Tools I Need
Technology that really helps
A computer that can get around easily on the web
make sure you learn to cut & paste
know the "find in page" command
know how to download and save files
learn how to bookmark and organize your bookmarks
learn to use Google well - if you are not used to in-depth Googling go to their
Advanced Search Page which helps walk you through your options
Printer - if you are buying one consider a model that has a scanner
Flash drive / Thumb Drive - keep things backed up - take things on the go
A basic art program that crops photos - If you don't have one there are a number of free ones out there like Irfanview or Google's Picasa
Office Supplies
Binders
Plastic sleeves
Hanging Files
Reference tools that are nice to have
Atlas - you want one that shows the county lines. These maps are available online but a physical atlas is nice to have and quick and easy to grab.
Handy Book for Genealogists - You don't have to have the latest one but you want the 9th edition or above because the maps are superior.
the 10th edition new is about $40 but both the 9th or 10th editions can be bought used from Barnes & Noble or Amazon etc. for about $8.00 - It has good outline maps of counties that stretch across state lines, listings of genealogical societies in the U.S. and county formation information that tells when the county was formed and from what, when they started keeping records and if groups of records were destroyed.