Wednesday, December 18, 2013

AQ: To Date AQ available in 10 Languages!



     Having a program in your own language can make all the difference in the world to a user. Their ability to take advantage of all the bells and whistles of a program is enhanced and improved 100%.

     While this is the ideal for all, it is also a daunting task when you consider how many different languages there are in the whole world. Individuals who write programs for different software have their work cut our for them in this regard.

     Ancestral Quest has reached out to its community of users over these last few years and various individuals have come forward and assisted in the massive undertaking of making AQ available in other languages. The chart below shows the progress that has been made and these 9 additional languages available besides English:


     Most of the above languages are available for free and will be helpful to anyone needing them, note that some of the 'Help Files' are not yet completed while the program has been completed. As more languages are added they will be added to this chart. AQ is always looking for people to help as there are many many languages. The following is also on the same page if anyone is able to help grow this list as follows:


     If per chance you are able to help with this initiative, please send us an email with the subject line of "Willing to Translate" and we will work with you to achieve another language translation!

Remember comments and questions are always welcome!

Happy Ancestraling...
Claire ;)
AQ Cues & Clues
Blog: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ancquest

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/inclinesoftware

(c) 1994-2013 Incline Software, All Rights Reserved

     gfindlay@ancquest.com

Friday, December 13, 2013

Updates: Hardware and Software














The cycle of life requires us to keep many things updated along with ourselves.

Seems like every day some application on my smart phone is needing to to updated and so it makes perfect sense that software and hardware would also need to be updated. Notices that something is outdated can sometimes be accomplished with just a few clicks, while others require one to download, run and re-start their computer, one just never knows.

Additionally, individuals find it is time to replace an old computer with a much improved one. So what happens to all the programs and applications on your old computer? They actually will need to be reinstalled and/or transferred. While there are programs to help this out, it does take a lot of time. Also some programs many not work on the new computer so one has to sure to have a back up plan when that happens.

How does Ancestral Quest handle these things?

There is a "Downloads" page to help you with this when the need is there:


Note that you can re-download whatever version you along with the "Adam" sample database and a "Scrapbook Sample Database". 

Know that you'll have to be careful with different versions as only certain ones will work on the new computers. When you click on the "Re-download your Ancestral Quest installer", it takes you to where you can choose the version you have, be sure to read the "System Requirements" so that you have the version that will work with your new computer.

If it turns out that your current version will not work with your new computer, you will have to upgrade, but this will happen to other programs on your older computer as each program has its unique requirements and was built for a specific operating system.

Know that AQ is always striving to stay up-to-date with its software and operating systems. Here is the link for the downloads page and the upgrade page if it turns out you need to update. 

Remember comments and questions are always welcome!

Happy Ancestraling...
Claire ;)
AQ Cues & Clues
Blog: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ancquest

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/inclinesoftware

(c) 1994-2013 Incline Software, All Rights Reserved

     gfindlay@ancquest.com

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

AQ: Using the Search Functions...














     Locating family members, documentation and connections are some of the main activities genealogists and family historians spend a good majority of their time to conduct research.

     There are many ways to conduct research today, online, a library, an achive, and of course through family interviews. Today we will review the help aids with online research provided within Ancestral Quest.

     One of the prompts when installing Ancestral Quest is the ability to View Ancestry.com Links, this happens when you put your database file into "pedigree view" and looks like this:


     Notice the links at the end of each box, when you click either one it will take you to Ancestry.com for that person where you are able to locate additional family information. If you do not have a subscription to Ancestry.com, it will alllow you to view some of the information but not all. If these links are not visible it is because they are not 'checked' for viewing. Under view menu you will see in the dropdown menu where it needs to be checked like this:








     With the checkmark next to 'Ancestry.com Links' you will be able to click straight through for the highlighted individual.

Additional places to search in a similar way are found under 'Internet' dropdown menu which looks like this:









     Notice that this is another way to link to Ancestry.com but also FamilySearch, World Vital Records and 'Favorite Sites'.

