- Hardware and Equipment
Computer hardware and its associated equipment is varied and
requires an important level of review by the buyer before ever
making a purchase. Things like capability, compatibility with
software and other hardware, price, effectiveness in its anticipated
use to your objectives, etc. are all things that need to be
considered when making such a purchase.
First sights should be set on defining, generally, what it
is you want the machine to do for you? What sort of output do
you want to get from it? And how much do you want to spend in
order to get it?
From here, one should then first consider the general types
of programs that you want and what you expect from these programs.
Once you have decided the programs you want to purchase, exactly,
then are you ready to look at the various types of hardware
and accessories that will work with those programs. There is
no point in 'purchasing a Cadillac if it won't run for you'!
In other words, you want to buy the programs that will give
you what you want (as far as output is concerned), and to do
that you need to have a system that will run those programs,
so don't try to force the decision the other way because it
will not work!!
Join a local computer group or get some advice from friends
or acquaintances before actually looking, and most importantly
get some books to read on the subject. This will give you an
idea as to what some of the terminology is and what the machines
will do for you. It is not necessary to become a 'guru' on the
subject only to understand the type of 'black box' you are looking
at and the 'bells and whistles' you want on it when you buy
the machine. In addition, please don't underestimate your usage
for the computer and printer when deciding on your choices.
Be assured that you will find a great number of things to do
with it once you become familiar and at ease with the system
you buy. It is very difficult (and expensive) to upgrade a system
later if the system hasn't got upgrade potential!!
- Major Software Available and Capabilities
There are many software programs designed to assemble your
information and they come in a wide range of prices and flexibility.
Refer to the Fall 1997 quarterly journal titled "Genealogical
Computing" from Ancestry
for a current directory of available genealogy software. Shop
around before you invest in one. Prices range from inexpensive
public domain or shareware to programs which are several hundred
dollars in cost. Again, you would be well-advised to join a
local group, such as the Alberta Family Histories Society Computer
SIG in Calgary, to get advice in this area. Contact suppliers
of their genealogy products and get a copy of their sales brochures
and demo disks so you can view the programs' capabilities and
shortcomings. There is no one best program for everyone!! Every
single person has different expectations and wants different
things from their programs. Only you can decide on what is good
for you!!
Keep in mind though, that you should be able to access the
program easily and to assemble or print lists/charts as you
require them with little difficulty. Variable fields have more
flexibility but require more configuring. Fixed fields are generally
more user-friendly but are less flexible.
- Computer Bulletin Boards, the Internet, and the Genealogist
Once up and running with your computer, you may want to upgrade
your system with a telephone modem (assuming you have purchased
a system that is 'upgradeable'!). This will allow you to communicate
over the telephone lines (in many cases, free) with other computer
users - genealogist or otherwise - and of course even the widening
Internet experience. Thereby exchanging other programs and information,
collecting other programs and information or sending your files
and information to someone else.
This is a separate hobby in itself but many genealogists now
use this network of contacts world-wide to exchange information
and views on the subject. It is a worthwhile addition to your
genealogy hobby to get into this after you have become familiar
with your own system and genealogy material. In addition, do
not overlook the enormous potential for accessing source information
for your genealogy from the Internet. Though not yet extensive,
a great deal of material is still available from this source
of the this kind and will only increase in numbers and ease
of access as the Internet grows. Initially, consider investigating
such important internet resources on Canadian research as the
follow URL addresses:
Genealogical Toolbox Sites:
Canadian Genealogy Resources
Helm's Genealogy
Toolbox
Cyndi's List of Genealogy
Sites on the Internet
Cemetery Records:
British
Columbia Cemetery Finding Aid
Ontario
Cemetery Finding Aid
Census Records:
Index to
the 1871 Census of Ontario
Church Records:
Mennonite:
Consolidated Index of the Church Family Registers
Military Records:
Books
of Remembrance
Canadian
Expeditionary Force Index (WW I)
Ships' Passenger Lists:
Microfilm
Numbers - Passenger lists before 1865
Microfilm
Numbers - Passenger lists 1865 to 1935
Canadian Genealogical
Projects Registry Select the Province of Arrival, "Other"
and then "Passenger Lists"
Vital Statistics:
B.C. Vitals Statistics at the British Columbia Archives
- Publishing your Genealogical Work
Publishing your genealogical work is the aspiration of everyone
involved in the profession. Either formal publication or some
other form of informal presentation. The options open to you
are really endless and will depend on your priorities, the amount
of material you have gathered, its format and, of course, the
amount of money you want to spend.
It would be an understatement to say that the cost today of
formally publishing your genealogical work is almost out of
reach for the average hobbyist, however there are many alternatives
open to you in getting around this.
One of the most exciting things happening today is the development
of home publishing or desk-top publishing facilities. Given
the right computer hardware and software, you have the potential
for an at home publishing system but even with this there is
still a substantial investment.
But without spending a great deal of time on this subject,
let it be said that this is an area you want to keep in mind
right from the beginning because the output you develop from
your genealogy/word processing system will reflect the kind
of output you will be able to put together in developing your
final genealogical presentation.
Enjoy your hobby, become a contributor to the profession,
and join a local genealogy group. We all will benefit from your
family's history, your knowledge and your contributions. Happy
Head-Hunting! !
