Family Tree Maker 2009 Essentials Review

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The faithful legions of Family Tree Maker users will find FTM 2009 to be a major improvement over their previous 2008 release and will welcome the improved operating performance and a number of the new search and sourcing features. Experienced users will still miss a number of the FTM v16 features, but we have been assured that continued improvements are on the way.
Before I go on, I am an experienced family researcher, have used every version of Family Tree Maker since 1998, routinely help others with their research, and I have about 25,300 names in my database. I also administer two DNA projects. I have a very clear idea of what I need, what I am used to getting, and exactly what people are expecting when they request my assistance.
Among the challenges for experienced users will be making a successful transition from earlier versions to FTM 2009. When I first tested this product for my own use and then attempted a review, I missed several key features regarding user controls specifying desired data elements for certain reports and charts...I simply could not find them. Another user reading my initial review verified that he could not find the user controls either. Helpful comments by an FTM product manager helped resolve the problem and a number of apparently missing features are actually there. The lesson learned is that this new interface will take some patience to find your way through. In many cases, this patience will be rewarded with a very robust and versatile software with many new capabilities.
However, for those of us who are most focused on final output, such as the ability to design and produce fully indexed Family Books on your own desktop without having to go online, this product has not yet realized it's full potential. This feature was offered in FTM v16 and previous versions, but was discontinued in FTM 2008 in favor of directing users to go on line (Ancestry press) instead of allowing full desktop-based user control.
*As Family Tree Maker continues to tweak this release, efforts need to continue in the area of fully restoring features and user controls from FTM v16, and just as importantly, educating experienced users on how to find and use the features they had enjoyed for so many years.
*A side by side explanation of features for FTM v16 and FTM 2009 would be very useful in the transition process, particularly in the area of output (reports, charts, etc.)
At this time, without the previously offered Family Book features being fully restored, FTM 2009 simply does not yet meet my personal needs, and I have returned to FTM v16. I need to continue to update the many previous Family Books (about 18) that I have produced for individuals and organizations, and I also need to continue to produce new fully indexed Family Books for pending projects I have committed to. I also have an ongoing need to have FTM read various CDs in my large collection, and unless I have missed it, FTM 2009 simply won't do this.

*3-Star Rating - I am very bottom line oriented - if I do not have in my hand exactly what I need when I am done working, and I -still- have to go back to previous software (FTM v16) to get it - then the "new" software fails my test and, for the time being, is not up to my own personal requirements. All the improved performance and various new features just do not yet matter if it cannot deliver in my hand what I expect and need when I am done.
I would encourage the FTM product design team to continue to restore features from FTM v16 and previous versions, and only then will FTM 2009 realize it's full potential.
CHT in Virginia

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Family Tree Maker 2009 by Ancestry.com, the #1 selling family history software, can help you easily discover, preserve and share your family history. It can help you build your family tree, gather stories and photos and create charts and books to share with your family. The Essentials Edition includes a one-month subscription to Ancestry.com the worlds largest online collection of family history records with more than 7 billion ancestors names. Youll also receive an interactive training tutorial and The Family Tree Maker Little Book of Answers.

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