I'm new to playing the PC version of any Elder Scrolls game, and so far I have only gotten my mods from the Steam Workshop. I have noticed though that nearly all links to mods here go to the Nexus instead. I was wondering what the advantages were (if any) of using that website?

Also about the High Res texture pack DLC's from Bethesda, should those generally be first in the load order? I'm not to familiar with what mods should go in what order.

Well for one you have full control over your mods. SW (from what I've read, I don't use it) forcibly updates your mods, and only accepts mods of a certain format, so there are many mods that can't even be uploaded there. I suggest you try out Nexus, then decide for yourself.

For load order concerns, consider using http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/6 (http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1395580-relz-boss-for-skyrim/).

Control!