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. |