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For Beginners

New to family history?
We're here to help!

Welcome to the For Beginners section of The Family History Guide! There are several things you can learn about here, to prepare you for your family history journey.

  1. Know why doing family history is important for you and others.
  2. If needed, you can review basic computer skills or have someone help you with them.
  3. Know the basic family history terms and definitions.

1. Why is doing family history so important?


Explore the InspireFamilyHistory.com website, and then read and ponder any of the following articles, to get ideas for inspiration and motivation in your family history journey. If you are already motivated, skip ahead to Item 3 below.


2. Computer Basics


Note : If you are comfortable with your computer skills, skip ahead to Item 3 below.

If you would like to review basic computer skills, or have a friend help you with them, the place to go is the

Computer Basics section

in The Family History Guide. It's for Windows and Mac, with tutorials on everthing thing from understanding your computer to using desktop and web applications. You don't need to cover all the tutorials, just the ones of interest to you.



3. Terms to Know


It's important to understand common family history and genealogy terms as you begin. Click the Basic Terms link below and study the terms and definitions until you feel comfortable with them. To do additional study (optional), click the More Terms link and read as much as you feel you need to. Then proceed to Item 3.