There are five basic types of genealogical information, Surname (Family Name), Given Name, Places, Dates, and Occupations. Any and all of these pieces of information can (and usually do) lead you to another piece of information. They are often found together, especially Family Name with a Given Name and Dates.
There are also five levels of the reliability of the source. They are Knowledge of the Informant, Motivation of the Informant, Effect of Time, Copying and Compiling Errors, and Internet Research. We all know that we can't believe everything we read off of the internet; we also know that people are humans and make mistakes in compiling information; we also know that time and motivation can effect a person's memory. I've said it before and I'll say it again... "Check, Double Check, and if there is still any doubt, Triple Check your results!" Find at least two or three sources that all agree on the information.
