where are you from - UK / US ?
If UK you can get mod chip (Messiah) through Charlie or Dust (south) or Andex (north) and even the install through them.
If you go for the messiah then you will have no problems. Disc in boot up play game.
For backing up methods the best site for newbies is
www.psxcopyworld.co.uk all of the programs and tutorials are available there.