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Tips and Help for a Beginner please?

Hey guys, I literally just got my Samsung Galaxy S a few days ago, and I never realized how good Android really was until stepping away from iOS - now, I used to jailbreak my iPhone, and I've heard that I can root/lagfix my Galaxy S.
I'm REALLY stuck at what to do, there's threads on how to do it on here, I fully understand that but most of them are completely outdated and I'm not sure whether to trust it. I'm alright with ROM's, I'm not entirely interested in Custom ROM's as per say, but I'm interested in rooting and getting rid of the lag via the Voodoo Lag Fix.
I got as far as downloading z4root, and putting it on my phone ready to install, but I thought to myself, I don't have a clue what I'm doing after I permanently root it. I came to ask some questions.
Why should I root my phone?
Voodoo Lag Fix, it's not on the Market anymore, where would I get that from and install it for my current version?
Custom ROM's are they safe and what is the advantage of doing so?
I'm in the UK and I know that Samsung are releasing 2.3 Gingerbread onto all Galaxy S devices by the end of March, so I'm not sure if it's worth waiting for that?
Any tips, or how to suggestions would be much appreciated!
Many Thanks in advance.

Anybody at all? =/

There are already loads of threads on the benefits of root vs no root, use the search function.
The voodoo lagfix is now a complete custom kernel.
It is a really good kernel and i can't say anything negative about it.
Rooting is not permanent either, it can be undone.
The advantage of custom roms is total customisation.
New versions of android are usually available as custom roms alot earlier as the official rom releases from samsung.
You could instal just a new kernel (like voodoo's) which will increase performance, or a whole new rom if you find something you like. Just take a look at the development forums. Roms from the kitchen are nice, or darkys rom.
My suggestion would be to read this and flash voodoo's kernel.
After you have done that you have increased performance, can easily get root through a market app and also you will have clockworkmod recovery (CWM).
CWM is basicly needed to get custom roms, or change themes etc.
You would basicly be good to go for anything
Maybe also read some of the threads here and make sure your 3Button downloadmode is working.

[Q] Confused about Root, ROM, OTA, etc.

Sorry guys but I am very confused about some fundamental basics in the Android customization world. I understand that rooting a device simply unlocks it with optional enhancements. Installing a ROM changes system properties for customization or further enhancement.
Where does kernal fit in?
If Asus releases a new OTA firmware, do I have to reverse the rom AND root before installing the OTA update? Or do I simply have to reverse only the rom before the update? Or do I simply have to reverse only the root before installing the update?
I used BRK's pure root method on my Transformer last week. I've been thinking about installing Revolver or Prime roms on my Transformer, but I am reading that Asus is releasing a new firmware OTA over the next week or two, which leaves me a bit lost on what to do. Do I reverse the root before getting the OTA? Do I keep the root and get the OTA? Do I apply Prime/Revolver rom before the OTA? If I apply Prime/Revolver now, do I have to reverse that before getting the OTA?
My end goal by the end of this month is to get the latest firmware AND have Prime/Revolver rom on my tablet. Please advise on the simplest, straightforward method. Thanks for everyone's patience.

IMO.......(I said mine). Wait until the custom roms come out based on the current update. Hopefully it will solve some of the stupid bugs 3.2 introduced. Then install CWM and then a custom rom of your choice. I recommend Prime but thats what I use. Try them both or just stay stock with root.
No need to due all the switching back and forth since the ASUS update will be the basis of the new custom roms. One overwrites the other

A kernel in basic term link OS and software to phone's hardware.
Usually when Asus release an update, doesn't take very long for one of the dev to
incorporate it into a custom ROM. If you want to run Prime or Revolver I say go ahead and flash it.

