New Version Includes Palm OS Utility and Optional Robust Companion Software
SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released version 5.0 of its popular personal genealogy management software. Key new features include a Palm OS application and the ability to view user screens in six languages and enter data in most known languages (including Asiatic and Cyrillic characters). Personal Ancestral File (PAF), is now available on CD ROM or as a free download from the Internet.
The program helps users organize their family history records. It can produce, in automated or manual form, records for personal family histories or charts and logs to help users in their search for missing ancestors. Optional PAF 5.0 Companion software offers enhanced reporting and search capabilities.
PAF 5.0 allows users to view screens and print reports in English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Swedish, and German. "As far as we are aware, this is the first genealogy software that allows users to enter information in any language while viewing the screens and reports in any of the six languages mentioned," said Steve Cannon, product manager.
For the first time, PAF users will also be able to download their data to a Palm OS handheld computer. PAF for the Palm OS allows users to view, but not edit, their PAF data by families, pedigrees, descendancies, or individuals. Cannon said, "The Palm application will allow users to take their PAF data with them when doing family history research away from home without having to tote printed reports or lap tops."
PAF 5.0 has greater system requirements than previous releases. Current PAF users not interested in running the Palm application or who do not have the need for non-English applications may want to continue using earlier versions. The new software program is available free of charge if downloaded via the Internet at www.familysearch.org or for $6 on CD ROM through the Church's distribution centers worldwide (1-800-537-5971, item 770034). PAF 5.0 does not provide genealogical data. The PAF Companion 5.0 is available for $13.50 (item 50128).
System Requirements:
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Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000 version
- IBM-compatible Pentium PC or iMac with a Windows emulator
- 32 MB memory
- 20-60 MB hard disk space
- 256-color display adapter supporting 800 x 600 screen resolution
- Internet access (if downloading from Internet)
- CD-ROM Drive (if installing from CD)
