Root LOTS of Questions!!!

[Curtita1]

Sorry, lots of questions, but figured it was better to put all in one thread versus starting a thread for each category/question. I apologize in advance for any redundancy.

1.I'm a total noob to android, and don't know what many of the abbreviations/acronyms or terms mean. I am only listing the ones I've come across and don't know so far. PLEASE ADD ANY YOU THINK I WILL NEED TO KNOW.

They are:
OTA
RFS
Flashing
Overclocking
Skins (I sorta know what they are, but not exactly.)

2. UI's and Rooting: I am not a total technotard, and can navigate a pc decently, but have no idea where to start here. I know Kelmar posted a link for GB I think....but see that there are others and need some info on each as far as the pros and cons to each UI. Please post any that I've missed as well as why you like what you're using. I am looking for smooth, quick response when moving between apps/screens, etc, and the best web browsing. I have found that I web browse more than I realized.

I know there's:
Gingerbread
Altered Beast
Humble
Gummycharged

Also, if there is a link somewhere for rooting for dummies that explains everything, I'd love to for you to post it! For example, I know I need to root, but have no idea how to back up my phone yet. Once I root, I have NO idea what to do next. I have no idea how to install and use ROMs.

Browsers: I'm using Dolphin HD right now. Like it pretty well, but don't like that I can't get back to the top of a page without scrolling all the way back up. Would love to hear what browser you're using and what you like about it.

Launchers: I'm assuming I still need to install a launcher after I'm rooted. I know there are several different launchers. Again, would like to hear about the different launchers.

As I said above, I need to learn how to back the phone up and also how to wipe???

I am using swype keyboard. Like it okay......still learning how to use it, but not sure I want to keep it. What's the difference in the keyboards, ie, I see that GB has their own KB.

Messaging apps............what do you use? My daughter says there are better messaging systems than what's stock. I had no idea LOL.

Obviously I'm a supernoob, so feel free to post any links that you think would help. I just need to find the easiest way/place to learn how to do all this stuff! I appreciate all the help.

 

[Kelmar]

Sorry, lots of questions, but figured it was better to put all in one thread versus starting a thread for each category/question. I apologize in advance for any redundancy.

1.I'm a total noob to android, and don't know what many of the abbreviations/acronyms or terms mean. I am only listing the ones I've come across and don't know so far. PLEASE ADD ANY YOU THINK I WILL NEED TO KNOW.

They are:
OTA - Over-The-Air: Refers to android updates that would fix bugs, update operating system, etc.
RFS - Samsung's file system. Typically considered "slow"
Flashing - Technique typically associated with rooting. Used to describe the process of putting new ROMs (user built/tweeked software or firmware on the phone).
Overclocking - Speeding up the processor of the phone beyond is factory set limit. Think of a car that's built to go 15 miles an hour. Overclocking might raise it's abilities so that it can go 20 miles an hour.
Skins (I sorta know what they are, but not exactly.) - If you are referring to themes; it is changing colors, icons, etc to customize the phone to your preferences.

2. UI's and Rooting: I am not a total technotard, and can navigate a pc decently, but have no idea where to start here. I know Kelmar posted a link for GB I think....but see that there are others and need some info on each as far as the pros and cons to each UI. Please post any that I've missed as well as why you like what you're using. I am looking for smooth, quick response when moving between apps/screens, etc, and the best web browsing. I have found that I web browse more than I realized.

I know there's:
Gingerbread
Altered Beast
Humble
Gummycharged

Also, if there is a link somewhere for rooting for dummies that explains everything, I'd love to for you to post it! For example, I know I need to root, but have no idea how to back up my phone yet. Once I root, I have NO idea what to do next. I have no idea how to install and use ROMs.
Feel free to PM me any specific root questions you may have (or post them here). EXT4 file system is faster than RFS which will help the speed issue.

I prefer a fresh install each time. It's a pain but worth it IMO. Others feel differently.

Browsers: I'm using Dolphin HD right now. Like it pretty well, but don't like that I can't get back to the top of a page without scrolling all the way back up. Would love to hear what browser you're using and what you like about it.
Miren Browser or Opera. Just preference. Miren you can set your volume keys to scroll the page if you want.

