RootsMagic 4
It's been a long time coming, so is this new version worth the wait?
 It's been three years since RootsMagic 3 was first released, and a lot has changed in the PC genealogical software market. Family Tree Maker has stolen its crown when it comes to combining powerful features with a user-friendly interface, and while RootsMagic 4 raises its standards and reminds us of how good a program it is, it doesn't quite go far enough to take that crown back.
The program interface has been overhauled to show more detail, but is still clear and uncluttered. A range of views are available, but the default pedigree is still our favourite. It's incredibly easy to get started - either quickly fill in the bare bones of your tree, or take the time to flesh out each individual. Facts, sources, media can all be quickly added, and the program remains as user-friendly as ever - a good job, as there's a quick-start guide, but no detailed manual available yet.
"RootsMagic 4 raises its standards and reminds us of how good a program it is" |
RootsMagic comes into its own when it comes to sharing your data: you can print a number of charts or reports, burn a special CD for sharing all your research with family (they'll need a PC to view this) and even create a web site from scratch with just a few clicks.
Version 3 introduced mapping to RootsMagic, but version 4 uses the same Microsoft Virtual Earth engine as Family Tree Maker, which is an improvement. There's also a geocoding and place name standardisation to improve the accuracy of your maps.
If you find yourself moving from PC to PC, you can now run the program from a USB flash drive, enabling you to use it on any compatible computer.
But it's the minor improvements that stand out. Two favourites are the ability to share facts between individuals, and the introduction of the Places Detail field, which enables you to record house or street names without confusing the mapping features. The Search tool has also been revamped to support complex searched.
RootsMagic 4 is a liekable application that will win plenty of fans for its no-nonsense approach. The Platinum version reviewed comes on seven discs, which include a number of historical maps, databases and indexes. There's also a free three-month subscription to TheGenealogist.co.uk.
WHY BUY THIS? A solid blend of powerful features wrapped up in a user-friendly interface. |