Newbie Question

[Slick]

Hey gang,
I have a few questions that I couldnt find posted anywhere else on here.
Firstly how do I know what "version" my PS2 is?
I'm assuming its the SCH....below which I found by booting my system without a disc.
Are any of these what I go by?
Console SCH-35001
Browser 1.20
Cd player 1.20
Ps driver 1.10
Dvd player 1.30u
Secondly I only have a CD-R/RW which is an LG CED-8120b.....am I correct in thinking I could burn some games (the blue ones I believe) with my CD-R/RW?
I will however need a mod chip to play my backups should my original be damaged......
I do own an AR (action replay) version 2.3 I believe which is useful (required)with some chips.

Any personal reccomendations for a mod chip and DVD burner (should I decide to buy one) would be much obliged.
My computer is a P4 2.0ghz
256 ddr ram
if that matters in my burner options.
I hope I included all needed info...........
Thanx