Family Tree Maker 2009 Essentials | 
| From: Encore Software
List Price: $29.99
Buy New: $26.99
You Save: $3.00 (10%)
New (4) Used (1) from $24.30
Rating:  21 reviews
Sales Rank: 22
Format: Cd-rom
Platforms: Windows Xp, Windows Vista
Media: CD-ROM
Edition: Essentials
Operating System: Windows XP
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 7.6 x 5.3 x 1.2
MPN: 16450
Model: 8021934
UPC: 705381164500
EAN: 0705381164500
ASIN: B001B5L5RA
Release Date: August 26, 2008
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | Improved synchronization with Ancestry.com and access to the world's largest online collection of family history records (over 6 billion records) | | • | A powerful new global find and replace feature that searches text in facts, notes, media, sources, and tasks | | • | Updated charts and reports including new book layouts for charts, and new relationship, and data error reports; ability to save and reuse publication templates, charts, and reports | | • | Includes one-month subscription to Ancestry.com, interactive training tutorial and The Family Tree Maker Little Book of Answers |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Family Tree Maker 2009can 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 world's largest online collection of family history records with more than 7 billion ancestors' names. Enter facts about your family and Family Tree Maker will automatically connect to the site. From there, Family Tree Maker 2009 will let you quickly add historical records and facts from Ancestry.com to your tree. Publish your tree online to share with the whole family. You can also preserve your heritage by adding photos, video and audio clips to your tree. Or use Family Tree Maker's interactive maps, timelines, charts and more to help bring your story to life.
The Essentials Edition also includes:
Amazon.com
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 world's largest online collection of family history records with more than 7 billion ancestors' names. You'll also receive an interactive training tutorial and The Family Tree Maker Little Book of Answers. 
What's new in Family Tree maker 2009? - Exciting new charts and reports
- Improved data editing and manipulation
- Enhanced maps, charts and reports
- A robust "find and replace" functionality
- Expanded RTF and HTML export
- Improved file merging and memory usage
- A way to copy and paste source citations
- The ability to save and apply templates
- Increased overall performance
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Bonus materials inside:
The Getting Started Guide to Family Tree Maker
Follow simple directions to begin a project and master the program's basic features Interactive Training Tutorial
Get step-by-step instructions and tips that will help you easily build and grow your family tree. The Family Tree Maker Little Book of Answers
Read short sections that will tell you how Family Tree Maker can work best for you. | Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting on your family tree, Family Tree Maker 2009 can help you create a family tree faster, easier, and better than ever before. The end result is a family history that you and your family will treasure for years to come. Family Tree Maker 2009 lets you easily: - Organize your family story privately and conveniently on your personal computer
- Create charts and reports in a variety of formats to share with friends and family
- Discover new information anywhere on the web and add it to your tree instantly
- Integrate with the 7 billion names in historical records on Ancestry.com. Even receive hints linking you to matching records.
- Incorporate photos, documents and audio, video and other files into your tree.
- View timelines and interactive maps.
How can you make the most of Ancestry.com?
- Family Tree Maker Deluxe 2009 comes with one month of free access to Ancestry.com, the world's largest online collection of family history resources.
- Your software works seamlessly with the site so you can easily search for your ancestors and add the information you discover to your tree.
- You could find missing facts about your family in census records, draft cards, passenger lists, image collections and other historical resources.
| What's New?
- Create essential genealogy reports (Register and Ahnentafel)
- Share your family tree with several new charting options: hourglass, bow tie, and fan. You can also use custom templates or design your own
- Streamline your data entry with one-click editing of individuals from any workspace in the software
- Simplify sourcing with "cut and paste" source citations
- Track AND print your ancestors' migration paths on interactive maps
- Enjoy faster startup times and improved file performance
- Find your ancestors more easily with improved Web Search. You can even choose to ignore irrelevant results.
And don't forget the features you've come to rely on:
- Dynamic user interface that lets you quickly switch between important features
- The ability to import data from other genealogy programs, including Personal Ancestry File, The Master Genealogist, and Legacy Family Tree
- Powerful sourcing tools that let you document AND rate each of your citations
- Interactive maps and lists that give you a bird's-eye view of where members of your family come
- Place authority database of more than 3 million names that helps you standardize your place entries
- Photo AND file management features so you can easily incorporate all types of media files into your charts and reports
- Timelines that highlight personal, family, and world events
- Easy-to-use tools for merging duplicate individuals, calculating dates, creating to-do lists, and more
Use Ancestry.com and Family Tree Maker together to get the most out of both.
- Search the extensive record collections at Ancestry.com without ever leaving your family tree! And, when you find new records, you can quickly merge them into your tree.
- Take advantage of Ancestry Hints--Family Tree Maker automatically suggests records that may match people in your tree
- Share heirloom-quality books and attractive posters that you create with the self-publishing tool at Ancestry.com
Your Family Tree Maker 2009 software also includes:
- Training Tutorial for Family Tree Maker 2009 (included on Family Tree Maker disk)
- Getting Started Guide (included on Family Tree Maker disk)
14-day free trial subscription to Ancestry.com.
Search the world's largest online repository of family history records.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 16 more reviews...
 FTM 2009 - Major Improvements, More Work to do... September 20, 2008
CHT (Loudoun County, Virginia, USA)
54 out of 56 found this review helpful
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
 FTM 2009 User Comments September 23, 2008
Caruthers
37 out of 38 found this review helpful
I have used FTM (Family Tree Maker) from its beginning days, when it was first used on PC's using the DOS operating system. I believe I used most versions up to and including FTM version 16 (the last version using the original interface). When FTM 2008 was introduced; I, like many others, was more than a little disappointed in the product. For the first time there were no enhancements or added features to the beloved Family Tree product. It was a complete rewrite with a new interface! Many features that I was used to using were either missing or different.
