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You've probably heard this old proverb: "To do good work, one must first have good tools."

Just walk down the aisles of any hardware store and you'll see a flabbergasting array of tools available for every kind of project.

Good tools are easy to come by. The problem is that, regardless of how expensive or clever the gadget, you still have to figure out how to use it.

Genealogists also have an endless supply of tools for their research toolboxes. Yet, we sometimes ignore the genealogy gadgets that can help our research.

Family historians can find a variety of research tools on the free Web site: www.familysearch.org.

Many of you have discovered FamilySearch; more than 50,000 people log onto the site every day. But we haven't all figured out how to tap into this site's toolbox full of resources.

Besides the 1 billion names in its databases, this site also offers an assortment of research tools.

You don't need to use chisels and stone to record your family history. Use family history software. FamilySearch offers a free download of Personal Ancestral File, a well-respected and versatile genealogy software package.

Getting your data organized and computerized is a great way to start the New Year.

You might think you need a compass or a GPS unit to track down your ancestors. Use the library catalog on FamilySearch instead. The Family History Library in Salt Lake City has more than 2 million microfilms of historical records. Use the online catalog to pinpoint films that can help in your research.

Then, visit your local Family History Center and order the films.

Put away the complex historical blueprints and pull out the research guides on FamilySearch. An alphabetical list of states and countries around the world in the Research Helps section links you to place-specific research aids.

For example, you'll find historic timelines for each state as well as information on resources ranging from archives to voting registers.

The research guides for foreign countries also outline the commonly used genealogical terms in other languages. If you're looking at resources for Argentina, for example, you'll see a Spanish genealogical word list.

Organize all of those genealogical nuts and bolts lying around by using some of the downloadable forms and charts on FamilySearch.

Finally, if you're ready to move beyond the genealogical apprentice stage and begin sharing the fruits of your labors, you can submit your family tree to the FamilySearch Web site.

You can also join e-mail collaboration lists to find others who are researching your ancestors.

Also take a look at a special FamilySearch project at: www.familysearchindexing.org. Thousands of volunteers are working to index historical records that will soon be available on FamilySearch.

Web Site of the Week: www.wvculture.org/vrr/

Find digital images of West Virginia birth, death, and marriage certificates.