Some questions - help please

[Jason2]

I am still a newbie at this game, but had some questions:

1) I started a cluster-galaxy with 'not all warp points connected' which creates a cool set-up of small clusters that are removed from one another. My question is: Will the computer develope stellar manipulation and move outward to new clusters once it has filled the 3-5 systems it is currently occupying?? I do not want to play a long game (of developing myself in my small cluster) only to discover a pathetic computer opponent.

2) I would like to download and apply the Mod-package, but have no programming experience (I play games and word process... that's about it) Will I be able to install it? If not, could someone offer a step by step for a true beginner?

Thanks for your help

Jason2