Database Users

[Q] Apps2sd without custom flashed ROM

Sorry, if this sounds newbee, I'm kind of new to the whole cusotmizing phones. I just rooted my 2.1 HTC Eris phone to get SU access, which worked great with help from this site. I used the 1 click root app and i kept the stock OS ROM. Worked like a charm. Anyways I'm want to get the ability to download apps to my SD card, however I do not want to flash a custom ROM. I want to keep on using the stock HTC Sense UI, not to mention I don't want to redo my whole phone after a flash. Is this possible. I've searched the forum but every mention of A2SD seems to come with a custom ROM. Any assistance would be much appreciated.

Probably the easiest way to get apps to your sd card is to flash XTR Sense. It I sherry close to the stock rom but is optimized for stability and speed. It also has the easiest method to start apps2sd.
I would do a nand back of your phone. So you can always return to this pot if you don't like the new rom. Do both wipes data and dalvik and flash the xtr rom.
I think most people report being much more happy with this than the stock ui.

Thanks for the info, I was affraid of that. that xtrasense does look pretty good. I think i'll go that route.

Jp50 said:
Probably the easiest way to get apps to your sd card is to flash XTR Sense. It I sherry close to the stock rom but is optimized for stability and speed. It also has the easiest method to start apps2sd.
I would do a nand back of your phone. So you can always return to this pot if you don't like the new rom. Do both wipes data and dalvik and flash the xtr rom.
I think most people report being much more happy with this than the stock ui.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just in case the OP still hasn't taken the plunge, +1 what Jp50 said. Been using xtrSENSE for weeks and am loving it. I've never settled on one custom ROM for such a long time before I started using xtrSENSE.
Just make sure and read the first post or two thoroughly.

killroy77 said:
Thanks for the info, I was affraid of that. that xtrasense does look pretty good. I think i'll go that route.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you get a custom rom, you can overclock! That alone is worth it to me. If you like custom roms, you can check out TheCookieRom. It's a feature loaded rom if that's what you want. The link is in my sig.

killroy77 said:
not to mention I don't want to redo my whole phone after a flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use a backup app for your apps and your contacts if you don't want to get those from the google server.
Oh and NANDROID IS YOUR FRIEND!!! I don't know how to stress that more but if you mess something up, you can restore from nandroid and POOF! All better.

Thanks for the reply, I got the NANDROID backup figured out and completed, I just need to figure out how to backup my aps.

killroy77 said:
Thanks for the reply, I got the NANDROID backup figured out and completed, I just need to figure out how to backup my aps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend MyBackup Pro. It seems to restore more of my apps than Titanium Backup (even the latest version - just tested it the other day when I flashed an update to xtrSENSE).

HTC Wildfire - updation to 2.2 Froyo

Hello All,
I am using HTC wildfire for past one month and I just love this phone. All the apps which are present and downladable are really exciting !!
Here I would llike to know few things :
1. I am getting messages of upadate 2.2 available in my phone. I do have a Wi-fi connection to do it (Wi-fi needed info I got from the mobile shop person initially)
My question is If i go for the update taking initiative through the updates message
will there be any problem (like phone may not work and the featues might not work etc etc after updation ?)
2. If anythig happens is it possible to bring back to 2.1
3. Will updation cause any other trouble (may be there will be anything which am not sure or thinking off now ?) ?
Can you guys helps me out by answering the questions . I would like to go for 2.2 as I have heard it is awesome than 2.1 but want to make sure nothing happens to the phone.
Please help.
Am from Bangalore India (if location matters for an update !!! )

This is an official update, so there will be no problems. Go go go
Sent from my HTC Wildfire using Tapatalk

vassileff said:
This is an official update, so there will be no problems. Go go go
Sent from my HTC Wildfire using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Vassie,
Thanks for the reply - but if i go for the update is there anything else to do other than 'pressing the update button' in the message ? It will install 2.2 itself ?

