Database Info

Stock G-Tablet MOD Thread

This is not knocking our heavy-duty modders and developers, but it seems like in lots of threads folks ask questions and the answer always is to go to the custom ROMs. (Yes, I know they are good and do a lot!)
Could we maintain this, or another thread -- or could the admin set up a section for folks who have stock G-Tablets who want to improve and get the most out of them without ROMs?
I got my tablet 11/25 and when I turned it on, the first thing it did was download two updates. I have not had a lot of the really bad problems some of you earlier adopters had. So I would like to try a stock machine with program improvements before deciding whether to go custom ROM.
That said, I would like to install the Google Market, Contacts, Gmail, Calendar, etc. I am willing to root the tablet if that is needed to get all the software working.
Any suggestions -- references to non-ROM upgrades -- recommendations on how to accomplish the above will be appreciated. And I suggest there probably are a lot of other folks out there who would like to do the same thing. (If I'm right, post and speak up so the people with knowledge will know helping us is worth their time and effort.
Rev
P. S. -- Sorry this got so long. If a different thread is needed to get this done, someone feel free to get it started.

I don't find the stock g-tablet as horrible as many are reporting. It is not the same as an Android phone, and I guess that is what most people object to. I have installed the ViewSonic 1.01 update.
Here is what I have done:
1) Root it using Z4root. You can find it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=833953
2) Installed Android Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
EDIT: This version of Market does not work on the firmware update version 4349. For that use the package that Roebeet has supplied to us:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=12939008&postcount=40
It is installed as an update package, where you first unpack it, then place it into the /sdcard folder. Reboot holding both the Power and Volume+ button. Then select "Apply Internal update.zip", using the volume rocker to select, and the power button to enter the selection.
3) Do the Market fix to get access to all apps:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=845175
4) Also install the AndRootFile app, available here:
http://www.getjar.com/mobile/39778/androotfile/
5) Install LauncherPro or ADW.Launcher
EDIT: This is no longer needed, as there is now a "Classic" home screen in the firmware update. But it can still be done if you want to try it.
6) Install Flash:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9172522&postcount=2058
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=842040
7) Install OpenGL fix, so then you can install Angry Birds from Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=846463
This is no longer needed. The OpenGL update is included in the firmware update.
I think that is about it. If I think of something else, I'll add it.

wasserkapf said:
I don't find the stock g-tablet as horrible as many are reporting. It is not the same as an Android phone, and I guess that is what most people object to. I have installed the ViewSonic 1.01 update.
Here is what I have done:
1) Root it using Z4root. You can find it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=833953
2) Installed Android Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
3) Do the Market fix to get access to all apps:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=845175
4) Also install the AndRootFile app, available here:
http://www.getjar.com/mobile/39778/androotfile/
5) Install LauncherPro or ADW.Launcher
6) Install Flash:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9172522&postcount=2058
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=842040
7) Install OpenGL fix, so then you can install Angry Birds from Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=846463
I think that is about it. If I think of something else, I'll add it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not giving you a hard time but for someone who doesn't mind the stock interface everything you have done is pretty much the same as just installing TnTLite...

It may be true that "Waterhead" had done most of the same things some of the ROM mods do ---- BUT, he didn't have to flash anything like TNT or cwm, etc.
For those who don't want to flash, what he has provided here is a less risky path to decent performance.
Or for those who are less experienced and want to start out "lite" on their modding experience, this gives them a chance with less opportunity for making a fatal mistake.
I think there probably are a lot of folks who will own G-Tablets who will fall into this category.
And with a route to learn modding and work their way up to really serious modding, I think we will have done them a big favor.
Thanks for the posts. I think we have started a good thing in this thread. And thanks to you more experienced folks who are willing to help get those folks started.
And......it just could be that if we provide an opportunity for the unexperienced folks to make their tablet right -- more people will buy them. IMHO.
Rev

Sprdtyf350 said:
Not giving you a hard time but for someone who doesn't mind the stock interface everything you have done is pretty much the same as just installing TnTLite...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I did is no different than what a person does to a PC. You install the needed programs and drivers. And maybe customize your desktop.
As a long-time Linux user, I am fully capable of installing from scratch. I just see no need to do that with the g-tablet. I actually like the weather app as a homepage.

