How to Make Sure Your Family Tree Records Remain Safe

So, you have a beautiful family tree. It’s online on Ancestry.com (like the picture above).

And MyHeritage. And Family Search. And a bunch of other online sites. So, you good, right?

Wrong! And if you know what’s good for you, you will spend a few coins on a computer program that houses your precious family research directly on your computer.

Why Invest in Family Tree Software?

First, because you are no longer dependent on the Internet to view your tree or your records. Your tree is on your computer, so no WiFi necessary.

Second, you will no longer be subject to the whims of online companies. For instance, MyHeritage allows only about 700 persons on your family tree. As of this writing, Ancestry allows unlimited persons. BUT they have changed their cost-free policies willy-nilly on DNA test information and match access. So, I’m thinking monetizing our family trees could be their next idea.

Third, a private tree is just that. Private. Sometimes, I have pictures or documents on my tree I prefer not to make public on my online tree. Purchasing software is just the ticket for this.

Fourth, websites aren’t forever. Genealogy research is HUGE. But websites come and go. Look at 23andMe’s tale of woe. Who knows what’s going to happen to it? So, if a company goes bellyup and that’s where you have your tree … you get the picture.

Fifth, you won’t have to re-create your entire tree on the software. Most programs work with the online services, so you can simply transfer a copy of your tree (with pics and docs) to your computer software while keeping your online tree.