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I've considered rooting and installing a custom ROM dozens of times ever since I got my Droid X back in August and I've finally decided I'm just going to do it, but i just want to double check a few things before I root my phone and install Fission:
1. I know that rooting voids your warranty, but if I have problems with my phone and I end up needing repairs, can I just unroot my phone back to stock and still have my phone be covered under the warranty?
2. Will my phone be secure rooted with a custom ROM? I don't want people having access to my personal info contact data, and my passwords.
3. If I Overclock to say 1.2 or 1.3 Ghz with ULV, will I have stability problems with demanding 3D games or other demanding apps?
4. After I root and install my Custom Rom, will I need to reactivate my phone or need to re-add my phone contacts/apps?
5. Will Z4Root work on system version 2.3.340?
I have unrooted and exchanged under warranty with no problems. Your phone will be just as secure. 1.2-1.3 are very stable on my phone. If you do have to reactivate it's as easy as dialing *228 and following the prompts. If your contacts are "google" contacts they'll return to your phonebook. Your apps from the market shall return without a problem. And yes, z4root will work with your system version.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
I am having difficulty rooting my droid x. I am an android noob, but am a pretty savvy user. I used z4 (permanant) and it says it has been rooted when i launch the app. However i see no appreciable difference in access. My terminal still shows a $ prompt and i cannot uninstall verizons crapware. I used rage against the cage prior to z4 with similar results, but i was able to at least get temporary su access and install the bootstrap recovery and perform a system level backup. It reverted to user access after rebooting. Please help.
Superuser confirmation
alright, if you want super user privileges in terminal type "su", then once you hit enter, you get "#" instead of "$" To test if you have root access, first check app drawer for "Superuser" if its there, open an app that requires it, (wifi teather, root explorer, rom manager to name a few) you should get a pop up similar to this
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...=1&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:0&biw=888&bih=638
that would be a diffinitive confirmation that you have superuser permissions.
The way I remove verizons crap once rooted, is to use root explorer, go to system/app and find the .apk files you want to remove. There are lists around the forums what is safe to remove. I highly recommend simply renaming the files. For example, the 3g hotspot app is called mynet.apk, so I would just rename it to mynet.bak, or mynet.apk.bak, really anything that lets you know what it is, but removes the .apk extension.
Ok, I have confirmed su access, but am unable to rename any of the offending .apk's. I am simply told that the operation was unsuccessful. I have tried a couple of different file managers, as well as trying from a terminal, still no luck. I like 2.2.1 alright, but if i can't control what apps are running on my phone with root access, I may want another ROM. Any suggestions are appreciated, aswell as any links to a rom installer that is pc-less.
I usually rename apk's from Root Explorer, just prefer the graphical interface, so I can't really help you on the terminal process.
Rom manager is "pc-less" although most roms are posted in forums first it is often the easiest route, also lets you make backups and restore. There are a few posts around on how to install a rom you might want to read first. Also, you should find the thread for the rom before you flash it, in favor of size and speed, some developers go down to bare minimum and may remove something you need/want.
I have not used it, but I hear Titanium Backup allows you to "Freeze" apps, so that is a possible route also.
2.2.1 is not exclusive to people running official vzw builds, many of the roms on the forum (and rom manager) are running 2.2.1, so you will not be taking a step back to an earlier release.
SharkBaitDave said:
I usually rename apk's from Root Explorer, just prefer the graphical interface, so I can't really help you on the terminal process.
Rom manager is "pc-less" although most roms are posted in forums first it is often the easiest route, also lets you make backups and restore. There are a few posts around on how to install a rom you might want to read first. Also, you should find the thread for the rom before you flash it, in favor of size and speed, some developers go down to bare minimum and may remove something you need/want.
I have not used it, but I hear Titanium Backup allows you to "Freeze" apps, so that is a possible route also.
2.2.1 is not exclusive to people running official vzw builds, many of the roms on the forum (and rom manager) are running 2.2.1, so you will not be taking a step back to an earlier release.
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Click to collapse
If you are trying to rename apps in the /system/app portion of the OS, you will need to mount /system as RW first.
from terminal: mount -o rw,remount /dev/block/mtdblock4 /system
After it has been mounted read-write, you should be able to rename...
to remount as read-only: mount -o ro,remount /dev/block/mtdblock4 /system
zwade01 said:
I have unrooted and exchanged under warranty with no problems. Your phone will be just as secure. 1.2-1.3 are very stable on my phone. If you do have to reactivate it's as easy as dialing *228 and following the prompts. If your contacts are "google" contacts they'll return to your phonebook. Your apps from the market shall return without a problem. And yes, z4root will work with your system version.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your response. Just out of curiosity, did you (or anyone else for that matter) have to reactivate your phone after rooting and installing a custom ROM? I'd rather not have to re-activate my phone every time I want to update a ROM or change to a different ROM.
