Reference Centre, LDS Resources
The Enduring Legacy of Personal Ancestral File (PAF)
Introduced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in the mid-1980s, PAF has established itself as a stalwart companion for amateur and professional genealogists alike. Despite its age, PAF remains a formidable contender in the realm of family history research, boasting a range of features that have stood the test of time. Above all, it is fast and easy to enter or edit individuals, even unlinking people from families and re-attaching them to different families is easy.
One of PAF's most notable strengths is its comprehensive support for the GEDCOM (Genealogical Data Communication) standard. Utilizing UTF-8 encoding, PAF facilitates seamless data exchange while adhering closely to the GEDCOM specification. Its ability to accommodate large databases, housing upwards of a quarter of a million names or more, sets it apart from many contemporary counterparts. The large capacity to store notes and sources also outstrips that of many current desktop family tree data programs.
PAF's user interface, though dated by modern standards, maintains a delicate balance between simplicity and functionality. While some may find its design reminiscent of bygone eras, its intuitive layout ensures ease of navigation and super fast data entry. Despite occasional frustrations - merging individuals requires patience - PAF remains a reliable tool for both novice and experienced users.
Contrary to common misconceptions, PAF transcends its reputation as a basic genealogy application. Beyond its user-friendly interface lies a wealth of features waiting to be discovered. From multimedia support to advanced and customizable search capabilities and customizable templates, PAF offers a robust toolkit.
In an era where software updates and technological advancements reign supreme, PAF's longevity is a testament to its resilience. Despite a decade since its last update and the evolution of the GEDCOM standard, PAF continues to hold its ground. Its stability on modern Windows platforms and efficient performance with large datasets further solidify its position as a dependable companion in the pursuit of family history.
Looking ahead, PAF's legacy endures as a symbol of reliability and functionality in the ever-changing landscape of genealogy software. While newer applications may tout flashy interfaces and cutting-edge features, PAF remains a steadfast ally for those who value substance over style.
The last version of PAF to be produced, version 5.2.18.0, can still be downloaded in English or multi-language, and used, today, from Parowan Software.
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