A screw gun makes the job easier. The chuck grips the screw and when the screw reaches the predetermined depth, the chuck releases it's grip.

Here is a link that might be useful: Screw gun

Other than drywall most screwss require a pilot hole especially close to the edge. If not you may crack or splinter with wood, metal will usually just wip the threads off the screw if it hard enough.

yep, a hammer, but you don't get the effective of screwing them. cordless drills with adjustable torque heads works great IMO along with a quick change apex adapter. You can flip it to drill the hole and flip it back to screw the screws in and you have all the bits in a kit to do different types #2 apex (phillips screwdriver end) are the most popular. I don't like blade (old school) standard headed screws too easy for the bit to slip off the head of the screw

Square head screws from McFeeley are a godsend. You can also use a ratcheting screwdriver for a hand tool.

Gimlet.