Please help a novice!

[Rambytes]

First of all, sorry for my english... this is not my language, but i hope you will understand me, even if i made some mistake!

Okay, so i've buy a brand new PS2, but before put a chip inside (or USB external), what I need to know before do this?

What I can do to find the model version? etc...

Does you have a website that can be good to read about that?

I have a DVD-Burner, so ripping game is what I want... but what software use?

All this kind of question that i have no answer...

Does someone have a list to "check" the thing i need, what modchip use, what to do to find the model version of the PS2, how to backup game and burn into a dvd, etc...

Thank alot to help me, and sorry for spelling error!