Saving Your Research



If you have only been working on your genealogy project for a few weeks or for years the number one activity you must complete is to make copies of your work. You start off most times by writing out your basic family tree, notes of sources and collecting vital records. Keep them secure in a notebook or filing cabinet.

That beginning material should not be your only copy. Go to an office supply store or other businesses that offer paper copying. Run off a couple duplicates of all your notes and pages, along with those vital records. Over a course of time, you may need to repeat the copying once a month.

Next place each set of copies in a different location. One in your home for easy grasp. One possibly in genealogical tote or brief case you take with you to the library. Then, one in a safe deposit box if you have one. If not, then a complete set of copies needs to be given to a relative or close friend for safe keeping.

Those using a computer will have the paper copy of notes and also type out the information onto your computer for storage. There are many different genealogy software to select from which assist in organizing the family tree and source notes. Then back up those computer files frequently. Use a flash drive, an external back-up drive and a disc (CD or DVD). The more different devices, the safer you are with all the information you have gathered in case any one or many fail to open up when you need them.

The genealogy software selection includes: Family Tree Maker Version 2010, RootsMagic Family Tree, Lineage Family Tree, Legacy, The Master Genealogist and others, all at different prices, ease of use and features. You will need to carefully study the advantages of one software over another and select which would work best for you.

Once you have your research on a software program, you can then convert the information onto a Gedcom. Once that digital material is in the Gedcom format it can be downloaded to numerous family history Internet sites; like Rootsweb-World Connect. This new file would have a .ged extension at the end of the file name. In doing so, you have now offered your family history to others seeking similar family branches.

This will not only help others, but place your data in another off-site location for safe-keeping. You can email your Gedcom file to other family members for them to view and keep secure. Back up the Gedcom onto your external backup drive and discs. All important methods to conserve your precious research.

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