Hi Jon and welcome to the forum.
As I always say, there's no such thing as a dumb question, only a dumb answer.
Most add-on packages contain documentation which will explain where the files should go and any other software needed to run the aircraft model successfully.
There are a couple of very good tutorials on the basics here at Simviation.com. This is the cue for one of the guys that knows the links for them to jump right in
(I'm sure they will shortly.)
One of the more common requirements is for an excellent free program by a guy called Peter Dowson. The program is FSUIPC and is available here:
http://www.schiratti.com/dowson.htmlIt's a programme that allows FS2002 to interface with other programs and allows the transfer of data between them. That just one of the things it can do - d/load it, it comes with great documentation explaining the available functions.
If you get stuck, just jump back in here. Plenty of people about who'll be willing to help you.
As for the liveries, it's common for them to appear as separate d/loads. If the 757 you referred to is by Ric Barker, he's a regular contributor here and I'm sure he'll be able to give you more information relating to that specific model.