When I was a new one at genealogy, I would go to sites that explained terms, such as gedcoms, read it, and not understand what was being said.  So maybe the information at the above site is a little hard to understand, I don't know.  But this was the easiest way for me to understand gedcoms.

 

My main database for genealogy files is Family Tree Maker.  Others might use the Ancestry program, the Latter Day Saints Progam (PAF), Sierra, or some other program.  Whatever program you use has it's own features that work only with like programs.  Without a gedcom your files probably aren't compatible with mine, unless you use the same program I use.  If I wanted to send you my information, I would probably have to put it in an Outline Tree, copy and paste it into WordPad or something like that, or even right on an email page.  Then you would have to manually enter the information into your files.

 

The Latter Day Saints, I believe, are the ones who figured out gedcoms.  This is a program inside your program that makes your files generic.  In other words, able to be sent from say someone using  PAF to someone using Rootmagic.   When the file reaches the intended party, they are able to open it with their own program.

 

Each program gives you the option to convert your files to gedcom.  Look through your instructions on how to do it.

 

For my Family Tree Maker, I go to "Copy Export Family File."  Where it says "save as type" I use the drop down box and click on GedCom.  Name your file, of course, save it to where you can find it, and it can be sent as an attachment.

 

I hope this helps.