A computer is great for storing, enhancing and making documents easier to read and readily available. Online databases have revolutionised researching your family history. You might not be too comfortable using technology. If so, get some training before you start your family search. A few lessons will save loads of time.
You can do family history research without using the Internet, but it's a long and expensive way to do the job. Most time is spent travelling to locations where paper records are held and searching those records. The travel and accommodation costs can be prohibitive.
Using your computer
You can do family history research without using the Internet, but it's a long and expensive way to do the job. Most time is spent travelling to locations where paper records are held and searching those records. The travel and accommodation costs can be prohibitive.
Using your computer
Don't store files on your computer's hard drive. They are inaccessible while you're doing research away from home. Additionally, there's a risk you may lose the lot if your hard drive crashes or there's fire or flood damage. Best to use a cloud storage system.
There are several free options to choose from. I recommend Dropbox. Although the free 2gb of storage is less than most other cloud storage offers, it should be more than enough for your needs. The advantage of Dropbox is it works on any computer, tablet or smartphone. You can also share folders and files with other family members.
Need some training?
If you've little experience of using the Internet, it can seem overwhelming. It's not! With a little training, you'll find the most amazing resources at your fingertips.
You're almost certain to find free training locally. Wherever you are in the world, pop into your library and ask. To use programmes such as word processing, get a friend to show you the basics. Then develop as you go along, or read the user guide.
There are several free options to choose from. I recommend Dropbox. Although the free 2gb of storage is less than most other cloud storage offers, it should be more than enough for your needs. The advantage of Dropbox is it works on any computer, tablet or smartphone. You can also share folders and files with other family members.
Need some training?
If you've little experience of using the Internet, it can seem overwhelming. It's not! With a little training, you'll find the most amazing resources at your fingertips.
You're almost certain to find free training locally. Wherever you are in the world, pop into your library and ask. To use programmes such as word processing, get a friend to show you the basics. Then develop as you go along, or read the user guide.
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