At Mosman Library tonight Yahoo's Morgan Williams presented a talk on Flickr with an emphasis on Flickr Commoms and potential use of the site for family and local history. (How anyone can be expected to give a presentation on a Web2.0 application without internet access is beyond belief. When a while ago I attended a presentation on blogging at the same venue there was also no internet access.) Addendum 1/8/2010) Apologies to Mosman Council - apparently the speaker declined the offer of wireless access - SHAME!
Morgan did a reasonable job with only a Powerpoint style presentation with screen dumps of Flickr pages.Demonstrating a collaborative tool without being able to collaborate is a challenge. The promotional gifts of tshirts, badges,stickers and lens cleaners were gleefully accepted by the audience.
Williams suggests that Flickr is the best photo site in the world with 51 million registered members and 4 billion images stored ont the site. Flickr he he says is about "engaging community" through photo sharing.
Institutions like the Library of Congress and the Powerhouse Museum have photo collections on Flickr that can be accessed and used by the Public through Creative Commons Licences. Williams commended Mosman Library for posting photos to a collection on Flickr and suggetsed that other libraries could us volunteers to help them use Flickr to share photos from their collections.
Williams talked about how he and his father are putting photos from the 18th and 19th centuries into a Williams Commons collection. He suggests that Flickr is a solid platform for genealogists to use for photo sharing.
I had not thought of Flickr as a genealogy resource but while Williams was talking I logged into Flickr Mobile on my phone and searched for photos of a few places that are significant in my family history. I found some wondeful images of Cobar, NSW and St Mary's Church, Waverley. I have previously restricted my searches for historical Australian images to library and archives sites such as Picture Australia.Now I have a new source.
I am writing this on my phone and don't have wifi on my camera so can't upload photos with this post. I will do so once I get home.
Although I have bagged Mosman Council and library I commend them for hosting these free informative sessions and for their work in using IT to connect with the community. With provision of appropriate technology they would be excellent.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
[Poster] Common Passwords You Should Avoid
From one of my favourite blogs Digital Inspiration - Technology Blog
[Poster] Common Passwords You Should Avoid: "
[Poster] Common Passwords You Should Avoid: "
This poster has a list of top 500 common passwords that you should absolutely avoid using with your online and offline accounts.
A printed version of the password poster is available on Etsy. Thanks @BrainPicker.
Related: Calculate the Strength of your Passwords Online
[Poster] Common Passwords You Should Avoid
Originally published at Digital Inspiration by Amit Agarwal.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
If you could only have six.....
In our connected world we are inundated with Hardware, Software and Social Media Tools. A recent post by Shauna Hicks asked " Can you do genealogy without technology?" I think one can do this but think genealogists who ignore technology are at risk of missing out on important news, resources and networking opportunities.
In his Blue Skunk Blog this morning Doug Johnson reports on an article by Tim Holt. Tim says "I think that the overwhelming volume of it causes a “paralysis of choice” where those that are trying to become techno-literate teachers throw up their hands in disgust and just say “too much!” The same holds true for genealogists and family historians who are trying to be techno-literate. Tim suggests pruning down the list of websites and gadgets we use to six essential websites and two gadgets.
This challenge is of the same flavour as the one proposed by Elyse on Elyse's Genealogy Blog
but is more restrictive. As I answered Elyse's challenge with a list of two-legged human tools I will cover my techno toys by responding to Tim's challenge"
"So, could you do it? Six websites and 2 gadgets?"
Here's my contribution:
Websites
1. Google Browser - it will take me most places I want to go.
2. Google Reader - it keeps me up to date with genealogy and other news plus allows me access to my Twitter and Facebook RSS feeds.
3. Gmail - for keeping in touch with friends and family and having access to their details
4. Picasa - for photo sharing, cataloguing and storing
5. Sharethis - so I can post straight to multiple social networks and my blog - no need to directly access Blogger, Delicious, Twitter, Posterous, Wordpress and Facebook.
6. Geniaus Website - so I can continue to add details to my family tree.
Gadgets
1. My HTC TouchPro2 phone - for access away from home and capturing photos and images of documents..
2. My laptop with integrated webcam for home.
In his Blue Skunk Blog this morning Doug Johnson reports on an article by Tim Holt. Tim says "I think that the overwhelming volume of it causes a “paralysis of choice” where those that are trying to become techno-literate teachers throw up their hands in disgust and just say “too much!” The same holds true for genealogists and family historians who are trying to be techno-literate. Tim suggests pruning down the list of websites and gadgets we use to six essential websites and two gadgets.
This challenge is of the same flavour as the one proposed by Elyse on Elyse's Genealogy Blog
but is more restrictive. As I answered Elyse's challenge with a list of two-legged human tools I will cover my techno toys by responding to Tim's challenge"
"So, could you do it? Six websites and 2 gadgets?"
