can some1 answer a few ?? for me please

[barkroc2]

im going to be switching over to 360 from my ps2 (put it off long enuff). any i have some questions that after searching still dont have clear answers on.

1. can i put a bigger aftermarket hdd in the xbox the way i have in the ps2? or does it need to be the xbox hdd? if so how? (link)

2. i see i can get a chip or flash the drive, assuming i have moderate time and skills, whats the best way to go? id think flash is riskier, but more readily updatable so better, but dont wanna brick the 360. what does unsigned code mean? if i flash the drive i wont be able to play original xbx discs?

3. is backing up a disc as ez as for the ps2? ie ..decrypter read/write..thats it?? or is it way more invovled

4. and lastly does a flash or chipping take away the ability to use xbl??

ANY answers are appreciated