Root Rooting Questions

[markfireblade97]

I'm new to this and have been reading loads of very helpful posts on the subject but I still have some basic questions:

Difference between rooting and just debranding/reflashing?
Will an Orange branded phone need SIM-unlocking first?
Hboot is 0.83 - do I need a Gold Card?
What's the best source for the new ROM/firmware? - I like the HTC stuff as it is, and want to keep Sense.
In which case, should I flash generic HTC Android 2.1 and then do the official Froyo OTA?

Thanks in advance
Mark

 

[SUroot]

Hi Mark,

Rooting gives you root access, in other words Super user access (Admin rights) Debranding removes your network / carriers corporate brand off the phone (splash screens etc)

It won't Need to be unlocked I don't think, but it will still be locked even after rooting

If youre phone is branded, you will need a goldcard unless you use the Unrevoked method.

You could do a generic, but I'm all for custom roms. MoDaCo R8 is very close to stock 2.2, but faster and more stable. I always recommend this to first time rooters. There are many other recommendations that may follow from other members though.