1) I do not own, but can borrow from a friend, a copy of 007: AUF. I understand you need this to get the exploit working originally, but do I need it everytime I turn my Xbox on? i.e must I boot 007 and load the save game with EvoX every time, or can I install it to my HDD so that I only need the game once, and the Xbox automatially boots EvoX or whatever from then on?
You need to run this every time you wish to boot a backup or run homebrew applications/ games
2) With the same game exploit is it possible to actually wreck an Xbox?
YES - if you dont know what you are doing and an error occurs, you can totally suff your box.
3) This exploit will allow the console to function very much like a hardware modded one, yeah? I can run backups, homebrew software, etc?
YES
4) If the answer to number 1 is that I need 007 every time I boot the Xbox, is there an exploit that will allow me to install it initially and then not need to boot from a game or something every time? One that doesn't involve opening the Xbox, please.
There are font installs & audio hacks that will allow you to not have to run AUF each time. - do a search on the forum for "audio hack" & "Bert & Ernie" (one of the font hacks)