Does that mean I can leave my root alone and just continue to apply updates from whatever rom that I use? So new Asus firmware updates will be incorporated into roms? For example I can expect to get Asus updates through prime or revolver, and never have to download directly from Asus again? That's assuming revolver and prime continue getting developed of course.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk

They mean rather than getting OTA updates from ASUS, wait a while after an official update has been released by ASUS and keep checking the Prime and Revolver threads for an updated version from the devs.
The updated custom roms will include the ASUS update.
But it means waiting longer for each update, as you will have to wait for the XDA Devs to incorporate the new ASUS update into their custom prime or revolver roms.
But it means you can leave ROOT alone if you want.
ROOT is not specifically "Unlocking" the device, it is giving the user, and apps ROOT Access to the ROOT Filesystem. So apps that need to access or modify the filesystem, can. Stock non rooted devices such as mine, have no access to the root filesystem - which is good and bad.
Good because you have much less chance of bricking the device, and you continue to get OTA (Over The Air) updates.
Bad because certain very useful programs can not be used, such as Adblocking apps.
Personally I find official updates, and a stock device have more advantages than rooting it and having to use custom roms which may have multiple problems and no official solution.

Ok ill put it in easy to understand terms
Kernel = Bios
rom = windows
root = file write access.

drksilenc said:
Ok ill put it in easy to understand terms
Kernel = Bios
rom = windows
root = file write access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. Good way to put it for new users, since everyone understands Windows.
The kernel is like a manager. It is what starts all the hardware and software of the tablet. It makes everything you click and do work. All the underlining things you don't see happen is mostly the kernel.
Rom is just the OS. The user interface, the apps you use, etc. It's the same as Windows or Mac OSX. (not the same functionality, but the same concept/idea)
Root is a bitter-sweat deal. It allows you to customize your device more and use apps like Titanium Backup, Adblock, and other system improving apps. The bad thing is, if you don't know what your modifying in the root system, you could mess up your device. Usually a backup restoration can fix this or you can find help here. I got my first Android phone, the Droid 1, on a Wednesday, by Saturday I was rooted and running roms. Like everything, rooting has its risks, you just have to be careful and smart. Don't download sketchy apps that ask for root access. I try to only use root apps that are mentioned on XDA or from a trusted dev. (usually someone on XDA)
I mentioned back restoration. That is done from a custom recovery. The one we use is called ClockworkMod. Essentially what it is, is a installer and backup combo. Through it, we can install roms, themes, and system edits. We can also backup our current system, so that if anything goes wrong, we can go back to before we hit that problem.
When Asus updates the firmware, it's better to wait for a dev (in our case, Roach) to release a prerooted version. Just makes it easier for us, since we can just flash (install) it without having to go back to stock and all that jazz.
Welcome to Android. Always nice to have someone new join our gang.

Kernel, this one i posted on another forum
Originally Posted by life64x View Post
A kernel is simply a director for the computer in movie analogy. It controls the scripts( what gets done and how), the cast(Bluetooth , video, Internet so on), and production( who goes where, how and why.) it is the main software that gets loaded and talks to other software for hardware( such as video output, phone dialing drivers etc.). Every operating system is a kernel. ALL other software in the phone, no matter what is..is the supporting cast. In a nutshell, it is what guides, and makes computers work with other parts of it..both hardware and software.
A rom is a storage file for all the GUTS of the software, bootup stuff, stock or modified items dealing with user interface and other software. it is bundled together to make it one complete unit so you dont have to do files individual to install, tweak and what have you. This is a real bad description of what a rom is, but dont want to confuse you. Instead of having files all over the place, it is in a form much like a box.
"My end goal by the end of this month is to get the latest firmware AND have Prime/Revolver rom on my tablet. Please advise on the simplest, straightforward method. Thanks for everyone's patience."
Simplest reply to this is..
1. Install custom firmware pf your choice now.
2. When the newest version of your rom comes out. Install.

Thank you everyone. That was made clear as crystal. I will install a rom and get updates through them. I'm leaning toward revolver for ota updates.
Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk

any body got a copy of the new OTA rooted to odin?

just wondering if anyone has managed to grab a copy of the new OTA so it can be rooted and odin'd
also wondering if the new rom is wacking the tethering apps (foxfi ect)

Awesome development going on here
Honestly, people likely have it (like myself), but what is the point of posting it when what people really want are custom ROMs? I'm not posting a partial Odin package as it will just confuse people.