     There are two 'Favorite Sites' links. This first one listed opens up 'My Favorite Web Sites' and comes pre-programmed with some sites you can visit to further your genealogical research. You can select from the list that is there or add your own sites, you can also remove any you deem not necessary. Here is a screen shot of this menu box:














     Notice the various buttons that allow you to work in this screen. The second entry 'Search Favorite Sites', You will be brought to this Search a Web Site screen when you select an Internet site that is searchable.













     If you selected the Internet:Search Favorite Sites menu item, you will need to:

1. Select a site to search
2. Select a person to search on

     If you were brought to this screen another way, the site will have already been selected, so all you need do is select a person to search for (you can change the selected site if you wish).

     The person highlighted on the main view will be the default person to search for. You can change this by pushing the change button.

     When you have the proper site and person selected, press the Perform Internet Search button to activate the search.

     Hopefully learning about these search features within Ancestral Quest will aid you in your own research!

Remember comments and questions are always welcome!

Happy Ancestraling...
Claire ;)
AQ Cues & Clues
Blog: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ancquest

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/inclinesoftware

(c) 1994-2013 Incline Software, All Rights Reserved

     gfindlay@ancquest.com

Saturday, November 16, 2013

AQ: FamilySearch Family Tree Certifications~What Does it All Mean?


   
     When FamilySearch Family Tree replaced nFS, features that were certified for nFS were no longer valid. A new set of certification requirements came into being and the re-certification process began with all FamilySearch partner products. 

     Each symbol above stands for a specific certification connected with interacting with the new FamilySearch Family Tree


Ancestral Quest is fully certified in each certification!


Let's review each certification in order to get a better understanding of how AQ  measures up to these new requirements.


     'TreeShare': the ability to fully read and write Family Tree data to match, compare, and modify records. This also includes required certification for sources, discussions, change history, and interaction with comunity members.
     'Sources': requires Tree Access or Tree Share certification. One can read Family Tree data allowing a user to match and reference online 'sources' that provide evidence of events and relationships. Sources can be records, photos, documents and media.
   
     'Discussions':requires Tree Access or Tree Share certifcation. One can read, write and comment on discussion treads for individual records in Family Tree.



     'Change History': requires Tree Access or Tree Share certification. One can read and list changes made by contributors to the Family Tree, sources, and discussions.


     
      'LDS Support': requires Tree Access or Tree Share certification. Specific data and features for 'LDS Members only' can only be accessed when the user is correctly logged into FamilySearch. Tree Access certification is necessary for reading ordinance information. Tree Share certification is necessary for requesting, changing, sharing, and printing the Family Ordinance Requests (FORs).

Extra! Additional Features with Family Tree!


'Notes' Allows users to view notes of individual records in Family Tree and exchange notes between Family Tree and the notes in their personal file. AQ is the only FamilySearch Tree Share certified program to have this feature!


     'nFS' Allows users to read other opinions of vital facts stored in new.FamilySearch (nFS). As not all information was migrated over to Family Tree this valuable information could easily be overlooked. AQ is the only FamilySearch Tree Share certified product to offer this read-only access to nFS data.

     This additional interaction with FamilySearch Family Tree combined with a long list of powerful features makes Ancestral Quest the logical choice for all your genealogical and family history database needs.

     To download the latest version click here: http://ancquest.com/download.htm

Awesome new features for Ancestral Quest!

Remember comments and questions are always welcome!

Happy Ancestraling...
Claire ;)
AQ Cues & Clues
Blog: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ancquest
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/inclinesoftware


(c) 1994-2013 Incline Software, All Rights Reserved
     gfindlay@ancquest.com


Monday, November 11, 2013

AQ: Honoring our Military Ancestors


     When it comes to remembering the cost of freedom, most Americans can relate and have been touched by knowing someone who has been either in the past or currently is in the military. Whether they are a relative or a friend there is someone.