So you have the TnT UI (Stock 3 Homescreen UI) and Launcherpro/ADW? If people are going to go this route, then I would suggest installing home switch app from the market.

xmr405o,
Two things:
(1) My model with updates has a three-screen "Home" already -- one with weather/clock/news, one with "To-Do" lists, and a third I use so little I have forgotten what is on it.
(2) I have installed Launcher Pro and when I choose a task that will require launching, my firmware gives me a choice of the regular "Home" or LP to do that job.
What would the app you are recommending do beyond this??? More info??!!
Rev

Seriously, what is so intimidating about installing a rom? You cannot brick these things, it's impossible to do.

Thanks for this thread.
My wife picked one of these up at Office Depot the other day. She knows I have been waiting on Adam and thought I might like this instead. I have yet to open the G Tablet until seeing what the supposed Dec 19th update brings. I am new to android and hesitant to start at the deep end of the pool with modding a $399 toy on day one.
From all the reviews it sounds like a solid piece of hardware and that most issues are with TnT and the lack of Google support for tablets. Do you think this device will get Gingerbread and full support from Google eventually?
My only other concern is the LCD, which is turning out to be hard to judge without having seen the demo unit.
Ideally I just want a clean Android 2.2 experience with the ability to install and use the typical apps (gmail, flash, twitter, facebook, angry birds, etc). If this thing can be made into a solid purchase maybe I would just skip Adam and wait for a next gen tablet like Eve which should be on Tegra3/honeycomb.

rayden25 said:
Seriously, what is so intimidating about installing a rom? You cannot brick these things, it's impossible to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this is true, that's awesome!

This quote from an earlier post answer the question asked as well as I ever could:
"I am new to android and hesitant to start at the deep end of the pool with
modding a $399 toy on day one."
I've already said I have no problem with the people who want to go the ROM flashing direction.
But there are people who would like to be more conservative while they learn something new.
Would it be such as bad thing to just help them?
Rev
P. S. -- And, personally, the first computer I ever built I soldered and put evey part together. I have been doing hardware and programming since 1979. But still, I am new to Android....and the documentation is lacking...and somethings are not explained well in the threads....so like the person I quoted I would like to move a little slower and not take chances until I am ready. And eventually I may get a second G-Tablet I can afford to mess up. But right now I want improve my tablet without the risk. IMHO.

jfholijr said:
If this is true, that's awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing is impossible.. We just haven't found the person to do it yet
It is pretty forgiving though. And I have been able to get going again every time I have gotten into a crazy spot.

butchconner said:
This quote from an earlier post answer the question asked as well as I ever could:
"I am new to android and hesitant to start at the deep end of the pool with
modding a $399 toy on day one."
I've already said I have no problem with the people who want to go the ROM flashing direction.
But there are people who would like to be more conservative while they learn something new.
Would it be such as bad thing to just help them?
Rev
P. S. -- And, personally, the first computer I ever built I soldered and put evey part together. I have been doing hardware and programming since 1979. But still, I am new to Android....and the documentation is lacking...and somethings are not explained well in the threads....so like the person I quoted I would like to move a little slower and not take chances until I am ready. And eventually I may get a second G-Tablet I can afford to mess up. But right now I want improve my tablet without the risk. IMHO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said in my earlier post... I am not trying to give anyone a hard time and understand people wanting to keep them stock. You should be able to and have a useful tablet. When they first came out it wasn't so easy, and still isn't. Programs would not install because of memory mapped wrong, wifi disappeared after waking from sleep, time would reset every boot. The latest Viewsonic update has fixed some of those things, but not all. I flashed mine because I knew I was driving a Z06 Corvette with a Vega motor in it that had power windows that didn't work. I wanted the capability I knew was under the hood and the only way to get it was to flash a new rom. Or wait, and hope that Viewsonic eventually did it in an update.
I picked up my tablet back when they first came out. Seems like a long time ago but was really only a month. I read read all the pages in the original huge thread that existed before the G Tablet received a home of its own here. I would read what people were doing, read what they were breaking, and then when I felt comfortable enough that success was a possibility I would give it a shot. I have worked with computers myself since the early 80's and am comfortable building, installing, breaking, etc. Android is definitely different, but mostly to have fun with your tablet you don't have to know much more than how to flash a rom. Back before there was a recovery path things were pretty spooky and I did a lot of reading and waiting to see what worked. Things have progressed now to where if you can unzip a rom package to your internal SD card so you end up with an update.zip file, and a recovery folder all that is left is to hold the volume up button while pressing the power button and about 2 minutes later you are all done. And your Z06 will actually have power windows, and the right engine..
The specs on this tablet are probably the best out there right now. The software chosen just doesn't properly utilize most of it. Maybe the December 19 update being talked about will make it right out of the box. I hope so...
And no matter which path you take, stock, or modded... If trouble comes the answers so far have all been here in the forums...