First of all, I really respect you, just downloaded the update for my wife's phone from your post on wiki since she is fully stock.
I am running EP4P, and I would bet there are probably plenty who still are also. all i want is an upgrade path that is quick, rather than having to increase my chances of something going wrong.
additionally, all i want is root, not debloat or deodex (i don't theme)
right now i have to flash to ep4d, then do the update, then reflash and all of the flashes are deodexed, and i'm concerned there won't be enough space deodexed.
sorry to have asked and again, Please accept my expression of respect for all you have done for the charge!

cnlson said:
First of all, I really respect you, just downloaded the update for my wife's phone from your post on wiki since she is fully stock.
I am running EP4P, and I would bet there are probably plenty who still are also. all i want is an upgrade path that is quick, rather than having to increase my chances of something going wrong.
additionally, all i want is root, not debloat or deodex (i don't theme)
right now i have to flash to ep4d, then do the update, then reflash and all of the flashes are deodexed, and i'm concerned there won't be enough space deodexed.
sorry to have asked and again, Please accept my expression of respect for all you have done for the charge!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's already an upgrade path to get stock, bloated FP1 rooted that isn't that hard (3 steps basically). If you don't like any of the options here and you don't want to mess with going back to EP4D and going through the update and root process...I guess just wait and see if the combination you're looking for is released at some point. I think there's more interest by users and developers in applying the update to the current ROMs and themes.

[Q] Where to start?

I got myself a brand new nexus S and Ive got some questions
Im debating on using a custom ROM or just go stock ICS.
A good reason why people use custom ROMs is because of better battery because of the kernel. so would it be possible to flash a better kernel on stock ICS?
If I am going with Custom,
whats the most Recommended:
way of rooting(1 click or manual, and why)
Custom recovery
best kernel
best ROM
is it possible to save a custom UI(so you could do dual booting through custom UI u made)

WoolyMarmot said:
I got myself a brand new nexus S and Ive got some questions
Im debating on using a custom ROM or just go stock ICS.
A good reason why people use custom ROMs is because of better battery because of the kernel. so would it be possible to flash a better kernel on stock ICS?
If I am going with Custom,
whats the most Recommended:
way of rooting(1 click or manual, and why)
Custom recovery
best kernel
best ROM
is it possible to save a custom UI(so you could do dual booting through custom UI u made)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash a stock kernel on stock ICS, this is what i have done in the past and it was great. However I will note that the new ROM modifications that increase usable System RAM make a very noticeable difference with no negatives as far as i see. You also get things like notification power toggles, more lockscreen options and so on with a custom ROM.
Anyway, to answer your questions:
1) Best way of rooting: We have a Nexus device so i would not waste time using one clicks. Unlock the bootloader using fastboot, flash a custom recovery and then either flash superuser.zip or a custom ROM. This allows the most versatility when changing ROMs, mainly if you ever decide to flash or restore a stock ROM. The Nexus S allows you to lock the bootloader if you ever need to so warranty issues based on unlocked bootloaders are minimal.
2) ClockWorkMod is generally the most favorable, compatible and least buggy of the lot. TWRP, although good, has a couple of hidden bugs in it and is no longer being developed. Further, CWM now gives you the option between a Touch based recovery and a button based one. This is up to you as they're both essentially the same, but i still prefer the buttons.
3) There is no best kernel, just the best for you. Find the features you want in a kernel first, and then pick a handful and try them all. If you are using a ROM with fixes for the extra RAM (CM9, Slim, etc), you will need a kernel that supports this.
4) Same with kernels. CyanogenMod is generally a good choice. Although on the surface it looks just like stock it is heavily modified. Others have only minor modifications and additions, practically a stock experience with a couple of extra features. Pick a handful with features you want and try each for a couple of days. Feel free to switch kernels from the one that comes with each ROM.
Custom UI? If you mean bootloader or something like that, not really. There have been one or two devs who have tried to make this possible (not specific to the Nexus S) but i don't think their (working?) attempts have taken off. Don't get your hopes up here though.

