FHS Software - 1997 Update

Instead of using the traditional "version" numbering, all updates to the Family History System have been identified by the date on which they were first available. The 1997 update to the software is the first that might deserve being called "Version 2". While the overall appearance and the family file format are little changed from the last previous update (Jan 93), the programs have been almost completely redesigned and rewritten.

The programs are now written to take advantage of features of MS Basic 7.1. These include the ability to create a runtime library of common routines. Moving these routines outside the individual programs simplified the task of standardizing these routines among the programs and also provided more room within individual programs to add enhancements. The file update program benefited greatly from this because there was no room for growth in that program using the older version of Basic. The runtime library also enabled the design changes that were made to accommodate the customization options introduced in this release. The only downside to the change in programming language has been the increased resource requirements: 512k RAM and a Hard Drive. Some procedures, such as creating a work file or Index File, also run a little slower. But I believe the benefits greatly exceed these detriments.

This update to the Family History System also features more enhancements than any previous one, including: the new Register Report, the enhanced Relationship Calculator, the usability improvements in the File Update Program, and the file format changes (especially the new Event record).