Water Softener Connections and Drain

[ecovindaloo]

I recently purchased a water softener for my house. The issue is that my main copper water pipe is 1/2". The connection to the water softener is 1". So I was wondering what my best options are to make this pipe transition to the water softener?

Also I would like to run the drain pipe through a wall of the house going outside. Do I need to do anything special so that the drain pipe won't freeze in the winter?