Beginer guide to installing mods?

I've searched around and read some FAQ pages, but can't seem to find basic info on installing mods. My webdevelper is no longer in the picture so I don't know what I'm doing. Here is my question:

I found where to download mods, and learned you have to unpack them to get the files and the readme. But then what? Can I install the mod in the admin section or do I need to do it somewhere else? If I have to upload the files to the server do I just put the file where the readme file says to put them and the mod self installs? Or is there finding and editing code via cut and paste?

If I have to upload the files to the server do I just put the file where the readme file says to put them and the mod self installs?

Well, in most cases the answer is yes. Some mods need more than this but they will let you know in detail if they do.

Which mods are you thinking of?

Most mods come with step-by-step instructions in the readme or a dedicated install document. Just follow them as closely as you can. Basic general rules would be:

• make sure that you put the files in the right place (usually such that the folders you're uploading closely match those already there, so that they're merged)
• make sure that the files that need to get overwritten actually get overwritten
• don't embellish on the instructions (e.g. by keeping backups of changed files in the same directory)
• pay extra close attention to the instructions for installing database patches
• always do a backup before installing a database patch (the one permitted embellishment, if the mod author forgot to say this)

niccol:

Which mods are you thinking of?

I was thinking of the automaticlogin mod

Thank you

One further point, having looked at this mod, that we have forgotten to say is that you evidently need to change the folders that are called YOUR_TEMPLATE to a name that matches the name of your template. There are a few in this mod and you need to change them all.

The read_me file here is pretty clear. Note Kuroi's comments particularly about sql patches.