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If you're new to genealogy, or at least to genealogy software, that's a good thing. At least when it comes to Family Tree Maker. Because you don't want to know about the 2008 version of this particular product. Quite the disappointment, particularly on the heels of the beloved 2007 V16 version which was so highly regarded it was nominated for an award.
However, it's 2009 and time to move on. The problems of the 2008 version have been rectified, it's oversights and omissions have been taken care of, a number of new features have been added ... and the whole package has been relaunched as Family Tree Maker 2009.
In a highly savvy move to ensure that lost ground is regained, and to minimize further disappointment, Family Tree Maker 2009 was revamped and improved largely based on input from customers. That is gratifying news indeed.
But is it enough? Well you can decide for yourself by reading the features and, perhaps more importantly, the comments of actual users found further below.
Here is a random selection of unbiased comments from Family Tree Maker users:
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" ... it’s the nation’s most popular genealogy software, it’s amazing how many
features are included in this software package for a low price."
~ Excerpt of review by B. Larson, February 2009 |
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"Family Tree Maker still produces the best wall charts of any genealogy software.
Missing from the last version, fan charts return. Horizontal hourglass, bow-tie
and family tree charts are new. You can customize fonts, box and line styles,
backgrounds and pictures. Print the charts or save them as PDF files for
e-mailing or professional printing.
No other genealogy software has anything as useful as the
Media workspace for organizing multimedia files. The Web Search workspace
lets you search Ancestry.com, Genealogy.com, RootsWeb.com, Google, Yahoo! and
MSN Live Search from within Family Tree Maker.
Verdict:
If you’re new to genealogy software and wall
charts are a priority, Family Tree Maker is a good choice. Otherwise, RootsMagic
and Legacy Family Tree are more practical and reliable."
~ Excerpt From Family Tree Magazine, December 2008
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"FTM is without a doubt a great tool to have on hand, and delving into your
historical roots can be an addicting and entertaining process. For anyone
wanting to know their roots, the cost of the program is a small price to pay."
~ Excerpt of review from J. Philipp, June 2009
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"The faithful legions of Family Tree Maker users will find FTM 2009 to be a major
improvement over their previous 2008 release and will welcome the improved
operating performance and a number of the new search and sourcing features.
Experienced users will still miss a number of the FTM V16 features, but we have
been assured that continued improvements are on the way."
~ Excerpt of review by CRT, September 2008
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If Family Tree Maker, which has been referred to as 'the granddaddy of
genealogy software' is calling you, your can purchase directly from their site. They are currently offering a 25% discount.
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