     Towards the end of High School I had a class mate who lost her brother to the Vietnam War, I have uncles, cousins and brother who have fought and all I and others can do is to say "Thank You". As there are no words that really express the depth of gratitude that we all share in appreciation for what those individuals have done for all of us.

     Thomas MacKntree started the above Pinterest board for individuals to post pictures of loved ones gone but not forgotten. I suspect that this great Pinterest Military Board will continue to grow and grow throughout time to become another outstanding remembrance to those who protect our freedoms as well as love and appreciate.

     Taking this a step further, AQ allows you to post a link in your database for individuals who have links to other places online which can prove to be very helpful. For instance if you have a blog article on a military ancestor or even an online document, you can place that link in that persons individual record so you'll always have access to it.

     Open up that persons' individual screen and click on 'Scrapbook'. Next click on 'Add' and under 'Item Type', choose the appropriate description. Note that right underneath that section is a place to copy and paste a URL as well as a file location, many may only think to use this to link to something on their computer but you can also put a URL link here:



 

 










I used the drop down arrow and chose 'Other' to link to a blog article I have on this individual who died in WWII, this is how it looks:












Note that under 'Location' is the URL and if I click on 'Show' at the top it takes me right to that blog article, a very nice feature.


     However, with AQ being resident on our own PC, what would happen if you have no Internet to that page online? The easiest way to handle that is to open up the website and find where the "Print" is located, it is usually in a different place for each browser. Once you click on the "print" change the print location to a PDF file and it will capture the whole thing regardless of how many pages it may be. I would then attach the 'Document' PDF by showing its location on my own computer. This would provide me access whether online or not and is a simple way to save an online page.

    I am extremely grateful for all who have served and are serving to protect our freedoms each and every day.

   Another great resource in Ancestral Quest!

Remember comments and questions are always welcome!

Happy Ancestraling...
Claire ;)
AQ Cues & Clues
Blog: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ancquest
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/inclinesoftware

(c) 1994-2013 Incline Software, All Rights Reserved
     gfindlay@ancquest.com


Thursday, November 7, 2013

Taking Advantage of "Other" Events in AQ













     Life is amazing in that there are many things that happen to us besides being born, getting married and moving on to the next life, however, often in genealogical softwhere it is now always evident of where to put those "other" important events in ones life.

     So what constitutes an 'Other' event? Well that can actually depend upon each person. While there is a default list that comes with the program and covers 120 different events, one can easily add an 'Other' event that could be unique to their family, an organization or even a school system.

     To begin, lets start with where the 'Other' events are actually located, from the 'Edit Individual' Screen, it is in the lower half as follows:












Notice this bottom section which shows many of the 'other events' I've added for this individual.
It is worth pointing out that whenever you add another event, the program will automatically put then in date order for you. This is important as sometimes one finds out additional important occasions in an acestors life long after you've enter the main information into the database.

     To add another event, you just click on the "Add" button and this screen comes up:




















Notice that there is a "Select" button at the top where you can choose from the 150 current events already listed, however, if what you are looking for is NOT there, you can just click the 'Add Type' and add it to the list, then click on the 'Select' button and proceed to enter the additional information.

     To make sure these 'Other Events' are included in your reports, make sure you click that box on the 'Reports and Charts' Screen before you print it and they will be there! This is a powerful tool as you work at buiding the complete picture of your ancestors life.

     Another great resource in Ancestral Quest!

Remember comments and questions are always welcome!

Happy Ancestraling...
Claire ;)
AQ Cues & Clues
Blog: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ancquest
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/inclinesoftware

(c) 1994-2013 Incline Software, All Rights Reserved
     gfindlay@ancquest.com  

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Documenting Sources in AQ: Using Notes












     The last couple of AQ posts discussed how to document one's sources by either:
1) Selecting an Event and Attaching a Source or
2) Selecting the Source and Attaching it to an Event which is only available in AQ.

