Sweden Genealogy Genline Workbook
Computer Aspects
Computers connected to the internet make genealogy much easier and quicker
to accomplish
than when microfilm and books were the only way to access detail.
In my experience, ordering microfilm from anywhere through a library took
forever.
Often the reference librarian needed to help to figure out the
procedure. And frequently
there was no microfilm reader with printing capability
available when the microfilm did arrive.
But now. Wow! The convenience of immediate unlimited access from anywhere in
the
world is amazing. Not only is the internet a convenient way to access
information, but the
internet has encouraged more organizations to put details
online than were ever available
before the internet.
To effectively use a computer in genealogy work, there are several computer
skills needed.
But nothing more complicated than commonly known techniques by
all computer users.
The hardware needed is nothing beyond ordinary. There are a
few software programs which
are essential. But they are mostly free or low cost.
What this all means is that anyone with time
to learn can quickly be accessing
details useful to a genealogist.
Even if you do not own a computer, you can get online. Check with your local
library.
They will certainly have internet access available to you. If you
happen to use the library
computer access, prepare to be amazed at the speed of
connection and access you will
find there. I often go to the library to access
documents when I have many large files to use.
The library is certainly much
faster than my dial-up connection at home.
When you need a large number of pages printed, the laser printer you will
find at most
libraries produce copies quickly for about 10 cents each. When you
have a fifty page
document to print, the library is the best place to get your
printed copy.
There are many essential tasks which are explained in the workbook that are
computer
based. If you feel you do not want to get involved with computers for what ever
reason,
then either get over that thought or return this workbook for a full
refund.
This is because the work of genealogy, simply stated, can not be done
without
a computer. Oh, you could use the post office to order microfilm after
microfilm,
microfiche after microfiche. But your life length would not be adequate to do
what
you can do on the computer in just one year. Think of how much more you will
accomplish
with the aid of the computer connected to the internet. The difference is huge.
Period.
Oh, you don't have to own a computer. As long as you have access to a computer
connected
to the internet, that's enough.
The connection speed of your computer is somewhat critical. But not enough
to stop
productive results. I have a 56K connection through dial-up that works just fine
for me.
When I have something which could benefit from a faster connection, I wait to do
that
work for a time when I can go to the local library where they have fast
access.
Obviously cable or DSL is better than dial-up. But you may not have that
connection
speed available based on where you live, or for any number of other reasons.
Don't fret.
If you find your computer skills lacking, then take a class. Or ask a family
member or
a friend. Let your capabilities expand as you pursue this genealogy research.
You'll
find more and more to do as you get deeper into these activities. 'Search' is
one area
which is just waiting for discovery. The indexing of information has expanded to
the
point where anything can be found pretty much instantly. As you follow through
the next
few pages about computer aspects associated with this workbook, don't skip
anything.
I have structured each task to build on the last task. Eventually all these
computer
details will be needed for one reason or another. Try not to jump ahead. Stick
to the
task at hand.
Computer Programs
There are several computer programs which will be important tools in your effort
to
collect, process, and publish genealogical information. Here is a checklist of
programs
for you to consider obtaining.
To find details about this software, go to Google. Enter the name of the
program. Then
add the words 'program description'. You may want to go through a tutorial on
these
programs as well. Simply go to Google. Enter the name of the program. Then add
the
word 'tutorial'. There is a large amount of helpful detail on the internet to
assist you
in improving your computer knowledge. And it is free. Go get it.
Arranged in descending order of importance:
Outlook Express (already on your computer, probably) Used for email.
Internet Explorer (already on your computer, probably) Used to access pages on
the internet.
Personal Ancestry File (free download) Obtain from www.lds.org. Page 34 this
workbook.
Genline Family Finder (free download) Obtain from www.genline.com. Page 33 this
workbook.
Real Audio (google search to find a free download) Used to listen to audio
files. Page 102 in workbook.
Companion To PAF (a $10 activation fee) Obtain from www.lds.org. Page 34 this
workbook.
Word, Notepad (already on your computer, probably) Used to type and save
personal history documents.
WS_FTP LE (google to find free download) Used to transfer files to internet
provider for publication.
FrontPage (an expensive publishing program) Investigate fully before spending
the $100 or more.
Swedish Language Translation Tool (no advise on this. I do not use this) Seek
advise from others.
Real Producer (google for a free download) Used to record oral history
digitally. Page 102 in workbook.
The Swedish alphabet has three extra letters as compared to English.
This is just so there would be a use for the number lock key
on a computer keyboard. Me, I use the ALT key which seems to work just fine.
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