Default [Q]Rooting/Unlocking Galaxy Nexus for Noob

Hi all,

So I'm a complete noob when it comes to rooting and all that stuff So I just have a few quick questions,

If I were to root using this method here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1362957

1. Will I need a nandroid backup?
2. Will it wipe everything? (The post says it will, but then how do you get back on the system?)
3. Do I need to unlock the phone before rooting it?

or Should I wait a little before rooting the phone?
I'd be using stuff like setcpu and roms(not many so far).

So any help is greatly appreciated