Starting again after 20 years - PAF files and other things

[TheBigFamilyTree]

hi there,
I did quite a bit of family tree research around 20 years ago (before I had children) and would like to pick it up again, now they are older and I have more time.

I have an old printout of the basics, but can't locate my notes, which I'm hoping I stored on my computer. When I started I used a software that was provided (free or cheaply) by Church of the Latter Day saints. It produced a PAF file (I think) - at least I have found a PAF file which I am hoping will have all my notes.

So, my questions for the experts on here are firstly whether anyone knows what software will be able to read this PAF file? More generally what software would you recommend for someone starting again?

I do not want to pay a subscription (as my time to do it will be sporadic), although don't mind paying a one-off fee (as long as it isn't ridiculously expensive).

I don't know if I'm wanting a piece of software to manage my own data, or if I would also want to look at other people's data. But I'm not interested in DNA testing etc.

Many thanks to anyone who can help!
xx

As I understand it (I am far from being an expert) the PAF system was discontinued about ten years ago, nowadays a system called GEDCOM is generally used.

I believe that this free version of a piece of software will be able to read a PAF file:

https://www.ancquest.com/paf/tryaq.htm

However, whether you would want to ever pay for that is another matter.

There are different bits of software available that mean that you can have all the information on your own pc.

Each of them have their pros and cons.

I don't think that there is one "best" piece of software. Different people prefer different things.

Here are a couple of links providing reviews of the most common family tree software programs

https://www.whodoyouthinkyouaremagazine.com/feature/family-history-software

and

https://www.sog.org.uk/education/learning-hub/guides-tips/family-history-software/

There are three main, paid for, pieces of software (it's not a subscription though, just a one off payment to buy it outright)

Family Historian 7 (30 day free trial then £60 to buy)
https://www.family-historian.co.uk/

RootsMagic 10 (free "essentials" version or US$40 for the full version)
https://www.rootsmagic.com/rootsmagic/

Family Tree Maker 2019 (£80)
https://www.mackiev.com/ftm/

Or there is Legacy Family Tree 10 which is also free.
https://legacyfamilytree.com/

[EDIT]

About not wanting to pay a subscription. From time to time, sites like Ancestry or Find My Past do discounts and trial deals.

For example, I keep a second account with Ancestry just to see what deals are being offered for people to join up. In August of last year that email account was sent an offer of £20 for four months of Premium membership (normally £56).

It would probably be an idea to keep a look out for special deals and then just max out your usage of the site during that time period.

Libraries often have access to Ancestry though you might need to sit in the library to use it.

Thankyou! @Another2Cats ... your reply is so helpful. I've been reading the various links you've given me and lots to take in, but haven't managed to make any decisions yet.

I first tried opening my PAF file with AncestralQuest as you suggested, which seemed to work, but I was worried it hasn't imported various notes. I've now found a site (https://mpafug.org/PAFprograms.html) where I could download the old PAF software and open my files in that. Bingo... I think I can now see everything. I've exported it to a GEDCOM file, but still have to check if everything is imported. But worst case I can input things manually into whatever software I decide to use.
And thankyou @Wilma55 for your tip about the library - good idea!

I'm pretty sure I want some standalone software to build my own tree with all the info I have already... and then will dip my toes into the world of Ancestry. I can see how much time this might absorb... I'm also worried that I haven't kept a good record of the sources of various bits of information, so will be double-checking things. But guess that people can load anything up online, even it hasn't been double-checked...

Lots to think about and thanks again!