Thank all of you for the great info. Here's what I've learned after a day of rooting and romming: titanium freezes apps only in the paid version, z4 was the most user friendly app for rooting noobs, milestone overclock works well if you have the patience to lock up your phone several times finding the right settings, and I'm digging apeX 1.3.1. Thx to everyone for your help, i will definately be checking here frequently. One last question: where might i find a side by side comparo of roms with things like features and memory footprint, etc.? Or am I asking for too much. Im not scared of the search button, but i will defer to the more experienced of you. Thanks again.
galaga4991 said:
Thank you for your response. Just out of curiosity, did you (or anyone else for that matter) have to reactivate your phone after rooting and installing a custom ROM? I'd rather not have to re-activate my phone every time I want to update a ROM or change to a different ROM.
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Click to collapse
I used rom manager to load apeX 1.3.1 and did not need to #228. I did not clear the user data or cache, but I do not know if that affected my results or not. Your mileage may vary.
stpvapor said:
Thank all of you for the great info. Here's what I've learned after a day of rooting and romming: titanium freezes apps only in the paid version, z4 was the most user friendly app for rooting noobs, milestone overclock works well if you have the patience to lock up your phone several times finding the right settings, and I'm digging apeX 1.3.1. Thx to everyone for your help, i will definately be checking here frequently. One last question: where might i find a side by side comparo of roms with things like features and memory footprint, etc.? Or am I asking for too much. Im not scared of the search button, but i will defer to the more experienced of you. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know that anyone has really done a side by side per say. Since you say you are apeX, then if you are looking for more ROM's that contain blur features, then I would recommend looking into ZapX Bazinga, or Fusion (from the same creator as Fission, but just with blur). I have not worked with any of the Blur ROM's so far...
If you are looking for ROM's that do not have blur, then the big ones are Liberty, Fission 2.5.7, GummyJar 2.5, and Rubix Focused 1.9.5. Liberty is the big one right now, because it just came out and combines the great talents of Kejar31 and Jrummy. Most others I believe are using Fission. All are great choices, as the dev's do some AMAZING work.
Each has their owns unique feel...so I woudl recommend just digging through each thread for their respective ROM's as they usually include what components are built into each ROM on the original post of each thread.
Hope this helps somewhat =)
another ROM to try is DarkSlide. It comes in both flavors, Blurred & Blurless. It's fast, stable & well supported. You only have to re-activate if you wind up bricking your phone & have to flash an SBF. My advice it to spend the $$ on DroidXBootstrapper (available in the market) to make a nandroid backup prior to flashing your new ROM. This way you have a base to go back to in the event you run into problems, or want to try multiple ROMS. One other suggestion is to rename each backup into something that will let you know what the backup actually is, like StockROMBU or the like.
A basic guide for those new to XDA and Android in relation to the essentials of improving your phone. Really just pulling together a few guides already done and a few basic essentials.
Rooting
Allows write access to system files. Similar to administrator mode in windows. You need this to flash custom firmware (ROMs) and certain apps. It wont wreck your phone, but it does void your warranty.
Best place to start with this is Chainfire’s kernels. The kernel is the central software component of Android. Chainfire has taken the basic Samsung kernels and modified them to allow root access and additional functionality. With this you also get an enhanced pre boot recovery menu.
Flashing custom kernels requires you to use ODIN – Chainfire has links to this program and detailed instructions THAT YOU NEED TO FOLLOW TO THE LETTER. Not to unduly worry you but really, you need to do this.
See here for Chainfire's goodies - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399
The different versions reflect the different releases by Samsung. You can match to your own (Settings - About Phone - Kernel Version) or choose one of the newer ones.
ODIN
Software that runs on your PC that allows you to flash your phone with new software. It’s safe if you use it properly but has options you don’t want to touch. Intratech has compiled a selection of stock (ie official Samsung firmware) with detailed instructions about how to use ODIN to apply them. See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278 for carrier specific versions see here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1113928. The first post has the detailed instructions and also includes are rooting guide.