Here's my contribution:
Websites
1. Google Browser - it will take me most places I want to go.
2. Google Reader - it keeps me up to date with genealogy and other news plus allows me access to my Twitter and Facebook RSS feeds.
3. Gmail - for keeping in touch with friends and family and having access to their details
4. Picasa - for photo sharing, cataloguing and storing
5. Sharethis - so I can post straight to multiple social networks and my blog - no need to directly access Blogger, Delicious, Twitter, Posterous, Wordpress and Facebook.
6. Geniaus Website - so I can continue to add details to my family tree.
Gadgets
1. My HTC TouchPro2 phone - for access away from home and capturing photos and images of documents..
2. My laptop with integrated webcam for home.
Monday, July 26, 2010
10 things I can’t live without to support my genealogy addiction
Via My Family History Research, Genealogy Leftovers and Elyse's Genealogy Blog came notification of this meme created by Elyse. "The goal is to write a list of ten things related to genealogy that you can't do without."
Whilst I am a technology addict, I recognise that without people there is no point to genealogy.
Here is the Geniaus list:
1. My Ancestors who provide the Births, Deaths and Marriages that provide the scaffold for my research and the juicy stories, feded old photos and interesting anecdotes that add interest to that scaffold.
2. My Family and Descendants who provide a purpose for my research. I am trying to record our history for future generations.
3. My Patient Husband who turns a blind to the dust on the furniture and pile of ironing that waits for me as I ignore these for my genealogy habit.
There is no particular order to the remainder of this list - as my needs change so does the importance of the persons detailed from here on.
3. The many Distant Cousins who have contacted me via online forums and the Geniaus website to say hello, offer corrections to my sometimes inaccurate date and generously share photos, certificates and stories.
4. Generous Volunteers who over the years have done lookups for me and given guidance when I have visited genealogical societies throughout the world.
5. Staff of Libraries and Archives Offices who have patiently assisted me with my research.
6. People who read and comment on my blog and website and send compliments via email and Twitter give me positive reinfocement that encourages me to keep solving my genealogical jigsaw.
7. Volunteer Indexers eg those who do work for Ryerson and FamilySearch and those who index cemeteries and photograph headstones provide me with the means to access to many valuable and appropriate resources.
8. My Online Genie Friends who, through a range of tools such as blogs, twitter, wave, provide blogging ideas, encouragement, links to great new resources,great stories and encouragement.
9. Decision Makers at The National Library of Australia who have a commitment to providing important Australian Resources in an online format. Trove is the most amazing free online resource for genealogical research.
10. The many Registered Members of Trove who are making corrections to the scanned text to better improve access by other users. Whilst I have only corrected 890 rows of text there are 4 volunteers who have done over 4000,000 rows each and are headling for the half million.
Whilst I am a technology addict, I recognise that without people there is no point to genealogy.
Here is the Geniaus list:
1. My Ancestors who provide the Births, Deaths and Marriages that provide the scaffold for my research and the juicy stories, feded old photos and interesting anecdotes that add interest to that scaffold.
2. My Family and Descendants who provide a purpose for my research. I am trying to record our history for future generations.
3. My Patient Husband who turns a blind to the dust on the furniture and pile of ironing that waits for me as I ignore these for my genealogy habit.
There is no particular order to the remainder of this list - as my needs change so does the importance of the persons detailed from here on.
3. The many Distant Cousins who have contacted me via online forums and the Geniaus website to say hello, offer corrections to my sometimes inaccurate date and generously share photos, certificates and stories.
4. Generous Volunteers who over the years have done lookups for me and given guidance when I have visited genealogical societies throughout the world.
5. Staff of Libraries and Archives Offices who have patiently assisted me with my research.
6. People who read and comment on my blog and website and send compliments via email and Twitter give me positive reinfocement that encourages me to keep solving my genealogical jigsaw.
7. Volunteer Indexers eg those who do work for Ryerson and FamilySearch and those who index cemeteries and photograph headstones provide me with the means to access to many valuable and appropriate resources.
8. My Online Genie Friends who, through a range of tools such as blogs, twitter, wave, provide blogging ideas, encouragement, links to great new resources,great stories and encouragement.
9. Decision Makers at The National Library of Australia who have a commitment to providing important Australian Resources in an online format. Trove is the most amazing free online resource for genealogical research.
10. The many Registered Members of Trove who are making corrections to the scanned text to better improve access by other users. Whilst I have only corrected 890 rows of text there are 4 volunteers who have done over 4000,000 rows each and are headling for the half million.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Hot Stuff
My blogging is presently taking second place to research. My Geniaus website brings me a number of emails from people with shared interests. Some people just want to say hello, some offer corrections and snippets of information that are gratefully received, some just want to pick my brains and some generous souls want to offer lots of additional information. This week I was contacted by Lindylou who shares my convict ancestors Patrick Curry and Ellen Moore .
