Installing cabs

[bMwnut1]

I'm new to the forum and new to TP2. I haven't installed any cabs or programs. My phone is the Verizon version and I don't have a SIM card installed. I want to download a few of the cabs from the forum but I don't know what steps to follow. I have found the links for the cabs.
1) Do I find the links on my phone browser and download them directly or do I download them to my PC first?
2) Do I need to download anything else to prevent big V from knowing I'm using the phone as a modem (either wifi or usb tether)?
3) Once the cabs are downloaded, do they survive resets soft or hard?

Thank you!