Right, friend just got an EU iPod touch 8GB. I'm presuming it's 'first gen' since it's running 1.1.5. She liked the idea of jailbreaking it so she could play NES games, run applications you'd normally pay-for and whatnot. So I've done a little googling, and I just want to verify that if I do end up jailbreaking it for her, I know what I'm doing...

Firstly, I want to know if jailbreaking can brick an iPod, and if it can, that it can be recovered from any state. If not, I'm not even venturing into this, because I don't want to be putting the bill.

Secondly, what ipsw (firmware) file do I need if it's running 1.1.5? I'm presuming it's as simple as placing the ipsw file in <Application Data\Apple Computer\iTunes\iPod Software Updates> then running iTunes and having the iPod upgrade itself with a few clicks and no purchase necessary. Riiight?

Then I just need to download + launch the latest version of the QuickPwn tool, riiiight? After that, all should be dandy?

Update to 2.2, there are virtually no application support on any pre-2.0 firmwares now.

You can find them for free if you don't want to pay the one time 2.x $10 fee.

Then, if you just want to quickly get going, use QuickPwn. It will walk you through how to do it.

There are plenty of guides out on the internet, check out BigBoss's website.