How to get custom firmware on my psp ?

Oh kay so i have psp 2004 with sony's official firmware 6.20 , i want to have a custom firmware , could anyone list all the firmwares and also the best firmware to install ?! i want to have an upto date guide on how to install a custom firmware and run homebrew apps and latest games (as of may 2011) i also want a guide which starts from scratch (as i am not such an expert) . and can i still play my umd games ? is there any way that i can install CFW without pandora and magic memory stick ? if you cant write it here , even links to guides would be fine . and if my psp gets bricked can i unbrick it easily ? is it totally safe ? can i get free games ? can i still use digital comics and sensme ? can i also get free comics ? I know i have a lot of questions but i just want to be on the safer side THANKS IN ADVANCE