Remember, you will lose the ability to root, install root apps, custom ROMs etc. However, looking at your post, it seems it is not a priority, so you might as well go for it.
* Updating should not bring any trouble, since, after all, it is an official ROM, and would have been thoroughly tested before release.
* That said it is recommended to both, restore factory settings and format SD card after the update. It is said to slow down the phone if you do not do so.
* Getting back to 2.1 from 2.2 is possible, but, it is a very long process and potentially risky, and, in general, not recommended.
As for the update, I am pretty sure it will install itself. Never attempted it personally, but, I am sure it will be a "Next - Next" type of procedure.

3xeno said:
Remember, you will lose the ability to root, install root apps, custom ROMs etc. However, looking at your post, it seems it is not a priority, so you might as well go for it.
* Updating should not bring any trouble, since, after all, it is an official ROM, and would have been thoroughly tested before release.
* That said it is recommended to both, restore factory settings and format SD card after the update. It is said to slow down the phone if you do not do so.
* Getting back to 2.1 from 2.2 is possible, but, it is a very long process and potentially risky, and, in general, not recommended.
As for the update, I am pretty sure it will install itself. Never attempted it personally, but, I am sure it will be a "Next - Next" type of procedure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Thanks for the valuable comments....
As you have told about rooting - I would like to know what is it (just for information if you dont mind ! any special advantages ?) Also in froyo is it possible to install apps and games in SD card ?

Rooting - Process to access the root of your device. Basically allows a lot more to be done with your device, like installing root only apps like Titanium Backup, SetCPU etc. Apart from that, it allows overclocking and underclocking your CPU, installation of Custom ROMs (Android 2.3.2 is available unofficially) etc.
For Apps2SD, Froyo supports it natively, but, not all apps and games can be moved using that. Only supported ones. Rooting allows you to install additional Apps2SD Scripts like DTApps2SD which allows install to SD irrespective of compatibility.

3xeno said:
Rooting - Process to access the root of your device. Basically allows a lot more to be done with your device, like installing root only apps like Titanium Backup, SetCPU etc. Apart from that, it allows overclocking and underclocking your CPU, installation of Custom ROMs (Android 2.3.2 is available unofficially) etc.
For Apps2SD, Froyo supports it natively, but, not all apps and games can be moved using that. Only supported ones. Rooting allows you to install additional Apps2SD Scripts like DTApps2SD which allows install to SD irrespective of compatibility.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great info. OMG u mean ginger bread in Wildfire (2.3.2 !!!) Please pardon me if am bugging u asking more questions .
For 2.2 am getting an update message - how you install custom roms ?
I guess that will be your own risk !

Yes, it is at your own risk. However, it is pretty safe. There are exit routes available if something does go wrong, also, if you take a backup before installing it, getting back to it is a snap.
Refer this guide, it will tell you all about the process of rooting and installing Custom ROMs.
[GUIDE] Turkeys' Ultimate Guide to Root Wildfire v42.1.2 (Easy & Safe!)
Apart from that, here is CM7 (Gingerbread)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=918072
Lastly, CM7 is still in Pre-Alpha stage, so, it may be a bit buggy. Also, it does not contain HTC's Sense Interface. So, if you prefer that, you can go for Sense Based Custom ROM's like WildPuzzle and SunAabh. They look and feel similar to the official ROM, but, offer many extras. (But they are based on Android 2.2.1)

3xeno, u r a store-house of info! thanx.
can u pls put a link for downloading wildpuzzle_v8.0.11 for htc wildfire?

vishbin said:
3xeno, u r a store-house of info! thanx.
can u pls put a link for downloading wildpuzzle_v8.0.11 for htc wildfire?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not recommended to use WildPuzzle v8 since it is based on the Chinese Froyo, and, has caused many types of problems like location not working, contacts name not displaying not properly and so on. It is recommended to use the latest WildPuzzle 2.2.1 v0.x if you wish to use WildPuzzle, and that is available here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=877243
Still, FYI, Wildpuzzle 8.0.11 is available here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=761927

