NTSC-PAL format? what does it means?

[zkorpio]

Hello guys, first of all sorry about my english. I'll try to be as clear as posible in my questions.
I'm not related at all about backing-up my games of playstation, but I want to learn, so I have a few questions.
1. what is/means NTSC & PAL format?
2. what is a patch? what is it for?
3. can I play my copies in my playstation with out the mod chip? and how?

4. to many questions??? Hope not.

I already did a backup of one game (Atlantis); I used Nero 5.5.4.0 and played in my computer with "Virtual Game Station".
My cd-writer is a TDK 16/10/40 Velocd.
Thank you.