RootsMagic 4

RootsMagic 4 (www.rootsmagic.co.uk) is a popular piece of software that offers much the same functionality as FTM 2011.

However, RootsMagic is a bit faster on its toes when it comes both to opening up and moving through its various functions. It also offers an easily accessible main screen, with five seperate interactive views in the form of pedigree views, family views, descendants, people (an index of all those in the tree) and a web browser.

Clicking on any name through these will provide access to a dialogue box, which will allow you to input data on an individual. If you have had your DNA tested, the program provides a much better facility than FTM 2011 for uploading your results for individual markers, as tested by several test suppliers.

You can generate reports, books and charts, and the chart function is customisable. If you like more control on the chart design, this is a great tool, and a simple automatically generated chart is also available. Multimedia files are also fully supported.

Although there is no iPad or Android app version of the program, there is a function called 'RootsMagic To-Go', which allows you to save your tree onto a thumb drive and import it onto another computer without having to reinstall the program.

The UK edition of RootsMagic comes in several versions, with the Platinum edition, for example, presented with useful data CDs and a three-month subscription to TheGenealogist website (www.thegenealogist.co.uk).

There is a downloadable trial version from the product website, allowing you to sample the software before buying it.