xmr405o said:
So you have the TnT UI (Stock 3 Homescreen UI) and Launcherpro/ADW? If people are going to go this route, then I would suggest installing home switch app from the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only installed LauncherPro. When I want to bring up the original TapnTap UI, I use the icon in the app list.
If you install both LauncherPro and ADW, then the home switcher app would be a good idea.

rayden25 said:
Seriously, what is so intimidating about installing a rom? You cannot brick these things, it's impossible to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a ZT-180, and have flashed it several times. You had to mess with it just to get it to a useful state. But eventually you want to stop re-installing things and just use it. The stock g-tablet is wonderful compared to the stock ZT-180.
I guess that I come to this with a different perspective.

Great post! I've done exactly what you've done and am pleased with the result.
Thanks

z4padroot
trying to root g tablet with z4padroot.1.3.0.apk, answer: could not parse.
please advise.

I don't know about the program you used, but I used z4root as mentioned in the second or third post in this thread. It installed flawlessly and all I had to do to root was click one icon! Good luck!
Rev

wasserkapf said:
I don't find the stock g-tablet as horrible as many are reporting. It is not the same as an Android phone, and I guess that is what most people object to. I have installed the ViewSonic 1.01 update.
Here is what I have done:
1) Root it using Z4root. You can find it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=833953
2) Installed Android Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
3) Do the Market fix to get access to all apps:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=845175
4) Also install the AndRootFile app, available here:
http://www.getjar.com/mobile/39778/androotfile/
5) Install LauncherPro or ADW.Launcher
6) Install Flash:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9172522&postcount=2058
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=842040
7) Install OpenGL fix, so then you can install Angry Birds from Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=846463
I think that is about it. If I think of something else, I'll add it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you very much, have you tried vimeo?

jae-v said:
thank you very much, have you tried vimeo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is vimeo?

Cerberus In ROM Manager why???

Not been on the forums or even had time to flash any ROM's for a few weeks but tonight I've got a couple of hours free, so just been looking through ROM Manager and came across Cerberus, I thought it was a new ROM at first so I took a look. Only to find out it's an APP not a ROM (weird really).
I was just wondering if anyone had tried it or know anything about it and does it really deserve a place in ROM Manager when its not even a ROM, even if it the best thing since sliced bread I'd still expect it to be in extras anyway.
Sorry If this has been discussed but like I've said Ive had no time so am a little out of touch
Thanks

Never heard of it before but I found out about it just like you did. From what I can tell it's the same as the marketplace app - https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lsdroid.cerberus&hl=en
I will admit I haven't tried either version (ROM manager version or marketplace), but it seems to have decent reviews. I agree though, it seems weird in ROM manager under the normal ROM listing... I expected it to be under Extras too.