Recovery
A textual pre boot menu that allows certain key functions – principally allows updates to software and clearing data from your phone. The phone ships with one with limited functionality. If you apply a custom kernel like Chainfires you get an enhanced one called Clockworkmod together with an app installed on your phone to allow easy use. This has more functionality and allows you to apply more software updates and even flash ROMs. Pulsar 2G has info http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1134290 in relation to that.
What the heck are Custom ROMs
Modified operating systems to allow greater functionality and style. Basically the developers take and add from the basic Samsung ROMs and save you a whole bunch of time in modifying your system to improve it. It only takes a few minutes to flash a ROM but there are a few things you want to do before flashing one. There is more to it than this but at this stage, enough to know.
Also, you’ll see development of completely custom Roms that are built without using Samsungs Roms. Miui for example (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1130951). There are Alpha stage at the moment so maybe leave those now.
Hosts of them in the Android development section. Each to their own in relation
to ROMs. Some you like, some you dont. But it doenst really matter, as if you dont like one, just flash another. Currently I’m liking Pursar G2’s Villian Rom (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1081368) and Novek’s TK Rom (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125140). But that’s just me.
Post Rooting Pre Flashing Essentials
EFS Folder
After you root your phone a key task is to take a backup of your EFS folder. Seriously essential - this stores both the IMEI number and carrier locking software. If you lose this you lose your IMEI. You dont need to know whats in it – just backup the whole folder. Put a copy on your SD card, your PC and your dogs PC. I lost my IMEI on my SGS, had formatted the SD card with the backup, had changed my computer and found a copy on a USB flash.
You need a program like Root Explorer (paid) or super manager (free) to do this. The EFS folder is a separate directory in the highest level directory.
APNs
In Settings – Wireless – Mobile Networks – Access Point Names. This is the access info for your data connection to your carrier. Note all details. You may lose them when you flash a ROM. Saves you hassle in having to google them afterwards.
Backups
When you flash a custom ROM you will likely lose all data (you should actually clear data) – that is your phone data AND all programs you installed. You can back this up using Chainfires CWM app that is installed on your phone when you flash his kernel.If you flash another kernel, you can backup and restore in recovery mode. Alternatively you can use a program like Titanium backup from the market to do this.
Personally I do both and Titanium backup is worth purchasing the full version as you can batch restore without having to accept the permissions for each app you are restoring.
I’d also recommend using a program like SMS Backup+ which backs up call logs and SMSs to your google account.
Your Firmware Version
If you want to return to your original firmware, take a note of the exact version in Settings – About Phone – down the bottom Baseband version. You will find a copy of this in Intratech’s post. Be aware you may some some specific carrier customisations in doing so. These are held in CSC files - also in Intratechs post. Yours might not be there so be aware. Mostly bloatware but also things like APNs etc. If you like your carrier specific apps, make sure to back them up using Titanium backup.
Questions/Problems
Go to the Q&A forum. Search. Trust me it’s likely already happened. If not, structure a query with detail in the thread title. “A problem with XYZ” will get a better response than “Help me Pleeze” with a tearful emoticon.
Most problems are ultimately solvable by resetting your software with a data wipe or going back to Samsung firmware. Just dont flash when drunk, on your bike etc.
Themes and Apps
The section that does what is says. Quick tip – you may find downloading apps fails. If you, get Astro file manager from the market and in preferences tick “enable browser downloads”.
Worth also checking out the general XDA apps dev section http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=564
Hello,
If I root my stock Aconia will it pose issues later when official OTA updates will be pushed? I like honeycomb as it is and don't want to have custom ROM installed but want it to be rooted.
No, rooting won't have any affect on updates. However, if you remove any stock applications / games then yes, it could (will definitely) very well cause updates to fail - otherwise, happy rooting!
I believe it won't prevent you from getting the OTA updates, but be aware that whatever incremental update you do, you lose root access and you have to root once again either with the released methods or wait for a new one to be developed (some opennings for the root process might get patched with the updates, so developers look for new creative ways to root the device).
caution after root
Rooting will not stop ota.if you do root.
Install Acer recovery/clockwork mod make good. Backups.and any system files you alter bee sure to jus5t rename and save a backup of original files.as altering files even game preloaded on your tab. Will cause issues on installing ota updates.
Go cautiously and educated and you will be fine.there is a awesome bunch of talented people in here.
They deserve our most given respect. Thanks xda developers.and the developers and advanced users here.
Hugged to all.
erica_renee said:
Rooting will not stop ota.if you do root.
