Whether you use Backblaze today, are just thinking about it, or use something else to back up your PC or Mac, join us for a deep dive into Backblaze Computer Backup. You probably that know Backblaze is the easiest way to back up your computer, but do you know about the locate-my-computer feature, or that you can schedule your backups, or you can set your very own private encryption key? How about getting your data back, delivered to you by FedEx on a hard drive, for free. We’ll cover all that and more. We’ll even spend a few minutes on where and how your data is stored with Backblaze and how we keep it safe until you need it back. Join us.

WikiTree is one of the Global family Trees available online that works collaboratively to have an accurate, single family tree. You may have heard of WikiTree, but did you also know that WikiTree does DNA as well? WikiTree has very robust DNA features which can identify testers who may match you in the DNA connections section of an ancestor’s profile. We will work the features and show you how to further your family history research using WikiTree and its DNA features.

Instagram is a visual social media tool that allows users to share photos, videos, gifs, inspirational quotes, and more. Instagram is also a favorite platform among the younger generation, making it a vital tool for genealogists of all ages, as well as genealogical societies, to learn and embrace. As you get ‘grammin’ with Instagram, you will quickly see the benefits of sharing your family photos, your genealogy research, and your passion for family history with others. Plus, Instagram is fun to use! Learn how to get up and running with Instagram, and “Insta” your family history.

DNA Painter is a popular website for genealogists who want to explore their autosomal DNA test results. Join site creator Jonny Perl for this update on new features for tree visualizations and chromosome mapping, as well as other recent releases and tools.

We all want our writing to be clear and concise and agonise over getting it just right. Is that the correct word? Have I put the comma in the right place? Should that be an em-dash or an en-dash? Sometimes we just need a tool to help us identify the typos and grammatical inconsistencies or highlight the punctuation errors. This session will demonstrate free tools to improve our writing and help us become better writers.

Ransomware is a form of malware (malicious software) that encrypts a victim’s files so they cannot be accessed. The attacker then demands that the victim pay a ransom in order to have access to their files restored. Maybe, you’ve heard about ransomware in the news and thought it was a business problem, but in truth over 75% of ransomware attacks are aimed at individuals and small businesses. Why, because you are easy targets. Learn more about ransomware and what you can do about before it strikes, and if you are attacked how you can recover.

Everywhere we turn we hear from someone recommending the latest and greatest apps and tools to use in our research. But should we try to use all of them? Some of them? None of them? How do you choose what is best for you? We will go over the research process and help you decide which of your own activities need special tools and which work well with the standard tools we all should use.

Canva is a freemium model cloud-based graphic design app that allows even the most design-challenged genealogist to create attractive digital and print products. Colleen uses it frequently to create visuals for my blogs, social media posts, videos and reports, and for family celebrations. We will walk through navigating around the browser interface and features, review the various design libraries, and demonstrate some of her regular design use cases. We will also discuss free personal Canva, premium Canva Pro, and Canva’s Nonprofits program for your society.

Spanish colonial and Mexican Catholic parish registers are rich in genealogical information. This session will discuss the laws, customs, and significance of these particular Catholic records that essentially “bookend” the life of your ancestors; as well as where to find and how to analyze them.