Wow - I really need some help from the masters

[savrip]

I just got a V4 solderless modchip for my PS2, and I am ready to backup my games. Here's what I am working with: a host of Ps2 patchers and whatnot, Nero and CDRWIN, the CD burner that came with my Dell (worked great with PS1 and my music cd's).

#1 What is the process? I've heard all about patching and swapping and rearranging the disc. Do I really need to do all of this stuff for my modchip, or can't I just directly copy my games?

#2 What about my EA games? Do I have to do something special with them? Some guys are saying us ea hex editor, some guys are saying I need to use this universal patcher once I extract the.img file, and a hundred other things.

#3 How can I tell the difference if a game is DVD or CDR compatible? A DVD burner is a little beyond my means at the current junction in time, so I'll probably try the ripping method (although I've heard about 50 differentways to do this).

I'm just looking for straight answers, to what seems like basic questions. Please help.