We’ve all heard the news by now: Ancestry.com is retiring Family Tree Maker (FTM) after 26 years, at least 6 different owners, and 22 major versions for Windows (plus 4 for Mac). No, the sky isn’t falling. This is a business decision on Ancestry’s part, and in the long run, I think it will be a win-win situation for both Ancestry and genealogists. Let’s face it: FTM has travelled a rocky road since the major update in 2008, and then again in 2012 when they added the TreeSync feature. TreeSync was in fact the only reason I stuck with FTM, despite the bugs and constant crashes until it finally stabilized with version 3 for Mac. I’ve read with envy the glowing reviews for some of the Windows apps like RootsMagic and Family Historian, but using Windows apps on a Mac is just not convenient, ideal, or Mac-like. And besides, while some of them can sync with FamilySearch.org or MyHeritage.com, they can’t sync with Ancestry.com. Up until now.
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Video Guide to Using PC Genealogy Software on Mac
You can run PC genealogy applications (like Family Tree Maker 2012 and RootsMagic) on your Mac, even if it’s just as a supplement to your primary Mac genealogy software.
There are features in the best Windows genealogy software that aren’t in Mac offerings. Family Tree Maker 2012’s ability to synchronize with Ancestry.com and RootsMagic’s full-featured narrative reports spring to mind.
There are essentially three approaches to running PC software:
- Run Windows on your Mac in a “virtual PC”
- Make your Mac boot into either OS X or Windows using BootCamp
- Use a piece of software to do for your genealogy software what Windows would (Windows emulation)
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How to Update Family Tree Maker 2011 on a Windows 7 PC
Windows 7 security prevents Family Tree Maker 2011 from detecting and updating Family Tree Maker 2011 if it’s not run as an administrator. This video will show you step-by-step, how to update your genealogy software despite this “protection.”
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Initial Configuration of Family Tree Maker 2009
Configuring options in a new genealogy program is an often missed step. There are some settings that will tailor your experience so the application works the way you want. In this video I take you step-by-step through the initial configuration of Family Tree Maker 2009.
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Installing Family Tree Maker 2009
Installing Family Tree Maker 2009 is pretty straight forward, but a walk-through can’t hurt if you’re new to the PC genealogy software from Ancestry.com. In this video I show you how to install the application. In the next screencast in this series I’ll cover the initial configuration.
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