FHSWIN - Entering Family Information (continued)
This is what form FHSWUPDT looks like when you are entering a New family file record. All data areas are blank except the Date and Time fields which have "patterns" for entering those pieces of information. The place names can be either 22 or 41 characters, depending upon the choice of "Long Place Names" when initializing the Family File. There are the familiar "<" buttons next to the "Father ID" and "Mother ID", but those fields can not be filled in until the Name records for the Father/Mother have been created. That is why, when entering information for a family, it is best to start with the earliest generations first if that is possible so that the parents will be there when a child is entered. Also, you shouldn't try to make the ID numbers have any "relational" sense because any pattern that you try to establish at the beginning will inevitably break down as you "randomly" enter newly acquired information.
Use the "Save" button to add the new name record into the Family File, then go on to add the next record.
You should be aware that all name records are entered into an FHS family file in the same way. Parents and spouses must be entered first as a NAME Record before they can become parents and spouses. A child becomes a child (and a parent a parent) only when the parent’s ID number is entered as a “Mother ID” or “Father ID” in the child’s record. (Note that adoptive parent/child relationships are denoted by placing an "*" in the single character "status" field to the right of the parent ID. A "?" in that "status" field indicates that the relationship is uncertain.)
Next we will see what you can do after you have entered some name records into the Family File.