- Read this first page. It is very useful for you. Many questions can be answered in here.
- Read the FAQs before asking questions.
- Press "Ctrl" and letter "F" to search a word. No spoilers are used for searching purpose.
- Please be polite and respect other forumers.
- Please use spoilers when quoting long post or large images.
- Strictly no discussion of wares.
- Try advanced usage at your own risk.
- Red texts can be clicked. For e.g. click on red coloured Post #1 to skip to Post #1



Post #1 Introduction
- Smartphone Specifications
- Prospective Buyer
- New User
- Images
- Videos
- Previous threads

Post #2 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- General
- Apps
- Screen
- Looks and Customizations
- Your Phone and Your PC
- Lag
- Battery
- GPS/WIFI
- Security
- APN for Mobile Internet

Post #3 Firmware Updates (Ice-cream Sandwich)
- Unofficial Ice-cream Sandwich roms

Post #4 Firmware Updates (Gingerbread)
- Official Samsung stock roms
- Unofficial CyanogenMod 7

Post #5 Advanced Usage of Samsung Galaxy S
- General
- Root
- Custom ROM
- Custom Kernel
- Boot Animations
- Overclock and Undervolting (OC/UV)
- How to Use CWM to Flash.
- How to use ODIN to Flash
- How to Use Odin to Flash a Modem.
- Going Back

Post #6 Troubleshoot

Post #7 Useful Links

Post #8 Android Dictionary and Jargons

Post #9 Accessories For Samsung Galaxy S







Why Samsung Galaxy S?
It is one of the most successful Android smartphone for many reasons.
- 4" Super AMOLED screen. It is very bright and the colour is rich and vibrant. Outdoor visibility is excellent thanks to the screen technology.
- Corning Gorilla Glass. The screen uses reinforced glass from Corning. It is lightweight, thin and highly damage-resistant.
- Big storage. Useful for installing a lot of apps without the need to buy external sdcard. (2GB space to install app plus 13GB for data)
- Slim profile. It is only 9.9mm thick.
- Front facing camera allows video calls using your 3G connection or with apps like Yahoo Messenger.
- Unobtrusive and not annoying notification system
- Audiophile quality sound output.
- Entertainment friendly. Supports a wide range media formats.
- TV output via 3.5mm headphone jack to RCA
- Swype. Don't tap, swype across the keyboard instead!

Can I have reviews for this smartphone?
There are plenty reviews floating in the internet. Some may be biased, rushed and few may be good. Nothing beats user reviews who have enjoyed the phone for themselves
- Mobile-review
- GSM Arena
- TechArena
- Trusted Reviews
- PhoneArena

What's in the box?


- Phone
- Charger
- Earphones
- Manuals
- Warranty card
- Kies CD

What to check before buying?
Tips for those you are going to buy this phone:
1. Check IMEI number. Dial *#06# check with the sticker on the box if it is the same number as the phone, and the sticker at the back of the phone whether it is the same also.
2. Type *#0*# in the dialer. Go through all the test and make sure everything is working
3. GPS issue is solve in phone manufacture AFTER or on OCTOBER, Check your manufacture date by looking at the battery, insert the battery in the phone at look at the battery. almost at the end of the battery there is a line that have date. EXM: 2010.07.14, make sure this date is on OCTOBER or later.
4. Check for recovery mode/download mode, more info in the FAQ below.

Why not iPhone 4?
Samsung Galaxy S certainly goes head to head with iPhone 4. Both phones have their own strengths and limitations.
- Screen: Galaxy S has a bigger and vibrant screen while iPhone 4's is a lot sharper.
- Glass: iPhone 4 does not use Gorilla Glass, it's easier to crack.
- Build: iPhone 4 is 0.6mm thinner with unibody metal case. However, there is the AntennaGate problem.
- Weight: A bit heavier than galaxy s
- Apps: iOS > 600k apps. Android has >400k apps. Android has more free apps.
- Video call: Galaxy S supports native video calls while iPhone 4 needs to be jailbroken to do that.
- Connectivity: Android can use any bluetooth devices to pair with Galaxy S. Not with iPhone 4.
- Flash: iPhone 4 does not have flash support in its browser.
- File transfer: Android is able to transfer files wirelessly unlike iPhone which depends on iTunes.
- Multitasking: Android is able to multitask like a computer. It's able to switch to the recent 6 apps by holding down home button. On iPhone, only certain apps can run in the background while others are put to sleep.
- And most importantly, can get free Angry Birds with all levels on android devices!

