Softmodding is somewhat confusing, and in my opinion it is just more beneficial to mod your system with a chip, preferably the X3. I know this site http://webpages.charter.net/modchipzone/ installs mod chips into Xbox's for only $50, you should check in to that...
Also, xbox-scene is very thorough and helpful for all mod-related things (i.e. forums, guides).
I already had an Action Replay for downloading NCAA rosters, and my bro has Mechassault, so it basically cost me $0.00 to mod my Xbox. Not too shabby, considering all the stuff on there now.
It is kind of a b*tch learning how to connect/transfer with your pc, but well worth the initial hassle.
By the way, my method is not the most recent, but it works.
The only thing is that your Xbox screen may look funky as you're installing the dash/bios/whatever -- that's fine. Just wait for the green light to start blinking, then you can safely reset.\
And you must learn to use xbins, so search for help with that. It's fine once you set it up, though.
