Surname Suggestion List 1.12 now available - includes Lithuanian surnames
Matthew Combs
software. This program helps you find variant spellings for surnames,
then assists you in searching the web for genealogy articles relating
to your surname and its variants.
Version 1.12 includes the addition of a large number of Lithuanian and
Irish surnames, as well as user suggested surnames. I also enhanced
the surname matching algorithm. This enhancement does secondary
searches when the searched for surname does not have a large number of
variants found. This additional search returns the surname variants
of the variants. Because of the nature of this search, it is
necessary to restrict this secondary search to surnames which tend to
be larger in size. It has always been more difficult to find
variations for these longer surnames, but this enhancement helps a lot
in finding those larger variants.
If you would like to try it out, it is available for download at:
http://home.triad.rr.com/combsfamily/sslmain.html
Matt Combs
Lewisville, NC
Robert Melson
Matthew Combs <Matt...@triad.rr.com> writes:
> I have just released version 1.12 of the Surname Suggestion List
> software. This program helps you find variant spellings for surnames,
> then assists you in searching the web for genealogy articles relating
> to your surname and its variants.
>
> http://home.triad.rr.com/combsfamily/sslmain.html
>
> Matt Combs
> Lewisville, NC
Matt,
Your splash page looks good. Question I have is what language
it's written in. If in perl, python, php or even java, I might
be able to use it. If a compiled language on windows, ain't
no way.
Swell Ol' Bob
--
Robert G. Melson | Rio Grande MicroSolutions | El Paso, Texas
-----
Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is the probable
reason so few engage in it. -- Henry Ford
Matthew Combs
wrote:
> Your splash page looks good. Question I have is what language
> it's written in.
Bob,
The Surname Suggestion List program is a desktop program for the
Windows Operating System. I've put a lot of effort into the
development of this program, and wish to share it with like-minded
genealogy lovers. I'm always looking out for that something extra
that will help me break through that brick wall (and we all have
them). A lot of people have found this software to do just that. I
am especially proud of the fairly recent Google Book search capability
that has been added. That alone makes the software worth a look. I
hope you will give it a try.
Here is a link to a recent Legacy News article describing what my
program (and the competition) does. http://legacynews.typepad.com/legacy_news/2008/04/how-to-find-sur.html
Matt Combs
Lewisville, NC
Robert Melson
Matthew Combs <Matt...@triad.rr.com> writes:
> On Apr 23, 11:07=A0pm, mels...@aragorn.rgmhome.net (Robert Melson)
> wrote:
>> Your splash page looks good. =A0Question I have is what language
>> it's written in.
>
> Bob,
>
> The Surname Suggestion List program is a desktop program for the
> Windows Operating System. I've put a lot of effort into the
> development of this program, and wish to share it with like-minded
> genealogy lovers. I'm always looking out for that something extra
> that will help me break through that brick wall (and we all have
> them). A lot of people have found this software to do just that. I
> am especially proud of the fairly recent Google Book search capability
> that has been added. That alone makes the software worth a look. I
> hope you will give it a try.
>
> Here is a link to a recent Legacy News article describing what my
> s/2008/04/how-to-find-sur.html
>
> Matt Combs
> Lewisville, NC
Matt,
Thanks for your reply to my earlier posting. While I'm
sure your program is little short of wonderful, it does
me absolutely no good as it is - I don't (and won't)
run windows on my computer and, as a result, can't run
your program. I had obviously hoped for a different
answer to my question; had your program been in, say,
perl or python, there'd've been a chance I might have
been able to use it.
Ah, well, such is life. Thanks again and good luck with
your endeavors.
Sad Ol' Bob
Texas Gen
I just downloaded your program---fast to download and fast to install.
One of the names I research is McCreary, so you can imagine the kinds of
bizarre variants I must brainstorm to find. Thank you for this help. Your
software brought up several variants I hadn't used.
Much obliged for your work and your sharing ---
Donna
Matthew Combs
Donna,
Many thanks for your kind words. I am glad you have found the
software to be useful. That is what it is all about.
If you have any surname variations you would like me to add to the
database, be sure to send them to me.
Thanks,
Matt
Charani
> The Surname Suggestion List program is a desktop program for the
> Windows Operating System.
Like Bob, your program isn't one that I can use either.
> I've put a lot of effort into the
> development of this program, and wish to share it with like-minded
> genealogy lovers.
I'm sure you have put in a lot of effort and your reasons are laudable
*but* (and there's always a "but") Windows is not the only operating
system. They don't have the monopoly and to be Standards Compliant a
program must be able to be used on any platform. Windows isn't
Standards Compliant.
Terry
> I'm sure you have put in a lot of effort and your reasons are laudable
> *but* (and there's always a "but") Windows is not the only operating
> system. They don't have the monopoly and to be Standards Compliant a
> program must be able to be used on any platform. Windows isn't
> Standards Compliant.
Looks like a monopoly to me - certainly a majority
http://www.onestat.com/html/aboutus_pressbox46-operating-systems-market-share.html
Anyway there is lots of software out there that doesn't run on every O/S -
and I don't just mean Windows programs. Which Standard in particular are
you referring to?
