How do I learn how to use Ancestry .com properly?

Question:I'm doing research on my families heritage. I am going to subscribe to Ancestry .com. How do I use it properly? I want the right info on my family. I've herd that there can be allot of misleading info on paid and free sites. I want to know where my family came from and when they immigrated to the USA. I also have Apaache ancesters, I would like to find out what tribe they where in.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm doing research on my families heritage. I am going to subscribe to Ancestry .com. How do I use it properly? I want the right info on my family. I've herd that there can be allot of misleading info on paid and free sites. I want to know where my family came from and when they immigrated to the USA. I also have Apaache ancesters, I would like to find out what tribe they where in.

Wolf, there is incorrect info ANYWHERE you research, online or off. That is a simple part of genealogical research. Even when using what are known as "primary" documents (ones made at the time of the event..census, birth, death), there are errors.
Published books have errors.
Don't let that scare you off!! Be alert to it, and take it in stride, at the same time as your experience along the way will show you how these happen, and how to find the best info.
http://www.cyndislist.com/beginner.htm
This section has a number of sites/ articles about starting out, and how good documentation comes into the picture. Anywhere you see a family tree, it is submitted by someone. Look at it.. does it give you a source for the info? Or does it brag that it never verified anything, it is just what has been collected from other persons. If you can't go back and check it for yourself, you have NO way to even evaluate if a fact is good or bad. I get extremely nervous when I see files that brag about how many people it has.. better to have 10 people that you know are solid.
Advice from 25+ years.. if someone "challenges" what you have, or questions the source.. don't take offense!! Two persons, playing devils advocate about the likelihood of something.. both gain, if working with an open mind.
As for ancestry.com, I am still new to it (but much offline or other source experience). My last advice is that the MORE sites you use, the better off you are. Ancestry has certain things that are not out there otherwise... but the opposite is also true.

Look to the actual records as opposed to the One Tree or individual trees. It's all about documentation and with the actual records, you have that. Enjoy!

When you sign up they have an instructional video. It really helps. I have been researching for 6 years and it is addictive. If you have a Mormon church near you they have access to the largest collection of geneological records in existence. Contact them also, they have been very help full. Ancestry.com has been the best I have experienced for a resource you have to pay for. Good Luck

I myself love Ancestry.com I have learned so much. about my family history .Maybe try it free first,I hope you have dates to go on,I,m sure you will be hooked as I am.

When it comes to the information you find on any site, verifying it with valid documentation is what really matters. Ancestry.com has lots of good information as far as being able to view documents; however, the trees are only as good as the documentation that's provided, and I'd definitely take them with a big grain of salt. Take the trees as a starting point, rather than as being set in stone, and go from there.

Enjoy - it's a good site if used properly.

There is some teaching on line. The Latter Day Saints have terrific records and expertise as well as very reasonable prices for information sheets. There are different Public records you can search like records of marriages, births, and deaths, social insurance numbers. Church records can be helpful if you know where your ancestors were living. Looking up names can be helpful although they can be huge numbers, so like a needle in a haystack. It is a fascinating study and worthwhile. As you continue your search you will likely hook up with others also searching, so that can enrich your experience. You may get better results by traveling to areas where your ancestors lived, and searching the records in that community. There are many resources. Ancestors.com does have teaching available, but I recommend you have a good block of time to do the research needed. Good luck.