This site currently hosts a genealogy recording tool known as OnceRemoved. Originally, it was written in the hope that my mom (to whom it is dedicated) could use it to map our family. Other genealogy programs seemed too text-based for either her or my liking, and the data entry burden rested primarily on one person. OnceRemoved offers a means to graphically record a genealogy and to share that information (and the task of recording it) with others. Now admittedly, some typing is still required, but the bulk of describing who is related to whom is accomplished visually by the so-called "drag 'n drop" mechanism. The other advantage of OnceRemoved is the sharing of information which is intrinsic to the World Wide Web. This aspect permits other members of a family (or families, depending on their interest) to add information and new relationships to branches of a genealogy in which they are most knowledgeable.
It is still a work-in-progress, but I invite you to test it out and don't hold back the constructive criticism. E-mail your comments or questions here.
Q: What do I need to run OnceRemoved?
A: Not much...
OnceRemoved uses something known as the Java Plug-In. If you already have the plug-in, it will load and the applet will follow; if you do not have the plug-in, you may be directed to a web-site describing the plug-in and how to install it, or the installation may begin automatically (depending on the make/version of your browser). Once installed, revisit this site and either register, or launch OnceRemoved.
Q: How do I know what version of browser I'm running?
A: Near the top of this window, you should see a list of words starting at the left and running to the right. At the far right end of this list is the word Help. Click it and then click the About <browser name> item from the resulting menu list. The browser name will probably be Internet Explorer or Communicator. The resulting display should clearly state the version of browser you are using. If the version you have is earlier than 4.0, please contact the makers of your current browser and inquire about an upgrade. Likely sources are Microsoft and Netscape.
Q: How are genealogies shared with other family memeber or collaborators?
A: During registration, each user must specify a User ID for themselves. It is this User ID which identifies the user to OnceRemoved and all genealogies created become the property of that User ID. Once a genealogy is created (the simplest case being essentially an empty document), its owner may assign access priveleges using a web page, the link to which appears on the lefthand side of this page. Sharing a genealogy requires the following:
Q: Does a connection to the Internet need to be maintained while using OnceRemoved?
A: No. Once the application is launched and a genealogy is opened, all processing takes place on the local computer. Should the connection drop afteward and an attempt is then made to save work, the application will try to re-establish the connection. Depending on the configuration of the connection management software on the local computer, this may require manual initiation or intervention.
Q: Aren't Java applets a security risk?
A: No. This applet runs in a very restrictive environment on your machine. Access to your hard drive and other resources (e.g. printer) is precluded by the default permissions of the Plug-In; meaning no action is needed on your part to operate this software in the safest mode possible. Gaining further access would require the applet to be "signed" and you as the user would be notified of such a situation by having to accept a so-called certificate. No such effort is required. As for "viruses", click here and here for a description of the pathetic lone Java virus found to date. Note the date of publication... 1998, and the rather extraordinary measures needed on the part of the intended victim in order for this "virus" to do it's work.
Q: How secure is the information I record in my genealogy?
A: Please keep in mind that this is a trial effort. As such, security of the recorded information has admittedly taken a back seat to the functional components required to accomplish the task of visually building a genealogical record. Having stated that, it should also be known that the software was designed with such matters in mind, so that as the product (and the web-site) matures, more robust measures can be implemented to assure information security. In the meantime, recording of any sensitive data (social security numbers and the like) should probably be avoided.