For me at least FileFront is easier to use than FilePlanet. No need to log in, no need to pay, no seperate program using up your resources constantly. Also knowing how to download, locate, extract files or folders and understanding what you've just done are core computer skills for operating any type of PC so to hide those functions behind a pretty download manager is doing yourself a disservice.
Most mods will be in a RAR or .7z file type. These are usually opened with WinRAR. Another program you should understand how to use. Inside of these will usually be some files and a data folder. Since you've researched things and chose well, you'll have JSGME installed and know that these things go in your MODS folder in your Silent Hunter III folder. Most of them will come with a readme.txt with instructions just in case.
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