Newbie to the Mod Chip World

[vortens]

Ok here's a newbie question. I'm just entering the mod world and have a few questions about backups. Can any and all ps2 backups be done on a dvd rom rewritable drive? Not one that burns DVD material but plays and burns cdrs. When I get my modchip will I be able to just burn the disc WITHOUT patches? Just as long as I have a gameshark and a modchip there is no reason to patch anything...correct? Lastly, where is the best tutorial on making backups from start to finish?