As a basic user you can only use the Geni search screen to access profiles you and your collaborators manage. You will need to use an external search engine like Google to find other profiles, but that will be limited to public profiles.
Also as a basic user it is more difficult to find any possible duplicate that Geni indicates.
Like Lois said please try it out a bit before deciding about Pro and use the free trial to find those profiles that you had difficulty with as a basic user.