However, I installed FTM 2008 and imported my files from the earlier versions of FTM. One of my files has 33,000 individuals and 16,000 pictures. At first, I didn't see how I would be able continue, the conversion and cleaning up of media (pictures) looked too overwhelming and the same appeared true for correcting place names. I was afraid of losing my data so I kept a parallel copy of it on FTM version 16. When I completed all my conversions and much needed corrections, I saw I was making the right move. All my fears began to vanish. After three months of cleaning and repairing my data; I switched to using FTM 2008 exclusively. And today I can honestly say it was the right choice for me.
FTM 2009 is now available and it is a big improvement over the initial offering. I have seen the benefits. My database is cleaner, more correct and more complete than ever before and becoming better each day. My pictures are organized and stored individually in a separate directory. FTM 2009 is helping me become a better and more organized researcher.
There are two parts to using FTM or any family history product. One is getting the data entered correctly into the database; and the second and just as important, is getting the data in a usable form of reports, charts and or books. This is where FTM needs to improve. However, I have tried (and purchased) many of the competing family history products. FTM 2009 compares favorably to them all. Yes, FTM version 16 is better at reporting, charting, and book making; but I, for one, am sure the manufacturers of FTM will soon remedy the differences or shortcomings.
If you would like my rating I would give 5 out of 5 for data input and integrity and 3 out 5 for output (reporting, charting, and books). An overall rating 4 out of 5.
 FTM 2009 September 24, 2008
C Hanson (OH United States)
20 out of 21 found this review helpful
I have used Family Tree Maker since 1996. I was very disappointed with the 2008 version but I stuck with it because I knew it was an entirely new program and it would take time to find out what all the issues are and make the corrections. I was very glad to find out that they decided to scrap 2008 and were working on the 2009 version. I was a beta tester for 2009 and I was very impressed with how hard the staff worked to correct problems and how they were willing to listen to suggestions. One of the big problems with 2008 was the fact that it constantly crashed. Since I have been working with 2009 crashing hasn't been an issue. Since the media files are kept in a separate file, 2009 does not take as long to open as it did in versions prior to 2008. I do know that some people still say it takes too long to open for them, so they are still working on this problem. It has been said that the charts and reports are not as good as they were in versions prior to 2008. New charts and reports have been added and more are expected to be added, but this is an area where you must be willing to "play" with the options to really see what is available. Since I had so many problems with 2008 I didn't use the new features that were introduced, but I have tried them in 2009 and they are very useful. The web clipping feature is helpful. Please make someone aware of any issue's or concerns that you may have with 2009. Issues do need to be prioritized so your issue may not be taken care of right away, but someone is listening to all issues.
FTM 2009 Kudos September 28, 2008
Jerry Swanson (Princeton, WI)
8 out of 11 found this review helpful
Speaking as a long-time user and very happy camper with my Family Tree Maker Software...In my humble opinion, the Family Tree Maker Software is where you want to go if you are considering a genealogy program. And if you already have the FTM software, the 2009 version is ESPECIALLY where you want to be. The step up to this version is very much worth the effort and is recommended.
The new software has an ease of use, maintains small and large databases with reliability and stability, is visually appealing in its' layout and design, and includes nearly every tool one could possibly hope for to aid in the development your tree. The reporting, charting, and mapping capabilities of the software are easy-to-use and the resulting queries are visually stunning.
I also recommend the subscription to Ancestry.com, which not only grants you access to the world's largest online databases of genealogy data, but the merging the information and/or documents discovered into your tree involves only a few mouse-clicks. The interface with Ancestry.com will save you thousands of footsteps and keystrokes.
And...very importantly...when you need guidance and support, you may easily either access the FTM online video tutorials, visit their message boards, or get timely help from their top-notch and friendly software support staff.
I was also part of the FTM 2009 Beta testing group. I experienced nothing but the best communication with their support staff during the testing. I found them always open and direct concerning my software issues and their wanting to know how to make it even better!
With a little paraphrasing..."You can please some people some of the time, but you will never please some people all of the time...the Family Tree Maker 2009 software pleases most people all of the time".
Great Product September 28, 2008
Gary (United Kingdom)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
Unlike some of the other reviewers I wasn't a regular user of FTM prior to the 2008 version, although I had tried it out several times. Although it was very feature rich, the user interface let it down badly and it wasn't much fun to use.
The developers took a brave decision with v2008 to go back to the drawing board and rewrite the product from scratch. This resulted in an excellent user interface that's head and shoulders above the competition.
The unfortunate downside of starting again from scratch is that it will take some time to rebuild every bit of functionality, so I can understand why some users of v16 might have been disappointed. The changes in the UI can also be a bit disconcerting at first when you've been used to something quite different.
The developers did listen to the feedback on v2008 though, and v2009 builds on the v2008 foundation by adding in several new features and improving the performance and reliability of the product. Whilst the level of functionality may not be as comprehensive as v16 yet, what is there should be more than sufficient for the overwhelming majority of users.
I should mention that I was fortunate enough to be accepted as a beta tester for v2009, and everything I reported during the beta period was resolved very quickly. So if you're a v16 user that still doesn't see everything you need, why not send them an e-mail - you might be surprised by just how responsive they really are. In my experience they really do seem eager to build both a feature rich and robust application.
Alternatively, if you're currently using another product or simply getting started with your family history research, you should find this product very easy to use. The integration with the Ancestry website works extremely well and I've discovered several new leads as a result of it.
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