RootsMagic 4 becomes First Genealogy Software to Support FamilySearch Discussions
SPRINGVILLE, Utah. — December 14, 2010 — RootsMagic, Inc. announced the immediate availability of an update to their RootsMagic 4 and RootsMagic Essentials genealogy software which is certified by FamilySearch for their new "Discussions" service. They become the first- and currently the only- software to offer this feature. The update also adds new FamilySearch features including temple ordinance card tracking, historical record searching, saved logins, sharing of Family Ordinance Requests (FORs), and more.
Discussions Certified
The new FamilySearch system gives RootsMagic users a central platform where they can share their information and work together. When the new FamilySearch system first became available, one of the principal collaborative tools were "disputes"- the ability to mark a piece of information as incorrect with a basic explanation. In the latest update to FamilySearch, disputes have been replaced with fully-interactive "discussions". By joining a discussion about a given person, you can make comments, ask questions, and post answers with others who are also interested in that person.
RootsMagic is the first and only software certified by FamilySearch to offer this feature. "Discussions are a tremendous step-forward in collaborative research," said Bruce Buzbee, president. "As more and more people join discussions about their ancestors, the information contained in new FamilySearch will be more complete and hopefully more accurate. Plus, you'll be surprised how many new cousins you will meet."
New Temple Ordinance Tools
RootsMagic is the first software certified by FamilySearch to reserve and request temple ordinances for deceased ancestors. The new update adds even more tools to manage and track these ordinances. "One feature that many of our users have requested is the ability to track temple ordinance cards," said Michael Booth, vice-president. "RootsMagic can now retrieve a list of all your printed cards from FamilySearch and lets your keep track of to whom you've given each card and their progress as the ordinances are completed." Added Booth, "I know my mom has been waiting a long time for this feature and will be putting it to good use."
The update also adds other enhancements such as graphically visualizing ordinance cards and the ability to e-mail and share Family Ordinance Requests (FORs) with others.
Search Over 1 Billion Historical Records
With today's launch of the updated FamilySearch website (www.familysearch.org), RootsMagic can now search for your ancestors through over a billion historical records using the integrated WebSearch feature. Just click on the ancestor's name and RootsMagic will search FamilySearch's collections of censuses, probates, military records, and vital records for possible matches. Many of the collections include pictures of the original records which are viewable at no charge.
FamilySearch Made Easy
The latest update to RootsMagic adds other new features to make working with FamilySearch even easier. These features include filtering and narrowing-down groups of people to work with FamilySearch, saving your username and password for automatic sign-in, and several improvements in speed and reliability. "Our mission is, 'Family History Made Easy', and that is exactly what this is," said Buzbee. "As FamilySearch evolves, so does RootsMagic to make the process as simple as possible."
Free and Available Now
Discussions and ordinance card tracking are included in RootsMagic Essentials, free genealogy software which includes all of the FamilySearch features. It is available for download at http://www.rootsmagic.com/essentials. Current users of RootsMagic 4 and RootsMagic Essentials may update their software for free at http://www.rootsmagic.com/updates.
Users of other genealogy software products will find it easy to experiment with RootsMagic using their own data. RootsMagic can directly import data from PAF, Family Tree Maker (through 2006), Family Origins, and Legacy Family Tree. It can also read data using the popular GEDCOM format.
About RootsMagic, Inc.
For over 20 years, RootsMagic, Inc. has been creating computer software with a special purpose- to unite families. One of our earliest products- the popular "Family Origins" software, introduced thousands of people to the joy and excitement of family history.
That tradition continues today with "RootsMagic", our award-winning genealogy software which makes researching, organizing, and sharing your family history fun and easy. "Personal Historian" will help you easily write and preserve your life stories. "Family Reunion Organizer" takes the headaches out of planning those important get-togethers. And "Family Atlas" creates beautiful and educational geographic maps of your family history.
For more information, visit http://www.rootsmagic.com.
Source: RootsMagic, Inc.
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