Please consider those of us with old hardware, and no financial resources to keep up with technology

LegacyUser

MO said: Please consider those of us with old hardware, and no financial resources to keep up with technology! FamilySearch.org posts a warning message when I log in, saying that my computer needs to upgrade to a newer version of SOFTWARE/browser. However, to do that, I would need to purchase new hardware. I cannot be the only one who has fixed/limited financial resources! Would you please take into consideration us older folks who can no longer keep up with the financial requirements of new technology, and live far from FH centers?

LegacyUser

anzenketh said: Google Chrome is supported on really old hardware and software.

https://support.google.com/chrome/ans...

Same with Firefox
https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox...

What are your computer specifications that make it so you can't meet these requirements?

LegacyUser

MO said: I've worked on this issue (including the various software/browsers) with a number of IT folks, and we've not yet been able to find a work-around. The intent of this post is to hopefully bring this disparity to the attention of decision makers, by providing a place for others who have this same problem to voice their concerns.

LegacyUser

Paula Blake said: MO.

I use old hardware and operating system but am able to use the FamilySearch website on both Firefox and Chrome browsers without difficulty.

FamilySearch doesn't work on Internet Explorer (it asks me to upgrade the browser - but their latest browser is not compatible with my system so I can't)
This isn't isolated to FamilySearch (lots of other websites are affected by it aswell)

If your difficulty is with Internet Explorer, I would recommend switching to Firefox as your browser. I find it the best for older hardware and operating systems.

If you could share which operating system (Windows XP?) and which browser you use, other users may be able to offer more suggestions.

Hope you find a solution.

LegacyUser

Jon Ard said: I've been using familysearch for years but now can't do research ... I use Windows Vista and am unable to use Chrome, Firefox, or Opera even though I have the most recent releases - those available for my older operating system ... it's not just familysearch but also some others like AARP Hartford car insurance, which will take Opera but not Chrome or Firefox ... even my gmail gives the "out of date" warning, but still works, but I'm waiting for the day it doesn't ...

LegacyUser

A van Helsdingen said: Windows Vista is no longer supported. This means no security updates are released by Microsoft. Browsers, other websites, Gmail etc are unlikely to make their website compatible with such old operating systems anymore.

I suggest that now might be the time to upgrade. Alternatively, you can visit Family History Centers or Affiliate Libraries (see map: https://www.familysearch.org/locations/) to do your research at.

LegacyUser

David Newton said: Windows Vista is horribly outdated now. Using it to access the internet is extremely foolhardy.

You may not like the fact it is not supported, but the fact is that it isn't. Either spend some money on a new system or install Linux and get a steep learning curve. Spend time or spend money or get hacked and spend money anyway to sort out the consequences of the hacking. Your choice.

LegacyUser

Amy Archibald said: For under $200 you can get a great laptop that will run circles around anything you have that is running Windows Vista.

LegacyUser

David Newton said: But, but, but that involves spending money! That's impossible to do for some people as they just won't accept that their computers are obsolete. See those who insist on continuing to use PAF as anothet branch of this phenomenon

LegacyUser

Tom Huber said: Hm.

As much as I hate it, I am moving from Windows 7 to Windows 10. I don't like the interface, but grabbed a "Classic" interface to use with it and have been slowing installing my software, my links and log in credentials.

I loved XP and hated to have to move to 7, but it was as close as I could get to XP in the interface.

I played around with Linux a number of years ago, but I'm retired from the computer industry and didn't want to spend my time setting things up. Just too much work for me.

LegacyUser

A van Helsdingen said: On Louis Kessler's GenSoftReviews, PAF continues to gain "Users Choice Awards" year after year. http://www.gensoftreviews.com/?p=126&...=

While I agree that those using old software such as Windows Vista and PAF should upgrade, I can understand that for many less technologically literate people, they are comfortable with what they're currently using.

LegacyUser

Ron Tanner said: If you are looking for just the internet to do your family history then maybe other options like Rasberry Pi for $85 on Amazon. Use your own monitor mouse and keyboard. Or maybe a Chrome book. I think we all will be in this position in the coming years.

LegacyUser

Justin Masters said: There are LOTS of companies moving to Windows 10. You might ask a tech savvy person in your ward to see if they can help you find a system that is being cast aside for the newer system.

Or, have someone build a Linux boot disk that you can run from a cdrom. It's very slow though and you can't save anything.