Lindylou has given me some 'hot' information on a Curry descendant on whom I had little. This bloke's tale of drunkeness, adultery etc.makes great reading. My attention has therefore been diverted by this generous sharing of information as I am concentrating for a day or two on entering this new Curry information and uploading it to my website.
.
Lindylou has given me some 'hot' information on a Curry descendant on whom I had little. This bloke's tale of drunkeness, adultery etc.makes great reading. My attention has therefore been diverted by this generous sharing of information as I am concentrating for a day or two on entering this new Curry information and uploading it to my website.
.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Brothers and Sisters
I do not have any brothers or sisters but we have given our four children brothers and sisters. Through the years I have watched their relationships develop from that of sibling rivalry in their childhood to close adult relationships where they are great friends who support each other.
This morning's video post on The Official Google Blog demonstrates through a series of Google searches the close bond that siblings develop over time.
Take a look.
This morning's video post on The Official Google Blog demonstrates through a series of Google searches the close bond that siblings develop over time.
Take a look.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
How secure are your passwords?
Genealogists, how easy would your passwords be to crack by a dedicated man or machine?
A new video from Commoncraft, Secure Passwords Explained by Common Craft, presents ideas for selecting strong and easy to remember passwords. It additionally highlights some security issues in our online world..
A new video from Commoncraft, Secure Passwords Explained by Common Craft, presents ideas for selecting strong and easy to remember passwords. It additionally highlights some security issues in our online world..
Sunday, July 18, 2010
You can choose your friends but you can't choose your relatives
A visit to a very close friend in a hospice this week made me think of dear friends and reflect on the importance of them in our family's life.
An only child, I have not had the benefit of those special relationships that come from siblings. As a result I have formed very close relationships with a small number of friends who, for me, take the place of brothers and sisters. We have shared family holidays, called on each others in times of need, enjoyed Christmases together and shared family celebrations.
A check of my genealogy program, TMG, indicates that one can add Godchildren and Godparents to the family tree. We have a number of "God" relationships with our dearest friends families so I have made a decision to add our Godchildren and our children's Godparents to our tree. Similarly I am going to add members of my family's bridal parties as witnesses so that they too will appear in our database.
In the case of toasts and speeches at family events I am going to add the events eg Christenings, 21sts, Engagement Parties and add those friends who had these roles as witnesses to the events.
I have been tagging all our family photos so my descendants should be able to work out who our friends were from the number of tagged photos I have of them. I would still, however, like to make some mention of them in our tree and am wondering how other genealogists record information for future generations on those they have chosen to be their friends.
In my final goodbye to my dear friend at the hospice we told each other of our love for one another, recognised the great times we had had together, that we had been friends through thick and thin and that we were always there for each other.
I want my descendants to know what an important part she played in our family's life.
An only child, I have not had the benefit of those special relationships that come from siblings. As a result I have formed very close relationships with a small number of friends who, for me, take the place of brothers and sisters. We have shared family holidays, called on each others in times of need, enjoyed Christmases together and shared family celebrations.
A check of my genealogy program, TMG, indicates that one can add Godchildren and Godparents to the family tree. We have a number of "God" relationships with our dearest friends families so I have made a decision to add our Godchildren and our children's Godparents to our tree. Similarly I am going to add members of my family's bridal parties as witnesses so that they too will appear in our database.
In the case of toasts and speeches at family events I am going to add the events eg Christenings, 21sts, Engagement Parties and add those friends who had these roles as witnesses to the events.
I have been tagging all our family photos so my descendants should be able to work out who our friends were from the number of tagged photos I have of them. I would still, however, like to make some mention of them in our tree and am wondering how other genealogists record information for future generations on those they have chosen to be their friends.
In my final goodbye to my dear friend at the hospice we told each other of our love for one another, recognised the great times we had had together, that we had been friends through thick and thin and that we were always there for each other.
I want my descendants to know what an important part she played in our family's life.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Moving House
As one of my children takes possession of a new house today I got to thinking about the photos of family homes in our family's albums. We do not have many original photos of our ancestors' homes so those we have are very precious.
Tocelebrate the latest new home, of which I already have collected photos for posterity, I am sharing a picture from my Uncle Kevin's album, taken of their former family home in Canowindra, NSW in 1937. Kevin was my Dad's youngest brother.
Tocelebrate the latest new home, of which I already have collected photos for posterity, I am sharing a picture from my Uncle Kevin's album, taken of their former family home in Canowindra, NSW in 1937. Kevin was my Dad's youngest brother.
