Firmware questions

[Sonicboy 101]

Hi everyone!
I have some general firmware questions I would like to ask:
1. I have 2.81 firmware on my psp(), and I am thinking about downgrading. IF one comes out, and IF I follow all the instructions exactly, whats the risk of a brick?
2.I've heard about this thing called Dark alex's custom firmware, what is it?
I would really appreciate it if someone would answer these questions. I am a newbie after all!

[Bytrix]

As long as you follow the instructions exactly and take your time with every step there's almost no chance of bricking (which rarely occurs, and mostly when people skip a step or try and do it too fast).

Custom Firmwares provide the advantages of the latest sony firmware with the ability to run homebrew and games using the 1.5 kernel.

[Sonicboy 101]

Thanks Bytrix!:
Looks like i'd better wait for a new downgrader then.
There's one that's most likely to be fake on the internet.
Too risky to try though. I'll just wait. Yep. I'll wait.

[splodger15]

Yeh best to wait for a official downgrader