Look for older systems on ebay.

Learn to refurbish an older system. It's very empowering.

Consider asking in your circle of friends or church members to see if anybody has an unused system they will donate.

The big problem is that systems need to be wiped of sensitive data, and most people take the easy way and crush the drive.

Will an older phone with mobile familysearch work for you?

There are trade offs with older systems with no security patches, no 32 bit support, etc. But there are cheap alternatives if you're willing to be creative and humble, and willing to learn.

LegacyUser

David Newton said: Company cast offs when upgrading to Windows 10 aren't much use either if they have Windows 7 on them. That will be joining Windows Vista in unsupported status from January. Like it or not you have to go with Windows 10 if you're going to use Windows now.

LegacyUser

Justin Masters said: True, but you can sufficiently harden your system to avoid most problems, and just be smart about where you go on the web, and what you open as email and attachments.

I have a lot of software installed on my Win7 box, and if you've seen what Windows 10 scrapes up (which, in my opinion has NO business being scraped, like the first X characters of any word document you create, or X seconds of the web cam when in use), I'm choosing not to have that kind of info collected.

Granted, I'm a bit more advanced than most with regards to computer security, but I run my system about 6 months behind on patches, and haven't had any problems. But I also have things like "NoScript" enabled on my firefox browser which protects me from a LOT of crap on the web. (including ads, some of which can be malicious)

I use a freeware firewall that notifies me of outgoing things as well, and it picks up on the occasional "odd" item that tries to sneak out. I do pay for malwarebytes for AV (although I have a 2nd AV on my system as well)

But I'm guessing finding a web browser for Windows 7 is going to be a LOT easier than for Vista, if money is the reason for not being able to upgrade.

I wish I could suggest a free Linux distro, but I just don't know how "friendly" they are to complete novices. And android/chrome based systems don't give a true "desktop" experience, as they get detected as android, and you end up using a "mobile" type of interface, which isn't as robust.

LegacyUser

David Newton said: The reality is that a Chromebook is a much more suitable computer for a lot of people than a Windows computer. The reality is that an awful lot of people simply cannot be trusted to run a system properly. They don't know about patching, and even worse they don't care about it, and worst of all they won't care about it.

People with that kind of attitude must be compelled and forced into patching and must be prevented from having full access to the hardware of their computer. Paternalistic? Yes. Unwelcome to hear? Yes. Authoritarian? Yes to a degree. However evidence suggests it is the correct thing to do. I wish that was not the case, but it is. Far better to force that sort of thing on people than to have legions of hacked computers compromising people's privacy and being part of botnets.

LegacyUser

Tom Huber said: I am now using a Windows 10 computer, but covered the cam with a piece of sticky note. I do not care for the idea that with malware (I use Malwarebytes as well as CCleaner) my camera can be switched on without my knowledge.

The only thing that I keep my old Win 7 for is to grab a password that I haven't used with the new computer. Otherwise, it stays off and disconnected.

I am not a fan of Windows 10 and the idea that a future version is going to require a yearly subscription is going to take me even further away from MS products than even now (I abandoned MS Office a long time ago).

LegacyUser

iLoveMyLife02 said: Remember that there are computers that you can use at your local library

LegacyUser

Tom Huber said: That is very true. Many libraries have or are in the process of setting up a computer room or section in their facilities that are open for people to use.

FamilySearch and most genealogy sites are "safe" sites that can be accessed with these computers.

Many local genealogy societies are housed in a local library and offer free access to some of the pay sites, Ancestry (Institution) in particular.

LegacyUser

ATP said: Thanks for the link re: PAF. Been using it since FTM revolutionized the genealogy computer scene back in the late 1980s and early 1990s and PAF fell into line and discontinued their original wieldy rendition. PAF does everything I need it to do and none of the expensive programs I have used come close. Periodically, I add my PAF file to RootsMagic, just in case the day comes that PAF completely disappears.

LegacyUser

Brett said: Ann

Just a thought ...

Like many, as you still appreciate PAF; and, are using "RootsMagic" as a backup for the advancement in technology, may I suggest that you take a look at "Ancestral Quest" - if you have not already.

As far as I am aware those at "Ancestral Quest" gave the original Programming" / "Coding" Model to "FamilySearch" to design and develop PAF.

