Read This First

Looking ahead, we will let future genealogists some guidelines by creating a user manual for your genealogy file. Start by creating a folder named "0" Read me first "in their file folder. Use the "zero" before the name of the folder, arranged in the top of his list for that new user will not be easy to overlook. Now write a diary that explains the filing system. The magazine can act as a reminder for yourself or a roadmap for foreigners. Add to that as it progresses. It can be as long or as short as you want. This would be a good place to leave instructions as to what you'd like to see happen with your genealogy work. Also to your family if you have all the original documents in the possession and where you can find. If the password of any of the genealogy programs or protected data, certainly provide this information. Writing a biography yourself short so if your database and files ending in a library somewhere to get the credit or blame for the data.

Identify Genealogy folders with icons

The search for genealogy directories, folders and files on a computer is much easier if the dress with special icons that make them stand out from other directories and folders. I use a little green tree tag my genealogy master directory and sub-directories instead of use the typical Windows yellow folder that is normally displayed. It's easy to change, as Microsoft has kindly provided the tree with its collection of icons in XP, Vista and Windows 7 ..

To make a right click on the icon in front of exchange existing directory or folder you want to change. Then click Properties on the bottom of the list that will open the Properties box. Click the Customize tab, and in the bottom of the box you will see a "Change Icon" button collection that opens window icons. The tree is in column 11 in XP. I have used this icon in all of my genealogy directories and subdirectories. Really makes genealogy folders stand out from the crowd.

For the folders that contain the names I used color coded icons for different surnames. I found a collection of free folder icons in color iconarchive can be downloaded in the format *. icon ready to use. I save my files from mines in the genealogy in a folder icon.

Lock your files

I guess nobody has used a computer that has long found a file that was locked and could not be changed. Usually it is a nuisance, but there times when it is useful to have a locked file. When you have a file that is valuable and do not want anyone accidentally modify the file, making an "archive read-only "is a good idea. You make a read-only file so someone can not" change "without first removing the Read Only check. But keep in mind this is just a precaution to help minimize the chance that someone will change the master file.

Create a genealogy requires personal effort and persistence, but there are rewards for taking the time to do so. Just remember that "copying" the old files in their new Genealogy File Do not delete the original files. The old files can be used as a backup class, but must file back-up again, at least two other places.

Kay Keating

FIXITIPS, (http://www.fixitips.com) is a potpourri of do-it-yourself columns and articles written over the years for a variety of newspapers and magazines that address an assortment of topics about home and family. The ideas for topics came from students in a series of adult education classes I taught.

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