--
Terry
Robert Melson
Dunno about the standards compliant bit, and realize that it's
MY choice that makes programs such as this unusable for me.
I do wish more folks would go for the architecturally neutral
programming paradigm, however. While that generally requires
the use of interpretive languages, such as perl or python, and
would require the user to install an interpreter on his/her
local system, it would be a boon in situations such as this.
While my "demon programmer" days are past, if Matt would like
to contact me off-group to discuss possibly translating his
program to perl, I'd be happy to lend a hand.
SysAdmin Ol' Bob
singhals
Generally speaking, programmers program in languages they
know. The MAC/Apple architecture is so different and so
not-open (or at least it was when I cared) that learning to
program for it required buying the license. I had no
financial motive for spending that kind of money.
At least Bob has the right attitude (g) -- he wants
something done, and he knows how, so he volunteers.
Cheryl
Robert Melson
singhals <sing...@erols.com> writes:
<snip>
> Generally speaking, programmers program in languages they
> know. The MAC/Apple architecture is so different and so
> not-open (or at least it was when I cared) that learning to
> program for it required buying the license. I had no
> financial motive for spending that kind of money.
>
> At least Bob has the right attitude (g) -- he wants
> something done, and he knows how, so he volunteers.
>
> Cheryl
>
Yeah, it's pretty much true that when your only tool is
a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. So, when I
say perl, it's in part because it _my_ hammer - and I don't
much care for python.
Still, while it's true that Matt's program runs on arguably
the majority of systems, there's that nagging remaining
approximately 10% that he's not reaching because he chose
to program in some M$ proprietary language. Can't - and won't -
begrudge him that, tho' the utility of his program is such that
I'd like to see it available outside the world of Gates'
Universal Computer Virus and sometimes Operating System - and
_that_ would require some rethinking and possibly redesign to
accomodate to an architecturally neutral language environment.
Smilin' Ol' Bob
Terry
Ah!, so it's not just Windows that isn't "Standards Compliant" then
--
Terry
Robert Melson
Apple's "difference" is in the user interface, while Windoze
insists on doing _everything_ their own way, from internals
to UI to... Gates Universal Computer Virus and occasional
Operating System has a long history of noncompliance. Of
course, when you're the 800 lb gorilla, you can pretty much
do what you want.
Gotta say, though, that this is scarcely the place for a
flame war regarding operating systems. You use what you're
comfortable with, I'll do the same, tho' I reserve the right
to bash Bill and his, ahhhh, program loader.
Surly Ol' Bob
Robert Melson
>
I run neither Windows nor OS-whatever, but FreeBSD, an
operating system derived from Berkeley Unix. While the
current versions of MAC/OS are claimed to be based on
the original 386BSD, I don't know that from personal
experience.
Why FreeBSD? Well, it _is_ free, for one thing. And,
because I've "done" Unix for more years than I care to
count, the particular version (Free-, vs Net- or OpenBSD),
fits like an old shoe. Further deponent saith not.
Sunny Ol' Bob
Hugh Watkins
the present Intel Mac OS is unix
with the fine GUI as a shell
http://www.apple.com/macosx/technology/unix.html
UNIX certification.
Leopard is an Open Brand UNIX 03 Registered Product, conforming to the
SUSv3 and POSIX 1003.1 specifications for the C API, Shell Utilities,
and Threads. Since Leopard can compile and run all your existing UNIX
code, you can deploy it in environments that demand full conformance —
complete with hooks to maintain compatibility with existing software.
Hugh W
--
For genealogy and help with family and local history in Bristol and
district http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Brycgstow/
http://snaps4.blogspot.com/ photographs and walks
GENEALOGE http://hughw36.blogspot.com/ MAIN BLOG
Matthew Combs
operating systems and their relative merits. When it comes down to
it, one doesn't take lightly the decision to invest a great deal of
time to develop a software program for distribution. After carefully
considering my education, tools readily available to me, and
applicability of the resulting product to a large percentage of the
genealogy community, I chose to develop a program for the Windows
Operating System. I have put untold hours developing this software,
and I am very pleased with it. As you may have noticed, I have
recently released version 1.12. I am constantly working to improve
this software. Why do I put the effort into it? I do it for the same
reason that many genealogists sit for hours transcribing old records,
or are out in the cemeteries compiling lists, or sitting at microfilm
doing a lookup for a distant person (someone who they likely don't
know). We do it because we love Genealogy and want to help others in
their research. I take the utmost care in developing this software
and compiling the database of surnames. I work long hours to ensure
that the database is relevant and helpful to people not just here in
the US, but around the world.
It is my desire that this software be put into as many hands as
possible. I truly think that it is a worthwhile endeavor. I
encourage each and every one of you to try it out. It can be
downloaded at http://home.triad.rr.com/combsfamily/sslmain.html . If
you like the software, I encourage you to make a donation to support
its continued development. If you have an idea to improve it, let me
know about it. I want to make the software better.