Install Acer recovery/clockwork mod make good. Backups.and any system files you alter bee sure to jus5t rename and save a backup of original files.as altering files even game preloaded on your tab. Will cause issues on installing ota updates.
Go cautiously and educated and you will be fine.there is a awesome bunch of talented people in here.
They deserve our most given respect. Thanks xda developers.and the developers and advanced users here.
Hugged to all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand why do you want to have custom ROM for Honeycomb? I understand if you want it for phones becouse phones are frequently full bloat (much more then tablet), restrict tethering, very slow to update rollout due to vendor QA etc. But Tablet seems to me good from all this points of view the way it comes from a store. The only drawback is lack of root.
Some of the ROMs port over system-specific apps and libraries. For instance, the 'stock' Acer libraries won't support Netflix streaming; replace one of the files with a lib from a different tablet and bingo! Technically you can do the same thing using Root Explorer etc.; consider the various ROMs as pre-packaged replacements.
I'm personally a vanilla fan, although I will probably experiment with some 3rd party kernels in the future (not a full ROM replacement) because I like seeing how fast I can push my CPU without crashes
And as stated above, if you do anything with any of the pre-installed apps etc. once rooted (say, replace the wpa_supplicant file with one that supports ad-hoc networking) be sure to keep a backup of the original in case the next OTA checks that file.
artisticcheese said:
I don't understand why do you want to have custom ROM for Honeycomb? I understand if you want it for phones becouse phones are frequently full bloat (much more then tablet), restrict tethering, very slow to update rollout due to vendor QA etc. But Tablet seems to me good from all this points of view the way it comes from a store. The only drawback is lack of root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no custom rom installed its just currently the easier way to Do a system backup.something Acer should have giving us.but that's another topic.the cwr recovery will let you backup your system.
erica_renee said:
I have no custom rom installed its just currently the easier way to Do a system backup.something Acer should have giving us.but that's another topic.the cwr recovery will let you backup your system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MyBackupRoot will do that as well as Titanium backup without modifying boot loader and having possibility of bricking device in the process.
I recently rooted/installed CleanROM for my S4, but now I have some basic questions regarding what actually happened in the process and how I could improve it. (First smartphone, first Android).
1. Is flashing the exact equivalent of installing a kernel/ROM/app in a recovery like TeamWin that is zipped in an SD card? All I did was select my zipped file and install--the guide says to use GooManager but I never used it. Also, does updating TWRP, kernel, or ROM (same application/kernel/ROM, but newer version) require that you delete the old ZIP, copy over the new ZIP, then install it? Is there a cleaner method (I feel that since we have to wipe to prevent old files from interfering with new ROM that maybe parts of the old version of a ROM may be redundant or may interfere with the new ROM?
2. Is there a way I can save the phone settings when dealing with one ROM and transferring these settings to another ROM? I really don't want to spend 20 minutes to go through all the settings and change it to my liking every time I install a new ROM.
3. With TWRP I could backup the entire ROM and also be able to install that backup ROM if I don't like the new ROM installed? What does Titanium Backup offer in regards to this aside from backing up app data and the ability freeze/uninstall system apps?
4. Does Titanium Backup leave any residual files? I see other apps designed to uninstall system apps and Titanium Backup seems like an all-in-one jack of all trades.
5. I thought I wiped everything and to me, that sounds like reformatting the entire drive. I only wiped system, boot, and data though (good enough for ROMs, according to what I've read). I was surprised when I saw my videos that I had already backed up to my PC accessible on the phone. Should I just wipe literally everything (I assume it would be cleaner) like cache, preload, EFS, modem, recovery, etc.? Will wiping literally everything be like reformatting my phone (since my phone was not reformatted because my personal videos was still there when I installed my custom ROM? If I were to install completely different ROMs cleanly and wanted to keep my personal files, I would only need to wipe system, data, and boot?
4. Do I have to use CASUAL again to install an updated TWRP?
5. Does backing up a ROM also backup its root? I'm going to assume this is a dumb question and the answer is no. I'm also guessing I have to block OTA updates from AT&T to ensure I keep my root. How would I go about doing this? Also, would my phone be "safe" if I stick to my ROM (no updates or anything) for 4+ years? I'm asking this as an extreme case because I feel like I'm missing out on AT&T security updates that could protect my phone and also I don't think the developer my ROM (CleanROM) will do frequent updates).
