Drill a pilot hole of the correct size (as wide as the screw shaft without the threads). You will have a much easier time, and you won't split the wood.
To start a screw, I've sometimes dug out a divot with the screw or a knife. That way, at least I've removed a little material that might spread apart the grain near the surface.
Nope. Never. I take "everything" to be an exaggeration for effect. I've only hammered in peg-like or nail-like objects.
I will totally admit to pliering in a screw, however.