[Q] ROM and update

hey all, great site. I have rooted my a500, big deal for me lol. now I am confused about rooms and updating.
my specs are:
android 4.0.3, kernel 2.6.39.4
Acer_av041_a500_rv05rc01_pa_cus1. image
with the 1.033.00_pa_cus1 build
I know I need to update the OS, to which one and how?
after that would love the kewl ROMS, they are just custom OS with different themes and apps right?
Also need some help flashing the ROMS. do the ROM flashes get rid of all your apps or not. would be a bummer if it gets rid of all your apps.
also, does titanium back up get OS and apps on a full backup?
I appreciate any help and your patience and look forward to getting started.
thanks everyone..........

dlbott said:
hey all, great site. I have rooted my a500, big deal for me lol. now I am confused about rooms and updating.
my specs are:
android 4.0.3, kernel 2.6.39.4
Acer_av041_a500_rv05rc01_pa_cus1. image
with the 1.033.00_pa_cus1 build
I know I need to update the OS, to which one and how?
after that would love the kewl ROMS, they are just custom OS with different themes and apps right?
Also need some help flashing the ROMS. do the ROM flashes get rid of all your apps or not. would be a bummer if it gets rid of all your apps.
also, does titanium back up get OS and apps on a full backup?
I appreciate any help and your patience and look forward to getting started.
thanks everyone..........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, 4.0.3 is the standard right now. Nobody knows if Acer will put out the 4.1JB.
We have AOSP 4.1 JB. However, understand, it may have minor issues.
Although there are "semi-root" for stock systems, to get the full advantage, you will need to flash the V8 bootloader, and, install a custom kernel/boot.img. That's the bottom line. There are guides in the forums that cover this.
As with losing previous data. A bootloader update, in most cases, should keep your data. Kernel/boot.img shouldn't mess with anything either.
However, if you run into issues, be prepared to lose existing data. And yes, on occassion, it does happen.
TB sucks if you plan on restoring "data" when installing a new rom. You can restore APK's, but in a lot of cases, forget the data. Reason, TB only works, when you restore the data from the EXACT SAME ROM. A couple things may work ok, but it all depends on what data.
MD

thanks
Moscow Desire said:
Well, 4.0.3 is the standard right now. Nobody knows if Acer will put out the 4.1JB.
We have AOSP 4.1 JB. However, understand, it may have minor issues.
Although there are "semi-root" for stock systems, to get the full advantage, you will need to flash the V8 bootloader, and, install a custom kernel/boot.img. That's the bottom line. There are guides in the forums that cover this.
As with losing previous data. A bootloader update, in most cases, should keep your data. Kernel/boot.img shouldn't mess with anything either.
However, if you run into issues, be prepared to lose existing data. And yes, on occassion, it does happen.
TB sucks if you plan on restoring "data" when installing a new rom. You can restore APK's, but in a lot of cases, forget the data. Reason, TB only works, when you restore the data from the EXACT SAME ROM. A couple things may work ok, but it all depends on what data.
MD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, so the OS is up to date, that is good less to mess with. I don't think there is really any data to lose per say. I was more thinking about all the apps I have installed. Confused about v8 boot loader, I have installed superuser, root checker, ROM Manager.
Is the custom kernel boot image what everyone is reffering to as ROM flashing, or ROMS. What is the difference. Could you give a liitle more instruction here please. What is the kewlest, most complete, awesome Rom to flash right now? I thank you for your help and patience.
Would love to hear from others as well, what awesome From are you running? Where is it located and instructions to Las it.
Thanks everyone ahead of time and special thanks to Moscow.........

[Q] First time Tablet/Android buyer.

Hello all,
I just ordered a new Note 10.1 from Costco.com (32 gig) and from reading reviews and such I was thrown into the world of rooting. For my job, we were given iPhones so I've really only had an iPhone and am used to the iOS. Not a fan. Have always wanted to try Android but have never been thrown into it.
Are there any good guides out there to help me better understand rooting, etc.? I understand that you have to unlock it, then flash a custom ROM. What happens when the newer version of that ROM comes out? Do you lose all of your Data? Can any mod be installed on any ROM? I just don't have a good understanding of how or what to do. Granted, I don't even have the tablet yet, however, I don't want to be completely lost when I get it. I do like the idea of rooting, given that you can install powerful apps that are only offered to rooted tablets.
This is my first post here and am hoping for some helpful responses of maybe some threads that I should read to help me understand things better.
Also, where do you find custom ROMS? Is there a certain section you have to go? Or are all the custom ROMS under the ANDROID DEVELOPMENT forum?
Thanks for the help.

