Monthly Genealogy File BackUp Day - Using BackupMy Tree

The first of the month is the time I set aside to do monthly genealogy files backup.  Protecting genealogy research that has taken years to gather is a must because, sadly, computers are vulnerable to hard drive crashes, viruses, theft and natural disasters.

This month, I am adding a free "in the cloud" backup in addition to my usual backup plan.  BackupMyTree finds and creates a remote, off-site copy of your family-tree files.  It monitors your family trees and backs them up for you automatically when they change.  And actually since it backs up automatically, there is nothing to do each month except check that I am still logged in.

Although I back up my files automatically to an external hard drive, I know from experience that external hard drives can also fail, and in case of a disaster also be destroyed along with my computer.  That's why off-site backup is so important.

  

BackUpMyTree  FREE backup service provides:

• Support for a wide array of family tree file formats created by popular family tree software packages - Family Tree Maker, Family Tree Builder, PAF, Legacy Family Tree, RootsMagic (version 4 or later), and Family Tree Legends. Industry standard GEDCOM files are supported too. 
• Anywhere access of family tree files – users can access their family tree files securely from anywhere using a web browser. 
• Monitoring of all family trees for changes and automatic backup of the updated files.
• Storage of previous versions of family tree files should anything become corrupted. This feature also protects against accidental deletion of information inside a family tree – enabling users to retrieve any previous version of their data.
• Instant retrieval in case of data loss - by simply re-downloading the latest family tree backups.
• Complete protection of all family tree files using strong SSL security during transfer from computers to the BackupMyTree servers.

To backup your genealogy files onto BackupMyTree, go to BackupMyTree

• Download and run the BackupMyTree installer. BackupMyTree should start automatically after installation, and will appear in the Windows notification / system tray area.  
• After a few minutes, your web browser should pop up, asking you to log in to your BackupMyTree account. 
• Next, BackupMyTree will scan your hard drive for family trees and immediately start backing them up.

When I first used BackupMyTree, it took quite a while (days) to sync all the files and gedcoms I had on my computer, even though it says on the website it only takes minutes.   It  uses minimal resources always working in the background to update the latest version of your genealogy program file, and I haven't noticed any slowdown when it is running.  There is no limit to the files it will backup and I was quite surprised to see how many files it found on my computer.  However, each file backed up is limited to 1 gigabyte in size.

When I go to BackupMyTree, the website always opens up in Google Chrome, which is not my default browser, but I do have it installed on my computer.  I'm not sure, but the program might require a Google Chrome download.

Hint:  If you use FamilyTreeMaker, do a monthly backup (file - backup) within the program and be sure to tick the box called "include media files" .  This will save your data plus all photos and images to a .ftmb backup file which BackupmyTree will backup for you as long as your file is not larger than 1 gigabyte.   Great way to get photos and Ancestry.com record images backed up along with your genealogy database file.

BackupMyTree is from Cliff Shaw who also founded GenForum, GenCircles, and Family Tree Legends.

Family Tree Maker 2011 Update Available

A free service pack update for Family Tree Maker 2011 is now available. It contains a number of user requested improvements and fixes of reported issues. Some examples are improved performance throughout the program and improved performance of Web Merge.

A detailed list of all the enhancements and bug fixes in the update is available. For instructions on installing the update for Family Tree Maker 2011 access the Program Updates page.  To download the update, click here.

If you are running Windows Vista or Windows 7,  follow the instructions found on the Program Updates page to right click on the FTM program shortcut to "run as administrator".  This was my first time downloading an update using Windows 7, and I was a bit apprehensive, but the detailed instructions worked exactly as stated for me.   However, it did take about 2 minutes for the permissions screen to appear after I selected "run as administrator".  I suspect a lot of people may be trying to update so reponse may be slow.

You can check for future updates in the Web Dashboard visible when you first open Family Tree Maker 2011.  Look in the right column under Ancestry Twitter Feed.

If you have a suggestion that can improve Family Tree Maker, Ancestry wants to hear from you.  You can submit your suggestion(s)  using the enhancement request form.

Family Tree Maker 2011 List of Improvements

Family Tree Maker 2011

I just received my copy of FTM 2011 and there are a lot of changes and improvements to the program.  I’m not sure I have found them all yet. 

