Start with the people and sources already within reach
Record what you know, interview relatives with their permission and keep photographs, certificates and notes connected to the people they describe. Treat every memory as a lead until it can be compared with a source, and mark uncertainty instead of forcing an early conclusion.
Use free archives without confusing a search result with proof
National archives, libraries and responsible public catalogs can provide images and indexes without a commercial subscription. Save the exact collection, archive reference, page or image number and access date. An index entry is a route to the record, not a substitute for reading and citing the original material.
Know what the free workspace includes before you commit
GeneaProof offers a Free plan for private, evidence-aware research without a trial countdown. The current pricing page shows the exact workspace, collaboration, storage, media and visual-model limits before registration. Upgrade only when the additional capacity or professional workflow is useful, and export your research in open formats whenever you need a portable copy.