     Inspite of the ease of either of these methods, many still choose to enter all their sources into 'Notes' for a variety of reasons:

  • The ease in sharing between programs as usually the sourcing fields don't line up between software programs but the notes do
  • It is easier 
  • It is the way one has always done it
  • That is the way it was done when we first started using databases to store our genealogical information
     Regardless of the reason, Ancestral Quest allows users to enter 'individual notes' and 'marriage notes'. The program is very much aware that everyone does things just a bit differently and tries to accomodate accordingly.

     So just what is the main difference between taking the time to enter the information through sources part of the program or just simply entering the information in notes? 

The difference is in the printed end results.

     When you use sources they appear as 'footnotes' on your pedigree charts, family group sheets and reports similar to this:


     Note the corresponding numbers next to the date in 'Born' matches the same number in the Notes section of this printed Family Group Sheet and this would be the same if it were a Pedigree Chart or a Report.

     If you use notes, there would be no footnotes next to the date in 'Born' but one would see what was entered in the 'Notes section' at the end of the record. 

     When printing a Pedigree chart, you would have to put a check mark in the box 'General Notes' as you would for 'Sources' or they will not print out. For a Family Group Record those options are defaulted for you.

It is hoped this discussion on documentation has been helpful! 

Remember comments and questions are always welcome!

Happy Ancestraling...
Claire ;)
AQ Cues & Clues
Blog: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ancquest
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/inclinesoftware

(c) 1994-2013 Incline Software, All Rights Reserved
     gfindlay@ancquest.com

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Documenting Research in AQ: Select the source and attach it to the event (Only available in AQ!)









Yesterday we stepped through the process of taking an event, in this case it was a marriage, and attached the source, a marriage registration certificate.

Today we will review the steps to select this same document and attach it to other events cited in this souce, which is a little different and perhaps not as well known feature in AQ.

To do this, finish entering in all the events before you concern yoursef with further sourcing. This means entering the following:
-Marriage date and place as "17 June 1844 in Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, Wales"
-Hopkin's occupation was a Collier
-Hopkin's fathers name: David Mathews
-David Mathews occupation was a Collier
-Hopkins wife's father is Richard Morris
-Richard Morris' occupation was a Miner

Let's document the above using the following steps:
1) Starting with Richards' occupation, start with using method 1 to select the same citation as used earlier as follows:


















Click on 'Source' button which brings up the following screen:










Click on 'Use Memorized' to bring up the Citation you already created as follows:















Click on correct citation and then click on "USE" and it will bring up the following screen:













You need to click "OK" to save that citation on that event and it leaves with the same screen without this box, now click "Attach to Other Events" which is visible here, and the following screen appears:


Using this "Citation Links" screen, you can very quickly attach the source citation to as many events as you have recorded. Use the Search button to locate an individual or a marriage. You will be shown a list of all events for that record. Now select an event this documented by this source citation and choose "Apply to" which causes this same citation to be attached to all these events from this one screen. Once done, click on "Close" and "OK' on next two screens and then 'Save' to get back to your database.

The results of both methods will result in footnotes that show up on your Pedigree Chart, Family Group Records and all reports!

Remember comments and questions are always welcome!
Happy Ancestraling...
Claire ;)
AQ Cues & Clues
Blog: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ancquest
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/inclinesoftware

(c) 1994-2013 Incline Software, All Rights Reserved
     gfindlay@ancquest.com





Monday, November 4, 2013

Documenting Research in AQ: Select an Event and Attach a Source







Both Family Historians and Genealogists connect generations together with documentation and usually it is a lot of documents for just one individual or a whole family. How this is handled can be like the nightmare in our picture, however, in AQ it is not that complicated and should never be put off for 'later', talking from experience, often 'later' doesn't come and the origins of that record source can be lost forever.