Rooting gives you access to the base files of your device. Your device does not need to be "unlocked." That term refers to modifying the device to work with other carriers (i.e. Sprint, ATT, etc) other than the one it was built to work with. Basically, in order to root, you must first install a custom "recovery." CWM (Clockwork Mod Recovery) is probably the best one for our Notes. The recovery files can be downloaded in the development forums. Along with the program (Odin) that you use to get the recovery installed onto your Note. Once you have CWM installed you can then use a couple of different methods to root or install a custom rom that is already rooted (again look for these roms in the development areas of this forum). Make sure that you read and re-read the instructions that each developer lists on their forum until you feel comfortable and then follow the instructions to the letter! Not doing so can result in your Note really getting messed up. I have not rooted my note yet, however I have rooted and installed custom ROMs to several android phones that I have or have had and it can be really worth it to do so. Personally I am waiting for awhile with my Note for some easier and more reliable methods and ROMs to become available. Right now, I have a Samsung Infuse phone with CM10 installed and a Samsung Captivate with Slim Rom-Jellybean on it. I believe that early versions of both of these ROMs are already available for the Note 10.1. Of the two ROMs, I would probably go with CM10 - (Cyanogen Mod) as it seems to be more stable on my phones. Also, when you install a custom ROM on the Note 10.1, there is a binary counter that advances, that lets anyone who would have to work on it (like for warranty service), know that a custom ROM was installed and that would violate your warranty. There is already a modification available (again, in the development section), that resets this counter, so make sure that you research that too! Good Luck!!!

wd4oay said:
Rooting gives you access to the base files of your device. Your device does not need to be "unlocked." That term refers to modifying the device to work with other carriers (i.e. Sprint, ATT, etc) other than the one it was built to work with. Basically, in order to root, you must first install a custom "recovery." CWM (Clockwork Mod Recovery) is probably the best one for our Notes. The recovery files can be downloaded in the development forums. Along with the program (Odin) that you use to get the recovery installed onto your Note. Once you have CWM installed you can then use a couple of different methods to root or install a custom rom that is already rooted (again look for these roms in the development areas of this forum). Make sure that you read and re-read the instructions that each developer lists on their forum until you feel comfortable and then follow the instructions to the letter! Not doing so can result in your Note really getting messed up. I have not rooted my note yet, however I have rooted and installed custom ROMs to several android phones that I have or have had and it can be really worth it to do so. Personally I am waiting for awhile with my Note for some easier and more reliable methods and ROMs to become available. Right now, I have a Samsung Infuse phone with CM10 installed and a Samsung Captivate with Slim Rom-Jellybean on it. I believe that early versions of both of these ROMs are already available for the Note 10.1. Of the two ROMs, I would probably go with CM10 - (Cyanogen Mod) as it seems to be more stable on my phones. Also, when you install a custom ROM on the Note 10.1, there is a binary counter that advances, that lets anyone who would have to work on it (like for warranty service), know that a custom ROM was installed and that would violate your warranty. There is already a modification available (again, in the development section), that resets this counter, so make sure that you research that too! Good Luck!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are some of the main benefits to rooting then? I would think that if you have rooted a lot of phones you would for sure want your tablet rooted..?? Can you still perform mods to your tablet if it's NOT rooted? I saw someone with a cube on their homescreen with all their apps on it. It was 3D and pretty sweet looking. Will I be able to do stuff like that if I keep it stock.
Another thing, I read that you can't put apps on the expandable storage unless you root it...That is something I would like to do because I plan on putting games on it and such. Seems crappy you can't install some of the bigger apps on your 64 gig sd.