UPDATE***
Flashed it through CWM although it can be downloaded from the market as pointed out.
What an amazing piece of kit. you get a weeks free trial but I paid 2.60 or there about.
I can't explain how good it is, if you have ever been concerned about loosing misplacing or having your Nexus slolen, then this most definately for you.
If you buy the full version you can add up to 5 phones.
It enables you to track, wipe take a picture, request call or sms log display a message sound an alarm even record live for up to 5 mins at a time, ether by loging on to there ste online or by sending a text message to your phone.
By far the best security app I've ever seen.
Check it out, its free for a week and if you don't buy it there must be something wrong with you.
And honestly I'm not assosiated with the app or its developers, just know a great app when I see one
https://www.cerberusapp.com/

Hi, I'm Cerberus main developer.
First of all, if you have any questions on Cerberus feel free to ask!
Then, regarding the inclusion in ROM Manager, I'd like to explain how and why it happened.
Cerberus has additional features if you integrate it into the rom. It cannot be uninstalled (I mean, it can only be deleted by flashing a new rom or using adb/terminal emulator, but I don't think a lot of thieves know how to do that), and GPS is automatically enabled when you send a "Start tracking" command. So on the website there is a flashable zip for easy installation in /system/app.
A user, who also maintains the ROM Manager repository, told me if I wanted to publish it there too, so integration into the rom would be even easier. Of course I said "Sure, that'd be great"
Now I don't know if there's a specific category into ROM Manager that is fit for Cerberus or whatever, if someone more expert than me wants to write his opinion I'd like to read it.
P.S. If you installed version 1.9beta, there are some nice new features that you can't see yet in the "official" dashboard. More info here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jmPnjs07y7rs9tdsMEzwUTQtV2ncjsYcVsPUbBtZAXM/edit?hl=en_US

It is the best app i have ever downloaded.
EDIT: Wow I just read all the comments in ROM Manager and I want to punch so many people.

So to expand on what ajejee said above:
Previously, Cerberus could only be installed either as a regular app with the "Device Administrator" permissions like any other security app, and the associated flaws (like not being able to turn on GPS on 2.3.3+), or by downloading a separate APK off the website and running it on your phone, which would copy the APK to the system partition.
Long story short, putting Cerberus in ROM Manager is a way to make it easier for users to install Cerberus to /system, since most competent root users have ClockworkMod Recovery and at least know of ROM Manager. While yes, it is "odd" for an app to be in the ROM listing, it's not the only non-ROM in there. I also have radio images for the HTC EVO 4G listed as well.
In regards to placing it in "Extras": Yes, that's a nice idea, but with the way RM's manifests work, it's not really feasible. The "Extras" isn't a separate category, but just another manifest that was hosted on Koush's GitHub, and was only being used by Superuser. This means that any time Superuser had an update, or Cerberus would have an update, the developers would have to send a pull request to Koush, and someone would have to merge it in.
I say was, because Superuser and Cerberus both now have their own separate manifests (meaning no more Extras link), and show up as "ROMs" in the Download ROM menu. I've talked to Koush about making a separate "Download App" menu, but the problem with that is that the Market's ToS prevent having an app that just downloads other apps.
tl;dr, this is so Cerberus can be protected against factory resets, apps can kinda-sorta go in the Download ROM menu, and ROM Manager can't have a separate Download App menu.

Pretty cool app!!!!!!!!
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium

Awesome app and there are even way to get it for free !

Well, you translated the app into Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian so you earned a couple free licenses
There are not many languages left to localize Cerberus into: Korean, Finnish, Arabic, Farsi, Indonesian and Thai.
So if anyone wants to help with some of these translations please let us know!
rijads said:
Awesome app and there are even way to get it for free !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks "ajejee" for this nice application.
I can localize Cerberus into Arabic language if you want !

That would be great! Can you please contact me at [email protected] ?
Thanks a lot!

I rooted my LG G2 and I want to install Cerberus in the system, but im new to this, i didnt understand the instructions at their website. Can anybody help me with this?:good:

Thanks
This app is awesome,
my girlfriend's phone (nexus 5) has been stolen twice and i have found it twice! The first time i found it with the front camera photo feature when you fail your password and that person did herself a nice selfie. 10 minuts later y found her and got the phone back. The second time the thief turned it off when she just found it, this time i only could wait her to put her sim in the phone...and it happened, the phone send me her phone number and i found a lot of information (photos,adresses, student,career,year....) called her and again got it back.
But i don't understand one thing, i had bootloader locked and adb not enabled. Even with password for the phone the girl managed to install a different factory image (killing cerberus forever) and i don't know how she did it, i though the phone was completely locked. Anyway i was lucky because she put his card in to the phone before doing that but i'm still confused about that. I'll try to fix that security hole somehow.
Finally i want to thank the developer for make this app, with 3€ my girlfriend saved 700 and who nows in the future maybe more.