Free Technology for Teachers: Two Good Free Guides to Digital Photography
Richard Byrne at Free Technology for Teachers posts regularly about free resources. Many of his suggestions are eminently suitable in fields other than education.
Genealogists who use digital cameras to photograph family events, family graves and cemeteries, old documents will find these guides helpful.
Free Technology for Teachers: Two Good Free Guides to Digital Photography
Genealogists who use digital cameras to photograph family events, family graves and cemeteries, old documents will find these guides helpful.
Free Technology for Teachers: Two Good Free Guides to Digital Photography
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Australian Vital Records on Ancestry - Take 2
What a bit of excitement yesterday's post Australian Vital Records on Ancestry created for my little blog.
Since I posted yesterday Blogger Stats tells me that the page has had 179 page views (oops that's 190 since I started writing). That's a mighty lot of page views for one page on my little blog in one day.
Gould Genealogy, in its blog, mentoned my post so that probably sent some traffic my way. They also posted a message about the new resource on their Facebook page that brought comments like:
"too many missing people and some glaring errors found already - badly mispelt surnames and the coverage varies state by state which needs to be made a lot clearer. I'd rather stick with the bdm cds i have and online searches on each states bdm site i think.
"I have found they have a few transcription errors, but is should be very useful to search across different states at the same time :-)"
"All the entries I've searched so far have given time ranges rather than a year, eg 1907-1916. It could be useful though for if you suspect someone has moved interstate, and want to get some clues on which of the other states/territories to focus your searching in."
I think the problem with Ancestry's "exciting new collection" is that, in the description of the indexes on the site, they do not clearly state that the indexes do not give complete coverage for all states for the years stated eg "Births 1788-1922" implies that records for all states for that period are available. An extra little sentence stating clearly that the indexes are not complete rather than saying "this database features some of the most comprehensive indexes available of historical Australian birth records" would give users a clearer picture of content available and counter possible frustration and disappointment.
I am thrilled that I can search records for other states but would like to know exactly what years are covered for what areas. The information may be buried somewhere on the Ancestry site but it is not clearly visible. A simple hyperlink, Database Coverage, could lead users to a page that lists the coverage.
Believe it or not, I am an Ancestry fan who each year coughs up the annual access fee. The resources there have been invaluable in helping me find ancestors and distant cousins.
Since I posted yesterday Blogger Stats tells me that the page has had 179 page views (oops that's 190 since I started writing). That's a mighty lot of page views for one page on my little blog in one day.Gould Genealogy, in its blog, mentoned my post so that probably sent some traffic my way. They also posted a message about the new resource on their Facebook page that brought comments like:
"too many missing people and some glaring errors found already - badly mispelt surnames and the coverage varies state by state which needs to be made a lot clearer. I'd rather stick with the bdm cds i have and online searches on each states bdm site i think.
Not impressed at all."
"I have found they have a few transcription errors, but is should be very useful to search across different states at the same time :-)"
"All the entries I've searched so far have given time ranges rather than a year, eg 1907-1916. It could be useful though for if you suspect someone has moved interstate, and want to get some clues on which of the other states/territories to focus your searching in."
I think the problem with Ancestry's "exciting new collection" is that, in the description of the indexes on the site, they do not clearly state that the indexes do not give complete coverage for all states for the years stated eg "Births 1788-1922" implies that records for all states for that period are available. An extra little sentence stating clearly that the indexes are not complete rather than saying "this database features some of the most comprehensive indexes available of historical Australian birth records" would give users a clearer picture of content available and counter possible frustration and disappointment.
I am thrilled that I can search records for other states but would like to know exactly what years are covered for what areas. The information may be buried somewhere on the Ancestry site but it is not clearly visible. A simple hyperlink, Database Coverage, could lead users to a page that lists the coverage.
Believe it or not, I am an Ancestry fan who each year coughs up the annual access fee. The resources there have been invaluable in helping me find ancestors and distant cousins.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Australian Vital Records on Ancestry
This morning I read a post,Australian vital records indexes on Ancestry, from Chris Paton of Scottish GENES in which he told of this new index's addition to the Ancestry site.
As I have a full subscription to Ancestry.co.uk I decided to explore the database to see if I could find any extra info on my family. For my searches I used a family name, Pusell. After just a ten minute play I wrote this response on Chris' post:
"Chris, Have just tested out the new Australian BDMs on Ancestry - there appear to be some holes.
For deaths of Pusell there are only 12 records for the whole of Australia; on the free NSW Registry indexes (http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/) that give the same amount of information there are 27 records for NSW!
As for births Ancestry lists 20 (for the whole of Australia) the same number as the NSW indexes list.
Ancestry lists 80 Pusell marriages whilst the NSW index lists 19 male and 36 female marriages.
