[Q] Some questions to flash a custom rom

I am going to flash the rom - Pure AOSP 4.4.2 Alpha2 for my Xperia S.
My phone isn't rooted and unlocked.
I didn't flash any rom before so I want to ask questions to ensure I won't brick my phone.
I have read some tutorials about flashing rom, mainly, the article.

Questions:
a. Do I have to unlock the bootloader?

b. I have a guide to flash the rom as follows. Is it right?
-------------the guide-------------
1. backup everything
2. unlock the bootloader if necessary
3. root the phone
4. Install CWM recovery
5. download rom, kernel, google apps .zip file
6. copy the .zip file to SD card
7. enter recovery mode
8. wipe data factory reset, wipe cache partition and wipe dalvick cache
9. install rom zip from SD card
10. install google apps package from SD card
11. reboot system now
---------------------------------------

c. There are 6 .zip files in the thread as follows. What is the order to install those?
------------the file in that thread------------
Alpha1:
normal: pure_aosp_alpha1.zip
bm native: kernel system
bm loop: kernel system

Alpha2:
normal: upgrade
bm native: upgrade
bm loop: upgrade
------------------------------------------------------
Thanks!

Envious_Data said:

yes a unlock bootloader is needed, otherwise you will brick your device

yes folowing the guide is recomended

and finaly bm_native or loop is for dualboot,
install normalure_aosp_alpha1.zip
then normal:upgrade


any other questions ask!!

Sent from my LT26i using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

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Do you mean that it is unnecessary to flash bm native and bm loop into the phone?