Answers:
Question 1:
The chip that you will want to get now is the Messiah 2 (Upgraded version of the original Messiah) Contact Charlie_PS2 or Dust2Dust about purchasing one.
Question 2:
To check the compatibility of your current cd-rw drive, if you do not know what it is or the model of it, you will have to open up your computer and check. Once you have the info you need, go to this website and check for compatibility:
Clone CD compatible Writers!
If your drive is 2 years old, you may want to think about getting a new one anyway.... There are MANY good drive out there, just MAKE SURE it is 100% Clone CD compatible...
Question 3:
Definately consider getting a DVD-R burner.... The +R & -R are just 2 different formats. The PS2 has a easier time reading the -R discs... Most people on this forum use the Pioneer A03 or A04. They are proven winners in the PS2 scene...
I would definately have both drives.... It is possible to RIP a dvd based game to fit on a cd-r BUT its too much trouble in my opinion.
Edit answer:
There is a program called ClonyXXL which will scan the cd based game and tell you what type of protection it has on it...Most all cd based games are protected.
NO NEED TO WORRY.... CloneCD and a compatible burner will copy the protection and all....
Edit 2 Answer:
To make a image of a cd based game, just use your cd-rw drive. To make a image of your dvd based game, just use your dvd-rom drive or your dvd-burner. (I would use dvd-rom to read with and use dvd burner just for burning)
The guy in chicago I assume you are referring to is Bill @
Freedomlives.com
He is very good...
If you want to learn how to install mod chips, you might want to consider finding a BROKEN PS2 and practicing on that... That way if you screw up, you haven't hurt anything important...
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR QUEST!!!!