Newbie questions

[Sufferin' Pup]

First off, what a great game.

I have some strategy questions. First, it seems like there are a lot of weapons and items that just don't seem to be useful. Like the master computer, it ways 10Kt more than the 3 items its supposed to replace. Why use that over a bridge, crew quarters and life support? Or the anti-proton beam and meson bLasters. They seem to weigh more but do less damage than other weapons, so whats the use of them? There has to be some hidden strategy here I'm completely missing.

And an easier question, how do you launch ground troops? I had a destroyer hovering over a world with a bunch of ground troups in a cargo bay but I couldn't figure out how to send them down. Do I need a special item I haven't researched yet?

Thanks, this game is great I just wish it came with a giant instruction and strategy guide.