. >Some specifics I'm wondering about are: > > 1. Is a 286 computer sufficient, or do you recommend a 386? This is assuming you are going with an IBM-compatible. I don't know much about 286 vs. 386 for home use. > 2. How much RAM? 1 meg? 2 megs? Always get as much memory as you can afford. I would say 2 meg is a minimum. I have 8 meg, and I still sometimes wish I had more. Memory is pretty cheap right now, about $50 a meg. Especially with database operations, which have to do searching, it is much faster the more of the data you can fit in memory. > 3. How large a hard disk? If you do not save a lot of text files, or buy a huge number of programs, the smallest is probably adequate. I have a 40 meg internal hard disk, and an 80 meg external one (a very cute Liberty portable drive, about the size of a large paperback book.) Which are both almost full. But that is because I am a software developer, and software sources are BIG. My genealogy folder only takes up 3 meg, of which only about 650K is for my PAF files, and they have over 3000 individuals in them, more than half of whom have notes. PAF is a VERY compact format. About 1 meg is for my genealogical correspondence (107 letters written in Microsoft Word I have written over the last three years), about 650K is the PAF software itself (not all of which is needed), and the rest is 39 Adobe Illustrator charts I have drawn. A home user who does nothing but build genealogy databases and write letters can probably go for a very long time on a 20 meg hard disk. > 4. What quality monitor? Printer? For genealogy use, you probably do not need a color monitor, although they are more fun. But a high resolution monitor makes a lot of difference. You can read the screen more easily, and fit more text on it. For home use, you can probably go with an inexpensive dot matrix printer, unless your mother lives in a rural area. This is because in almost any city, it is very easy to go to a shop downtown and have them run off your files on a laser printer when you want better quality, at about the same cost per page as photocopies. But if it is inconvenient to get to such a shop, and there is no other access to one such as at work or a library, then you might want a laser printer at home. I do not have a printer at home at all, and only print at work. Even if I did not have such access to free printing at work, I do not think I would buy a printer for home. I would much rather spend the money on other components of the system. Figure out how much money you have to spend, and then get the best of each component you can, in the priority order: processor, memory, monitor, hard disk, printer. You (or your mother) are going to be working on the computer, looking at the screen, a lot more of the time than you are going to be printing anything or taking things on and off disk. Printing is available as a service, and it is not that bad to have to store excess files on floppies when you run out of hard disk space. But you will want to make the time you spend entering data, searching files, and composing letters as pleasant as possible. > 5. What size floppy drive (5 1/4, or 3 1/2)? If you get an IBM compatible, you will want at least one 5 1/4 inch floppy drive, because that is how most software is delivered. That is the only reason, though. The 3 1/2 inch format is denser and much less prone to damage. If you get a Macintosh, it is not an issue. Hope this helps you make a decision. Best wishes however you go. Teri Pettit pettit@adobe.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: George Waller On Tue, 30 Apr 91 21:30:01 GMT you said: >My two sisters and I are thinking about buying a PC for our mother, >the family genealogist. She doesn't have any background in computing, >but has recently started using an Epson (IBM clone) at her local library, >and is having lots of fun. > Big question: who will help her with the hardware/software installation, maintenance, backups, etc. I encouraged my parents to buy a computer which is arriving Thursday... they live in Texas and I live in Conn. I expect a big phone bill next month! >I'm interested in recommendations on what hardware to get. Whatever we >buy should be able to run PAF, since that's what she's familiar with. >I've been monitoring this group for a while, and have looked in the >ROOTS-L files, but haven't found this kind of basic information yet. > This hasn't been discussed recently and since hardware/software changes so rapidly, it's worth talking about. >Some specifics I'm wondering about are: > > 1. Is a 286 computer sufficient, or do you recommend a 386? It always depends on what you want to do and what you want to spend. Right now a 386SX is affordable and almost certainly enough. Guessing at what you mother will want to do, I suspect that a 286 would also be enough. > 2. How much RAM? 1 meg? 2 megs? 386SX will probably come with Windows 3.0 and you'll want 2 meg for that. For a 286, 640K should be enough. You can always add memory. > 3. How large a hard disk? 386SX -- 40 MB. 286 (without Windows): 20 MB > 4. What quality monitor? Printer? Get VGA color-- well worth it. Printer-- laserjet if you can afford it otherwise 24-pin dot matrix (e.g. Epson LQ510 $250) > 5. What size floppy drive (5 1/4, or 3 1/2)? Get both at high density. > Here is what my parents got: Gateway 386SX, 16 MHz, 2 MB RAM, 40 MB harddrive, 3.5" HD, 5.25" HD, internal 2400 baud modem, Windows 3.0, DOS 4.01 for $1599 plus $95 shipping, no tax. Also, Epson LQ510 for $250. The purpose of getting the PC is for genealogy. Needless to say, I make no assurances that the advise above is any good (but I hope so otherwise I'm in big trouble with my folks!) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ George Waller, Microcomputer Consultant HBLADM1@UCONNVM.BITNET Homer Babbidge Library, University of Connecticut, Storrs CT 06269-1005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ George Waller, UConn, HBLADM1@UCONNVM.BITNET --> Happy Hunting! May Pole please: Parents for Nancy Jane Hunter (1862-1916 Lincoln Co TN) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: mark@motown.altair.fr Charlie -- Having gone through the same questions a year or so ago, here's what I would recommend: > 1. Is a 286 computer sufficient, or do you recommend a 386? A 286 should be plenty. PAF should work OK even on an XT, but I've heard that it's not the most efficient program in the world, so a 286 might give a noticeable improvement in performance. A 386 would in my opinion be overkill -- unless, of course, you've got other things in mind for the computer besides genealogy. My own database (not PAF) runs just fine on an 8086 Tandy laptop! > 2. How much RAM? 1 meg? 2 megs? PAF doesn't know how to use more than 640K. > 3. How large a hard disk? That depends, of course, on how much stuff she's got. The "Notes" section tends to take up the most space. Still, a 20MB hard disk (generally the minimum that you'll find offered) should be plenty. I've got nearly a thousand people in less than a megabyte; even considering that my system is probably more space efficient than PAF, and that I don't have much in the way of notes (yet), 20MB should still be plenty. > 4. What quality monitor? Printer? If you're doing only genealogy, which doesn't require fancy graphics or color, any monitor will do except the old MDA (low-resolution monochrome alphanumeric), whose font quality is bad on the eyes. That's the only real consideration, unless, again, you think you might get into other types of software. Printer? I've no idea what PAF can do in terms of output, but don't buy a fancy PostScript printer if PAF can't use it. > 5. What size floppy drive (5 1/4, or 3 1/2)? Whichever the Epson at your mother's library uses. (That way she can sneak in and use *their* printer, and you don't need to get one at all!) Summary: Think hard about whether you are likely to use the computer for color graphics games, writing programs, drawing, desktop publishing and that sort of stuff. If the answer is no, get a bottom-of-the-line 286. If the answer is yes, write me back and I'll alter my advice accordingly. -- Mark James or --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: well!tswift@apple.com (Theodore John Swift) > My two sisters and I are thinking about buying a PC for our mother, > the family genealogist. She doesn't have any background in computing, > but has recently started using an Epson (IBM clone) at her l