9 replies to this topic

[TomH]

Just about every other popular genealogy software comes with a sample database - why doesn't RootsMagic? On the webinars and videos, in the Help system and in the book are many examples from what appears to be the same database of the Smith family from Ames, Story, Iowa, United States. Why not make this database available for download so that new users can follow along and see how features are used, interacting as they go?

 

I've been asked this question by a prospective TMG emigre. Makes sense. The database exists so it should take little effort to put it online, assuming these are fictitious people. 

[Renee Zamora]

I believe it is no longer included because the sample database used to be installed in the program files. With 64-bit computers you can't edit the database file inside of the program files. So the question now would be where do you put it.  It may be still on the CD version of the program for people to copy, but I'm not at home to take a look.

 

I will put in a request to have it available via download.

[TomH]

Thanks, Renee. I'm sure it will be helpful to some folk.

[Vyger]

Why not make this database available for download so that new users can follow along and see how features are used, interacting as they go?

 

A really good idea for someone contemplating a move to Rootsmagic, good one TomH

[VirginiaBl]

Renee -

 

Cannot the RM installer create a Roots Magic folder under Documents and put the Sample project there?   That also gives the user a logical default folder for his/her own projects.  Or perhaps that is a limitation of the RM installer.

 

Virginia

[Renee Zamora]

I am not sure on what the limitations would be on that, but I will give the suggestion to development. 

 

The sample file might take a little while, simply because development doesn't feel they have a good one yet. They want one that uses all the features of the program. For the videos and webinars they have been using various test files. Right now they are working hard on the TMG import and developing version 7 so we hate to pull them away to do that. If anyone has a good test file they want to share I will add it to the RM Template website I created for people to download.

[TomH]

Would putting an import of a competitor's database on your or RootMagic's websites violate any rights? It would be helpful to those investigating a transition, given that they might have some familiarity with the data and could readily see what has been lost and, maybe with some work done on the transferred data, what has been gained.

[Bill H]

Did anything ever come of this?

 

It is really hard to evaluate a program without a sample database.  Legacy provides one.  Family Historian provides one.  It can't be that hard to do.

 

Thanks,

Bill

[Vyger]

I will put in a request to have it available via download.

 

This goes back a bit and is probably a more needed request now that when first posted. A backup including Media showing the prescribed use of Places, Place Details, Sources, Alternate Name and many other features would be a good reference for the many new users who have joined the ranks in recent years. Would take a bit of thinking out on the part of the RM team but I believe well worth it.

 

Maybe Renee will move this to the wish list.

[Renee Zamora]

I am confirming this is on the enhancement request list.