cant help you

Cerberus on rom
NexusCrazy said:
Not been on the forums or even had time to flash any ROM's for a few weeks but tonight I've got a couple of hours free, so just been looking through ROM Manager and came across Cerberus, I thought it was a new ROM at first so I took a look. Only to find out it's an APP not a ROM (weird really).
I was just wondering if anyone had tried it or know anything about it and does it really deserve a place in ROM Manager when its not even a ROM, even if it the best thing since sliced bread I'd still expect it to be in extras anyway.
Sorry If this has been discussed but like I've said Ive had no time so am a little out of touch
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, I got this email from Cerbus asking the question would Cerberus survive a hard rest?
reply
Only if you integrate Cerberus into the ROM of the device.
--
Chiara
Cerberus support

Looking to try CM7 for Infuse? "First Timers", Read this.

I just wanted to note down a few things that I wished I knew before flashing my Infuse.
Substituting your official Samsung build for unofficial ROMs like CyanogenMOD (CM) is a double edged sword. On one hand you get to play with the latest and greatest stuff...but on the other hand you have no guarantees of any kind. I'm not sure but you may be in violation of your warranty. In other words you're on your own.
Now there are forums like the Official CM forums and XDA where you'll get help if you run into issues but the bottom line is: You flashed your phone on your own responsibility. Nobody is liable for that. Nobody has any duty to resolve your issues. You may get a response, you may not. Sometimes the level of solution varies with the technical level of the person trying to help you. I may not be able to fix your problem... My suggestion may even f*** it up worse.
In my opinion, if your phone has critical data that you depend on (contacts, appointments etc)... it would be wise to stick with the OS build your phone came with. It may be old...but it has been tested by qualified engineers. All aspects of the phone are functional. And if you run into an issue, you can always pick up the phone and call somebody. When you flash your phone, there's always a minimal chance that you may lose your data (I'm not saying it always happens...but it can). You also lose the privilege of support provided by your carrier or anybody else.
Secondly, your Infuse ships with OS that has been modified by Samsung to provide you with a better experience. These are things which I'll list down at the end, that you'd lose with a custom build like CM. So you'd gain some features by trying the latest version of android but you'd lose a few features too! Because they were provided by Samsung, not by Google.
Things like:
1. No quick view in Calendar. You have to go to Agenda view in options where all entries of all dates will be visible. You cannot see daily appointments on the default Month view. Also there's no option for persistent alarm for your appointments. In the stock build my alarm for tasks used to ring for 15 minutes...now there just one ring and silence. Its a little thing but I sometimes miss the alarm and the whole purpose is lost.
2. Contacts applications is modified by Samsung. Joining contacts from different sources (facebook, twitter) into a single contact is much easier. You can do that in CM too but I had to search the Internet for that option.
You'd also get alphabets on the side of the screen while scrolling contacts. Tap an alphabet and you quickly jump to contacts that start with that alphabet. That's missing in CM too.
3. There are some widgets provided by Samsung like Running Applications widget which I absolutely loved. It would show number of running applications and a quick option to close them all. CM has a task manager and the market has applications that can replicate that functionality but I haven't found one as nifty as that little widget. Then theres a Dual Clock widget, which was important to me as I have contacts in different timezones. I could easily check their time at a glance. In short there were some gems that I miss... and I can't get with CM.
4. Messaging app was modified by Samsung to allow quick addition of a particular group (e.g. all the contacts in Family group) to senders list.
5. There was a very nice Memo app that you could store notes in for offline use. There are tons of alternatives in the market like Springpad, Evernote etc but I kinda liked that app. It had a very nice yellow legal pad template. Its a minor gripe but hey!
6. There's no swype in CM7! Samsung preloads your Infuse with swype. If you've not used swype, its an awesome way to input text. I found that I could sign up for Swype beta and use it in CM but then again....beta is a beta. It has problems.
7. Bluetooth (currently) doesn't completely work in CM7. You can transfer data but audio pairing is an issue. It doesn't bother me but it may be something you use.
8. Wifi is fine but try using Mobile Data on CM. I still haven't figured how to set up my mobilink GPRS internet. I tried setting up the APN with the same settings as on the stock build but it doesn't seem to work. It worked fine under Samsung. But YMMV. It may be particular to my network and CM build.
9. There's no voice search in google search widget. I had to install an apk from net to get it working. It wouldn't even show up in the market.
10. Also you'll lose all your settings in applications. You'll get your apps back from the market (Even the Paid ones...you won't have to re-purchase) but you'll have to set them up all again just the way you want. That may not be such a big deal for some but it may irk you. Also don't use Titanium Backup to restore you app data. I tried that and every f***ing app would crash every ten minutes. I had to reflash again.
11. Your partitions will show up different in the file manager. For example your internal sd card (as it showed up in stock build) will be mounted under 'emmc'. I had to look online for that. Now that may not be a major thing but it screwed up a lot of app data links.
12. Lastly CM isn't even official for Infuse yet. All you have are volunteers packaging builds for Infuse. Hats off to their hard work! But as a user.... you are the tester! So if you're comfortable running untested beta grade software only then go for CM7 on your infuse. Otherwise stick with the stock build.
I'll keep adding other differences as I remember and discover them. You guys can pitch in too.
This post is by no means an attempt to belittle CM. Its an excellent ROM. It has its own advantages which you can read up on its website. I'm just highlighting some tradeoffs so that new users like myself exactly know what they're giving up.
So if you still want to go ahead and flash your Infuse, full power to you. At least you'll be making an informed decision. Just please backup your critical data. Sync your contacts with Google. Back up your music and videos, messages, downloads etc.
Go here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1400375 for the latest CM7 build for Infuse.
Enjoy the CM awesomeness! Best of Luck

