Today, family tree maker software is readily available on the Internet.
Online you may become overwhelmed with the many choices available to you and the advertising associated with each product.
Just how do you know which software is best for you? Most of the options available will enable you to create a family tree and even record your genealogy.
But different family tree maker software packages do vary significantly, and depending on what kind of family tree you want to make, you have to shop around and find exactly what's suitable for your project.
Basic Criteria There are some basic things that effective genealogy software must have, so whatever you go for, make sure that it meets these criteria:

• It must be able to connect to genealogy databases for you to both download and upload data.
  A lot of the data in your family tree will come from the various genealogy databases that exist on the net, and you want to simply click a button and upload it to your project.
  Likewise, if you find out any information that you want to feed into any of these databases, you need to be able to download it simply.
  
• You want software that comes with upgrades, and not expensive ones.
  Some companies create software that they never upgrade, and this can be inconvenient as software platforms change all the time.
  There are also some that charge already existing users hefty fees for upgrades.
  Make sure before you buy that you choose software that allows you upgrades easily and cheaply.
  
• As you create your family tree, you will be finding information that will contribute to your genealogy.
  You want to be able to record and save this information alongside your family tree so that you can have all your information in one place.
  The software you choose should have this facility.
  
• If you choose to create your family tree on a website, you need to be able to put in more than just names and years.
  The software you choose should allow you to insert photos, add notes and any other information that is relevant.
  You will find that some software has this facility, but they take photo add-ons in certain formats only.
  Before you buy be sure to check that the picture format is compatible with your scanner and camera.
  
• Make sure that it allows you to give others the rights to log on and add information.
  After you create your family tree website, you will want to share it with the rest of your family.
  They should be able to log on and add any details that you may have missed or just give additional information - you will end up having a much richer family tree and a more detailed genealogy.
  

Highly Recommended Software Packages Roots Magic Essentials It's available as a free download, but like most free software, it lacks some of the functionality you may need.
It will not allow you to connect directly to the web through it, and so a search for information is a back and forth affair between the software and the genealogical databases.
It also doesn't provide any technical support, and you cannot create additional web pages.
It is recommended for beginners.
Roots Magic 4 This is the version of Roots Magic that is for sale, and it comes with the added functionality that you don't get with the free version.
You can access databases through it, you can get technical support and it allows you to create additional web pages should you need them.
It also allows you to print your family tree directly off the web page.
Reunion 9 This one comes recommended as the best genealogy software and for several reasons.
It can be used on both PC and Mac systems.
It allows you to connect to the web, and it can be used for big projects - you can use it to create a family tree that goes generations back.
You have to pay for it, but it's worth every penny.
The Master Genealogist V7 Gold If you are doing a big project, this is the best software to go for.
It has lots of functionality not just for family trees but also for genealogy and it allows you to append a lot of information.
It comes at a price too, but it's the best that you'll get for big projects.
Where to shop The best way to shop for family tree maker software is to go online.
Start by looking at the company websites - you may find that they have something on offer.
Another option is to look through Amazon or EBay because some people buy software and don't use it.
They then resell it cheaply on these 2 sites.
Take your time Try to make use of the free 'try before you buy' options that most software companies offer.
In the long-term you will be glad that you took your time to choose the right family tree maker software for your genealogy project.