Just got PS2, need some help.

[obawankenoba]

Ok I just got my PS2 yesterday, so it should be the latest version.
I have a few questions to ask.

1) What mod-chip should I get (I live in Australia.)
2) Can my PS2 play PS1 backup games in full colour, regardless of its region (NTSCU, PAL, NTSCJ)
3) Since I dont think I can get a mod-chip ordered from the internet, I want to know if there is a place to get it modded.)
4) Can PS2 games, (not rips) be burned onto cd-rs?
5) Do they have to be burnt onto a DVD-R, or DVD+W

Since Im new to the playstation 2, heres my info, best I can give:
*I got my PS2 yesterday, it HAS to be the latest version.
*I live in Australia


If you can help, me please reply.