"Ancestral Quest" today has the look and feel of an up-to-date, up market, version of PAF.

There is a "Basic" FREE version; and, a "Deluxe" PAID (relatively cheap) version, with a few extra 'Bells and Whistles".

I am certain the 'learning curve' from PAF to "Ancestral Quest" would not be difficult to overcome.

And, "Ancestral Quest" is, "Certified" by, to use with, "FamilySearch".

Give it a go if you have not, you may be pleasantly surprised.

I hope this helps.

Brett

LegacyUser

Justin Masters said: I know I loved PAF at the time because the data entry was FAST.

But I agree with Brett, you will find some REALLY good things with Rootsmagic (and I'm sure Ancestral Quest) particularly with data searching/swapping with FamilySearch, the ability to store pictures, etc.

And both will slurp your PAF data in without having to convert to GEDCOM format and (in the case of Rootsmagic), if you are a member of the church, it will also search other partner sites like Findmypast and My Heritage).

Rootsmagic also can swap data with Ancestry (but I haven't done that yet).

Rootsmagic has an info page dedicated to PAF users to explain some of the features and capabilities of RM.
http://www.rootsmagic.com/PAF/default... They have a "transition" price that's pretty cheap. (but I'll explain why you'll want to do a different deal below)

There's a free download "e-book" (16 pages) to help PAF users migrate, found at http://www.rootsmagic.com/Download/PA...

RM is also offered with a "freemium" model. Basic version free (not sure if it searches non-FamilySearch sites), with a paid version being $29.95.

If you act quickly, Rootsmagic has a deal ($29.95) at https://rootsmagic.com/holidayoffer/ where you can get:
- The latest version of Rootsmagic (version 7),
- An ebook (bigger one than the one offered for free above) that shows you how to use it,
- Personal Historian (helps you write that book about yourself, your family or others), and
- An accompanying ebook for Personal Historian.
- AND you get a free upgrade to the new Rootsmagic when it comes out (probably in Jan/Feb), when the price will increase on the new version.)

And you'll find LOTS of people who use Rootsmagic at family history centers, and possibly within your ward (if you're LDS).

I hope I didn't violate any terms by plugging them or sharing their deal.

Just a fan-boy... who just bought the holiday deal to get a jump start on the newer version at a cheaper price, and to try out the Family Historian software. I am really looking forward to poring through the ebook (because I haven't used RM to its fullest use either.)

LegacyUser

ATP said: Thanks, all, for your comments and for the information. I checked out Ancestral Quest and agree it does look and have the feel of PAF. I had not checked out Ancestral Quest until now and think that I just might fork over the money for the full version since the only bells and whistles I want in a genealogy program is the ability to interchange information with familysearch. Thanks, again, for the Ancestral Quest information. When Windows 10 issues its next version, PAF may completely disappear.

LegacyUser

iLoveMyLife02 said: Right, when I said "local library", I should have said "local public library". Our library gives more computer time per session to users in the genealogy area than in the general area, too.

gatubela

https://community.familysearch.org/en/discussion/62509/please-consider-those-of-us-with-old-hardware-and-no-financial-resources-to-keep-up-with-technology

I completely agree!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your page the way it is now, is completely useless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Less and less people can use it each day and it's obvious you are doing this to make people BUY NEW COMPUTERS BECAUSE YOU RECEIVE A PAYMENT FROM WINDOWS!!!!

Come on!!!!!!!!!!! and you are priests!!!!!

You shouldn't do that and YOU DO!!!!!

Anyway I used to be a volunteer but NOT ANYMORE......................

KEEP YOUR PAGE TO YOURSELVES.... and keep your coins also for you....

It's obvious....what you are doing and people are not st..pid ... we know your reason... and it's so funny because this page works perfectly but not the one where we can search.... SO YOUR PAGE DESERVES TO DIE...

PEOPLE SHOULD STOP BEING VOLUNTEER TO MAKE YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND.... TO LET YOU FIND YOUR HEART AND NOT JUST YOUR INTERESTS!!!!!

A van Helsdingen

There is no evidence that FamilySearch receives any payments from Windows.

But they do have deals with Ancestry, FindMyPast and other commercial genealogy companies, and that is part of the reason that some record images can only be viewed from FHCs and Affiliate Libraries, and not from home.

I do have some knowledge of IT issues, and I don't know of any reason why the FamilySearch website would not work on a slightly older computer.

