i am totally new to this (BG: want your participation)

[Serpent]

Hi!

I know nothing about consoles so please excuse my ignorance.

I plan to buy a PS2.

Have access to usenet and all the ps2 games posted. Most are in .cue/bin format.. some are dvd rips.

So question time:

1. Is it safe to install a mod chip on the unit? I assume it voids your warranty. Does it hurt beyond that? Like there were rumors with the xbox that MSFT <i>might</i> scan XBOX units for mod chips through their XBOX Live service.

I don't want to get caught in a position where my ps2 is unusable for online play or they come out with games that detect mod chips and don't work.

Excuse my lack of ps2 hardware knowledge but are my fears unfounded?

2. Is it possible to turn the modchip OFF when playing online or playing an original game? And turn it back ON to play burnt copies?

3 Of course, for a new PS2, what would be the best mod chip?

4. I understand that mod chip will let me play games that i burn on CD-Rs (using Nero). Also, games bought from outside the US (original). Am i correct?

5. Any installers in Northern CA.?

6. Any links to read for using mod chips for a newbie?

I think that will be all for now, I will definitely be back

Thanks for your help!