Rookie Patcher needs help for basic Modding tools and stuff

Hello patchers, I want to get into the patching game myself but I dont know where to start....

I used to patch very well for older PC games but I want to start patching for nba2k10 and so on...

Questions I need to know the answer to:

1) Where do I can the basic modding tools at? (I have windows vista 64 bit edition)
(If you can provide links that would be great)

2) Which Program to I use to edit skin tones of the players
(If you can provide a link that would be great)

thanks again, and I look foward to getting stuff done for you guys...

(I have windows vista 64 bit edition)

Most of the modding tools don't work for 64-bit ed.

i think the 3d tool does, which lets you import/export textures

Thanks for the help guys..

What editing program can I use to open iff files and change skin complexions?

i think this is the only one that works with 64 bit

viewtopic.php?f=125&t=70100

Thanks a lot Jaosming!

1 more question... Is there a program that I can use to turn any type of picture (png, jpeg) into a dds file??

easiest way is to use photoshop or GIMP with a DDS plugin

Thank you for the help!

Much appreciated.

I have 1 more question. how do I edit Leg colors? I know all the players use the same 5, 6 leg colors.

but I want to edit jordans leg color. what is the specific dds file name for the legs??

i think its either in the global.iff or the gamedata.iff