Go to the cemeteries that you know your ancestors are buried in. Write down all info off their gravestone. Also check to see if any other ancestors may be buried in the same cemetery. Join your local family history society. They usually have quite a good supply of reference materials as well as having the support of other genealogists.
Most societies also hold regular meetings e.g. once a month.
Check your phone book for the nearest Family History Centre location. Join a genealogy related newsgroup on the Internet. There are lots of pitfalls for genealogists, especially those just starting out. This particularly good article gives you 20 Ways to Avoid Genealogical Grief . A virus can wipe out information on your computer and create major havoc.