Here is a review of the changes and improvements I found in the new FTM 2011:

Smart Stories
The new Smart Stories is a narrative tool that helps write family stories. Choose from the facts, sources, and notes you’ve already entered in your tree and then drag-and-drop them into your report. The Smart Stories put these Facts into narrative form.  The Smart Stories are then completely editable.  Smart story text is linked dynamically to your FTM2011 database file, so if a fact changes, the information in your story will be updated automatically.   It’s an easy way to get started writing a story for any person in your family. The Smart Story narrative report is found under Publish, Other.

Charts
Fan Charts
There are five different shapes when creating a fan chart: full circle, semi-circle, quarter-circle, etc. These can be found under Publish, Charts.
Bow Tie Chart
Bow Tie Charts show both maternal and paternal ancestors of one person in one chart.  Maternal ancestors are on left and paternal on the right.  Siblings can now be included in the Bow Tie Chart. Found under Publish, Charts.
 
Last Generation Shown Vertically
In descendant and hourglass charts, the last generation in the chart can be displayed vertically.
Pedigree Chart
The book layout for the pedigree chart makes better use of space.
Photos and Embellishments
You can add images to a chart and drag and drop them wherever you like. In addition, Family Tree Maker comes with a set of embellishments, borders, and backgrounds that you can use to decorate charts and reports. 
Fonts in Charts
Font size, type, and color can be changed based on fact types. This makes the reports more readable, and makes the important things stand out.

Reports
TimeLine Report
In the new timeline report, you can view the events that occurred during your ancestors’ lives. Choose one person –  then choose  family events, historical events, or even private facts to add to his timeline.   You can edit, delete or add your own historical events.  The historical events included with FTM 2011 are world historical events but the program tries to choose relevant historical events.  I think it will make sense toalso  add my own historical facts that I know actually would have affected each ancestor. Found under Publish, Person Reports.
Surname Report
The new Surname Report lists the surnames in your tree, including the total number of individuals with that surname, the number of males and females with that surname, etc. Found under Publish, Person Reports.
New Descendant Reports
Family Tree Maker gives you four descendant report numbering systems: Register, NGSQ, Henry, and d'Aboville. The register and simple register reports are now simplified into one descendant report that included all of the options from both.  Found under Publish, Genealogy Reports.
Custom Report
The custom report now has user-selected primary and secondary sorts. In addition, new options allow you to include age at death, number of children, age at first marriage, and more.  Found under Publish, Person Reports.
Kinship Report
You can now sort the Kinship Report by relationship (for example, first cousins can be grouped together).  This looks to me to be much more like the well-regarded Kinship report from FTM 16
.
Save Report Settings
You can save the current report settings and use them as the preferred settings for that report.
Bibliography
You can create a simple bibliography of source titles or an annotated bibliography that includes summary information, such as repository and reference notes.
Report Headers and Footers
You can define the headers and footers for a report.
Photo Albums
You can now create an album for a person, relationship, or both. Very nice.
Calendar
You now have the option to display death dates in the calendar.

Ancestry Integration
Expanded Web Dashboard
The expanded Web Dashboard now includes Member Connect activity, links to message boards, and notification of new Ancestry messages.  I immediately found someone who saved the census of my great-grandparents to their tree.
Enhanced Performance
Uploading and downloading speeds have been improved. In addition, Family Tree Maker says they have increased ability to upload large files to Ancestry.com.  I don't have a large file so this is something I cannot check out.
Internet Speed
You can choose the type of Internet connection you're using. Then Family Tree Maker uses this information to tailor how it downloads information from the Web.

Media Management
Locate Missing Files
If you've moved your media items and Family Tree Maker has marked them as "missing," the Find Missing Media tool can locate them all at once.  Very handy after moving to a new computer.  Go to the Media workspace, then click on Media, Find Missing Media.
Categories
You can now assign categories to multiple items at one time. This was a helpful addition.  I had just categorized my media one by one.  Phew.
Media Metadata Stored in Family Tree Maker
If your images contain metadata, the information will be stored. If the metadata contains a caption, date, or description, this information will be automatically entered for you.

Data Entry
Automatic Reference Numbers
Family Tree Maker can assign reference numbers automatically to individuals, relationships, or both. If you upgrade from an older version of Family Tree Maker with reference numbers, your numbers will remain the same in Family Tree Maker 2011.
Enhanced Foreign Characters Usage
Additional foreign language symbols and characters have been added.
Duplicate Person Alert
When you enter new individuals, Family Tree Maker analyzes the information and alerts you if it believes you may already have the individual in your tree.  Haven't run into this problem but it sounds like it can keep a database from getting messed up.
Description Fastfields
You can now use the Fastfields feature for Description fields. Welcome back, fastfields.

