I’m starting beta 1.7.3, what do I need to know and how do I play with friends?

Hello,

I was wondering if I could play with friends in any known way besides LAN of course as I’m fairly new to beta in modern times. I don’t really want to use a laggy free server host and don’t want to pay for a decent one.

Also I could really do with downloading some form optimisation mod such as optifine as I’m on an old laptop and day about 30-45 fps (not sure how much it could help). Does anyone know how I can do this? Got any reference vids etc?

Also I’m on the classic mc launcher as I thought it would be the most secure and such but I’ve seen so many people say they play on a range of different launchers exclusively for beta. What is the most popular/best in your opinion? Is the classic launcher a good option or no?

Thanks