The lesson here is that one should check multiple sources"
I have set aside some time today to further exploer the Ancestry indexes but am wondering how other genealogists with Australian interests find them.
As I have a full subscription to Ancestry.co.uk I decided to explore the database to see if I could find any extra info on my family. For my searches I used a family name, Pusell. After just a ten minute play I wrote this response on Chris' post:
"Chris, Have just tested out the new Australian BDMs on Ancestry - there appear to be some holes.
For deaths of Pusell there are only 12 records for the whole of Australia; on the free NSW Registry indexes (http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/) that give the same amount of information there are 27 records for NSW!
As for births Ancestry lists 20 (for the whole of Australia) the same number as the NSW indexes list.
Ancestry lists 80 Pusell marriages whilst the NSW index lists 19 male and 36 female marriages.
The lesson here is that one should check multiple sources"
I have set aside some time today to further exploer the Ancestry indexes but am wondering how other genealogists with Australian interests find them.
No French blood in our tree
Alas, there is no Franch blood in Geniaus' family tree. In honour of Bastille Day, today 14th July, I am posting a photo of Geniaus and the three eldest offspring at The Palace of Versailles from our first holiday to France in 1983. The photo is one of many taken on a holiday that brings back many fond memories as we travelled through Europe in a campervan followed by and following another Aussie family of five in their campervan. That we are still great friends with that family is a testament to the great times we shared in 1983.Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Florences are thin on the ground
A few weeks ago I wrote about International Year of the Nurse (IYNurse), . I have still not seen much in the media about the courageous women who toil at this essential job.
There was, however, one anonymous comment on my blog:"This has reminded me to write a detailed story on Elsie Clare Pidgeon. She was a nurse in WW1, and won the Florence Nightingale Medal. I want to add a scrapbook entry to the Mapping Our Anzacs website too. In the meantime visit http://www.wepidgeon.com/elsie.htm". Elsie's story is fascinating and well worth a read.
Co-incidentally in this post, Orange district's early nurses and doctors, historian Lis Edwards is calling for help with stories for her writing of "the definitive history of nurses, doctors and hospitals in the Orange district to coincide with the opening of the new Orange Base Hospital next year.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Australian and New Zealand Genealogy Course
On June 7 I first blogged at Spur of the moment student about The Australian and New Zealand Genealogy Course I had enrolled in run by NIGS with tutor, Kerry Farmer.
In the early stages of the course I put up a few posts: First disappointment - NIGS Course, Prompt response from NIGS, Keen as mustard, Geniaus: Reflections from a "spur of the moment student".
Now that I have finished the course it's time for a final reflection.
Would I do it again? Yes.
Would I recommend it to others? Yes
What were the strengths of the course? The well-written and comprehensive notes. The responsiveness of the tutor, Kerry Farmer. The ability to study in one's own time. The great value for money. The ability to take part in online discussions with people with shared interests from other states and countries.
What were the weaknesses? The difficulties encountered in downloading .pdf files of course material. These could be emailed as zipped files sto course participants. Unclear directions on connecting to the online discussions although this was rectified before the second week of the course. The online discussions would be enhanced with a little more structure ie focus questions or talking points that could be distributed to course participants prior to discussions.
I can't say that I learnt a lot from the course but the few new resources I learnt about led to some great finds. The course was an exercise in positive reinforcement for me as I realised that I do have some knowledge in the subject. Additionally, because the course materials were set out in a logical sequence, the course gave me a scaffold or structure for organising my knowledge.
Being able to join in any NIGS online discussions that took place during the period of the course was an added bonus.
The course is being continually updated. It is currently jam-packed with information that may daunt beginning genealogists, however I believe that Kerry Farmer and NIGS are reviewing the course content. I note that the course is now rated as "Intermediate" on the NIGS site.
Anyone with an interest in Genealogy in Australia and New Zealand would benefit from this course.
In the early stages of the course I put up a few posts: First disappointment - NIGS Course, Prompt response from NIGS, Keen as mustard, Geniaus: Reflections from a "spur of the moment student".
Now that I have finished the course it's time for a final reflection.
Would I do it again? Yes.
Would I recommend it to others? Yes
What were the strengths of the course? The well-written and comprehensive notes. The responsiveness of the tutor, Kerry Farmer. The ability to study in one's own time. The great value for money. The ability to take part in online discussions with people with shared interests from other states and countries.
What were the weaknesses? The difficulties encountered in downloading .pdf files of course material. These could be emailed as zipped files sto course participants. Unclear directions on connecting to the online discussions although this was rectified before the second week of the course. The online discussions would be enhanced with a little more structure ie focus questions or talking points that could be distributed to course participants prior to discussions.
I can't say that I learnt a lot from the course but the few new resources I learnt about led to some great finds. The course was an exercise in positive reinforcement for me as I realised that I do have some knowledge in the subject. Additionally, because the course materials were set out in a logical sequence, the course gave me a scaffold or structure for organising my knowledge.
