You can research your family history, keep records and display the results of your work without spending anything other than obtaining copies of documents. It's easier if you own a computer and are reasonably competent using a word processor and spreadsheet. Subscribing to an online provider of records will give you easier access and provide some automation in displaying your information. Below is a comparison of approach by cost.
Stand-alone programmes to instal on your computer are no longer popular, having been replaced by on-line providers. So the only subscription sites assessed are Ancestry and Find My Past.
Paying a subscription fee to access online records
Paying a subscription fee to access online records
will make things You don't need to use any special software. You can construct charts such as a family tree using templates from the Internet. You can also use standard software such as a word processor or spreadsheet. You'll save yourself money in doing so, but you'll take more time to do charts which are not as attractive as those prepared using family history ;software. You'll also miss out on some of the automated search functions some software includes. It's may be best to start off in this way. Once your family tree is getting quite large you can then consider the alternatives.
A good alternative are free services offered by online family history providers such as FamilySearch. These let you share information with other family members. You can also prepare and print various eye catching charts. Although you can keep your family tree private, an advantage is you can also share with other family history researchers. This may help you find links to new family trees.
Finally, there are specialist software programs to buy, such as Family Tree Maker or MacFamily Tree. You'll pay more than £20 and get a comprehensive database to keep all your records and images and produce attractive charts. Many programs also automate the search for other family members. On the downside, you may find yourself spending quite a bit of time learning how to use the program.