A lot is going to depend on which version of software you get initially on your tablet. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT let your tablet update the software when you first get it. The reason I say this is, if you have the older version of the software there is a very simple way to root your device. It's a simple install of one program and pushing a button. Very very easy.
If you get lucky and you get the older software and then root using the program I'm talking about, the next step is to spend $5 and buy Mobile Odin Pro. You can then download from here the latest software for your device and flash it using Mobile Odin with the ever root option. This will keep root on your new software. This will put you on the latest stock software and keep you rooted.
Custom ROMs can be nice. But I'd get my feet wet with the stock ROM before you start to jump into the Customs. First, stock on the Note 10.1 is pretty damn good. Second, you need to have some familiarity with what you want to be able to choose the right custom ROM to suit your needs. Finally, you'll give yourself some time to learn about your device so that you don't make a fatal mistake flashing, though most can be flashed using Mobile Odin.
Alas, if you get your Note and it turns out to have the latest ROM already, you can pretty much ignore everything I wrote.

just to give you one more thing to think about.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1957002
stock is nice btw

midas69 said:
A lot is going to depend on which version of software you get initially on your tablet. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT let your tablet update the software when you first get it. The reason I say this is, if you have the older version of the software there is a very simple way to root your device. It's a simple install of one program and pushing a button. Very very easy.
If you get lucky and you get the older software and then root using the program I'm talking about, the next step is to spend $5 and buy Mobile Odin Pro. You can then download from here the latest software for your device and flash it using Mobile Odin with the ever root option. This will keep root on your new software. This will put you on the latest stock software and keep you rooted.
Custom ROMs can be nice. But I'd get my feet wet with the stock ROM before you start to jump into the Customs. First, stock on the Note 10.1 is pretty damn good. Second, you need to have some familiarity with what you want to be able to choose the right custom ROM to suit your needs. Finally, you'll give yourself some time to learn about your device so that you don't make a fatal mistake flashing, though most can be flashed using Mobile Odin.
Alas, if you get your Note and it turns out to have the latest ROM already, you can pretty much ignore everything I wrote.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good to know. Thank you.
jaydubbbbs said:
just to give you one more thing to think about.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1957002
stock is nice btw
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I'll check that out. Now, the process that you linked me to, will that give me the latest version ROM (4.2.1?). Another thing, once I root it, will I be able to have the Tablet automatically update and download 4.3, 4.4, etc. and so on? or will I have to manually download and install the new one every time it comes out?

I read in sammobile that samsung will launch Note 8.0, it is true?
What do you think?

rooting
deeselcyde said:
That's good to know. Thank you.
Thank you. I'll check that out. Now, the process that you linked me to, will that give me the latest version ROM (4.2.1?). Another thing, once I root it, will I be able to have the Tablet automatically update and download 4.3, 4.4, etc. and so on? or will I have to manually download and install the new one every time it comes out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have rooted several phones but not this tablet. Why? because for me the stock rom is good enough that I personally dont see an advantage to rooting it. Some like to root and install roms for the fun of it but I need the tablet to work and dont have time to futs around with getting to know a new rom.
I also have the impression,correct me if I'm wrong, that with custom roms you loose some of the multiscreen functionality and some of the pen functionality? If true that alone would keep me on stock.

optimus43 said:
I have rooted several phones but not this tablet. Why? because for me the stock rom is good enough that I personally dont see an advantage to rooting it. Some like to root and install roms for the fun of it but I need the tablet to work and dont have time to futs around with getting to know a new rom.
I also have the impression,correct me if I'm wrong, that with custom roms you loose some of the multiscreen functionality and some of the pen functionality? If true that alone would keep me on stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's more reasons to root other than just flashing custom ROMs. As a matter of fact, you really don't even have to root to install a custom ROM, you just need a custom recovery installed.
Personally I'm fine with the stock ROM on this tablet even though I run custom ROMs on my phones. I did have a custom ROM installed for a few weeks that was little more than the stock ROM with a few tweaks. It didn't lose any functionality with regards to multi-screen or pen. But some of the other more customized ROMs do lose functionality.

optimus43 said:
I have rooted several phones but not this tablet. Why? because for me the stock rom is good enough that I personally dont see an advantage to rooting it. Some like to root and install roms for the fun of it but I need the tablet to work and dont have time to futs around with getting to know a new rom.
I also have the impression,correct me if I'm wrong, that with custom roms you loose some of the multiscreen functionality and some of the pen functionality? If true that alone would keep me on stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing I care about is having the ability to install Google Apps that can only be installed on rooted ROMS. I've read that there are a lot of great apps for rooted ONLY tablets. Also, some of those 3D cube thingy's that have all the app icons on it are kind of cool. I don't know if you can install those on a stock ROM..??

