Family Tree Maker has been the long time "Top Dog" in genealogical software in terms of sales. The interface is very user friendly and has some unique features of its own. Since it is the software program of Ancestry.com which is in my opinion the best database for genealogical research its integration with their database is flawless. The only "potential" drawback is that it does require a subscription for access to some of the Ancestry.com databases, but I feel they are at a reasonable fee and even without a subscription it does not affect the usability of the program in any way. The program does stand on its own without having to have a subscription to the service of Ancestry.com.
- The one unique feature of the program is its "Merge from Web" function that allows data to be imported from "general" webpages not just genealogical databases. This is great if you find a fact that is useful and you can "clip" it and bring it into your personal database.
- The ability to upload your gedcom file to Ancestry.com for public viewing. You can also make your file private so that only specified people can see your file.
- Book publishing is another area that Family Tree Maker has really been working on. Most software does offer this feature and FTM compares well with other programs.
- Ancestry Hints—a contextual search feature that automatically suggests records pertaining to people in your tree gives you great ideas on area's to search that you may have not thought of previously.
Overall I would rate Family Tree Maker 2008 with 4/5 stars only because the newest version has been a bit buggy if you are upgrading from older versions. If you are just starting out I have found it to be great and allows for importing of GEDCOM and PAF files from other programs. It has a user friendly interface and you have the software shipped to you so you have CD's in hand in case of emergency or reinstallation. The help file within the program is very complete, and there is a video tutorial available upon purchase of the program.