Announcements:
OneWorldTree (SM)
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At the end of April, Ancestry.com released a preview of a new service called the OneWorldTree(SM) service.
This preview is just the first step toward a powerful new tool for your genealogical research. The preview
status of the release has prompted questions and speculation. We hope the following information will help
clear up some of the confusion regarding the OneWorldTree service.
OneWorldTree does two things.
- First, it searches family history records. It does not modify or replace the original records.
- Second, it compiles the information in an effort to group the ones that go with a given person (a
process we call stitching), and provides references to the original sources.
The first collection of records stitched into OneWorldTree was the Ancestry World Tree. Ancestry.com
will continue to add records to the OneWorldTree system in an effort to provide more valuable data for
our users, including trees, census records, and vital records. RootsWeb.com's WorldConnect Project is
among the databases that will be searched and stitched as part of the OneWorldTree service.
Family trees submitted through Ancestry World Tree and RootsWeb's WorldConnect Project are free and
will remain free. Any options chosen by submitters with respect to GEDCOM download and source display
will still work the same way. OneWorldTree doesn't contain those trees, it contains links that help people
find them.
We hope that the genealogy community will see the value of searching and stitching in the greater context
of sharing family history information, and that they will add and update their trees. In order to be included
in OneWorldTree, family trees must meet certain criteria. If you want to be sure that your tree will be
included in the new OneWorldTree service, or if for any reason you do not want your tree to be part of
OneWorldTree, please click here for more information.
Edit or Remove Family Trees Appearing In WorldConnect
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Family trees submitted to RootsWeb (WorldConnect) and Ancestry (Ancestry World Tree and Online Family
Tree) were merged into one master database, which can be viewed from either site. You must use the tools
at the original upload site to edit or remove any of the family trees appearing in the database. Click
here for detailed instructions on how to modify or remove your family
tree.
Virus, Trojans, Worms
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RootsWeb's mailing lists are filtered and attachments are removed. A virus that is distributed as an attachment
will not reach you through a RootsWeb mailing list.
New virus, trojans, or worms are constantly being found, along with older version that are still being
circulated. A good virus protection software can be invaluable, providing you keep it updated. It is impossible
for us to list the thousands of versions here, so we encourage you to refer to the Web sites of companies
that list the current versions especially if you believe you have received a new version. These
are a few of the sites, including one that will do an online check of your computer (the first one).
What can you do? Protect yourself by never opening an attachment from someone you do not know, or that
look suspicious, and keep your virus protection software updated (check for updates periodically, and
anytime you have heard of a new virus). If an unexpected attachment comes from someone you do know, write
to confirm they sent the attachment prior to opening it. If you receive an e-mail that appears to come
from RootsWeb (other than a mailing list digest), and there is an attachment of any kind, don't open it.
If you feel the attachment is legitimate, use your virus protection software to check that the file
isn't infected. The newest varieties of virus', trojans, and worms, will appear to come from someone you
know (such as RootsWeb), or have a file name that would make it look legitimate. Don't assume that because
you know the sender, or that because the subject line or file name appears to be legitimate that it is
safe if it is infected, those fields will be forged to appear legitimate.
Remember, if you do not open attachments, you substantially reduce the chances of becoming infected
with a virus. Delete it. Then empty the trash bin to make sure it is gone. If you are using an e-mail
program that stores attachments elsewhere on your computer, such as Eudora, find it there and delete it,
too.
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