There's no such thing as a perfect software program, but Family Tree Legend is as good as it gets. It is inexpensive; its icon-based interface is easy to use; it works with all versions of Windows; it doesn't require much in the way of processor power, memory, or hard drive space; and you can set it to automatically back up your files over the Internet, so you don't have to worry about losing everything in a hard drive crash.

In addition to entering basic information about family members, including name, address, birth date, spouse, and children, you can attach a variety of facts to the family member's record, such as education, employment history, a physical description, and medical information. You can also enter custom notes about each individual and search through records based on any criteria.

You can create printable charts to display or share with others, or export them in PDF, BMP, TIFF, JPG, PCX, or TGA format, for use in any program that supports these formats. Chart styles include ancestor, descendants, bow tie, hourglass, and a new fan style.

You can also create reports and export them in PDF, HTML, or RTF format, for use on web sites or in a word processor. Last but not least, you can import images, sound, and video, to create personal scrapbooks for individual family members.

Family Tree Legend 5 has a number of new features, including new portability options. You can now create a CD or DVD of your family tree to share with the rest of your family.

The package includes a free version of Family Tree Legend that you can put on the CD or DVD, so recipients can view the family tree, even if they don't have Family Tree Legend. The package also includes free versions of GedStar for the Palm OS and Pocket Genealogist for the Pocket PC OS, so you can view (but not edit) your family tree on a PDA. A deluxe edition is available for about $49.95 and a premium edition for about $79.95.

You may turn up a few skeletons in your family closet as you perform your research, but you certainly can't blame the Family Tree Legends 5 program for that.

Pro: Inexpensive and very easy to use. Works with all versions of Windows. Includes free versions of GedStar for Palm OS handhelds and Pocket Genealogist for Pocket PC handhelds.
Con: Not available for the Mac OS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Pearl Street Software
1630A 30th St.
#106
Boulder, CO 80301
http://www.pearlstreetsoftware.com