What's a GEDCOM?

GEDCOM is a standard file format for exchanging information between genealogy programs.  The Acronym GEDCOM stands for GEnealogical Data COMmunications.  The Family History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) developed the GEDCOM standard.  The standard is regularly updated with the current version and best so far being 5.5.

The GEDCOM standard means that if you purchase a genealogical program I can send you a current GEDCOM of the Murgittroyd family for you to import into your program.   You can then add your own family information to the family tree including your non-Murgittroyd ancestors.  Current genealogy software offer many features such as the ability to print out elaborate family pedigree charts and family histories and are a necessary investment for anyone interested in researching their family history. 

I use several different genealogy programs such as Family Tree Maker and the Ultimate Family Tree.  Each program has it's own strengths and weaknesses but all of them are good.  Most program come in basic and deluxe packages.  The deluxe packages include data disks such as Social Security Death Index CDs that are not needed to create your family tree.  Basic programs can be purchased for as little as $5.00 after rebates and one Brother's Keeper is available for free over the internet.

If you would like more information on the various genealogy programs visit this web site for detailed reviews of most of the current programs.

Genealogy Software Springboard

If you purchase a program just e-mail me, Bob Murgittroyd, and I will e-mail you the Murgittroyd Family GEDCOM to get you started.