Many genealogy applications are available on the market today for most operating systems and the interfaces of many come in multiple languages. These software packages let you do the following:

• assemble and organize your family data;
• produce reports and charts; and
• exchange information and files with colleagues.

Many genealogy software packages also have free trial versions that you can download. Start out with an application you are comfortable with and suits your needs. As your research progresses, you may wish to switch to a more robust application. This can be done as long as you have a software application that respects the genealogical data standard called GEDCOM (an acronym standing for Genealogical Data Communication).

Two websites that compare genealogy software may help you make a choice:
• Louis Kessler's Genealogy Software Reviews
• Wikipedia software comparisons