Being able to join in any NIGS online discussions that took place during the period of the course was an added bonus.
The course is being continually updated. It is currently jam-packed with information that may daunt beginning genealogists, however I believe that Kerry Farmer and NIGS are reviewing the course content. I note that the course is now rated as "Intermediate" on the NIGS site.
Anyone with an interest in Genealogy in Australia and New Zealand would benefit from this course.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Married today, 10th July......
....In 1861 were my maternal great-great grandparents. Richard Aspinall and Mary Homer tied the knot at The Catholic Cathedral of St Michael & St John, Bathurst NSW.
Richard Aspinall, a convict from Wigan in Lancashire, arrived in Sydney from Sheerness on the Bengal Merchant in July 1838.
Richard and Mary had two daughters. Mary Jane, born in 1862 at Carrawa, was my great-grandmother, Margaret, her sister, was born in 1865. After Mary's death Richard reared his two young daughters. It appears that Richard had a second marriage in 1875 to Anna Maria Fell before he died in Carcoar Hospital in 1883.
It seems that Richard did not mend his ways after gaining his freedom. Richard, as Black Dick, is reputed to have done a bit of bushranging with John Vane. Mary Jane told a story about hiding under the kitchen table when the police came to round up some bushrangers.
Friday, July 9, 2010
What I do (downunder) meme
I am heeding Thomas' call at Destination Austin Family today to join in this meme which "is important to the genealogy blogging community because it gives others an idea of how we achieve the genealogy "voodoo" that we do do so well.”
I am always interested to learn from what others do so look forward to reading posts at Geneabloggers from genealogists who have embraced techie toys as they hunt for ancestors.
* Hardware: Can't remember the full specs for my my Dell Studio Laptop. I know it has 4GB of RAM and that seems ample for my current needs. I usually replace my laptop each three years and always purchase a three year warranty. A 2 year old ASUS eee PC netbook for travelling - updating this year. I often drag out my old Toshiba Portege Tablet Laptop when I go to a seminar and want to write notes.
* External storage: Three external HDDs: a Lacie (500GB) , and two Western Digital (Old 250GB and newer 1000GB). I back up everything to two separate Hard drives. Always carry a thumb drive in my handbag.
* Online storage: Google Docs, DropBox,
* Backup: Not automated just use the HDDs
* Firewall: Windows Firewall
* Virus protection: AVG Free
* Spyware: None
* File cleaner: None
* Printer: Brother MFC Fax/Phone/Scanner/Printer, Canon Pixma
* Phone: HTC Touch Pro 2 through Telstra NextG
* Mobile media:
* eBook Reader: None - love the smell and feel of paper - but will eventually get some sort of new tablet device.
* Music player: Prefer the sounds of silence
* Car audio: Just listen to 702 on the radio except when football and cricket are on.
* Browser: Firefox, Opera on 'phone
* Blog: Blogger, WordPress
* RSS: Google Reader
* FTP: Smart FTP
* Text editor: Notepad
* Graphics: Adobe Photoshop CS4, For For tagging, organising and simple tweaking Picasa
* Screen capture: Windows Snipping tool
* Social media: Twitter (Tweetdeck and Twitterbar) Facebook (Tweetdeck) GenealogyWise
* Social bookmarking: Delicious
* Social profile: None
* URL shortener: Don't bother
* Office suite: Microsoft Office 2007, Open Office, For sharing files Google Docs
* E-mail: Outlook, GMail
* Calendar: Outlook, Google Calendar
* Accounting: Excel spreadsheets
* PDF generator: Use Save as .pdf options in software packages
* Genealogy database: The Master Genealogist, For pubishing to the web The Next Generation of Genealogy Sitebuilding
* Genealogy tools: Subscriptions to: FindMyPast, Ancestry.co.uk and Genes Reunited, Trove from the National Library is a real treasure.
* Other tech stuff:
A digital camera is essential. I use an ancient Canon Ixus and am on my fourth Panasonic Lumix, a DMC-TZ8 - Travel Camera with 12x Optical Zoom Leica Lens. I use this with a tiny tripod in libraries, archives, relatives homes to take copies of photos and documents.
For Webhosting I use Simply Hosting
ISP: TPG
Scanner: I borrow a Fujitsu fi-6130 periodically - it makes short work of scanning sheets and photos. Also have a Canon flatbed scanner.
Web Page Authoring: Old version of Dreamweaver - I'm comfortable with it.
To find out of print books I use Abe Books
After reading this I can understand why Mr Geniaus claims that he is a widower to genealogy and technology.
I am always interested to learn from what others do so look forward to reading posts at Geneabloggers from genealogists who have embraced techie toys as they hunt for ancestors.