deeselcyde said:
That's good to know. Thank you.
Thank you. I'll check that out. Now, the process that you linked me to, will that give me the latest version ROM (4.2.1?). Another thing, once I root it, will I be able to have the Tablet automatically update and download 4.3, 4.4, etc. and so on? or will I have to manually download and install the new one every time it comes out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, it leaves the firmware as is and it simply gives you root access, i.e. administrative control over just about all processes that the tablet is capable of. It also allows you to flash custom ROMS. that method, along with the exynos exploit method ( not possible on 4.1.2), leave you as close to stock as possible . and leaves the official recovery. Someone will undoubtedly correct me if I am wrong, but so long as you don't flash a custom ROM, I believe you can still update through OTA. I know you can through KIES. If you do go with a custom ROM, I'm pretty sure you lose all the touch wiz goodies, like multi screen as another noted above. and likely would have to use ODIN or mobile ODIN to update.

deeselcyde said:
What are some of the main benefits to rooting then? I would think that if you have rooted a lot of phones you would for sure want your tablet rooted..?? Can you still perform mods to your tablet if it's NOT rooted? I saw someone with a cube on their homescreen with all their apps on it. It was 3D and pretty sweet looking. Will I be able to do stuff like that if I keep it stock.
Another thing, I read that you can't put apps on the expandable storage unless you root it...That is something I would like to do because I plan on putting games on it and such. Seems crappy you can't install some of the bigger apps on your 64 gig sd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom apps such as multi window manager. Custom roms if you wish. Overclock cpu with tegrak on stock rooted, it does sometimes come in handy to be safely overclocked. personally this tablet is so good off the shelf you dont NEED a custom rom but that overclock is good. Ability to access and change root files such as dolphin preference in order to make it work with flash player. More reliable backups of apps and data with titanium backup. There are a plethera of reasons for rooting a tablet. But do be cautious.

Don't forget you need root for AdAway. You also need root if you want to play around (very dangerous) with the build.prop file to try to install programs that the Play Store says aren't compatible.

deeselcyde said:
The only thing I care about is having the ability to install Google Apps that can only be installed on rooted ROMS. I've read that there are a lot of great apps for rooted ONLY tablets. Also, some of those 3D cube thingy's that have all the app icons on it are kind of cool. I don't know if you can install those on a stock ROM..??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 3d cube things I think your talking about are scroll effects, like cube, sphere or card stack. You dont need to be rooted for these, you can just download a launcher (nova, apex, adw) from the play store and change the effects in there.
Sent from my GT-N8010 using xda app-developers app

jaydubbbbs said:
just to give you one more thing to think about.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1957002
stock is nice btw
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One more question about that link. So once I follow the instructions provided in the link to root my Note 10.1, will I still have the custom ROM? And, will I be able to auto update from Samsung or whoever whenever a new version of the Android ROM comes out? I don't necessarily care about having someones custom ROM, I just want the benefits of using the GAPPS that I wouldn't be able to use if I wasn't rooted.
Thanks.

so many choices......Help.

Hello all, new Galaxy user here.....I came from 3D HTC. ok my questions...
1. I am already rooted, what back up , ROM and other stuff do I need to use. There are so many links to so many choices.
2. Which are the easiest to use? I'm not good with complicated options.

kinextions said:
Hello all, new Galaxy user here.....I came from 3D HTC. ok my questions...
1. I am already rooted, what back up , ROM and other stuff do I need to use. There are so many links to so many choices.
2. Which are the easiest to use? I'm not good with complicated options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off, you don't NEED to use anything but what you have right? If for some reason you are not happy with what your phone comes with than it is all personal preference. I use TWRP for custom recovery/backups and is very easy to install via GooManager app. No flashing required, all touch based, and designed very friendly I think. As for roms, kernels, etc. they all pretty much install the same and will give different results. If you don't want to complicate things just stick with rooted stock unless it does not do something you need.

