HELP, extremely confused with all the PS2 vast, memento, etc.

i have been away from the ps2 scene for over 9 months and just now decided to get back in... and... oh boy... let me tell you... i am sooooo frustrated and confused that i have NO IDEA what to do NOR what to read next.

i have a fat PS2 with HD LOADER installed that i trigger using my memory card as well as a PS1 disc. i believe this is the OLD HD LOADER way, right?

here are a few questions then;

1. what are the NEWEST methods out LATELY???
2. any way to boot nowdays WITHOUT using tha laser AT ALL??? (i don't even want to use it quickly with the PS1 discs to trigger the HD LAODER)

i would really appreciate some help here... please? thank you all in advance.

Answer to both your questions is FreeMcboot 1.6.

i posted the 1st question above but then i had to go away for a while again due to work.

anyhow... i have read here and there a bit and i am still very confused on the boot methods now available nowdays (november 2008). i am still a noob into all this... so please be patient with me

all i want is a way to LOAD my ps2 back ups WITHOUT a trigger ps1 disc?

i want a way that I DON'T HAVE to use my LENSES AT ALL!!!

can someone direct me to the right place/tutorial please?

Just install fmcb 1.7 and have your hddloader and what ever other apps you want in the usb to install with.

Use your PS1 exploit to install fmcb 1.7

http://bootleg.sksapps.com/tutorials/fmcb/

You then won't need to use laser to load hddloader