This is what distinguishes the men from the boys...or should I say android from apple....be cause we have options....yea...it voids your warranty..who cares...my dedutibke on my insurance and wait time for warranty repair isn't worth it. First we have options, apple doesn't, so if your scared say your scared and buy an iPhone...and as long as you have a back up you will not lose any critical info.. I flash my phone about 20 times or more a day testing out my rom builds and themes and have bricked a hundred times and all info is intact...if you stay stock on infuse...slow, laggy, bad signal.....this is why us devs work so hard ...so your phone and you don't....happy hollidays
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium

dman3285 said:
This is what distinguishes the men from the boys...or should I say android from apple....be cause we have options....yea...it voids your warranty..who cares...my dedutibke on my insurance and wait time for warranty repair isn't worth it. First we have options, apple doesn't, so if your scared say your scared and buy an iPhone...and as long as you have a back up you will not lose any critical info.. I flash my phone about 20 times or more a day testing out my rom builds and themes and have bricked a hundred times and all info is intact...if you stay stock on infuse...slow, laggy, bad signal.....this is why us devs work so hard ...so your phone and you don't....happy hollidays
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said bro...just came off a semi-hard brick and I'm back in business. And you can believe I'll keep flashing. CM7 isn't the only game in town. We've had a tidal wave of ports and even a couple infuse-based roms (thanks D) that can cater to anyones needs. All you gotta do is read and enjoy all the hard work these devs put in.

sbjaved - Thanks so much for this! i just flashed CM10, and am discovering what i've lost (From the latest samsung gingerbread leak) - and what i've gained! two days in and it's so worth it - The only thing i miss is MHL and quite frankly, it's a small loss.
-Woody

