So, I have been seeing cheap laser modules for sale online more and more lately. I was thinking about constructing my own collection of varying output and colored lasers but I am really a noob when it comes to the inner workings of lasers. What I am versed on is laser safety, beam wavelength and output, so no questions there.
I have read a good portion of the venerable "Sam's Laser FAQ" but eventually got lost in the rhetoric. I have seen different kinds of modules with visually different components and am curious as to what the different configurations mean.

Here are two modules I was looking at:


This is a 100mw output, blue module.



This is a 5mw output, green module.

Notice the difference in wiring on the end of what I guess is the logic board...

Is there anyone here who has knowledge on the subject they would be willing to share with me? I would like to build these modules (or even more pieced out components) to fully functional lasers, maybe built inside the shells of small, emptied, steel flashlights.

Thanks!