Genealogy in the Computer Age: Understanding FamilySearch (Ancestral File, International Genealogical Index, and Social Security Death Index)

Understanding Family Search (Ancestral Fili, International Genealogical Index, and Social Security Death Index)

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Review The computerized FamilySearch contain a wealth of information for genealogists. The book gives detailed instructions on using the Ancestral File, the International Genealogical Index, and the U.S. Social Security Death Index. It first explains the characteristics common to all the files. Ancestral File [is] a database of [35 million] names of linked people...created from submissions of Mormon and non-Mormon, who have done family history research. ...the church does not confirm that the information is correct. [Users] should verify the information. The IGI is an index of over [600] million names of deceased persons. Records are either parish extractions [where] certain years from a parish have been entered into the computer, or have been submitted by LDS members....Women may appear under their married names [usually maiden surname]... I found this to be a very helpful book, not only for the detailed instructions on using FamilySearch, but also for the additional background information and strategy suggestions ... END -- Genealogical Computing, reviewed by Donna Prezcha, July/August/September 1993This textbook is by the author of the series of articles on the 1992 edition of the IGI currently appearing the Genealogists' Magazine and extends the instruction to FamilySearch, a set of genealogical computer programs and data files produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints... In addition to the IGI, FamilySearch includes the L.D.S. Ancestral File, a pedigreelinked file for sharing genealogies and hte U.S. Social Security death Index 1962[98]. ... Records can be 'downloaded' by anybody from these files on to an ordinary diskette... Although not an official L.D.S. publication, this book is written in the jargonfree language that only Mormon computer specialists seem to be able to use, and there are sixty illustrations of what one can expect to see on the screen as one uses FamilySearch. -- Frank Leeson in the Genealogists' Magazine: Journal of the Society of Genealogists, London, England, vol. 24:7, September 1993, page 710. Product Description Unique publication that describes and illustrates basic genealogy porgrams and files of The Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SAints (LDS, Momons) which are now available on the Internet. Ancestral File, a pedigree-linked file containing more than 30 mililon names; the International Genealogical Index (IGI) containing more than 600,000 names; and the US Social Security death Index; uses simple, clear, friendly language; enables a person to become familiar with the data as well as the basic screens used in the compact disc version available at Family History Ceners; book-club featured; officially recommended by the American Library Association (ALA); University/college classroom text. From the Author This book will help you in understanding the data in all FamilySearch versions, but is limited to the mechanics of the compact disc version. The Internet version has the same data and the same basic displays of pedigree charts and family groups, but the mechanics of searching it are somewhat different. From the Inside Flap WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW...? This Answers these Questions and More! . What is FamilySearch? . What information can I find in FamilySearch? . What are the sources for information in FamilySearch? . The definition of words used by today's computerwise genealogists? . How to find information in Ancestral File? . How to see more detail on a name you find on a pedigree chart in Ancestral File? . How to find the names and addresses of those who submitted information to Ancestral File? . What is GEDCOM? . How to place names in the holding file in the International Genealogical Index, to print them out or copy them to diskette as a group? . How to use the parents index arrangement in the International Genealogical Index? . How to limit your search in the International Genealogical Index, for example, in the British Isles to only r