Computer Research Can Be A Breeze

‘Netting Your Ancestors” is a new book by Cyndi Howells, creator of the award-winning Web site, “Cyndi’s List of Genealogy Sites on the Internet.”

With a clear, no-nonsense approach, “Netting Your Ancestors” answers the most basic questions about genealogy research on the Internet:

How do I get online?

What type of computer hardware and software do I need?

What do I do once I’m online?

What type of information is available?

The answers to those questions will help you get started in this new world of genealogical research.

“Netting Your Ancestors” focuses on the three most useful components of the Internet, each discussed in a separate chapter: E-Mail, mailing lists and news-groups, and the World Wide Web.

Within each chapter, sections are devoted to software requirements, guidelines and the basic workings of each component, along with tips for researchers who have been online for a while.

Howell’s book will start you on an Internet journey to find your ancestors, guiding you confidently toward your goal without ever having to leave home. Order the $19.95 book, plus $3.50 postage, from Genealogical Publishing Co., by calling (800) 296-6687. Or, save the postage by shopping at Ancestors Plus in Spokane, 825 W. Garland.

Ever wonder about the difference between genealogy and family history?

Rhonda McClure answers this question in the July-August issue of the National Genealogical Society/ Computer Interest Group Digest.

Genealogy and family history are two approaches to the same field of study. While these terms are used interchangeably, there’s a difference: Family history approaches the data from the aspect of including all parts of the individual’s life, even those that perhaps won’t help further the line back to earlier generations, which is the main goal of genealogy.

Even if you consider yourself a family historian rather than a genealogist, there are still details essential to a good family history: accurate research, source documentation, good evaluation of sources used, and proper preparation for future research. These details should be a part of the family stories and photos in any report you publish.

Some newer genealogy applications, however, overlook this basic element.

McClure cautions newcomers to the field of genealogy not to be led astray by the glitz and glamour of some computer genealogy programs. It may seem to beginners that the emphasis is on pretty reports and different ways to use graphics. But that emphasis is out of focus with what genealogy programs are attempting to do - research and record family history.

No matter what your published result is, if you haven’t done the research correctly, all the pretty reports are for naught, McClure says.

So, how do you know which computer genealogy program to choose? Ask your friends which programs they use, why they chose that program and what features they like best. Read some genealogical magazines and articles to see what’s being said about the various programs.

Today’s Trivia: The Order of the Second World War was founded to honor anyone involved in that war, from actual veterans to those working on the homefront. For information, write to the Order at P.O. Box 7062, Gainesville, FL 32605-7062, or e-mail partin@gnv.fdt.net

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