VB Noobie Guide- Need Opinions
 

Ok Guys, I am a phpbb convert and I am hoping VB is much more stable that the mods actually work! :)

Here are my questions as a noobie to the system.

I have downloaded and installed 3.5.4
Will the mods/hacks/plug ins marked 3.5. anything else work on my site or do they have to be 3.5.4.

As previous forum owner, I konw the standard installation works but there are plenty of hack/mods out there.

I was wondering what you recommend as kind of standard replacements or additions for your forums
i.e. looking for User/Admin Control Panel, Ratings etc...

Basically what would be the first thing to upgrade and which options do I have?

I run a more professional sites so I don't need image ratings or things like that. User pictures/avatars are great but enough. Also I am looking forward to having the forum supported by the paying users and give them that little icon saying they are a forum supporter.Also I would like shop/store mod with a cash mod type deal and user feedback.
So far I found 2 major shop mods, and one user feedback on overclockers which mimics ebays, that is really neat. I also looking for a cms add on. I have seen vbadvance and vbportal and I am leaning towards vbportal.

Anyways, What do you guy recommend as standard type upgrades.

I know everyone has thier opinions but feel free to post it and why. I plan on visiting/search and doing some analysis on everything you guys propose.

My site is a cross between postnuke and phpbb so this vb installation will be a add on to a cms system until I can find a way to create what I have in VB.

Also is there a comprehensive list of Hacks/mods/add ons that are easy to sort through and see ratings? I created something like that for postnuke call postnukedirectory.com and was wondering if something like that already existed for VB?

Thanks for your suggestions!

99% of the 3.5.x Modifications will work on all versions, unless stated otherwise.

And sorry, which hacks to install is really depending on what you need. All standard stuff is already in the default vB.