You have been given some good advice. Also read the newbie FAQ and the Tips thread. There is a LOT of very very useful informaiton in both of those threads. And the nice thing is, its easy to find and use.
2. Most peope simply click the UPGRADE option for their design and then rename the Design "Constitution II" then CREATE DESIGN. They then make the old design OBSOLETE so that it no longer shows up, if the ONLY LATEST or NO OBSOLETE option has been selected, in the construction and design lists.
I would also strongly recommend that you download and install all of the Image Mod Packs, those being Components, Facilities, Events, Combat, and Planets. wwww.imagemod.spaceempires.net or use the Suicide Junkie link at the bottom even if it is marked as being off line.
Install to the corrosponding folders under your Space Empires IV / PICTURES folder. IE simply unzip say the component pack and drop into the PICTURES /folder and click yes to the over write.
THe IMAGE Mod packs add a ton of new images to your stock files that many many mods utilize. By having the additioanl images in your base files, ALL mods can access them.
Good luck and reember to train your ships and fleets.