AQ is unique in that there are two different ways to handle attaching sourcing citations to events:

  • Select an event and attach a source to it
  • Select the source and attach it to the event (Only available in AQ!)
Using the family of Hopkin Matthews and Margaret Morris as our working examples, lets see how their marriage certificate is entered into the database. From this marriage certificate the husband's name is listed as Hopkin Mathews, so I would first enter his name into my database. Then I would click the S' button to the right of his name which allows me to enter a source for this record. This is the screen shot once you do that:



Here you have 2 choices:
1-Select an existing source from the list of sources
2-Create a new source

As I was not sure if there was a source listed already, I clicked the 'Create' button which brought up the next screen.



Important things concerning this screen:
1-Select a 'Type' for the source (Later when looking, you are just looking a marriage registration)
2-Attach a scan of the source which you can see a thumbnail of in this screen
3-Use the 'Guidelines' sections of the screen which shows what information goes in each section***
4-Use the 'magnifying glass' icon next to the Actual Text and Comments fields to give full-editing
5-Select a 'Quality' rating - is it Direct/Primary, or something else, choose the correct one
6-Use the 'Sample Footnote" at the bottom which shows how it will appear as a footnote
7-The 'Short Title' is what is used in subsequent references within the same report
8-'Additional Info' - add any additional information that would not normally be there but be helpful

***These 'Guidelines' or 'Prompts' are a great help to all of us wondering what to enter into each box, these prompts were created by studying the following books in 1997 and 1998:
1) Cite Your Sources: A Manual for Document Family Histories and Genealogical Records by Richard     S. Lackey, Pub. 1985
2) Evidence Citation & Analysis for the Family Historian by Elizabeth Shown Mills, Pub., 1997


Click OK when done, the source has now been created and the Source Citation Screen now is displayed.







For this type of record there is need to fill in any additional citation details so I am done. You could add a location of this record in your home with a reference number if you wish but otherwise just click 'OK'.

Next I need to add Hopkins' wife into my database. Following the above method, I click on the 'S' button next to Margaret's name and again I would be looking at the same screen as above, however, instead of choosing 'Create' I click on 'Select' as this source already exists. Select the same source from the list of sources and click 'OK' which opens up the 'Select Citation' screen again. Making sure the correct one is highlighted and click on 'Select from List'. This does not create a new citation, it will attach this new record to the same citation. This will cause the same footnote to appear for both Hopkin and Margaret.

Following this method will add your documentation greatly. Tomorrow we will review how to Select the source and attach it to the event , this is a method that is only available in Ancestral Quest!

Remember comments and questions are always welcome!

Happy Ancestraling...

Claire ;) 
AQ Cues & Clues


(c) 1994-2013 Incline Software, All Rights Reserved
     gfindlay@ancquest.com


Friday, October 25, 2013

Accessing Your AQ Database using Dropbox











As one works with their genealogical database, it often is between the many other things one does in day, a week, a month or even longer depending on one's schedule. Opportunities of time sometime appear out of no where, taking advantage of these situations can be tricky.

Depending on where you are can determine whether you would be able to access your data files. Being at home really doesn't count unless you want to use a lap top while watching a favorite TV show instead of being at your main computer which is also another option and reason to use Dropbox.











Using Dropbox has become one of the easiest ways to manage both my own database and any additional documents and photos for my database. Currently I keep my Ancestral Quest database in Dropbox. This means no matter where I am, as long as I have internet access, I can access my database on my own lap top.

In addition, I can take photos with my smart phone and also add them into my Dropbox. Once I am home, the photos will automatically be there on my own computer because they are accessible through Dropbox. This is a tremendous help when traveling as I know my pictures are safe and I will be able to link them to my ancestors.

Creating a DropBox Account

To create an account go to http://www.dropbox.com and click the "Sign up" button to enter in your name, an email and a password. You can add other computers and an android to the one account and have everything linked together. You are allowed up to 2 GBs for free and of course they have additional storage for a price. 


Example of Dropbox Database on either your main desktop or a lap top...

