Which license to choose: for a computer or for a portable USB disk?

This simple question opens the door to a tailored experience — and the right choice depends on how you plan to use the program.

So, two options are presented:

• a license for a computer;
• a license designed for a portable USB disk or flash drive.

A computer license is the go‑to option for most users: it’s straightforward, reliable, and perfectly suited to working on a single device.

The USB license, meanwhile, offers flexibility. It’s the ideal choice for those who move between different computers or often visit archives — giving you the freedom to work wherever you need to.

Commercial licenses offers the same license types, but they allow to use Agelong Tree in professional job.

Let’s take a closer look at who each option is best suited for.

Computer license: the perfect fit for home‑based work

This license is designed for users who primarily work from home. The application is installed on a single, dedicated computer and activated by linking it to that device. Once set up, it’s ready to go the moment you open it — your data stays safely on the hard drive, always within easy reach.

The PC license remains the most popular choice, and for good reason:

• More affordable — you’ll save $15, a worthwhile saving.
• No extra hardware needed — no need to worry about a USB drive.
• Nothing to forget — you won’t leave a storage device at home.
• Lower risk of loss — the license stays with your computer, reducing the chance of misplacing it.
• Simple workflow — the familiar process of installing and launching the application.

Opt for PC license if:

• You mainly work from home using one computer or laptop.
• You don’t plan to edit your data while away — for example, in an archive, at a relative’s home computer, or on a business trip using someone else’s computer. (You can still view and share your data using the free version.)
• You value stability and convenience — having the application always in its usual place means no need to hunt for a flash drive.
• Saving $15 matters to you.

Key points to keep in mind with PC license:

• Switching devices: If you get a new computer or laptop, you can transfer the license to it — our support team will guide you through the process.
• Losing access to your PC: In case of a breakdown or theft, the license can be restored with the help of support. Just make sure you have a backup copy of your data.
• Single‑device use: One license is valid for one computer only. If you need to use the program on two devices, you’ll need two separate computer licenses.

What you need to purchase a PC license:

All you need is an e-mail address. After payment, you’ll receive a license e-mail. Then download the application from the download page, activate it, and you’re ready to work. Note that we also recommend to download and install Agelong Tree before buying a license – to make sure that it works well on your computer.

USB disk license: freedom to work anywhere

This license is made for those who work “on the move” — it gives you the freedom to take your genealogy project with you wherever you go. Instead of being tied to a single computer, the application lives on a USB disk or flash drive. You can launch it on almost any PC where running programs from external media is allowed.

Picture this: you plug the drive into a computer USB port in an archive’s document reading room, open your family tree, add new details, then simply take the flash drive with you and head home. Your work stays with you — no need to leave traces on someone else’s machine.

When the USB license is the best choice? Consider this option if you:

• Visit archives, reading rooms, or travel to different cities and need to work with your database on various computers.
• Work in multiple locations — at home, in the country, at the office, or at your parents’ place — and want to use the same software with up‑to‑date data everywhere.
• Frequently switch between computers and don’t want to go through the hassle of transferring and reactivating the application each time.
• Prefer not to store or leave personal family data on someone else’s or shared computers (for example, at work).
• Want to keep all your genealogical materials together — the application, your family tree, and even photos — on a single USB disk.

Important things to keep in mind for using USB drive license:

• You’ll need a USB disk or flash drive separately — it’s not included in the license price. Almost any modern storage device will work, but it’s worth choosing a reliable brand (like Kingston, SanDisk, or Samsung) and opting for extra storage space, especially if you plan to keep scanned photos and documents on the drive.
• Keep the USB drive connected while using the application — it needs to stay plugged in for the entire session.
• Be mindful of the risks: losing or damaging the USB drive means losing access to your work. That’s why regular backups of your database are absolutely essential. For tips on how to set up a secure backup system, check out the article “How not to lose your family history.”
• Remember that Agelong Tree needs to be run from USB drive, so to launch it you need to double-click “Agelong Tree 6.exe” file in “Agelong Tree 6” folder of your USB drive.

What you need to purchase a license for USB drive:

You’ll need two things: an e-mail address and a USB disk (or flash drive). After purchase, the license will be sent to your e-mail. Then, install the application directly onto the USB disk according to the instructions and activate it there — and you’re all set to work on the go.

Life scenarios: choosing the right license for your situation

To help you pick the best option, let’s look at five common situations and the most suitable license for each.

Scenario 1: Creating a family tree for an anniversary (no long‑term plans). Best choice: PC license.

You’re planning to build a family tree for a special occasion, without committing to long‑term genealogical work. A PC license is ideal here: it lets you work comfortably at home, without needing to carry a flash drive or worry about losing it. At $34,95, it’s a practical and cost‑effective solution.

Scenario 2: Deep into archival research, travelling across regions, with over 300 people in your tree. Best choice: USB license.

If you’re seriously invested in genealogy, regularly visiting archives and travelling to different regions, a portable solution becomes a real lifesaver. The USB license lets you take your entire project with you and work on any computer where external media are allowed — perfect for active researchers.

Scenario 3: Working at home on a PC, but wanting access on a laptop while travelling. Both options work — but with different trade‑offs:

• USB license: one license, one flash drive that you carry between devices. Simple and flexible.
• Two PC licenses (for your computer and laptop): you get a 30 % discount on the second license, so the total is 34,95 + 24,67 = 59,42 $. This option is slightly more expensive than the USB solution, but it removes the need to carry a drive and eliminates the risk of losing it.

Choose based on what matters most to you: convenience and portability, or peace of mind without a physical carrier.

Scenario 4: Providing genealogy services to clients on a professional basis. Best choice: Commercial license.

For professional use, you’ll need a commercial license: $99,95 for a PC version or $149,95 for a USB version.

• Opt for the USB license if you visit clients without your own laptop or frequently work on different computers.
• Choose the PC license if you mainly work from a single, dedicated device.

Scenario 5: Gifting a license to your mother or grandmother. The right choice depends on how the recipient plans to use the program:

• PC license is a good fit if they’ll be working on the same computer all the time.
• USB license makes more sense if they often use different devices or plan to visit archives and work on various computers.

This way, the gift will truly match their needs and make their genealogy journey as smooth as possible.

Can you switch between PC and USB licenses?

Yes — you can change from a PC license to a USB license (or the other way around) under the following conditions:

• If the license hasn’t been activated yet. As long as there have been no activation attempts, the switch is possible.
• In special technical cases. If you need a replacement for technical reasons, our support team will consider your request on an individual basis — just get in touch with them.

Enjoy a 30 % discount on extra licenses

When you buy two or more licenses in a single order, you’ll get a 30 % discount on the second and all subsequent licenses. The offer also applies if you’ve already purchased a Tree of Life license for your email address — no matter which version it was.

This discount comes in handy when:

• You’d like to have both a PC license for home and a USB license for travelling.
• You’re buying licenses as gifts for several family members.
• You’re upgrading to a commercial license but want to keep your current one as well.

Think long term when choosing a license

Agelong Tree is a tool many people use for years, so the choice isn’t really about saving $15 right now. It’s about finding the most convenient way to work — not just today, but in a year or even a decade from now.

Picture your ideal genealogy workflow:

• If it’s cosy evenings at home, working on your laptop with a cup of tea, a PC license will suit you perfectly.
• If your research means trips to archives, using different computers, and keeping all your data close at hand, the USB license gives you the freedom you need.

The most important thing is to pick the option that fits your current style of work. And don’t worry if you need to change it later: you can always transfer your data to a USB disk and continue working from portable media.

Ready to choose the right license for you? Head to the license selection page.