RootsMagic 4 is a completely new genealogy software. It became available for purchase in late March 2009 after a beta test with volunteers.
The 25 new features were literally put on trial against earlier RootsMagic versions and competitive software. The result is the most wide range upgrade that RootsMagic, Inc. has ever produced.
Importing Other Genealogy Software Files
According to Randy Seavers’ GenMusings post on March 28, 2009, RootsMagic 4 easily uploaded his Family Tree Maker file. The company claims it can import Legacy, earlier RootsMagic versions, Personal Ancestral File (PAF), GEDCOM formats, and Family Origins. RootsMagic technical support forum defends that claim well.
Technical Support
The company is truly active in the technical support forum, addressing individual user questions, and providing an extensive knowledge base for frequently asked questions.
One common question regards New Family Search, a brand new system coming out in phases. According to the Current Feed Blog posted by Michael Booth on Sunday, April 26th, 2009, as the system becomes more stable it will be made available to everyone, in and out of the LDS membership.
Web Navigation Features
One of its intuitive features already loaded into the software is a Web Search navigation tab at top. Using a drop-down list of genealogy databases RootsMagic 4, the user can search:
Free/No Charge websites in RootsMagic 4 searches include: Ancestry Message Boards, Family Search, FindaGrave, Google, Live Search, Rootsweb, and Yahoo!
Subscription websites in RootsMagic 4 searches include: Ancestry, Footnote, Genealogy Bank, and WorldVitalRecords.
RootsMagic 4 includes a Custom Web Search feature, too. If there’s a favorite website the historian visits that is not on this list, no worries! The pull-down menu on the right reveals a custom search provider selection allowing the user to add a website to the database search list.
Website Searching Made Easy
RootsMagic 4 may offer the easiest website access by any genealogy software program to date. Pressing the ‘Search’ button for the selection of choice consistently brings a result of about 2-4 seconds to appear in the center panel.
Database lists show at the top right of the website searches, and an Auto-Search box above the Search button searches with a click of the Web Search tab. Color-coded green left-right arrows at top left of search panel keep the forward and back ease in navigating the pages.
Edit Person Feature
Editing an individual person is a joy with RootsMagic 4. The Note area is literally a mini word processor with all the bells and whistles expected, like Bold, Italic, Underline, Copy, Paste, Character Map, Spell Check, along with Memorize and Thesaurus! Simply clicking on the empty squares allows the user to edit a person’s Notes, Images, or Sources.
RootsMagic 4 Software Review Summary
Family Tree Magazine just published their July 2009 issue on May 5th, 2009, reviewing the new RootsMagic 4 software. Within their glowing report, they state: "Probably the best all-around genealogy program, RootsMagic offers a winning combination of features..."
The entire 25 new features can only be fully appreciated by trying them out. The RootsMagic, Inc. website offers a free trial. The software is user-friendly for those who are new to the idea of researching family history, and also experienced genealogists. RootsMagic 4 easily sells itself as it adapts to the user’s needs, as those needs change over time, and its intuitive interface.
RootsMagic 4 is available as a download or CD for $29.95. The upgrade download or CD is $19.95. For a limited time at the same $19.95, switch from PAF, Master Genealogist, Family Tree Maker, or Legacy Family Tree. The software can also be purchased in a bundle with other RootsMagic products.
See also:
Best Genealogy Resources for Beginners.
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