Maikel,
An option that might be of interest is to "use the (free) Family Tree website* (which is part of the free FamilySearch.org web database) as your ‘software’ until you want more features then it has. Then decide later on a genealogy software (see below). You can download copies of your entered data
from Family Tree (in a GEDCOM format) to an approved software (like Roots Magic), but this is rather complicated. One example is “How to Download Your Family Tree from FamilySearch” at:
https://www.yourdnaguide.com/ydgblog/download-your-family-tree-from-familysearch )
*The FamilySearch website is maintained and enhanced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), or Mormons. It is known as “the largest collection of FREE family history, family tree, and genealogy records in the world.” The Mormons have been collecting millions of genealogical sources Worldwide since 1938, much of which is freely available online.
FamilySearch is available in 30 Languages, including Dutch.
A Dutch speaking person can simply register at FamilySearch.org
As far as I know (after using the database for over 30 years) they never divulge your personal information.
You can search for your grandparents or great grandparents and if found, begin adding information on your ancestors, OR if not found, create your own ancestry there.
One caution, however, is that millions use the Family Tree system, and sometimes others ‘correct’ what you have added. That is, unlike your own computer or smartphone’s personal
software, such as Roots Magic, the data on Family Tree can be changed. So far, with
about ten years of adding my ancestral data, I have had only a few problems. (Note, that I also use Roots Magic as my main software, and also use MyHeritage for some features it has.)
The advantage for your spread out family is that you can all work on your tree in collaboration, each using your own computer, etc. (Each person of course needs to register separately.)
One web page about getting started with FamilySearch, that offers some good information for beginners is:
For example, you might choose the web page called “Create a Family Tree” at:
If you already have a tree built on a personal genealogy software program, you can read about “How to Add Your Family Tree to FamilySearch” (using GEDCOM). This 13 minute long video is a bit complicated for newcomers, but contains good information.
If your relations prefer to use a smartphone or iPad, see the APP information at: “Getting Started with the FamilySearch Family Tree App” at:
If you are still undecided, one of the many webpages that compares software’s is “What is the best family history website?” at:
Be aware that no system is perfect, so please use good sources when entering new data. Family Tree also contains duplicate records, but duplicate data can usually be merged. But do so carefully!
You may want to view the links FamilySearch has created called “The Netherlands Online Genealogy Records” at:
(But I find these lists a bit frightening for even a seasoned genealogist…)
All the best,
Bill Benson