You can also help by spreading the word about this program. Post a
link to my software in your email groups. Tell your local genealogy
society newsletter editor about it. You too can be a part of helping
others in the genealogy community. We've all been beginners at one
time or another. Without the help we've received, where would we be
today? I encourage you to do something right now. You have my thanks
in advance, and I know you will feel better after you've done
something for others.
Matt Combs
Lewisville, NC
unkleoskar
> I appreciate the discussion that has been going on here regarding
> operating systems and their relative merits. When it comes down to
> it, one doesn't take lightly the decision to invest a great deal of
> time to develop a software program for distribution. After carefully
> considering my education, tools readily available to me, and
> applicability of the resulting product to a large percentage of the
> genealogy community, I chose to develop a program for the Windows
> Operating System. I have put untold hours developing this software,
> and I am very pleased with it. As you may have noticed, I have
> recently released version 1.12. I am constantly working to improve
> this software. Why do I put the effort into it? I do it for the same
> reason that many genealogists sit for hours transcribing old records,
> or are out in the cemeteries compiling lists, or sitting at microfilm
> doing a lookup for a distant person (someone who they likely don't
> know). We do it because we love Genealogy and want to help others in
> their research. I take the utmost care in developing this software
> and compiling the database of surnames. I work long hours to ensure
> that the database is relevant and helpful to people not just here in
> the US, but around the world.
>
> It is my desire that this software be put into as many hands as
> possible. I truly think that it is a worthwhile endeavor. I
> encourage each and every one of you to try it out. It can be
> you like the software, I encourage you to make a donation to support
> its continued development. If you have an idea to improve it, let me
> know about it. I want to make the software better.
>
> You can also help by spreading the word about this program. Post a
> link to my software in your email groups. Tell your local genealogy
> society newsletter editor about it. You too can be a part of helping
> others in the genealogy community. We've all been beginners at one
> time or another. Without the help we've received, where would we be
> today? I encourage you to do something right now. You have my thanks
> in advance, and I know you will feel better after you've done
> something for others.
>
> Matt Combs
> Lewisville, NC
Matt
After all this discussion I feel I have to comment. I am not a
professional, however my first computer was a " Trash 80 Model III"
running cassettes. I wrote my own programs in basic. Work
requirements prevented me from accomplishing much in the computer
field. I resisted Microsoft for a long time but finally capitulated
for Win 98.
Have been doing genealogy for nearly thirty years and this program
because of the search links and alternate names broke a twenty five
year brickwall
thanks
Lee C
Nashua NH
Robert Melson
Matthew Combs <Matt...@triad.rr.com> writes:
> I appreciate the discussion that has been going on here regarding
> operating systems and their relative merits. When it comes down to
Matt,
It wasn't my intent to steal your thunder WRT your program. As I
think I said, it looks good on your web-site and I'd really like
to be able to use it, but cannot because it's not portable to
my operating environment.
Let me repeat my early offer: if you'd like to explore a more
architecturally neutral and portable version, one that'd
snag the other 10%, contact me off-group - my email is in the
reply-to field in the header. If not, I understand but will
continue to be disappointed.
A tip of the ol' sombrero for your efforts,
Simpatico Ol' Bob
singhals
> I appreciate the discussion that has been going on here regarding
> operating systems and their relative merits. When it comes down to
I _wasn't_ intending to start that discussion.
Doesn't matter which OS is _better_ or how -- what matters
is what you know, because no one in their right mind sets
out to a letter in a language they don't know. And even if
you know /some/ of the language, you can still bollix it up
pretty badly (type a letter in English, change font to
Greek, and see which Greek can read it).
Soon's I get enough stuff off my HD to leave me room to d/l
this, I'll try the new version.
Cheryl
Matthew Combs
> Have been doing genealogy for nearly thirty years and this program
> because of the search links and alternate names broke a twenty five
> year brickwall
Lee,
I really appreciate your note. This is what it is all about. If you
have any questions or concerns about the software, feel free to
write. I'll do my best to help.
Thanks,
Matt Combs
Lewisville, NC
Robert Grumbine
Robert Melson wrote:
[trim]
> I run neither Windows nor OS-whatever, but FreeBSD, an
> operating system derived from Berkeley Unix. While the
> current versions of MAC/OS are claimed to be based on
> the original 386BSD, I don't know that from personal
> experience.
The claim I've seen is that it was based on the original
BSD, which predated 386BSD by a long ways. From my
experience with a BSD-based system in the 80s (HP-UX, that
I was administrator of), OSX looks pretty BSD-ish rather than
SysV-ish, and even less like Linux.
> Why FreeBSD? Well, it _is_ free, for one thing. And,
> because I've "done" Unix for more years than I care to
> count, the particular version (Free-, vs Net- or OpenBSD),
> fits like an old shoe. Further deponent saith not.
>
> Sunny Ol' Bob
Geeky young Bob here.
--
Robert Grumbine http://www.radix.net/~bobg/ Science faqs and amateur activities notes and links.
Sagredo (Galileo Galilei) "You present these recondite matters with too much
evidence and ease; this great facility makes them less appreciated than they
would be had they been presented in a more abstruse manner." Two New Sciences