[Q] Noob Here. Will Paypal $20 For Help Getting Started Before 11AM CST

I bought a Samsung Infuse 4G from Wal-Mart a couple weeks ago. There's an annoying Facebook pop-up that keeps coming up asking me to accept their terms of agreement but I do not use any Facebook apps. I went into manage applications and saw a facebook app that I did not uninstall. The only extra apps I have installed on my phone were skype, tango, vibrer and two voice recording apps that sucked so bad I uninstalled them.
I am not new to any kind of coding, just new to android. I am on a limited time schedule because I have work at noon and it's already 9:28AM. I would like to get my phone rooted before I start that's why I'm offering to paypal for help since I won't be able to read all these guides in time. I am using a Windows 7 64-Bit PC. From what short research I was able to do, I have come to this conclusion:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=28002718&postcount=8
^^^That's what I think I should do, but I'm not sure.
Option C looks cool but it looks like I might lose my contacts.
My objectives before I go to work.
1. Root phone so I can uninstall that annoying app.
2. Keep my contacts. I don't want to lose them.
3. Be able to use my phone's tethering ability without having to pay AT&T extra for that.
4. Improve battery-life and performance.
5. Be able to use custom apps or modified apps of existing apps...

8thos said:
I bought a Samsung Infuse 4G from Wal-Mart a couple weeks ago. There's an annoying Facebook pop-up that keeps coming up asking me to accept their terms of agreement but I do not use any Facebook apps. I went into manage applications and saw a facebook app that I did not uninstall. The only extra apps I have installed on my phone were skype, tango, vibrer and two voice recording apps that sucked so bad I uninstalled them.
I am not new to any kind of coding, just new to android. I am on a limited time schedule because I have work at noon and it's already 9:28AM. I would like to get my phone rooted before I start that's why I'm offering to paypal for help since I won't be able to read all these guides in time. I am using a Windows 7 64-Bit PC. From what short research I was able to do, I have come to this conclusion:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=28002718&postcount=8
^^^That's what I think I should do, but I'm not sure.
Option C looks cool but it looks like I might lose my contacts.
My objectives before I go to work.
1. Root phone so I can uninstall that annoying app.
2. Keep my contacts. I don't want to lose them.
3. Be able to use my phone's tethering ability without having to pay AT&T extra for that.
4. Improve battery-life and performance.
5. Be able to use custom apps or modified apps of existing apps...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep your $$$, it would be a great learning experiance for you XDA is not about making $$$ or looking for a fast fix.... is for someone who wants to learn and make their growth in the learning process....but it may take more time...
> if you want to keep your contacts you can export them to your sd card, options within the contacts. but google keeps them on the sync when you log into google it will populate your contacts to your phone automaticaly.
1. Root phone so I can uninstall that annoying app.
you can one click or odin if you want to keep stock or even load a custom ROM some options:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1629079
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1524081
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=27286083#post27286083
2. Keep my contacts. I don't want to lose them.
as meantioned above export within contacts options or let google do it for you.
3. Be able to use my phone's tethering ability without having to pay AT&T extra for that.
I dont use this so no anwser for you...
4. Improve battery-life and performance.
keeping it stock but go with a load that is Rooted, Deodexed, Busybox, Zipaligned. Or load a custom ROM, see my signature for the ISET page for that listing.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1508619
All you need for the Infuse:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1610374
5. Be able to use custom apps or modified apps of existing apps.
Need root for this, not all require to be rooted but it helps. Again you can load with one click and put CWM then load a custom ROM.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1524081
Also again all the Roms:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1610374
Like I started out XDA is about learning not for the quick fix, and being new give yourself time to accomplish what you want to...and no $$ is asked from anyone that worth their weight. But as you see fit you can donate to anyone. But as I said keep your $$ learn.
Here is some good reading:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1700416