What is far more important for the website working correctly is your internet browser. While it takes time and is inconvenient to have to update to a new browser, all the major browsers (e.g. Chrome, Edge and Firefox) are free.

The recent updates to the the Search page does not seem to be linked either to hardware or internet browsers. It seems to be quite unpopular, but I don't believe it was done for profit or some other improper motive.

Brett .

@gatubela

FYI

I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...

[ And, I happen to be a Member of the Church ... ]

[ And, I have been a Staff Member, of Family History Centres", of the Church, for many Years ... ]

Just in passing ...

WHOA BACK ... settle down ...

'FamilySearch' (ie. the Church), is NOT making "Changes", to 'FamilySearch' (and, in particular, the "Family Tree" Part, of 'FamilySearch'); as, you say:

" ...to make people BUY NEW COMPUTERS BECAUSE YOU RECEIVE A PAYMENT FROM WINDOWS!!!! ..."

That is just ridiculous ...

'FamilySearch' (ie. the Church), IS making "Changes", to 'FamilySearch' (and, in particular, the "Family Tree" Part, of 'FamilySearch'); as, like it or not, "Technology" is CONSTANTLY "Changing"; and, advancing (ie. and, MOSTLY, for the better); and, the "Programme", NEEDS to be abreast of and work with, the CHANGES; and, the ADVANCES, in "Technology".

'FamilySearch' (and, in particular, the "Family Tree" Part, of 'FamilySearch') can STILL work, with many of the OLDER Model "Computers", provided, that they are using (and, CAN use) the LATEST (or, at least, the PREVIOUS) "Versions", of "Operating Systems"; and, "Browsers".

Whereas ...

Unfortunately ...

Some of the VERY "Ancient" OLDER "Computers", MAY not, work well (ie. some features/facilities/function, just NO LONGER work) with 'FamilySearch' (and, in particular, the "Family Tree" Part, of 'FamilySearch'), if they CANNOT use the LATEST (or, at least, the PREVIOUS) "Versions", of "Operating Systems"; and, "Browsers".

I have helped/assisted a Number of Users/Patrons, to our Local "Family History Centre", UPDATE their Computers (especially, Laptops) with the LATEST (or, at least, the PREVIOUS) "Versions", of "Operating Systems"; and, "Browsers", that their Computers can handle. It is NOT difficult; and, in just about every case, they were able to use 'FamilySearch' successfully.

And, where some of the OLDER "Computers" (especially, Laptops), required un UPGRADE, of their FIRMWARE and some COMPONENTS, the Users/Patrons, WERE able to do so, with very minimal expense; as, opposed to buy a whole NEW Computer.

Personally, I STILL have some VERY "Ancient" OLDER "Computers" that are operational, to run, some OLD, "Programmes"; "Disks"; and, "CDs", that will not easily work on the Computers these days; UNLESS, one has, the knowhow, to make the Computers, emulate, some of the OLDER "Systems", to work the OLD, "Programmes"; "Disks"; and, "CDs".

So ...

That Said ...

Please 'stand down' ...

Like it or not ...

"Technology", is CONSTANTLY "Changing"; and, "Advancing"; and, marching on ...

'FamilySearch' (and, in particular, the "Family Tree" Part, of 'FamilySearch'), NEEDS to keep up with such ...

Just my thoughts.

Brett

John Empoliti

Start 11 by Stardock Software - one time $4.99 purchase - regain look and feel of Windows 7 when you have Windows 10 or 11, or Windows 10 if you have Windows 11.

https://www.stardock.com/products/start11/

For those, like me, who don’t like the look and feel of Windows 10 or 11, consider Stardock Software’s $4,99 Start 11, which I’ve used (as Start 8) since Windows 8. I liked Windows 7, and Start 11 (like its predecessors Start 8 and Start 10) allows me to regain much of the Windows 7 experience from my Windows 11 installation while benefiting from Win 11’s security enhancements . For those who want even more bells and whistles than Windows 10 and 11 offer, Start 11 will let you customize for that too. But you can do what I do and choose Windows 7 style.

I also use Stardock’s Fences program to organize my cluttered Windows Desktop. I think it costs $9.99. They do have bundles that include Start 11, Fences and other productivity tools. Some of those may be subscription-based. I stick with Start 11 and Fences and am very happy.