6. I had problems with my computer not being able to recognize my phone and my SD card in the phone after I wiped everything and before I installed a ROM. I literally had to take the SD card from the phone and use an SD card reader to transfer my custom ROM/loki then put it back into the phone. Was I missing a driver?
7. What are some must-have apps a newly rooted user would want?
8. I read that you only need 1 EFS backup and you don't need to back it up every time you are going to install a custom ROM. Can I get a confirmation?
9. What does Goo Manager do and would I want it?
10. Is it essential that I keep up to date with news about my custom ROM/phone to ensure my phone is secured?
**Not Root/ROM related--Is swiping an app away from the Recent Apps List (long-press home button) the equivalent of killing an app? I use the Recent Apps List often but I don't want to go about swiping apps away if means it is killing it, since I read that killing apps are bad and actually drains battery life. Also, is there a mod that lets you access the Recent Apps List by long-pressing the menu one? I only see a mod that kills the app if you long-press it.
Also, any ROMs you guys can recommend me that is like CleanROM? It has to be TW-based because I use multi-windows. Basically, I want a stable, popular (popular ones tend to be more frequently updated, which is important because there are often bugs in custom ROMs), and optimized/debloated ROM (as debloated as possible, I rather use my own large list of apps than pre-installed ones). I was looking at GoldenEye but I'm not sure.
Thanks. I'm hoping for many responses as I have more questions to ask but not a lot of free time (I will check back on this thread every several hours until there are no more responses on the thread.
Hey there! Here is my take on at least some of your questions. I am not a super pro, but I will try not to give you any wrong info.
1. The zip files that are still out on your SD card are just the install files for whatever you are flashing. They won't be cleaned up automatically and you will need to delete them yourself if you want them gone. That being said I would recommend leaving the previous version's zip out there in case you need to back out of the new version.
2. If by phone settings you mean all of the settings in the various option menus baked into the ROM it is best to redo those when switching between ROMs. Many ROMs add and take away options and add whole new option sections so you will want to go through those and set things to your liking. Another option is to use a launcher like Nova Launcher that lets you back up its settings and restore them which is a big chunk of the things I change when going to a new ROM. Some people may have a different opinion on this one.
3. Yes if you make a backup in a recovery like TWRP and then restore from it it will be like you never flashed the other ROM. Titanium backup does what you say and also can backup individual Apps themselves and restore them.
4. Once you have a recovery installed you should not have to go through the hoops you went through to get it there to update it. Check the thread for the recovery for upgrade instructions.
5. Your SD card will not be wiped when you wipe system or data. There is also the internal "sdcard" that if I recall is not wiped when you do a standard wipe which will keep things like pics and videos between flashes.
6. So you were trying to access the phone storage/SD card while it was in recovery? I have never had much luck with that. I always just make sure I have all of the files I will need to install the new ROM moved over before I wipe it. That being said if you have the right driver it might be possible.
7. Titanium Backup, a file explorer that can leverage Root access like Root Explorer, maybe something like Greenify (I think it takes Root). Other than that check out the thread in the Apps/Themes subforum where people list their top 5 apps.
8. Pass (but I think what you heard/read is right)
9. Goo Manager can let you know if there is updated version of your ROM or what other ROMs are available for your device and download them. It can also be used to install a recovery. Personally I don't use it and just check ROM threads for updates if the ROM doesn't offer OTA updates.
10. I rarely see mention of security fixes/features in custom ROMs so I don't think you need to stay on top of threads for that reason. With that said, if security is crazy super important to you then a custom ROM might not be your best bet. Even though source code is available for most if not all of them that doesn't mean someone has gone through the code looking for security flaws (or even malicious code).
11. You can test this yourself. Go into the "Apps" section of the options and look at what Apps are running then swipe one away and check again. Personally I would go ahead and swipe away Apps as needed since that is a core Android feature. I haven't seen a mod for what you are asking.
12. The other two TW-based ROMs I have used are Goldeneye and Alpha. Both are good, but I am using Alpha now due to its higher degree of customization. Goldeneye hasn't been updated in a month or so, Alpha is being updated regularly at the moment.
---------- Post added at 08:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:09 PM ----------
Here is the link to the thread where people list out their top 5 apps!
Nice post, very good help...serious...
Incredibly helpful, thanks. I will post more questions if I have here, kind of busy at the moment.