With your Ancestral Quest program open, go to "File, "Save As" as shown below:













This will cause a new menu box to come up and allow you to determine where to save your AQ database file. It is at this point that you click the "dropdown arrow and change it to "My Dropbox", once you have selected that you can name the file the same name  you currently have or give your database a new name and click on "Save". This has now placed your current database file in your Dropbox file.

Close your Ancestral Quest program and re-open it, go to File, Open and look for your new file in the Dropbox where you just saved it. Once it is opened you'll always have it there and AQ will remember where to look for your file.

Remember comments and questions are always welcome!

Happy Ancestraling...

Claire ;) 
AQ Cues & Clues


(c) 1994-2013 Incline Software, All Rights Reserved
     gfindlay@ancquest.com

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

AQ Basics or AQ Full Version?


     

Choosing between Ancestral Quest Basics and Ancestral Quest Full Version can prove to be confusing. Sometimes one requires time to check out a program and to see if the program is for them. 

Ancestral Quest runs on the Windows operating system and provides a way for anyone doing genealogical or family history research to record their findings. This program is easy to learn and packed with many wonderful features. 

For individuals who were using PAF, it is an easy switch over as it was created from the code provided by Incline software in 1999 making users feel right at home using the screens, reports and other functions that are so familiar to them.

Ancestral Quest (AQ) was also the first desktop family tree program to be certified to access, update and sync with the family tree database of new.familysearch and is now Family Tree Share Certified to work with the new Family Tree.  To add to the value of AQ, it is the only software certified to share data between PAF 5 and the FamilySearch Family Tree

So just what is the difference between the two programs besides the cost? AQ has developed a chart to help you decide which program is for you. 


The list covers over 5 pages of various features in these categories:
  • Research
  • Family Search Family Tree Compatibility
  • Notes and Sources
  • Multimedia / Scrapbook
  • Internet
  • Navigation
  • Tools
  • Merging
  • Language
  • Collaboration
  • Technical Support


We think you will be amazed at all the features and great tools available in Ancestral Quest. Combining this with the ease of use and technical support is a win win for all!

Remember comments and questions are always welcome!

Happy Ancestraling...

Claire ;) 
AQ Cues & Clues


(c) 1994-2013 Incline Software, All Rights Reserved
     gfindlay@ancquest.com






Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Product Support: Just How Important It Is...











Today as in the past, customer service for a product is just as important as the product itself and yet throughout the world this function of a business often gets lesser attention.

Ancestral Quest provides multiple types of customer service for those who use this "Easy to Use" software to manage their genealogical database. When you first go to the home page of the website at http://www.ancquest.com, there are 2 sections one can choose to go for help, "Support", and "Contact Us". Depending on your individual need and how you handle a problem will determine your next step. Click on "Contact Us" brings up the following screen:



At this point, depending on the type of problem, one can choose the method of contact, however, each method will get help for their software problem.

If you are the type that likes to try and figure out things for themselves, the section under "Support" could be the way to go. This is what is available under this menu item:





Each item in this list provides a different set of helps for all AQ users. The "Tips & Tricks" section covers a variety of topics beginning with "Distributing Your Multimedia Genealogy CD" and a variety of other help topics.

FAQ's covers a long list of questions from General Program Questions to a special section on PAF and AQ and additional technical questions.

The next item was just written up in AQ Will Do, and it described how to get to these videos from within the AQ program itself. The Updates section provides a way to re-down load your program if needed along with 2 sample databases. The Newsgroup will allow you to join with other AQ users who discuss various aspects of AQ and provide community help to one another.

When it comes to support and customer service, choose the best way to handle your needs but know AQ is there to help with software and technical needs in multiple ways.

Remember comments and questions are always welcome!

Happy Ancestraling...

Claire ;) 
AQ Cues & Clues


(c) 1994-2013 Incline Software, All Rights Reserved
     gfindlay@ancquest.com


Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Colors Can Make a Difference














When it comes to organization, one of the easiest and yet least thought of is using color to help identify various lines.

