Upgrading a specialized hardrock

Progster

Hey i purchashed a specialized hardrock 2011 standard edition recently and am looking to upgrade some parts on it, especially the forks because ive been told the suntours that come with it are not good. Could anyone recommend some decent things i should upgrade first, im not too knowledgable with mountain bike parts so im not too sure what to look for. I think i should upgrade the pedals too as the ones on it feel cheap and plastic.