General
Updated Interface
This is the first thing you will notice when you open FTM 2011.  There is a new Ancestry color theme.
Enhanced Index of Individuals
The Index of Individuals on the Family tab will now sort people based on name and then birth date.
Historical Timelines
Family Tree Maker comes with a set of default historical events that are used in timelines. Now you can edit, delete, and add to these historical events. In addition, Family Tree Maker looks at facts entered for an individual and displays the most location-appropriate historical events. You can manage historical facts in the edit tab.
First-Time User Assistance
The first time you open Family Tree Maker, it will automatically search for Family Tree Maker (.ftw) files on your computer (Version 16 and earlier).
Place Enhancements
If many locations in your tree are from the same country, you can choose this as your "home" country. That way, Family Tree Maker will not display this country in fields, and charts and reports. I’m happy to see this improvement. It’s just a little thing but seeing USA over and over in the reports looked redundant.  
Companion Guide
If you have any questions about how to do something in FTM 2011, you will probably find the answer in the 349 page Companion Guide.  This pdf Companion Guide which opens on your computer is searchable and can be accessed from Help, Companion Guide.

I have a new laptop that is running 64 bit Windows 7 and the program installed easily. Be sure to backup your FTM 2010 file since the FTM 2011 file cannot be read by FTM 2010.   FTM 2011 install in a new folder and does not install over FTM 2010.  Ancestry.com sent me this copy of FTM 2011, but FTM has been my program of choice since the mid-90’s.  I’ve tried most of the other programs but always come back to FTM.  I love the integration with Ancestry.com which makes my searching for info on my ancestors very easy. I also like the flexibility of the user interface.

When you register FTM 2011, be sure to enter “login to your account” and not “create a new account” if you are already a member of Ancestry.com.  I accidently choose the wrong choice, and I could not register FTM.  I got a message that said “unknown error”  A call to tech support at 1-800-ancestry set me straight.  Thanks!

You can still enter the coupon G5JXTRY at checkout in the box marked Redeem Coupons for a 20% discount.

Family Tree Maker 2011 Available for Pre-Sale

FTM 2011 is now available for pre-sale with free shipping.   You can use this coupon code for a 20% reduction in price.  Enter the coupon G5JXTRY at checkout in the box marked Redeem Coupons.

Family Tree Maker 2011

These are the enhancements listed by Ancestry:

• Smart Stories™— Just drag and drop facts from your tree to the new Smart Stories page. Each time you edit your tree, stories update automatically.
• New and improved charts—Enhance your charts with new backgrounds, borders, and embellishments. Create four new designs, including a 360 degree fan chart. 
• Refined reports—Save and reuse report settings and use 5 new report styles.
• Media management tools—Locate missing media items with the click of the mouse.
• More Ancestry integration—Find out which Ancestry members are searching for your ancestors in the expanded Web Dashboard.  
• Better performance—Upload and download trees from the Internet with increased speed. 
• Numbering—Automatically number every person in your tree for quick reference.  
• Timelines—View more events that occurred during your ancestors’ lives. Even edit, delete or add your own historical events..  
• Easy-to-use tools for merging duplicate individuals, calculating dates, creating to-do lists, and more.

And don't forget the features you've come to rely on:

• Dynamic user interface that lets you quickly switch between important features.
• The ability to import data from other genealogy programs, including Personal Ancestral File, The Master Genealogist, and Legacy Family Tree.
• Powerful sourcing tools that let you document AND rate each of your citations.
• Interactive maps and lists that give you a bird's-eye view of where members of your family come from.
• Photo AND file management features so you can easily incorporate all types of media files into your charts and reports.
• Timelines that highlight personal, family, and world events.
• Easy-to-use tools for merging duplicate individuals, calculating dates, creating to-do lists, and more.

Use Ancestry.com and Family Tree Maker together to get the most out of both:

• Search the extensive record collections at Ancestry.com without ever leaving your family tree! And, when you find new records, you can quickly merge them into your tree.
• Take advantage of Ancestry Hints-Family Tree Maker automatically suggests records that may match people in your tree.
• Import your Ancestry.com family tree, along with attached photos.
• Upload your tree to Ancestry.com and connect with millions of other family historians across the world.

I understand the Mac version of FTM 2011 will be available later this year.