Free Genealogy Software

The following was taken from Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter

Free Genealogy Software:

None of the following free programs are limited trial offers. Several of the programs are very powerful and none are "limited trial offers". However, upgrading to the "Plus Editions" of a couple of the programs will add even more features.

Windows:

Legacy family Tree Standard Edition http://www.legacyfamilytree.com/ has many more features not found in any other free genealogy software. It is not limited in any way.
RootsMagic Essentials http://www.rootsmagic.com/essentials/ contains many of the core features from RootsMagic Family Tree software.
Ancestral Quest Basics http://www.ancquest.com/ is a lot like Personal Ancestral File only with many more features.
Family Tree Builder http://www.myheritage.com/page/free-genealogy-software by MyHeritage supports 18 languages and features Smart Matching (a fun way to discover new relatives) and provides excellent support for photos, including face recognition technology.
Personal Ancestral File http://familysearch.org/eng/default.asp?Page+home/welcome/simplePAFRegiatration.asp doesn't have all the features of the more modern programs. However hundreds of thousands of users use the program and most seem satisfied with it, despite the limitations.

Macintosh:

Users can use all of the above programs if using Parallels, fusion, or VirtualBox.

Personal Ancestry Writer II http://www.lanopalera.net/Genealogy/AboutPAWriter.html is a very popular free Macintosh genealogy program that performs the basics.

Upcoming Events:

Thursday, October 13th 7:00 - 8:30 pm: The North Collin County Genealogical Society will host Shirley Apley of the Fort Worth Public Library Genealogy Department. Ms. Apley's topic will be "Fred Knows All: An In-depth Look at Texas Death Certificates." This program is free and open to all.