Map updates HL2 / I.P. Address'

Anyone out there know of a better way to download new / Modded maps for HL2 Deathmatch???? When I try to join some servers steam tries to down load maps/mods which takes ages.
Also when an I.P. address is posted on this site how to I get to these servers. <!-- s:? --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_confused.gif" alt="" title="Confused" /><!-- s:? --> You'll have to excuse my idiocy !!
As you can prob tell I'm a bit of a newbie to this sort of thing!!!?!?! <!-- s:lol: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_lol.gif" alt="" title="Laughing" /><!-- s:lol: -->

maps here http://uct-clan.portal1.clanserver4u.de/hl2maps.html
or here http://halflife2.filefront.com/
or here http://www.ultimate-gamer.com/halflife2/hl2maps.htm

joining an ip there sould be somthing when you go into multiplayer thats says JOIN IP cant remember exactly but just put the server ip in and go <!-- s8O --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_eek.gif" alt="8O" title="Shocked" /><!-- s8O -->

i'm board

lucky u i got jury service this week <!-- s:cry: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_cry.gif" alt="" title="Crying or Very sad" /><!-- s:cry: -->