Add on help for dummiesFollow

Without trying to be an *** here, I am just going to leave you this link and be on my way.

I hate to disagree with Dadanox, but you seem concerned about security, which case I'd manually install the add-ons. I share a similar sensibility and I don't like giving anything else control of what gets downloaded where. :-)



Find the add-on you want at curse.com. You can decide whether to use the client, which case you install that and then do nothing, or if you prefer the manual install:

- Click Manual Install.

- All that will do is download a zip folder with the add-on in it.

- Open that zip folder and drag all its contents (this will be one or more folders) into your Addons folder.

- I can't tell you exactly where your Addons folder is. If you're using Vista, the path probably looks something like this: Public\Games\World of Warcraft\Interface\Addons. The World of Warcraft\Interface\Addons part is universal, but different operating systems put them in different places, so if you can just find your World of Warcraft folder, you're good.

- Once you get into the game, click the Addons button on your login screen and choose which addons you want to load for each character.



For raiding I'd recommend Recount, DBM, maybe Omen at first (not as important for healers, IMO), and a healing add-on. For the latter, try all the ones Dadanox mentions and just get a feel for which you like best. Once you get used to playing with add-ons you may also want an action bar mod to customize your bars and buttons (I use dominos, I forget what the other big one is called) and/or a unit frames mod (pitbull and xperl are both popular choices) to tidy up your frames.

There is a thread in the main forums right now talking about UI's - lots of people are posting screenshots of theirs, so you can check that out and get a feel for what you like as well. Google priest UI's and see what other people are doing to get ideas too.

Edited, Sep 24th 2009 7:42am by teacake

As far as a list of addons to get, I would start with these:
1) Unit Frames- Pitbull, Xperl or something similar. This is the replacement for what you see now as far as frames, i.e. your frame, your target frame, focus frame, etc. While Blizzard's frames can be used, the main reason to change them is for the customization. These addons are highly customizable (and a bit overwhelming at first) and allow you to control what is displayed and how it is presented. They also allow you to place the frames wherever you like, which is extremely beneficial.

2) Raid Frames- This is similar to Unit frames in that you can elect to use the unit frame addon for your raid frames. Other options include Healbot, Grid and Vuhdo (I think, haven't played with that one.) The one thing to note at this point is that the raid frames are your bread and butter as a healer. Most of your attention will be here, monitoring the health of the raid. It is probably the most crucial addon to get and you will devote much time customizing it.

3) Action Bars- Bartender, Dominoes and a host of others allow you to replace your current action bars (which most agree- suck). Again, each has its own merits, the key feature that make them wonderful is their presentation. The action bar you choose should include the ability to alter size, location and visibility. Most include a keybind option which will allow you to set your keybinds from the gui instead of having to go into the Blizzard options menu.

4) Raid Warning addon- Deadly Boss Mod, Bigwigs... I don't know of any others. I have used DBM only and it serves its purpose, which is to inform you of impending disaster if you don't do something in response.

Since you are just getting started with addons, I would just load these to begin with. Be prepared to spend some time customizing them, and do yourself a favor and use the "profiles" option for saving changes away from the default (much like saving a word doc when starting off a template).

I would suggest getting Quartz, or a similar cast bar addon that shows latency in addition to the normal battery of useful addons. You can use it to queue up a second spell before the first one lands. It may only save mere fractions of seconds, but it adds up. In situations where latency becomes an issue, you are aware of it as it is happening and can take measures before it becomes critical. SCT (Scrolling Combat Text) can be useful, Powerauras is nice but does require setup. I wouldn't worry about a threat meter as a healer, it should not be an issue.

There are plenty of addons, but try to avoid doing too much at once. Your goal is to convert data into information, having too much data will leave you confused and unable to perform well. Ask yourself, "Do I need this, or is it just useless fluff?" when configuring your addons.