GEDClean32 Features

	What Is GEDClean32?
	GEDClean32 is a small utility program which is not connected with or part of your existing genealogical programs, or any web site or publication service. You install GEDClean32 on your computer, and use it only when you decide you need it.
	When would you use GEDClean32?
	You would run GEDClean32 to help remove living individuals from a genealogical database prior to submitting it for publication, creating a web site from it, or sharing it with other researchers.
	What sort of database does GEDClean32 work with?
	GEDClean32 works on GEDCOM files, which can be produced by most genealogy database programs. You would run GEDClean32 after creating your GEDCOM file, and before sending it, submitting it, or creating a web site from it.
	How does GEDClean32 work?
	Below is the GEDClean32 main dialog. It has just three steps, making it very easy to use. However, there are numerous options you can adjust to customize it to your exact needs. GEDClean32 remembers these between sessions, so you don't have to.
	GEDClean32 Step 1
	Step 1 simply allows you to choose which GEDCOM file you'd like to "clean". All you need to know here is where your genealogy program saved the file, and what it was called.
	GEDClean32 Step 2
	Step 2 is where most of the work gets done. Although you need not spend much time here - since the default settings will produce good results for most people - you may want to come back and try different options as you become more comfortable with GEDClean32. This step is where the list of living individuals gets created, based on such things as the existence of data which suggests an individual is known to be alive or dead (such as a "burial" date or place), and by reading any dates you've entered as "life events" for that individual. Since everyone enters their data in different ways, there are lots of ways you can adjust this process. The goal is to get the most accuracy by making sure the assumptions the program makes are valid for your data. This flexibility is what sets GEDClean32 apart from it's imitators. In the end, there could be some individuals about whom you simply did not have enough information to allow GEDClean32 to make a guess. GEDClean32 can prompt you to make the decision yourself for each of these, or you can tell GEDClean32 to just assume they are all alive, (and "clean" their personal data), or all not living (and leave them alone). Running GEDClean32 a few times to see how it handles your data will help you decide if you have too many of these prompts, or inaccurate results, and need to change some settings. When that happens, the on-line Help system can guide you with tips and tricks on how to make the most of the information available.
	GEDClean32 Step 3
	Step 3 brings it all together. Your GEDCOM file is read, along with the list of living individuals you made in Step 2. A new GEDCOM file is created, with all the personal data for those individuals removed. You just sit back and watch as GEDClean32 does all the work!

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