Random ps2 questions

if this sounds too much like a 'zOMG support pleeze' thread just ignore it, these are just some things i'm curious about.

i've had a ps2 (ye olde ones, not one of the crazy new slim doodads) for awhile, and there's a couple things i've always wondered about it.

what are the USB ports for? there's also a port i dont recognize with 's400' by it. are these for usb... controllers or.. a keyboard or something. or can i

1. attach ps2 to my computer
2. ?
3. profit

there's a big plastic bit on the back that comes off labelled 'expansion bay'. looks sort of like a hard drive bay on a comp. science?

every time i turn on my ps2 it starts out with a red light on the reset button, which i have to press to actually start the thing. is that what it's supposed to do, or is it saying YOU SHUT ME OFF WRONG! i just flip the switch to turn it off, is there something else you do?

i've got a burned copy of xenogears (for ps1, lost it ages ago and a real copy of xenogears is damn near impossible to find locally). is there anyway to play it on the ps2 without mod chips/special switch cd's/taking apart the ps2? i can just emulate but it'd be nice to play it on an actual tv with the proper controller.

i only find 1 use of the usb port and that is for playing karaoke revolution

>>1
The USB ports are meant for other peripherals, such as the EyeToy, keyboards and Steering Wheels.

That plastic bit labelled "Expansion Bay" is where you can attach a hard drive and the Network Adapter, used to play online games.

When your PS2's power led has a red light, it's in Stand-By Mode. Some sources say the correct way to turn off your PS2 is press and hold the power button until it reverts to the Stand-By, THEN flip the switch off.

iirc Swap Discs are the least dangerous way to play burned cd/imports on PS2, even if they doesn't work 100% successfully. On other hand, good modchips (like DMS4 or Matrix Infinity) have higher successful boot rates, but chances you're damaging your console are much higher. IMHO, if you're willing to play ONLY a single game, emulation would be a better idea