Some newer users of PAF are not aware that they can compare
two PAF files right on the screen. This facility can be
very useful when one gets a PAF file or GEDCOM from another
researcher. (To make use of the compare facility, one must
convert the GEDCOM file into PAF files IN A NEW
SUBDIRECTORY OR ON A NEW DISK.)

The process is to change to your PAF directory and enter
this command: 

     fr -d(path) 

Note the space between fr and -d. You must substitute the
actual path to your second (new) PAF files for (path) above.
For example, if your new files are on a disk in drive A,
then the command would be 

     fr -da:\

When this is entered, the normal pedigree page of your
primary file comes up on the screen. Pressing F3 will shift
the screen to the pedigree page from your second (new) PAF
file. When each page is changed to the same family, repeated
pressing of F3 will shift back and forth so you can see any
differences which exist. 

This method will enable you to determine whether or not
there is new data in the new file and, if so, handle it in
a way that you prefer. Unless there is a great deal of new
and different data, using the Merge facility in PAF can be
more of a hassle than it is worth. 

BTW, if you do much merging, you may want to look into a
program much better than the PAF merge. It is called
SuperMerge! and available from Nordin Enterprises, 4417
Pitch Pine Court, San Jose, CA 95136-2410
(Tel 408-578-5234).