Generally the mods are already set up that way.
They unzip into a single folder, which is placed as a subfolder in Mods.
You might have to copy it there, depending on where you unzip it from.
Then you just select that mod folder in Options.
It really couldn't get much simpler.

I've already suggested something like this.

To repeat - I'd like to see a facility to load other peoples ships WITHIN the game itself.

For example I've just researched large hulls. So I go into the shipyard screen. From here I can either click on "build my own ship" or (this is what I'd like) "view other peoples designs".

This last button connects automatically to the internet (XML/AJAX or whatever) - but we wouldn't really be aware of the connection. We'd just get a list and photos of other peoples designs that we can use (based on the components that we've researched). It can be filtered down by chosen components, hull size, speed or whatever you want.

This is a BIG missed opportunity. The killer factor about this game is the ability to create your own ships. But you should also be able to share your designs and get other peoples.

In case anyone's missed it, the longest thread on this entire forum is the one where people can post there designs. And EVERYONE would like to load other peoples ships easily into their own game.

Screw mods.

Unless you've got a Phd in modding, they consume a huge amount of time and often don't work. Just make it so that we can add/share new ships from within the game - it should be as easy to do as anything else in the game.

On the net everything is about communcating and sharing.

If the expansion pack were to offer the chance to people to upload and download ship designs I would be estatic and buy it. As it is who really cares about another campaign game (I've never even bothered to play the first) or about the chance to submit to a competition to create your own character (wtf?!).

LET US SHARE OUR SHIP DESIGNS!