Family Trees At least three types of family tree files are commonly in use at present, PAF, FTM and GED. The type of file made depends on the family tree program used on the computer. All three types allow a person to make a family tree file that has a lot of detail and includes a great deal of information. Personal Ancestry File- this family tree program is distributed for free from The Church Of The Latter Day Saints (Mormon) in Salt Lake City, Utah. The program can be downloaded without cost (sent from them to you) on the internet by just going to their address (http://www.familysearch.com) and following the instructions. If one has dial-up internet service, the download time is long. High speed internet service is desireable but costly. The program name is PAF and the tree file made is of the type myfamily.paf. Family Tree Maker- this family tree program is sold by Ancestry.com. The program can be purchased at many office supply stores and comes with or without Ancestry.com time. For under $50 the program can be purchased and the user will be allowed to use the services of Ancestry. Many databases are available and searchable at the website Ancestry.com (census records, ship records and numerous smaller databases). Many local libraries subscribe to the Ancestry service and computers can be used by local patrons to access information for free. The program name is Family Tree Maker and the tree file is of the type myfamily.FTW. GEDCOM- stands for Genealogical Data Communication. This file type is used to send family tree files from one family tree program to another (export/import). The tree file is of the type myfamily.ged. I have used both family tree programs extensively and they are both fine tools for the genealogist. The FTM program has a few toys more than PAF (more report types available). Both programs allow for the inclusion of family pictures into the final family tree file.