RE: Cat 5 cable RJ-45 connection HELP!

Some of the newer wall jack 'kits' don't require a punch-down tool; you
simply insert the wires & press a cap over them.  The cap does the
punch-down/crimp in one pass.  I believe Leviton is what my electrician
used the last time he did a run for me.

I, too, prefer wall plates.  Besides a cleaner look, it gives you
flexibility in terms of patch cable length.

At this time, I'd have to question running CAT5.  5e or 6 would be
better as they can support gigabit Ethernet over copper (5e is
marginal).  Cat6 is preferred, though, and is what I use whenever I make
any new runs at my house.  Trivial cost difference.  GigE equipment is
cheap nowadays.