QUOTE(wikipedia)
3D model
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A 3D model of a character in the 3D modeler LightWave, shown in various manners and from different perspectivesA 3D model is a 3D polygonal representation of an object, usually displayed with a computer or via some other video device. The object can range from a real-world entity to fictional, from atomic to huge. Anything that can exist in the physical world can be represented as a 3D model.
3D models are most often created with special software applications called 3D modelers, but they need not be. Being a collection of data (points and other information), 3D models can be created by hand or algorithmically. Though they most often exist virtually (on a computer or a file on disk), even a description of such a model on paper can be considered a 3D model.
The 3D model can be seen in TESCS when you press the W-key and see the wire model of the objects.
QUOTE(wikipedia)
A mesh is similar to fabric or a web in that it has many connected or weaved pieces. In clothing, a mesh is often defined as fabric that has a large number of closely-spaced holes, frequently used for modern sports jerseys.
The mesh is the combined fabric of patterns that is used to cover over the wire model of the objects.
The textures are the flat peices of the mesh that are combined together onto it.
The textures are changed in photo enhancing programs such as PhotoShop, et all.
NifText, NifTexture {and I think NifSkope) are hex edit programs. This means that they are using code to enter your new model into the programming code of the game.
3ds max, Gmax, Blender, et al = are modeling programs where you can make new models from scratch. They are sometimes called mesh models because in these programs you also can add the meshes and textures to get the finished object.
They need a special Importer to get these unique models into the game because their importer introduces new code into the game. NifPrograms are just putting your recoloring onto existing game code.
Is this any help in understanding the various aspects and functions of the programs involoved?