* Hardware: Can't remember the full specs for my my Dell Studio Laptop. I know it has 4GB of RAM and that seems ample for my current needs. I usually replace my laptop each three years and always purchase a three year warranty. A 2 year old ASUS eee PC netbook for travelling - updating this year. I often drag out my old Toshiba Portege Tablet Laptop when I go to a seminar and want to write notes.
* External storage: Three external HDDs: a Lacie (500GB) , and two Western Digital (Old 250GB and newer 1000GB). I back up everything to two separate Hard drives. Always carry a thumb drive in my handbag.
* Online storage: Google Docs, DropBox,
* Backup: Not automated just use the HDDs
* Firewall: Windows Firewall
* Virus protection: AVG Free
* Spyware: None
* File cleaner: None
* Printer: Brother MFC Fax/Phone/Scanner/Printer, Canon Pixma
* Phone: HTC Touch Pro 2 through Telstra NextG
* Mobile media:
* eBook Reader: None - love the smell and feel of paper - but will eventually get some sort of new tablet device.
* Music player: Prefer the sounds of silence
* Car audio: Just listen to 702 on the radio except when football and cricket are on.
* Browser: Firefox, Opera on 'phone
* Blog: Blogger, WordPress
* RSS: Google Reader
* FTP: Smart FTP
* Text editor: Notepad
* Graphics: Adobe Photoshop CS4, For For tagging, organising and simple tweaking Picasa
* Screen capture: Windows Snipping tool
* Social media: Twitter (Tweetdeck and Twitterbar) Facebook (Tweetdeck) GenealogyWise
* Social bookmarking: Delicious
* Social profile: None
* URL shortener: Don't bother
* Office suite: Microsoft Office 2007, Open Office, For sharing files Google Docs
* E-mail: Outlook, GMail
* Calendar: Outlook, Google Calendar
* Accounting: Excel spreadsheets
* PDF generator: Use Save as .pdf options in software packages
* Genealogy database: The Master Genealogist, For pubishing to the web The Next Generation of Genealogy Sitebuilding
* Genealogy tools: Subscriptions to: FindMyPast, Ancestry.co.uk and Genes Reunited, Trove from the National Library is a real treasure.
* Other tech stuff:
A digital camera is essential. I use an ancient Canon Ixus and am on my fourth Panasonic Lumix, a DMC-TZ8 - Travel Camera with 12x Optical Zoom Leica Lens. I use this with a tiny tripod in libraries, archives, relatives homes to take copies of photos and documents.
For Webhosting I use Simply Hosting
ISP: TPG
Scanner: I borrow a Fujitsu fi-6130 periodically - it makes short work of scanning sheets and photos. Also have a Canon flatbed scanner.
Web Page Authoring: Old version of Dreamweaver - I'm comfortable with it.
To find out of print books I use Abe Books
After reading this I can understand why Mr Geniaus claims that he is a widower to genealogy and technology.
Yahoo! Style Guide: Writing, Editing, and Creating Content for the Digital World - Derek E. Baird :: Barking Robot
Yahoo! Style Guide: Writing, Editing, and Creating Content for the Digital World - Derek E. Baird :: Barking Robot
For genealogists who publish on the web this article by Derek Baird on Yahoo's Style Guide will be illuminating.
For genealogists who publish on the web this article by Derek Baird on Yahoo's Style Guide will be illuminating.
How to Share Large Files over the Internet
How to Share Large Files over the Internet
Genealogists often need to share files and photos with other researchers. In this article Amit from Digital Inspiarations details and compares a variety ot tools for this purpose.
Genealogists often need to share files and photos with other researchers. In this article Amit from Digital Inspiarations details and compares a variety ot tools for this purpose.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
'How to trace your Scottish ancestors’ workshop
Details for my local library's latest genealogy workshop "How to trace your Scottish ancestors" can be found at the Hornsby Council website.
Having attended an earlier workshop by presenter Jeremy Palmer I can recommend this event. Thanks to Neil Chippendale, the Local Studies Coordinator, at Hornsby Library for alerting me to this event.
Having attended an earlier workshop by presenter Jeremy Palmer I can recommend this event. Thanks to Neil Chippendale, the Local Studies Coordinator, at Hornsby Library for alerting me to this event.
Making Your Mark On The Web Is Easier Than You Think - Smashing Magazine
Making Your Mark On The Web Is Easier Than You Think - Smashing Magazine
Tips in this article are relevant to genealogists who wish to become known on the web.
Tips in this article are relevant to genealogists who wish to become known on the web.
Genealogy Wise - First twelve months
On July 8, 2009 I joined the GenealogyWise genealogy social network that is built on the ning platform. I found that, as site membership grew, the strong US bias became more evident so I set up a subgroup Australian Genealogists "A group for genealogists downunder - with roots from all over the world".
