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Legacy database on flash drive
From: Glen Ballard
DearMYRTLE,
While listening to your podcast of 21 Mar 2006 I thought you would like to know
the following:
You mentioned converting your genealogy database file to PAF (Personal Ancestral
File) to take to the FHL / FHC.
To keep from converting data and wasting time:
1) I access my genealogy from my Flash drive at the Family History Center. They
have Legacy 6 installed on all 6 computers. Millennia Corp gives FREE licensing
to FHCs. You might want to mention to your audience that if the FHC they visit
doesn't have it installed, they can request that the FHC install it. The FHC
just has to contact Millennia and request the License Key for the Deluxe
version.
2) I can also access my website (using TNG - The Best as you already know). I
can find anyone in my database and find any facts. If I choose, I can enter the
information with my Administrator's account directly in TNG (The Next Generation
of Genealogy Site Building.) But I would have to make note of who I modified to
add the modifications to Legacy at home. You might want to mention that patrons
can access there personal websites at a FHC instead of converting the data.
Keep up the good work.
DearGLEN,
THANKS for the input. I think your first point is very well taken. The bottom
line is that the PROGRAM must be installed on whatever computer you are using
when you go to a research facility for your database to be read. IF your local
LDS Family History Center has installed Legacy Family Tree in addition to PAF,
then it will read your Legacy database directly. I wasn't aware of this offer
from the Legacy folks. I will look for Legacy on the Family History Library
computers next time I go.
As to your second point, accessing our genealogy databases on a webpage only
requires that the research facility has access to the internet. This is a much
more likely and reliable option, since virtually all facilities will have that
access. Also, if that is your primary database, then updating it while at the
Family History Library or other research facility would not be a problem.
But as for placing our databases on the web, even in a password-protected area,
we just aren't all there YET.
Generally speaking, I'd venture to guess that 95% of the genealogists who read
my column don't have their own web pages, since that is about the count when I
visit an area and give a class or seminar. I DO think that eventually it will be
the norm to keep ALL of our data (genealogy or otherwise) on a website where the
web server is backed-up routinely. This would transcend problems when one's
personal computer fails. This will also enhance communication among researchers.
But then ol' Myrt here remembers the days when email was a challenge for my
readers. So as times change, we need to keep sharing information as to HOW we're
managing to do effective research. I think the bottom line is that it isn't wise
to go to any research facility without having full access to our genealogy
databases. Whether by laptop, flash drive or web pages, we must be able to see
our known ancestors in context. I wouldn't dream of printing out my pedigree
chart. Last time it was over 250 pages.
NOTE: I mentioned in the podcast that I prefer to do my data entry once I am
home. Part of that is a time consideration, but I've also found I am capable of
better analysis when not bogged down by keeping to the train schedule for the
commute back home, etc. This is particularly true when one takes a research trip
to a distant county or country. Getting there and back and living out of a
suitcase is fatiguing no matter how much fun it is to travel. As we know,
fatigue has a negative affect on one's critical thinking skills.
For instance, when working through cryptic handwriting in a will, one might spot
the connection to an heir and make the photocopy. However, when at home, a full
transcription of the document can be completed without interruption. This
more-detailed study might point to other valuable information. Perhaps the land
is described in the distribution of the estate, and this might lead to the
original deed where notations about previous generations are listed.
Happy family tree climbing!
Myrt :)
DearMYRTLE,
Your friend in genealogy.
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