This has to be just a quick note, but ... my number one choice is the Mormon Family Search website: http://www.familysearch.org/eng/default.asp. The info there is free and they have put MUCH work into it. It's a GREAT place for starters. Then there are so many other places, especially libraries and archives. Also, PLEASE don't neglect to start with your own family, especially "the older ones." Once they're gone, you've lost one of the most important "sources" you could ever have. Also, they're usually happy to talk about and that someone else is actually interested.