bigjoe2675 said:
Keep your $$$, it would be a great learning experiance for you XDA is not about making $$$ or looking for a fast fix.... is for someone who wants to learn and make their growth in the learning process....but it may take more time...
> if you want to keep your contacts you can export them to your sd card, options within the contacts. but google keeps them on the sync when you log into google it will populate your contacts to your phone automaticaly.
1. Root phone so I can uninstall that annoying app.
you can one click or odin if you want to keep stock or even load a custom ROM some options:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1629079
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1524081
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=27286083#post27286083
2. Keep my contacts. I don't want to lose them.
as meantioned above export within contacts options or let google do it for you.
3. Be able to use my phone's tethering ability without having to pay AT&T extra for that.
I dont use this so no anwser for you...
4. Improve battery-life and performance.
keeping it stock but go with a load that is Rooted, Deodexed, Busybox, Zipaligned. Or load a custom ROM, see my signature for the ISET page for that listing.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1508619
All you need for the Infuse:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1610374
5. Be able to use custom apps or modified apps of existing apps.
Need root for this, not all require to be rooted but it helps. Again you can load with one click and put CWM then load a custom ROM.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1524081
Also again all the Roms:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1610374
Like I started out XDA is about learning not for the quick fix, and being new give yourself time to accomplish what you want to...and no $$ is asked from anyone that worth their weight. But as you see fit you can donate to anyone. But as I said keep your $$ learn.
Here is some good reading:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1700416
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Unfortunately I ran out of time so I will have to check this out when I get off work. I really appreciate the help.

8thos said:
Thanks! Unfortunately I ran out of time so I will have to check this out when I get off work. I really appreciate the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the community... Your going to be surprised finding out how friendly and willing to help the people are around here so do not hesitate to ask for help.. All we ask is you try to use the search future before asking.

Just wanted to let you know I chose option c
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1613523
Everything works fine and I'm not interested in doing anything more to it.
All the roms I saw had some kind of drawback or something was not working right from what I read. It's a shame too cause I wanted to try out Ice Cream Sandwhich.
Oh yeah Shelley from www.bbsmiley.com hooked me up with a list of some cool apps: https://plus.google.com/102677509828572193138/posts/NFhjkRV3VoU
I haven't actually seen a list of good apps on here yet. I just gotta search the forum's harder.

8thos said:
Just wanted to let you know I chose option c
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1613523
Everything works fine and I'm not interested in doing anything more to it.
All the roms I saw had some kind of drawback or something was not working right from what I read. It's a shame too cause I wanted to try out Ice Cream Sandwhich.
Oh yeah Shelley from www.bbsmiley.com hooked me up with a list of some cool apps: https://plus.google.com/102677509828572193138/posts/NFhjkRV3VoU
I haven't actually seen a list of good apps on here yet. I just gotta search the forum's harder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad it worked out for and you save some $$$ and learn a few things...
and that is totally your call on doing anything more, nothing wrong with that....

A little help for an oldschooler excepting the future would be much appreciated

Hats off to everyone on this forum. It's been awhile since I been on here and I am happy to see it still going strong.
I am new to the S8+ and new to modding in 2019. I haven't messed around with this stuff since the "getting the evo to work on boost" days. I am looking for some advise/recommendations on what to choose as far as roms, etc., from the gate from someone who may have had an experience in what I'm trying to achieve rather than going through hundreds of rom post to find the answer I'm looking for. I stepped away from "smart" phones for awhile and came back only when I found out I could lock them down as much as possible using programs like bk disabler (rip). Even root at the time didn't list the "apps in the background" (if you know what I mean) for me to edit or disable them.
I am looking to root (if needed anymore) my device and install an ultra slim/lite rom, no extra apps on it that don't need to be there, especially social media apps. Not sure if roms still come with a separate gaps install option but not having them is fine as well as I will not be signing into any account on my phone and will only want to use youtube as far as the only goog service used, so i wont be able to use any of them anyway besides tube (unless of course there is now a way to use maps and such without signing in?). If theres such a rom out there of course it would need to be stable. I do not want android 9 as none of the apps I actually use (like bk disabler/acr/etc) work with pie from what I have read. Goog wants all the tracking to themselves now I guess, hence why I am looking for a rom that is as slim as possible. I just want to make calls, text, browse the web and use the tube without having all kinds of accounts and sign ups for any of it. I am really tired of big tech but going back to a black and white nokia in 2019 is not an option anymore.
So a few questions I have would be.. Whats the best root process? I see Odin is still a thing so which version should I be using, also which kernel should I be using? Are different roms still based off different kernels, if so which is better? And lastly what rom should I choose or which rom creator is now the person to look out for?
I know I'm oldshool at this point so please bare with me on these questions. Any help in pointing me in the right direction would be very much appreciated. Thanks!