As noob as it gets...

First of all, Hello, world!  :newfag:  and I totally love and appreciate this site sooo much. Been on it the last few days, and I think without this forum, I would not be playing Sims3 at all. 

I'm brand spanking new to the Sims community and I have a very specific question.

1. What's the difference between a store update, package file, and store fix?

I'm really trying to wrap my head around all this. So, basically, I'm wondering 
a. how do I get new store items?
b. is there a way to get the items that cost SimPoints for free? ie. new towns

Now see, I know where to get all of them, and I know how to follow the directions of installing them and what-not. I just don't know what they are. Thanks for any help that comes!

Sorry for my blatantly general noobery.

The new store items can be found on our download site.
We provide almost all of the store items for FREE :PThe towns are also available on this site. Please note this site is still "under construction" but admin is doing his best as always. Once you have the items you want installed, you need to apply the store fix you can find this on the website as well. This will make sure the premium content functions properly.  A package file is what the sims 3 item will display as usually after installation. I hope this answers your question. If not let me know and I would be more then happy to assist you. The link is provided below. Happy Simming!!
www.games4theworlddownloads.org

that is an excellent explanation! Thanks for replying. 
So if I understand this correctly, after I apply store updates (i.e. items, etc.) I apply the fix (again), right? 

Then, I'm not sure what you mean by 'A package file is what the sims 3 item will display as usually after installation'. Is that some kind of user modification?

when you install a store item the installed item will read as a .package file in the installation folder. There is no need to touch these files. After u install the store items you want, apply the store update(fix). There is an installation guide in the download itself.

Thanks!