Most services and databases are only accessible with purchase of the Family TreeMaker program. CompuServ's Genealogy Forum offers searchable databases, message boards, online conferences and member databases. You must be a member of CompuServ to access the Genealogy Forum. The many databases, services and downloadable files are available only through subscription. The Ancestry Hometown website provides many genealogy databases, world-wide resources and the Eastman Online Genealogy Newsletter.
Several databases are available without subscription.
Mailing Lists Mailing Lists and Listservs are also good tools in genealogical research. The Roots-L Resources Page is the largest mailing list devoted to genealogists with over 8000 members. This free service is part of the RootsWeb Project. Library Resources and Special Collections Libraries are an invaluable source of genealogical research. Start by browsing the Reference collection of your local library.