I'm completely new to this forum. I've also never rooted a smartphone. I've spent considerable time scouring the web for clear instructions on how to do this. This appears to be the most clear and concise method since I just updated through Kies Lite to Gingerbread 2.3.5. I want to try to give this a shot, seems as though most folks have had success with this guide. The other guides I read, mostly on the XDA site, use language way over my head.
I have a couple questions before doing this though. Are there any prerequisite steps I need to take before rooting? The first thing I notice in this thread is that my Captivate does not look like the one in the picture. Mine is through AT&T, has the AT&T logo on the front which from what I have read online means it is "network locked." Can I still root if this is the case? Is there anything else I have to have in place before rooting?
Also, after I root, what do I need to do to put a "ROM" on the phone? I'd like to get an ICS interface. Previously, I have just downloaded GO Launcher off the Android Market and applied an ICS Theme. Phone didn't seem to run as smoothly and it didn't have the complete ICS "look?" From what I have read, installing a ROM would enable the phone to run smoothly while getting the complete look. So what would I have to do to get something like that?
Also, from what I have read one of the key benefits to rooting is the wealth of extra apps available. How do I access these? Will they just show up in the Market once the phone is rooted?
Any additional advice would be appreciated. I'm completely new to this, but I believe this guide makes rooting achievable, even for someone like me lol...
Thanks in advance for this guide. For those who have had issues utilizing this guide, have you been able to correct the problem? Just want to make sure I don't completely jack up my phone.
EDIT: One other thing I wanted to ask concerns the so called "bloatware" that comes pre-installed on the phone. That was one main reason I wanted to root, to remove it. When the phone is rooted will I automatically be free to delete those like any other app? Or is there some program I have to get to accomplish this? Thanks again.