Tricky Woz,
Depends what you want to do. Some record info about people, some more about records, (births, deaths marriages etc.).
Avoid in my opinion - Family Tree Maker - the GUI has not advanced in years. Very US centric. However the only one I have used in any great amount.
http://www.genealogysupplies.com/ have a good range. You can get a cheap demo disk from them of various s/w.
Biggest UK mag is
http://www.family-tree.co.uk now has cover discs with demos.
Family History is probably the biggest subject on the web after porn, so it can be hard going.
http://www.cyndislist.com/ is probably the biggest reference site. Probably best to go along to his local family history society - even if his family is not local. They will have ty of advice. Unforunately many operate in day time. Think many retired old ladies..
Adrian