I've been working on my family tree -- with branches for about 20 years now. I use "Legacy" -- mentioned by Kat up there a way. I've tried others but I come back to this one. It's a good easy way to begin.
Charting the family usually is just the beginning. I'm now writing the family stories -- and re-writing them as I get more information. The stories are the part that make it all so interesting.

My advice is to talk to everyone you can find who might be in any way connected. Distribute questionaires, with a return address, to anyone you talk to. There are templates in many family tree programs -- or they're free on-line. I often give people a stamped addressed envelope as well. Keep all the addresses, phone numbers of people you talk to. I have boxes where I can just put information under various family names. I sort it all from time to time.

I came across a cousin I never knew I had and we had a wonderful friendship for 7 years until she died last year. She had come upon boxes of old family photographs and diaries -- all sorts of things. Through this connection I went on to meet, and learn about, more and more family.

I've been involved in one family re-union and plan on attending more -- they are a great way to make connections.
Good luck and happy travels Mo.
Cheers, Joy