FamGenContacts Database

How To Use FamGenContacts

FamGenContacts is mainly designed for genealogists for the storage of information relating to the many contacts which we make over the years. It is a no frills database without a custom GUI, simply using that available in OOo Base. FamGenContacts enables the importing of an Address Book into any e-mail program which allows the import of "CSV" files and a Mail-merge Template is supplied. There are two versions, one on this page more suitable for Europe and on the next page for America (the only difference being the address fields).

Software required: Full OpenOffice.org Version 2.0 or later.
OpenOffice.org is open source and is available free from OOo (About 120MB)

Download the FamGenContacts file, unzip by double clicking, and save to a convenient folder; the database MUST be registered in OOo (Tools>Options>OpenOffice.org Base>Databases>New). It is recommended that a copy is made and renamed in order to ensure that you always have an empty version available (do not use "Save As"). Double-click the file to open in OOo Base which will take you to the Forms Section.

Clicking on another icon will open that section.

Always Back-up your database

The Data Base Opening Screen

The Forms

Double clicking either the "Contacts" or "Group Box" icons will open that form; please note that although it will say "Read Only" at the top this is not the case - it's only the form layout that cannot be changed (It's OOo's description, not mine!). Hovering over any field will give a Tool Tip Help.

The List Box is, perhaps, best illustrated by an example. It is really intended for targeted bulk e-mails or post. Within my own database I have around 800 unique surnames and most of these surnames arise from a limited number of ancestors, in my case around 20, and these 20 names I enter into this Box. Thus, even if the information I am sending is not connected with the contacts' close families it will be relevant for the group to which their immediate family belongs. Additionally I include items such as "Legacy" or "Webpages".

Bottom Tool Bar

Entering Data into the forms is straight forward. In the Contacts Form the "First Name"column is mandatory and is big enough (30 characters) to contain two names. Move from box to box using the tab key or cursor and use the dropdown lists (from the List Box) to select the "Interest Group" of the contact. In the Interest boxes enter the specific interest(s) of the contact. The Note box is for entering whatever one wishes. On tabbing in the Group2 box a new empty page will appear. One can move from page to page using the arrows on the bottom tool bar and clicking the green one with the yellow star will select the next empty page. It should be clear from this that the Group Box must be updated before entering new names into "Contacts". Use the "X" at the top right of the screen to exit the Forms.

*If you intend to select Mailing addresses it is essential that the "House" field is completed in the European version and the "Address 1" field in the American*

Search and Amend Records

Bottom Tool Bar

To search the records click the appropriate form by double clicking on it. Note that the inputting of names etc., when asked for, is case sensitive. Some of these search results are also to be found in the Reports Section.

To change a contact's record double click "Amend Individual Record". You can select from ID (obtainable from the Reports), surname and first names (of a contact) and the record(s) will be produced. Select by clicking the appropriate field, and amend as required. A record can be deleted by clicking the green arrow with the red cross on the bottom toolbar. Note that this process cannot be reversed.

There is no facility for amending the Group records, but these may be over written using the Contacts Form.

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Corrections, comments and suggestions are welcome, so please use the contact facility below.

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The above information is given without warranty either expressed or implied

The content last updated 31 March 2010