Genealogy buffs already have sites where they can search for and swap family data (see the August 2000 Family Tree Magazine for a roundup of 10 such sites). What's unique about OGF is that it combines two of genealogy's best computer resources — software to preserve family history and pedigree databases for sharing research — with some nifty new technology. Rather than storing scads of individual GEDCOM files (the universal format for electronic family trees), OGF gathers everyone's information into a single huge database. Then it automatically searches for data that might synch with yours.

OGF's software, Genealogy Browser, can do this because it runs on the Internet. It works like this: You sign up and create a "Family Group." Download the Windows-only Genealogy Browser and upon launch, an "anchor" screen appears. You can start entering data or upload an existing GEDCOM file. Input is pretty straightforward. The left side of the screen is your "Handprint," which shows you (or any selected person), your spouse, children and parents. You click on a person's box to prompt the details screen, where you add or edit data. At right is the "Starfield View," a pedigree chart that displays unlimited generations. You zoom in and out by sliding a bar above the screen.