Digital BW, The Print

I'm going to start framing prints in archival frames and was wondering what
techniques and materials other people use. I must admit that after reading
up a bit on some websites I'm still a bit confused as to all the components
that make up a properly framed print - the framing terminology seems to vary
from site to site. Here's what I think I need to do & I'd be grateful if
anyone could comment upon whether I have a correct system:

1. Front-most part of the frame is the glass. I intend to buy pre-made
frames from Nielsen so I don't have to cut my own glass or make my own
frames.

2. Next comes the window mat. I have a mat cutter which does a decent job so
it's just a case of picking my mat board carefully. Looks like I may choose
from the Bainbridge range. As far as I can tell whether you choose 2-ply or 
4-ply, etc. is just down to aesthetics and how deep a bevel you like on your 
mat. Correct?

3. Next comes the print itself. Not much to say about that.

4. Next comes the backboard. The print itself will be attached to this and I
intend to do so using a simple T-hinge with Japanese hinging paper and rice
starch.  Also the window mat and this backboard will be hinged with some linen 
cloth tape. 

Now I've heard that perhaps this backing board should be of exactly the same
material as the window mat - is this correct? If none of the backboard will
be seen through the window mat can I get away with using slightly thinner,
but of equal archive quality, board?

5. Finally at the very back of the frame is some sort of stiff board. With
ready made frames there is already a board supplied against which some of the
hanging clips press. I don't know whether this is of archival quality so I 
will probably have to replace it with something else. Should this something
else be foamboard (what is foamboard for that matter)? I'm not sure what people
call this back-most board (I've also heard it called filler board I think), nor
do I know what it is made from so any guidance here would be gratefully received
- I suppose it has to be strong enough to withstand any compression from
hanging clips pressed against it.

I have also heard mention of some sort of vapour barrier that fits somewhere
into the system. Is this something I should be considering and, if so, where
does this fit into my framing sandwich?!

Many thanks,

-- 
Tony Terlecki
ajt@...
Running Debian/GNU 3.0 Linux