This week I watched an instructional video that shows how to use
the many features of Personal Ancestral File for Windows version 5. The videotape
features Stephen Lemmon of The Studio, a video production company based in Hurricane,
Utah. The Studio has produced many genealogy-related videos in the past year
or so. In fact, the first one that I reviewed in the May 6, 2000 edition of
this newsletter covered the then-current Personal Ancestral File version 4.0.
Since then, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released version
5.0 and, even later, version 5.1 of the program. The video I watched this week
is an all-new production that covers versions 5.0 and 5.1.
The first few minutes of the videotape show you how to locate
the free software for Personal Ancestral File for Windows on www.familysearch.org
and then lead you step-by-step through the download process. Next Steve Lemmon
shows how to create a new database in Personal Ancestral File for Windows (commonly
called PAF). He then moves on to opening an existing database, adding data about
individuals and marriages, and printing reports. He also demonstrates all the
various menus and explains the variety of icons and shortcuts available.
Steve moves on to cover many topics, including entering source
citations, adding pictures and sound files to the database, setting personal
preferences, importing and exporting files, and more. This video isn’t just
a simple explanation of the menus, however. Instead, Steve frequently adds his
own comments and suggestions of the best way, easiest way, or fastest way to
use the program. Throughout the video he also highlights the changes made since
version 4.0 of the program.
The PAF 5 video is designed for interactive viewing, to be stopped
and started a number of times. Frequently Steve Lemmon will demonstrate a feature
and then advise the viewer to stop the tape and experiment with the processes
just demonstrated. Viewers who take the time to work with the program as they
view the video in this way have the opportunity to reinforce the points covered
with real practical application, an excellent learning methodology.
The Personal Ancestral File for Windows version 5 video is aimed
at novice users of the program. The video spends a lot of time covering the
program’s basic functions, leading the user through the various screens step-by-step.
However, it spends less time on PAF’s more advanced features. Experienced PAF
users looking for coverage of advanced topics will probably not find as much
useful information as the newcomer does.
Steve Lemmon has a lot of experience as a seasoned speaker and
trainer, something that shows often in this video. His presentation was smooth
and very professional. He also covers the material in a very logical manner,
with a lesson plan that covers the material a small bit at a time. I have watched
a number of genealogy training videotapes and must say that this is one of the
better ones I have seen.
The Personal Ancestral File for Windows Version 5 videotape sells
for $19.95 (U.S. funds) plus shipping. It is available directly from The Studio.
For more information or to order the video online via The Studio’s secure Web
order form, look at: www.pafvideo.com
Dick Eastman Online
