Newby Questions

[Litcube]

I'm new.

1) Is there a #1, all encompasing, mass info, mass download, major web site that everyone goes to for SE4? If not, what are the good ones?

2) I see alot of cool looking race graphics kicking around, and I'm worried that the AIs are outdated, and don't want to screw up my game. Any way around this?

3) Who shot the sheriff?

4) What are the most common mods out there, and what do they do?

Thanks in advance.