COMPUTER CHECKLIST #1

Using PAF as a Sample Program

At the end of each online research lesson, I will give you some genealogy computer program tips with the Personal Ancestral File program most often used. It has been around the longest and that way I can use my former slides, but I will add new information as you go along as well.

You are not graded on your expertise in use of a program, but a program will save you much time over writing and will speed up your work and genealogy organizational tasks. Finally there is a semester project that does require turning in computer generated reports, so it is a good idea to learn at least one good program.

It would be preferred if students would use the Personal Ancestral File Computer Program at first so the fundamental features of a basic program can be covered and practiced in tandem with the research skills being taught. PAF is used because:

1. It is free.
2. It can be downloaded for free from the internet.
3. And you can buy a copy of it on a CD if you don't want to download it.
4. And with the $8.95 purchase you obtain a PAF Companion program to make lovely charts and forms and learn how to read Pedigree Resource File materials in the future.

When finished you would be able to send the data to other programs you want to use (and your instructor does want you to learn about other programs).

However, if you are a seasoned user of Ancestral Quest, or Legacy, feel free to use those two programs, as they are similar enough that you should be able to keep up with the information.

I hope you are as enthusiastic about this course as I am. I look forward to a wonderful semester with you. This is the end of Lesson 1.