INSTALLATION

• The most common way to install mods requires 3 steps. First, download the mod from a trusted website (preferably the creator's forum page for that certain mod). Secondly, use WinRAR archiver (for 64-bit computer users, get it here; for 32-bit computer users, get it here) to open the downloaded mod file and the "minecraft.jar" file, which you can get to by going to [User Name]>Appdata>Roaming>.minecraft>bin. Finally, drag the files from the downloaded mod file into the "minecraft.jar" file, and close both files.
  
• HOWEVER, I recommend a much simpler way of installing mods. All you need is the Minecraft Magic Launcher, by sp614x (get it here). Once downloaded, just open the launcher, and click the 'Setup' button. Next to 'Configuration,' click on the 'New' button. A box labeled 'New configuration' will appear, and you should title this configuration preferably the version of Minecraft you are running. Set the 'Copy from' to Default, and click the 'OK' button. Find and click on the button on the right side of the launcher's setup menu that is labeled 'Add' and once a new window opens, select all the mods you want to run. It's that simple! **Do not delete the regular Minecraft launcher; you will need it to update your Minecraft when the time comes.**
  
• Whichever method of installing mods you choose, I recommend keeping all of your downloaded mods in one folder. Then, whenever Minecraft requires an update, create a new folder and save your mods there.
  

MY RECOMMENDED MODS

1. TooManyItems (by Marglyph): TooManyItems, (TMI) is an in-game inventory edit for Minecraft, allowing you to acquire items with just a few clicks. With its newer versions, TMI has added a tool that allows you to easily change your game mode in game, a tool that allows you to change the difficulty without having to open the menu, a tool that allows you to change the weather, and more. [GET IT HERE]
   
2. Rei's Minimap (by ReiFNSK): Rei's Minimap is a minimap application in Minecraft that shows you where you are going to reduce the amount of getting lost players often experience. This mod allows you to add waypoints to your world so you always know exactly where something is and shows you the different mobs all around you. [GET IT HERE]
   
3. Inventory Tweaks (by jimeowan): Inventory Tweaks is a simple mod that allows you to manage your inventory easily in both single player and multiplayer. It automatically replaces your tools as they break and item stacks once emptied (if you have them on you), sorts your inventory and your chests in a single click/keystroke, provides lots of powerful shortcuts to move items around, and allows you to customize entirely the way your inventory is sorted, thanks to clever configuration files. [GET IT HERE]
   
4. 3D Items (by Quintinity): Being the simplest mod on this list, 3D Items doesn't do much. But by transforming dropped items from flat to 3D, just like when you hold those items in your hands, this mod gives Minecraft a more aesthetic feel. [GET IT HERE] *This mod requires another mod called QuinOptions, which you can get here.*
   
5. OptiFine (by sp614x): Created by the same modder who made the Magic Launcher for Minecraft, OptiFine is a performance-enhancing mod for Minecraft. This mod adds support for HD textures automatically (goodbye, MC Patcher) and an innumerable amount of options that make your game look better and increase the performance of it. After using this mod, my average FPS in Minecraft more than doubled. Plus it includes a neat zoom feature! [GET IT HERE] *In my opinion, the Ultra version for OptiFine is the best.* || SIDE NOTE: I created an in-depth tutorial for this mod a couple of months ago. Check it out here.