Question:
What is the best way to detect whether a third-party app has a keylogger? I read from an article that it is incredibly easy for someone to put a keylogger on an app. Is Avast Mobile Security and Antivirus capable/overkill for this job? Also, I was worried that Avast may actually be bad because it would deteriorate (wear and tear on the SSD of the phone) through all the scannings? Or am I completely wrong? If I am wrong, I'm guessing it's because an antivirus only reads your files and therefore does not wear down a SSD (I'm not even sure if this is right).
mindstormer said:
Question:
What is the best way to detect whether a third-party app has a keylogger? I read from an article that it is incredibly easy for someone to put a keylogger on an app. Is Avast Mobile Security and Antivirus capable/overkill for this job? Also, I was worried that Avast may actually be bad because it would deteriorate (wear and tear on the SSD of the phone) through all the scannings? Or am I completely wrong? If I am wrong, I'm guessing it's because an antivirus only reads your files and therefore does not wear down a SSD (I'm not even sure if this is right).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can read a SSD all day long, that doesn't wear it out. Writing to a SSD will cause wear, not reading. I'm thinking that most antivirus apps can find that kind of stuff, but don't download from unknown sources or those you don't trust. Even Google Play has some shady stuff. I would recommend researching an app on Google if you have any doubts about it. I'm sure it can be done, but I really doubt any of your friends know how to reprogram one of your apps to have a keylogger, plus I wouldn't let them use my phone in the first place.
To answer your questions:
1. Antivirus doesn't wear anything out, it just puts load on your system.
2. Most antivirus apps should detect apps like the ones your talking about.
agent929 said:
You can read a SSD all day long, that doesn't wear it out. Writing to a SSD will cause wear, not reading. I'm thinking that most antivirus apps can find that kind of stuff, but don't download from unknown sources or those you don't trust. Even Google Play has some shady stuff. I would recommend researching an app on Google if you have any doubts about it. I'm sure it can be done, but I really doubt any of your friends know how to reprogram one of your apps to have a keylogger, plus I wouldn't let them use my phone in the first place.
To answer your questions:
1. Antivirus doesn't wear anything out, it just puts load on your system.
2. Most antivirus apps should detect apps like the ones your talking about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the confirmation.
Another question for anyone:
Clean Master found the folder of an app that I installed on a precious ROM, so I not wipe the device cleanly. I though wiping system, boot, and data was enough--what was I missing, or should I have checked everything to be wiped on TeamWin Recovery?
Are you sure its not coming from your SD card?
Sent from miPhone using XDA Premium HD app
So I just rooted using this tutorial on theunlockr
This is my first time rooting an android phone. I used to root the old iphones way back in 07 and 08 and it would put an app on homescreen to access apps.
I have no idea what to do now on the LG. Is there something else I download.
Where can I get apps?
What is this ROM Gummy stuff I keep reading about?
Thanks again
Rooting on Android is basically like getting 'administrator access'. Some applications require root access to perform certain functions. It doesn't really add a new 'app store' like Cydia. You can find applications in the form of .apk files and install them by copying them to your phone and running them (Google is your friend). You don't need root to actually install the application, but some apps require root access to function.
Some apps that need root access are Titanium Backup (for hiding/deleting un-installable apps like the AT&T/Verizon junk) or Xposed Framework. Xposed framework, along with the G2 Xposed app lets you tweak certain aspects of the UI - something that normally LG doesn't allow. You can change the Menu button to a Recent Apps button (more like stock Android) or remove the Volume/Brightness sliders from the Notification Slider since they take up a lot of visible space.
Alternatively, you can now follow the tutorial for installing TWRP recovery on your phone. TWRP is an enhanced recovery mode that will let you flash custom ROM's or other mods to your phone. It also has a handy backup function (commonly called a Nandroid backup) which basically saves an 'image' of your phone in its current state. This way if you screw up flashing a new ROM and end up on a blank screen with Android not loading, you can always boot into Recovery mode and restore the Nandroid backup to get your phone working again.
Flashing something through TWRP requires getting a zip file of the ROM/Mod, copying it your phone's storage and then booting into Recovery. From here you'll be able to flash the zip. You can find custom ROM's in the appropriate Android Development subforum. You can also find certain mods like the SplitWindow mod - which has been ported from another LG phone (and requires Root access). It basically lets you run two applications side-by-side in a split-screen view.
get exposed framework and add modules to change apps native dpi, change privacy options off apps.
Search on safe to delete bloatware and slim phone down.
but before all this nandroid plus backup efs everywhere.
if feeling daring, go custom roms and void warrantee even more
Sent from my LG-D802