Launchers: I'm assuming I still need to install a launcher after I'm rooted. I know there are several different launchers. Again, would like to hear about the different launchers. Nope, you'll still have a launcher. If you choose to install a new one that's up to you though. Personally, I don't mind TW but I LOVE Zeam Launcher. You can always try launchers without being rooted.

As I said above, I need to learn how to back the phone up and also how to wipe???
Depends on how you root/flash ROMs

I am using swype keyboard. Like it okay......still learning how to use it, but not sure I want to keep it. What's the difference in the keyboards, ie, I see that GB has their own KB. Key set-ups and locations mostly. Swype of course allows you to type without lifting your finger after every letter. GB introduced multi-touch IIRC. Hate the Samsung keyboard though... wouldn't even recommend it to an enemy.

Messaging apps............what do you use? My daughter says there are better messaging systems than what's stock. I had no idea LOL.
Check ChompSMS or Handcent. They all pull their information from the stock app though. If you don't like the stock app, try one of those. If you don't mind it, no need to change.

Obviously I'm a supernoob, so feel free to post any links that you think would help. I just need to find the easiest way/place to learn how to do all this stuff! I appreciate all the help.

Answers above in bold

Feel free to ask for clarification, if needed, or any other questions you may have!

 

[Curtita1]

As I said above, I need to learn how to back the phone up and also how to wipe???
Depends on how you root/flash ROMs

Do you mean which UI? Like if I use Humble, etc?? I really just need rooting 101! I have your link saved to root the phone.......GB, right? But I thought it said to back it up first I thought and I want to make sure to save my contacts, etc.

I'd like to get the phone rooted tonight.

Also, what's IIRC? Sorry, guess I really am out of the loop. I wish there was a tutorial for new to android users so we don't have to bother everyone with such redundant questions. You know, a dictionary, abbreviations list, rooting 101, etc. I know rooting is probably exclusive to the device, but I'm sure there are some generalities.

Thanks a ton Kelmar, you are very helpful

BTW, where do you get the ROMs? Are they just in the marketplace?

 

[Kelmar]

As I said above, I need to learn how to back the phone up and also how to wipe???
Depends on how you root/flash ROMs

Do you mean which UI? Like if I use Humble, etc?? I really just need rooting 101! I have your link saved to root the phone.......GB, right? But I thought it said to back it up first I thought and I want to make sure to save my contacts, etc.

Typically we refer to them as ROMs rather than UIs. But yes, it basically has to do with HOW the developer of the given ROM chose to package the ROM.

For the Charge, some prefer using a .tar file which can be flashed using Odin. The advantage is that you don't have to wipe anything when you flash it and that it is pre-rooted. Odin is also the tool you would need to use if you needed to return to stock.

The other way is to flash via a ZIP file. This requires a totally different set of steps.


I'd like to get the phone rooted tonight.

Also, what's IIRC? Sorry, guess I really am out of the loop. I wish there was a tutorial for new to android users so we don't have to bother everyone with such redundant questions. You know, a dictionary, abbreviations list, rooting 101, etc. I know rooting is probably exclusive to the device, but I'm sure there are some generalities.


IIRC=If I recall correctly.

There are some generalities but there are some significant differences as well. If you try doing something that is meant for a different phone (or even a different version of a ROM) you could brick your phone or cause it to bootloop.

Thanks a ton Kelmar, you are very helpful

BTW, where do you get the ROMs? Are they just in the marketplace?

Answers above in bold.

You can find ROMs HERE. Notice how some say ROM and others say ROM and ODIN.


First decide if you want it based off of current release software (EE4) or leaked software (EP1H) then go from there!


*Not trying to intentionally miss any questions, but after you decide which ROM you want to try we'll worry about the getting you rooted part. *

 

[mamawm]

if you don't mind doing a bit of reading, i think this might help you out. New To Android?!? Check This Out!

 

[Curtita1]

if you don't mind doing a bit of reading, i think this might help you out. New To Android?!? Check This Out!

Thank you! I will definitely check it out. I have quite a lot to learn.

 

[Kelmar]

Moving this to the Root section as that seems to be the direction it's headed.

 

[Curtita1]

Moving this to the Root section as that seems to be the direction it's headed.

Sorry. I almost posted it there, but had so many other questions I wasn't sure it belonged there.