Harbb said:
1) Best way of rooting: We have a Nexus device so i would not waste time using one clicks. Unlock the bootloader using fastboot, flash a custom recovery and then either flash superuser.zip or a custom ROM. This allows the most versatility when changing ROMs, mainly if you ever decide to flash or restore a stock ROM. The Nexus S allows you to lock the bootloader if you ever need to so warranty issues based on unlocked bootloaders are minimal.
4) Same with kernels. CyanogenMod is generally a good choice. Although on the surface it looks just like stock it is heavily modified. Others have only minor modifications and additions, practically a stock experience with a couple of extra features. Pick a handful with features you want and try each for a couple of days. Feel free to switch kernels from the one that comes with each ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Im fairly new to android OS and while I do generally understand what youre saying its best you give me some links. The only root Ive done with a phone so far are 1 clicks
4. can you elaborate more of why cyanogenmod is a good rom. I hear about it alot and people recommend it,but why?
also, what ROM do you use yourself?

WoolyMarmot said:
1. Im fairly new to android OS and while I do generally understand what youre saying its best you give me some links. The only root Ive done with a phone so far are 1 clicks
4. can you elaborate more of why cyanogenmod is a good rom. I hear about it alot and people recommend it,but why?
also, what ROM do you use yourself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll all make sense as soon as you do it, I assumed you had a read through some rooting guides for the Nexus S.
The Nexus S uses a little flashing utility called fastboot. fastboot gives us the ability to replace certain parts of our phone with customised versions. For example, you can replace the stock Recovery partition (which only lets you install Google-signed .zip files) with a custom one, such as TWRP or ClockWorkMod (which let you install any correctly-formatted .zip file). To be able to use fastboot, you need to unlock the bootloader. On our phones it is possible to lock it again afterward with no trace, but the phones warranty would technically be voided (<-- scare tactics). So basically, you unlock the bootloader, flash a custom recovery and then you can freely install a .zip file through the recovery which gives you root privileges. Afterward with this new recovery, feel free to install custom ROMs and the such straight through it.
I personally used Zedomax's guide found here. This does exactly what i stated above and gives you all of the tools to do it, as well as a video. Just follow the video to a T and you'll be fine, it is all pretty simply laid out. I personally use CWM recovery though, not TWRP as it is no longer being developed. I'm pretty sure i explained what each of the steps do above.
CyanogenMod, unlike most other ROMs, have a somewhat large team of developers working together. They add many features to many phones which are often ported to other ROMs, whether it be the concept or the code. It is a great ROM once stable with countless features and they generally do a great job making sure everything is just about perfect, and there is plenty of support and a large userbase. This doesn't mean it's the best, it is just one of the most known.
I personally use Slim ICS daily right now. Largest benefit at the moment is compatibility with CMs bigmem mod, the phone loves the extra RAM.

well in that case I dont wanna use cyanogenmod. I was thinking something as close to stock(or just simple) as possible because I plan on using themes and widgets to customize it.

1 more question before I root, does it matter which version of OS it has? For example, this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1007782
nvm, phone already rooted
new question: is it possible to dual boot roms? Ive been reading and they say its possible with using particular apps and an SD card, but the nexus S has no sd slot so...

Development Help

Hey guys I have been working on building a ROM based on the current OTA, pre-rooted and deodexed and a few other perks thrown in. At any rate, this is my first ROM and while I would be comfortable flashing a ROM for experimenting with to my Kindle or my Dinc because they have bootloaders that are worth something, the problem with the D2G is that if I get caught in a bootloop I don't know what to do because as far as I know there is no way to access CWM from outside of rebooting to it from a rooted ROM. Does anyone know what to do because I would like to get this development rolling but I would rather not run the risk of bricking my phone if I can help it. Thanks!

In other words, in the case that i get a bootloop how would I go about recovering my device? flash a stock update.zip through stock recovery?

OTA updates can only be installed on top of stock firmware they are made for. If there are altered files in /system that are on the check list, it won't work.
Read this for information on reflashing: http://droid.koumakan.jp/wiki/SBF