I probably should have asked this question before I bought the FTM upgrade, but what kind of software do you all use and what is the most user friendly? I am finding that even the upgrade to FTM is not inuitive. It is better than previous versions, but not great.

I have used both FTM and Legacy. I went through both programs a few years ago, comparing and contrasting features, and ultimately chose Legacy, which I have been using exclusively for a few years now.

First of all, I just like the layout of Legacy better. I like the "index card"-style format of it. I like the charting and report publishing options.

Legacy is also easier to update. It checks the internet for an update every 30 days and I had no problem moving the Legacy program (that I purchased for a mere $19.99 in 2003) to Windows Vista. Even now it continues to be a very reasonably-priced program for new users and they aren't constantly creating new versions that you have to spend $50 on every other year or so.

The internet updates (when it searches and finds any from the Legacy site) are free.

It has a nifty little To-Do List, calendar and relationship calculator, of course. There are also tabs at the top of the screen to easily switch between different views, such as Pedigree (which gives you a 4-generation view) or Descendant (which gives you a chart of descendants), and a Chronology view (nice if you want to see if your ancestors' lives coincided with important incidents in history, such as wars or the Great Depression).

It is a program that I highly recommend.

Thanks, Wendy! I may just check it out because it looks like they have a free version, right?

Yes, the free standard download is a good way to see if you like it! If you want to upgrade, it is roughly $29.99-$59.99 depending on which option you choose, and all of the upgrades from that point on are generally free. I've not paid for Legacy again since my original purchase, which is great!

Thanks Wendy!

I think I might try it as well. I downloaded the free version years ago on my old PC but forgot about when my PC crashed. I think Livio also uses Legacy. I currently use FTM16 and I can't use all the features with Vista - even after the upgrades and patches.

Yes I do use Legacy since Version 3, back in 2003 or earlier, I have now Version 7.5 which is integrated with FamilySearch, if you are an LDS member. The feature I use the most is the creation of webpages. You may see them in my site: www.webalice.it/liviomoreno/

You have a wonderful site Livio. I always have loved looking through it. More and more I think I am going to invest in Legacy!