A Hidden Resource for Historic Genealogy Software

Correction: GenScriber can still be downloaded from various software sites (although the official developer's site was not coming up as available to me as of 17 Aug 2026.

A few months ago, while researching ways to improve my process of transcribing US Censuses, I stumbled on a site with a bit of a different twist. I was looking for information on a discontinued program (called GenScriber) and this site had a detailed write-up as well as download links. While I didn't end up pursuing the software, I did take time to poke around the website and I was impressed. GenealogySoftware.net is dedicated to—you guessed it!—genealogy software, with a focus on historical software (although it does reference some newer updates as well). From the website:

GenealogySoftware.net will be at its core, a database of genealogy and genealogy-related software (programs, applications, whatever term you want to use) – a collection of information and news about genealogy software stretching from the very humble beginnings of genealogy programs in the 1970s up through the 2020s.

The premise behind the site appears simple. There are family historians who've been using the same software for many years. Some still utilize programs no longer updated, or even available. Or perhaps they have old files they can no longer access (floppy disks anyone?). Just because software is no longer "current" doesn't make the files created in it any less valuable. Family history is still family history. So if your Great Aunt Edna, who still used her old DOS computer for her research, left you all her research in her will...maybe this site will help you access it! Or perhaps like me, you were looking for a program to assist with a specific task. Just because software is no longer updated or distributed doesn't mean it wasn't very good at doing the task it was designed for. It's up to individual users to choose the software and utilities for their personal needs. New and shiny doesn't always mean better. 

The site creator attempts to acquire copies of all the software he comes across. While the site does not host software downloads or user manuals, unless given approval from the developer to do so, they do provide links or other potential ways of sourcing older software. They do not include links to third-party sites offering unauthorized downloads. From the website, "We want to actively promote the development and distribution of genealogy software, but only through the appropriate (and approved) methods." They also attempt to remain neutral. They aren't going to tell you "this is the best software for....." Their goal is simply to provide information for upwards of 1000 different applications.

It appears this site was created in 2024, so it's not terribly old. But there have been no recent updates I could find since spring of 2025 (though the footer of the site does say 2026). I did try to find the creator on other blogs and social media, but those too have had little or no activity. I'm not sure if there will be future updates (I hope so!) but nonetheless, the historical value is still the same. 

Whether you're looking for information on an old piece of software you used to use, or are looking for software for a specific purpose, when it comes to genealogy software and applications, you can probably find information of use. Despite not being 100% up to date, I've included the link in my Genealogy Toolbox. So if Great Aunt Edna leaves you her genealogy research, maybe this site can be of use to you.

Disclosure: I used ChatGPT to assist with a title and search description. All content is my own.

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

iDailyDiary Keeping Notes Organized

 

Maybe you have a research plan, tons of links to sites/records you've saved as you research, or notes about conversations with relatives. It's important to organize and save notes so you can refer to them or research them later. There are tons of tools to help do this...online, old school notebooks and scraps of paper, desktop or portable software....what works for one person may not work for another. Most of us probably use some combination of the various methods. The key is finding what works for you and using it consistently.

I use iDailyDiary by Splinterware. It's a simple to use downloadable software program I use as my notebook. Since I do most of my research from home, I don't have a need for portability (although you can install and run it from USB). There's a free version of iDailyDiary and a Professional Version ($30). The Professional version is a perpetual license, so there are no additional fees. I've had iDailyDiary for years and have never had to pay for any upgrades. The program is updated every so often, and they even have an app now (but it does not currently sync with the software). If you use a tablet for your research, the app would be a great option! 

I don't use the dated diary pages (although if you want to chronicle your research journey it would be a wonderful use of the program), I choose to use the software as a notebook. You can enter data, insert images, save links and files within the pages, easily format data and much more! You can even create separate notebooks for different topics. Take a tour of the many features to see what it may be able to offer you. 

The most important pages I have are links I've found to records I need to research, organized by person. They may be for people in my tree, people I know will end up in my tree, or occasionally a person I haven't quite been able to pinpoint the importance of - but I want to remember in case I run across them again. I also keep a separate page for notes family members provide, or recollections shared with me during conversations (so I can create stories from the information later - always with the permission of the person who shared with me.) The beauty of iDailyDiary is the ability to search the entire diary. Can't remember where you saved something? No problem! Just search the whole diary. It's also easy to add, delete and rearrange pages. iDailyDiary is full featured, simple and straightforward solution to organizing notes and thoughts.

I've learned the hard way, you think you'll remember where you saw something online, but many times, no matter how hard you search, you just can't find it again. Saving all my notes and links means I'll always have them when I'm ready to work on them. I like having them in a separate program so I'm not flipping between tabs in a browser or going back and forth from a to-do list in my desktop genealogy software. To me, keeping notes separate makes sense. If you prefer keeping everything in a single location like shoebox on Ancestry, in the person notes of your tree, or in your desktop software to-do list, that's great! The important part is making sure your notes are organized and accessible in a way you find conducive to your research. 

Since there's a free version of iDailyDiary, why not download it and give it a try? I upgraded to the Professional version because I like to support the software developers who make what I consider to be a truly useful product. Software development is time consuming and for small companies or individual programmers, they aren't making a living by giving away free software. So if you try the software and find it useful, and your financial circumstances allow, please consider purchasing the full featured Professional version of iDailyDiary  to show your support. Even if you don't choose to use it for your genealogy research, you may find it valuable as a journaling tool, or for some other application where organization is key,

Image by Dariusz Sankowski from Pixabay

Your Personal Research Assistant

 

Have you ever wished you had your very own personal research assistant? Someone (or in this case something) to help you find the holes in your tree and suggest ways to fill them? Well, you can! And for a price that you won't believe!? 

GenSmarts is downloadable software for Windows, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to help you find missing information in your tree. Then, it suggests online, offline, free and paid records you may wish to review to find the information. For online suggestions, it links to the suggested databases to help you search quickly and efficiently. For offline suggestions, specific locations and information are provided to make an in-person search simple and effective. GenSmarts supports research in the US, Canada, and the UK. It links to the top genealogy websites and libraries (both free and paid).

The program works with over a dozen popular genealogy programs. GenSmarts reads your current database to create research suggestions, but does not change your data. Since it works with your genealogy software, there's no constant export of GEDCOMs to update your search suggestions. (Note: If you use only an online tree, such as Ancestry.com, you would have to export GEDCOMs for use with the program. It could be done, but it would be a little more effort than linking it to supported desktop software). It's easy to install and use. It's a vital research tool I've been using for the past few years, and I wouldn't be without it.

Support for the program is phenomenal! When FamilySearch changed their search method awhile back, I found I could no longer utilize the search suggestions in GenSmarts. I submitted an email detailing the issue and received a prompt response with an anticipated resolution date, The program was updated in a matter of days to support the new search. I couldn't have asked for a better support experience. Kudos to the developer, Underwood Innovations, LLC for unparalleled customer support.

And here's the best part - the price is only $24.95! There are no recurring charges or fees to use the program. Updates to the purchased version are free (although optional future major upgrades may have a nominal charge). A lot goes into the development of a program like GenSmarts. The price is a bargain compared to what you'd pay for a genealogy professional's assistance. I can't tell you GenSmarts will break down all your brick walls, and of course it provides only suggestions, you still have to do the research. But I can tell you from my own personal experience, I would not be without this program. It is an absolute must in your genealogy toolbox. With a limited free trial version available, there's no reason not to give it a try!

Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay