I've found that taking out a subscription to Ancestry very useful. It is worth looking at Family Search which you can use , at least partially without charge. Family relatives may also be helpful in giving ideas. I'm sure you will find it an absorbing hobby. Good luck with your search.
I used Genes reunited. It was great. Knew nothing much about my Dad's family, his grandad was called John Smith!!!!!!!
48 hours after starting my tree on Genes reunited, my dad's cousin in Austrailia had contacted me, and they met for the first time in 2007.
Loads of relatives have been in touch, as the internet site gives you all of your 'tree matches'.