I am trying to download odin and keep getting an error that the page has timed out. Other pages work fine for me. I had already downloaded the drivers and "official" downloading software, but when I click on the link to download GB, I also get an error, page won't load.

Any ideas to fix that? I will try it tomorrow on my laptop if I have time. Otherwise I'll have to wait until next week to dink around with it.

 

[greenmunky]

Sorry. I almost posted it there, but had so many other questions I wasn't sure it belonged there.


I am trying to download odin and keep getting an error that the page has timed out. Other pages work fine for me. I had already downloaded the drivers and "official" downloading software, but when I click on the link to download GB, I also get an error, page won't load.

Any ideas to fix that? I will try it tomorrow on my laptop if I have time. Otherwise I'll have to wait until next week to dink around with it.

Turn off or pause any anti virus software that may be running. They think ROMs are viruses because they are meant to rewrite your phone. That has kept me from downloading them until I remember to disable it.

 

[Curtita1]

Turn off or pause any anti virus software that may be running. They think ROMs are viruses because they are meant to rewrite your phone. That has kept me from downloading them until I remember to disable it.

Thank you! I figured it was something like that.

 

[Curtita1]

Still having issues. When I try to install the flashing software from Samsung it says my WinZip trial has expired and I have to pay $29 for it. Any other options besides paying>

Also, turned off the firewall, and the Panda security. Don't think I have any other security and the page is still timing out. Driving me nuts!!! I'd really like to get this phone rooted!

 

[Kelmar]

Yikes! So odin isnt working for you at all? Can you get it DL'ed or just not installed?

 

[Curtita1]

Yikes! So odin isnt working for you at all? Can you get it DL'ed or just not installed?

I can't get any of the pertinent links to open so I'm assuming its a setting on my computer as other pages (such as this one) open just fine. I have clicked on that link and just get an error meagre that the page has timed out. I an using Firefox and will try IE tomorrow.

 

[Kelmar]

If you click THIS LINK what happens?

It should try to start downloading Odin. Perhaps try a different browser? You are doing all of this from the computer and not the phone, right?

 

[Curtita1]

If you click THIS LINK what happens?

It should try to start downloading Odin. Perhaps try a different browser? You are doing all of this from the computer and not the phone, right?

When I click on the link I get the developers page with all the links to the drivers and links I need. I can download the drivers but when I click on the link for odin the page won't load a and says the server timed out.

 

[Kelmar]

When I click on the link I get the developers page with all the links to the drivers and links I need. I can download the drivers but when I click on the link for odin the page won't load a and says the server timed out.

Try http://www42.multiupload.com:81/fil...CD552688D74682810D1EB68/I9003_Odin3_v1.82.rar

 

[Curtita1]

Try Multiupload.com - upload your files to multiple file hosting sites!

Thanjs. I will try that when I g wet home in the am.

 

[Curtita1]

If you click THIS LINK what happens?

It should try to start downloading Odin. Perhaps try a different browser? You are doing all of this from the computer and not the phone, right?

If I use Firefox, the page times out, If I use IE, I get this


Oops! This link appears broken.

DNS error occurred. Server cannot be found.


Suggestion - visit suggested links:
Process ManufacturingAmerican manufactured Land Rigs. API-4F certified.Ph 713-426-1403www.processmfgcorp.com - Sponsored ResultapiBe Current w/ API Standards & Docs Purchase your subscription today!global.ihs.com - Sponsored ResultAquarium Pharmaceuticals30-60% Off API Aquarium Supplies Free Shipping, PayPal Accepted!Aquarium-Pharm.PetMountain.com - Sponsored ResultLink Terminals - Save BigLink, Wyse, DEC, ADDS, Boundless In-Stock, Low Price, 2-Yr. Warrantylink.vecmar.com - Sponsored Result
or try search:


Plus, now both the computers I've been dinking around on are running ridiculously slow. I have turned off the firewall, turned off Panda or any other security software that I can find. As far as I know anyway. Very frustrating!!! Oh, same thing happens when I use the long link Kelmar. And yes, I'm on the computer and not the phone.

I'm sure it's a setting somewhere on our computers.

I am headed to bed. Have to work tonight a 12hr shift again with a 3+ hr round trip drive, so I won't have time to dink with it tonight. It'll probably be Sunday before I can mess with it.

I appreciate any ideas! Thanks for the help!