I teach a class about a system of color coding developed by my dear friend, Mary Hill, many years ago that helps one to keep files and documents organized by colors. This process once set up works very well, however, it can be a daunting task for anyone who has been doing genealogy for a long time. Mary's advice as well as mine would be to do this over a period of time. She has information on this system set up through "FamilyRoots Organizer", while some of the links are not working, there are enough sections working to see how it works.

Ancestral Quest follows the same color patterns set up in this same system, the colors are:

Blue for the Father's Father

Green for the Father's Mother

Red for Mother's Father

Yellow for Mother's Mother


To get to the color coding section is under the "Tools" drop down menu, it is the 5th in the list. Once you click "Color Coding" this is the window that opens up for you:


If you notice the color chart in the upper right hand corner, the colors match the above list although the colors are lighter. Note that the "Set standard ancestral colors" is selected.

You can make changes here but if you are using this system you will always know which line you are in as you work in your database. Note that the colors are set according to the individual who is set in primary position.

This coloring can follow into the printed fan charts too.


Take advantage of these tools to help you as you work in your database, it helps a lot especially as you work on various lines.

Remember comments and questions are always welcome!

Happy Ancestraling...

Claire ;) 
AQ Cues & Clues

Blog: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AncQuest  
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ancquest
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/inclinesoftware

(c) 1994-2013 Incline Software, All Rights Reserved
     gfindlay@ancquest.com







Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Enter Data Quicker with Keyboard Shortcuts













Beyond the "Quick Place Entry" in Ancestral Quest there are additional ways to speed up the entry of family and source information.

Actual data entry can be cumbersome and seem to take forever, but with the implementation of keyboard shortcuts and the ones that are part of AQ, this process can be enhanced greatly.

There are 3 different types of shortcuts in AQ:
  1. Keyboard shortcuts and mnemonics
  2. ditto abilities
  3. quick entry
Most of us are attached to the mouse and often don't realize that there are quicker keyboard shortcuts that are done without the use of the mouse. While the mouse will do those things, the time it takes to remove ones' hands from the keyboard and use the mouse for a specific command, will consistently take additional time. Using the standard Windows shortcuts are  throughout all the Ancestral screens. Looking at the top menu, "File, Add, Edit, View, Search, Tools, Internet, Collaborate and Help" all have underlines under specific letters which when combined with the "Control" key will take you to those drop down menus.







Within each drop down the keyboard shortcuts are listed there for easy reference. This is the drop-down menu under 'Add'.


In the 'add screen' you can see the _ within the label for each field:


As you carefully look at the data entry screen above, you will easily notice that various letters are underlined, for quick data entry. Holding down the "ALT" key plus that letter will take you to that field or you can use "Tab" to get to the next field, either way it is very easy between the quick entry and using the short cut keys to enter an ancestor's information.

The last item worth mentioning is "Ditto". Within the entry screen above there is a "Ditto" drop down menu which looks like this:






This is where you are able to copy records within the family. If the information is the same in that field in the father, mother or older sibling, you just use the combination listed and it will populate that field with their information saving you having to type it in.

In my case, I was born in the same location as my dad, so when I enter my birth place I would simply hold down the "Shift" key and the F8 together, this will put my dad's birth location in that same field for me. This is definitely a time saver and once you do this a few times you will remember the combination of keys.

The Ditto Down key is a little bit different in that it copies from the screen you are in. So if the place of birth and death are the same, hitting the "F9" key at the death place will copy that information into the death field, again saving you data entry time.

Of course one can still use the "Quick Entry Place" as mentioned in yesterdays blog, this list is compiled as one builds their database and the program will remember the place combinations as you begin to type them in.

Hopefully this has been helpful to those struggling with adding in new and/or a lot of data.

Remember comments and suggestions are always welcomed!

Happy Ancestraling...

Claire ;)
AQ Cues & Clues

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