Root Newbie here- root SPH-D700

[Fors1978]

Hi all, I am new to this but would like to root my phone so I can use roam control when I don't have good signal and it drains the battery fast. I understand I need to root the phone to do this. Couple questions. Can I just root the phone and the app will work then, or do I need to flash a rom? I am fine with the stock rom but just want to control my roaming. Also, the phone is activated with sprint and has been for a while now, after rooting will it remain activated?
Could someone please tell me what to do, to just root the phone if thats all I need to do? Thanks in advance!

Edit:
Here is the info on my phone.
Model: SPH-D700
Firmware: 2.3.6
Build: Gingerbread.FC09

 

[niteNarmor]

Rooting the phone does nothing but give you access to the actual phone files. By itself "rooting" does nothing. If you want to learn more about how to root you need to head over to XDA to root this device.