Need an overview

[enenra]

1. UTF Editor - I think I have it. Which would be the current version? And what is it used for? I think I've heard it in connection with sound files? (I guess that means it's got nothing to do with encodings like UTF-8:D)

2. I've got a 1.8.4 Version here which refuses to correctly import some models using the CMP Importer. I think I've also got a 1.7.0 Version lying around though.

3. Okay, those are all things to do with models. But which file format is for what? As far as I know, CMP is the common model file in Freelancer, used for bases, ships, debris, characters (?), correct?
SURs are IIRC the hitboxes? Meaning, the models which freelancer uses to calculate collisions and uses for detecting whether something generally hits something - like a bullet or a missile. Is that correct?
MATs I can't tell atm. Sounds like something relating to materials to me. Maybe the file format used to store material informations which are then applied to models? I'm really unsure about those.
Here again - which would be the current versions (if there are any) of those im- and exporters?

4. Yeah, that should not be the main problem. Though: What would be the best file format to swap models between different programs, for example 3DsMax and Milkshape? (That file format would have to include the texture coordinates as I think I'll manage texturing best not in Milkshape.)

5. I think I have those already. I downloaded quite a lot of stuff from everywhere I could find it. I'll check your tutorial, thanks!
So which is the file format of textures that should be used in Freelancer? I remember reading that originally, TGA was used, but that DDS should be used. Is that correct?

6. I'll probably use WVWDEE for that (Windows Visual Web Developer Express Edition). I usually use it for that kind of stuff.