Cheap Master Genealogist Silver Edition (Software) (Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me) Price

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Customer Reviews of Master Genealogist Silver Edition

Needs work
I purchased this software given that it had so many positive reviews and had plenty of functionality to do everything I could want to do with my genealogical data. I saw comments about the interface being ancient but figured this was managable. This software is really hampered by its antiquated interface, however. It is leftover from Windows 3.1 and has not been upgraded. While I could work my way around it, doing so was awkward and cumbersome. In preparation for a family meeting I finally broke down and bought Family Tree Maker. I'm not disappointed. I was able to quickly and efficiently get my data typed in and produce useful reports. I figure if I ever really need the reporting capabilities of TMG Silver I can always export my data to it and generate any desired reports -- though, I don't look forward to ever having to do so. <
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>I kind of feel sorry for TMG because it was clearly a leader at some point and part of (what I presume) to be small firm. However, they just haven't done the work required to make this a user-friendly product. <
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>One caveat: I can't speak to the Gold Edition of this product, so I can only honestly review this version.

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TMG makes you a better genealogist ...
that is what I was told .. and it was true. I do use the Gold Edition of both 4.0d and the new 5.0 versions with WinXP and I have zero problems. The most unique feature of TMG is that it will allow you to chronologically record ANY piece of information ... it does not take a program modification to create a new field as TMG is 'event' oriented, therefore, any event can be recorded in full with date, location, all individuals who were present at the event, individual notes and even will allow you to create a different sentence structure to be output to narrative reports. Some people think TMG is more difficult to learn but it is only because we are used to having a special field for each item .. this is truly the most flexible genealogy software available. I have used PAF, Brother's Keeper, Family Tree Maker, Roots .. and a couple I don't even remember. I would NEVER leave TMG .. it just gives me everything I need .. and has definitely made me a better genealogist.

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Good functionality but Not well tested in Windows XP
I had a number of small problems with this product upon install. I downloaded 4.0d patch from the WhollyGenes.com website. It took care of some of the problems, but not all. There was an additional free upgrade for 4.0 users, but Wholly Genes has a strict invoice only policy. If you buy 4.0 and are on Windows XP, keep your invoice as well as your registration and serial number information so you'll be able to get a working copy. You'll have to contact Support at Wholly Genes to get your upgrade.

A new note to add to this review. While the functionality of this program does seem superior to other Genealogy packages I've used (Family TreeMaker, Generations, PAF), the manual and help (after the free upgrade) are very limited and do not fully detail all of the tools available in the software. Also, a new CD and Manual for v5 were promised after the upgrade, but nearly 8 months later it has not arrived although Version 5.x is for sale (no more free upgrades from 4.x?) on the Wholly Genes website.