Any member of GenealogyWise can set up a group and members can join multiple groups. There are groups for all manner of interests:
Activity from the 263 members of the Australian Genealogists Group is patchy. Some days there will be a few posts and sometimes a couple of weeks go by without any activity. Within the group all members have the ability to set up discussions on topics of interest. Some of the Aussie discussions are:
Australian Genealogists members have said:
Hi everyone,
I just love this site. If I can be of any assistance to anyone please let me know and I will do my best my help.
Thank you Peter! What a lot of looking up you did.
Hi Everyone,
If anyone needs a hand in Ozzie research, I've got 20 yrs experience, and all the BDM's for Australia
Cheers
Thankyou, I never even thought of looking in N.S.W. as it said Brisbane on the certificate...should've known better, Once againg a big thankyou,
Everyone here is so friendly and willing to help, it is no wonder that GenealogyWise is getting more members every day : ) Best thing I ever did !
Thank you so much for the information, it helps to remove another brick from the wall and will hopefully enable me to go a lot further with my research.
Best wishes,
I believe that publishing your interests pays off so would encourage all genealogists with internet access to join GenealogyWise.
Any member of GenealogyWise can set up a group and members can join multiple groups. There are groups for all manner of interests:
Activity from the 263 members of the Australian Genealogists Group is patchy. Some days there will be a few posts and sometimes a couple of weeks go by without any activity. Within the group all members have the ability to set up discussions on topics of interest. Some of the Aussie discussions are:
- Hunt Family of Newcastle
- Australian Blogs
- Nicholls Family
- Mining Ancestors
- Professional Genealogists
Although using the ning platform can sometimes be tricky membership of GenealogyWise is worthwhile. Belonging to this FREE network can produce results, break down brick walls and foster relationships with researchers with shared interests. There are so many generous people in the world of genealogy.
Australian Genealogists members have said:
Hi everyone,
I just love this site. If I can be of any assistance to anyone please let me know and I will do my best my help.
Thank you Peter! What a lot of looking up you did.
Hi Everyone,
If anyone needs a hand in Ozzie research, I've got 20 yrs experience, and all the BDM's for Australia
Cheers
Thankyou, I never even thought of looking in N.S.W. as it said Brisbane on the certificate...should've known better, Once againg a big thankyou,
Everyone here is so friendly and willing to help, it is no wonder that GenealogyWise is getting more members every day : ) Best thing I ever did !
Thank you so much for the information, it helps to remove another brick from the wall and will hopefully enable me to go a lot further with my research.
Best wishes,
I believe that publishing your interests pays off so would encourage all genealogists with internet access to join GenealogyWise.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
What makes Google work?
For curious genealogists I am sharing this infographic I found at Stephen's Lighthouse that may shed some light on the workings of Google for you. To enlarge graphic click on it and open in new window then use Control and + keys to enlarge to a readable size.
Monday, July 5, 2010
6 Baptisms, 5 Weddings and a Funeral
 |
| 1983 St. Mary's Christmas Pageant - Rev Terry Dicks and children including my three angels and Joseph |
In recent times our family has celebrated significant occasions at St. Mary's Anglican Church Waverley. A peek at the tags in my digital family album shows that I have several hundred photographs tagged St Mary's. As well as hatches, matches and dispatches there are photos of social events, Christmas pageants and Sunday School events. The picture on the header of this blog is taken of the most recent family wedding at St. Mary's.
 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2009 Family Wedding - Rev Beth Spence |
 |
| 2009 Family Christening - Rev Michael Spence |
 |
| St Mary's Organ |
St Mary's is a happy place as described in a 2004 article in the Anglicans Together Newsletter, St. Mary's Church, Waverley : High and Happy
 |
| 1997 Family Wedding |
 | |
| St Mary's is a significant place in our family history as so many family events took place in this beautiful Church. |
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Born on the 4th of July
Ten folk in my family tree were born on the 4th of July, not in the US but in Australia. I can't publish details of the six who are still living but invite you to read about the other four:
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Friday, July 2, 2010
Grandmother's Guide to Video Chat
An easy to follow guide to Google's Video Chat. A wonderful way to talk to fellow researchers and family in far-flung places.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Aussies celebrate Canada Day
Amongst the highlights of our more recent family history was a couple of visits to Canada in 2008. This snap of Mr Geniaus and family members was taken on Canada Day, July 1 2008, which we celebrated enjoying the festivities at historic Rocky Mountain House. Our traditional lunch included corn on the cob. We joined in the spirit of the day by wearing Maple Leaf tattoos and Canadian flags.
We have a soft spot for Canada which is in many ways similar to Australia and have fond memories of our travels there.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
