How to root:

Second method:
If you have Odin3 and you know how to use it!
Your data and programs will be deleted!!!!

Easiest way

1) Install ANY eclair rom
2) Download CWM, rename it as update.zip and put it into internal SD
3) Download darkky's rom, put it in internal SD (No need rename)
3) Reboot into recovery (Press up + home + power)
4) Choose apply update.zip
5) Phone will reboot and auto go to recovery again, just choose apply update.zip once more
6) Now the menu will change to CWM, choose install from zip.
7) Choose the darkky's rom
8) Enjoy

Use the latest JPY firmware... once u flashed to JPY then flash it with CF_root... then only can apply the update.zip.

else it will have error with the signature.

Yes. Previously on 5800XM, I synced all my contacts to my Outlook client on the computer. Then I exported from Outlook into a CSV file, and imported the CSV into my Google Contacts database. Finally, sync SGS phone to my Google account (Contacts, Calendar, Gmail sync).

but better to go All Wipe. I opted No Wipe, but then got battery drain and LauncherPro problems.
So did a wipe version and it settled all problems.

Apps i used App2SD and titanium backup.
SMSes i didnt backup much. only important ones using Catch Notes; unless you have Handcent Donate.

Emails dunnit. cos i used gmail and google contacts, i just have to resync after i baked my new ROM, and my contacts and emails will come back by itself.

handcent can only backup if you have PAID FOR THE DONATION.
otherwise go for the SMS backup app the others have suggested,

Hi sifus, Im planning to get SGS soon, but still haven decided to go for AP or Ori set.
I hav some doubts, hopefully sifus can help me explain it further~

1. Is there any tools tat can backup/restore b the stock ROM ? So, if i plan to flash a custom ROM, i shuld go for AP instead of Ori ?
2. Install a custom ROM means the phone is consider rooted ?

Thanks~ 

guys anyone face this, after flashing to darkly v9 some apps hang for one min or more. Example.
1- advance task killer will hang if I go see running services and back to task killer menu.
2- flickir wallpaper hd will hang if I preview any wallpaper.

At task manager, I can see these apps using 80% cpu for the hanged time.

I reinstalled apps, didnt help
I went back to darkly v8, didn't help.

What to do

Got the same problem. Got a bit sick and tired of it thats why i tried Doc's ROM, and i became a happy man.
but before that, have you tried using SGS Tools and run the clear_thumb_db.txt script?