kinextions said:
Hello all, new Galaxy user here.....I came from 3D HTC. ok my questions...
1. I am already rooted, what back up , ROM and other stuff do I need to use. There are so many links to so many choices.
2. Which are the easiest to use? I'm not good with complicated options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The question to start with is, "What do you want your phone to do"?
Look at the capabilities of your phone with the stock ROM:
Are you happy with the way it works? (or can you make it work the way you want by changing the available options)? If so, don't do anything else
Are you not happy with some application? Can you download an app that fixes this? If so, don't do anything else
Are you not happy with the UI? Try out another launcher - if that works for you, don't do anything else
Are you not happy with the bloat on your phone? Can you disable that bloatware? If so, don't do anything else
Are you not happy with the bloat on your phone? If you can't disable that bloatware? If so, you need to root - and then, you can freeze or remove the bloat app
Do you just want to backup everything? If so, you may not need root to use titanium backup - see if Helium backup (by CWM) does the trick for you
Do you want to change everything about your ROM, or flash a new kernel to get better battery life, or get some feature that is not available on the stock ROM (but is available on a custom ROM)? Then, root, install custom recovery (like twrp or CWM), take nandroid backup, and then flash new ROM
To summarize, what do you want your phone to do?

jj14 said:
The question to start with is, "What do you want your phone to do"?
Look at the capabilities of your phone with the stock ROM:
Are you happy with the way it works? (or can you make it work the way you want by changing the available options)? If so, don't do anything else
Are you not happy with some application? Can you download an app that fixes this? If so, don't do anything else
Are you not happy with the UI? Try out another launcher - if that works for you, don't do anything else
Are you not happy with the bloat on your phone? Can you disable that bloatware? If so, don't do anything else
Are you not happy with the bloat on your phone? If you can't disable that bloatware? If so, you need to root - and then, you can freeze or remove the bloat app
Do you just want to backup everything? If so, you may not need root to use titanium backup - see if Helium backup (by CWM) does the trick for you
Do you want to change everything about your ROM, or flash a new kernel to get better battery life, or get some feature that is not available on the stock ROM (but is available on a custom ROM)? Then, root, install custom recovery (like twrp or CWM), take nandroid backup, and then flash new ROM
To summarize, what do you want your phone to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want the most current updates and best performance from my battery and signal. I also want WiFi tether for free to work.......

kinextions said:
I want the most current updates and best performance from my battery and signal. I also want WiFi tether for free to work.......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the moment, the stock ROM has the most current updates. (but I'm pretty sure the carriers will delay the release of the next update, so at that time, flashing a custom ROM may be the way to go)
WiFi Tether - you don't necessarily have to flash a custom ROM just for that - you can get that just by updating the services.* files (see the hotspot mod thread in the Android development forum - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2256950)
Best signal - you will get that based on the radios that are being used, and I believe the custom ROMs use the radios from Sprint as well.
Best battery - for that, you will need to pick a good kernel, so a custom ROM will probably be your best bet.
Hope that helps!

jj14 said:
For the moment, the stock ROM has the most current updates. (but I'm pretty sure the carriers will delay the release of the next update, so at that time, flashing a custom ROM may be the way to go)
WiFi Tether - you don't necessarily have to flash a custom ROM just for that - you can get that just by updating the services.* files (see the hotspot mod thread in the Android development forum - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2256950)
Best signal - you will get that based on the radios that are being used, and I believe the custom ROMs use the radios from Sprint as well.
Best battery - for that, you will need to pick a good kernel, so a custom ROM will probably be your best bet.
Hope that helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for everything.....got the Hotspot working. More info than I expected. Great stuff.

kinextions said:
Thank you for everything.....got the Hotspot working. More info than I expected. Great stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad this info was helpful
Just remember to do a Nandroid backup before you flash any custom ROMs or make any changes to the kernel or the root folders.
Personally, I use the latest touch based version of TWRP (installed using goomanager in the play store) - but CWM works fine too.
Being able to revert back to the nandroid backup has saved my rear end more than once