VB Noobie Guide- Need Opinions

[3z3k3l]

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!