If you dig aesthetics, iPhone is better.
If you dig functionality and freedom, android is the way to go











Apps Recommendations
See this Make your Android life easier with these Apps to make your SGS cool
- Books & Reference: Wolfram Alpha, Moon+ Reader, Oxford Advanced Dictionary, Merriam Webster Dictionary.
- Business: Documents To Go, QuickOffice
- Comics: Manga Watcher, Manga What
- Education: Color & Draw for kids, Kids Learn to Read (Preschool)
- Entertainment: Talking Tom Cat 2, Talking Larry the Bird, PPS
- Finance: CoinKeeper, Money Tab
- Health & Fitness: Endomondo Sports Tracker, Workout Trainer
- Media & Video: SketchBook Mobile, MX Player, Mobo Player, Ringdroid
- Medical: First Aid - American Red Cross, Medscape, Menstrual Calendar, First Aid
- Music & Audio: SoundHound, Poweramp, 酷我音乐 2012
- News & Magazines: Flipboard, Pulse News, BBC News
- Personalisation: Messy Pocket, My Beach HD, Koi Livewallpaper
- Photography: Magic Hour., Pixlr-o-matic, Pudding Camera, Paper Camera
- Productivity: Tasks, Dropbox, Root Explorer
- Shopping: Barcode Scanner, eBay, Groupon
- Social: Friendcaster, Google+, Twitter, Instagram, Foursquare
- Sports: ESPN ScoreCenter, ScoreMobile, Official UEFA EURO 2012 app
- Tools: Titanium Backup, Smart Tools, Google Translate.
- Transportation: Waze Social GPS & Live Traffic
- Travel & Local: Sygic: GPS Navigation, Skyscanner, Tourist Language Learn & Speak, Foodspotting, TripAdvisor
- Weather: Weather Bug, AccuWeather, The Weather Channel, Animated Weather
- Widgets: Beautiful Widgets, Fancy Widgets, HD Widgets
- Browser: Chrome Beta, Opera Mobile, xScope, Miren Browser, Dolphin HD
- Notes: RTM, Taskos, Color Notes, GTasks
- Messenger: See Below
- SMS: Handcent, GO SMS, Chomp SMS
- Online radio: hitz.fm, MY FM, XiiaLive Lite
- Islamic Apps: MySolat, Prayertimes HD, iQuran
- Keyboards

Games Recommendations
HD Games:

Some other games with nice graphics:

Others

What is so special about TouchWiz interface? Any shortcuts?
It is Samsung's way to differentiate itself from other competitors by providing simple but beautiful interface to work with. There are a few known shortcuts:
- In "Contacts" app, you can swipe right on any of your contact for SMS shortcut!
- If you swipe left, you'll call the person immediately!
- On your puzzle lock screen: If you have unread SMS, you can drag the icon and complete the puzzle to go straight to the message! The same goes with missed calls.





This post has been edited by ken2291: Jun 16 2012, 12:31 PM

General

I flashed to a rom that is not XME for Malaysia. How do I change product code?
1. If you are using odin, just choose CSC file for Malaysia or use Multi CSC
2. [HOWTO] Universal CSC & recover product code [ANY ROM] (I5801 supported)

After flashing to a new rom, I was prompted to enter a password! Help!
Password FIX for anyone having "Confirm Password" issue on Boot:-
1) Just enter some wrong password multiple times
2) Then a Warning message will appear telling you it will remove all SD Card data
3) Type something wrong again!
4) Let the SD Card get wiped.
5) Then the system will bootup properly next time.
Do one more *2767*3855# Full wipe after bootup. See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1016288

How do Internal & External Memory mount to your PC? Are they Separate?
Internal memory is either 8GB or 16GB depending on the model. When connected to the computer,

In eclair 2.1
- Internal sdcard is the /sdcard folder
- External sdcard is in /sdcard/sd folder

In froyo
- Internal sdcard is the /sdcard folder
- External sdcard is in /sdcard/external_sd folder

In Cyanogenmod
- Internal sdcard is the /mnt/sdcard folder
- External sdcard is in /mnt/emmc folder

My ringtone kinda weird, it vibrate for first second then follow by very soft ringtone which i selected, and on the third second the ringtone suddenly turn lound as the volume i it to be. is this normal?
Normal for stock stock rom. Many custom rom disables this increasing ringtone though.

Did you have any problems connecting to WPA2-Enterprise?
No, it connected just fine.

I cannot connect to an ad-hoc wifi connection!
There's a fix: www.emoiz.com/how-to-connect-samsung-galaxy-s-to-ad-hoc-wifi-network

Can I get Asian/Chinese language support in the European firmwares?
Can install google pinyin for input. For display, can install the fonts (link to be added)

My phone displays four copies of every pics I have in my external SD. Do you guys have this problem before?
- It is an old bug. Try:
1. Upgrade your firmware
2. Use sgstools to upgrade stock gallery app http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=775154
3. Root your phone. Use rootexplorer and delete
/dbdata/databases/com.android.providers.media/ and
/sdcard/Android/data/com.cooliris.media folder
- Reboot and reopen your gallery app
4. Try another gallery app mentioned above.

I want to exclude several folders of photos from showing up in my Gallery app. How can I do that?
- Use Gallery excluder app

I have contacts from other phone in vcard/vcf format. How do I put them into my android phone?
Easiest is by uploading these file to google contacts on your browser
- go to gmail.com
- click on contacts
- click More Actions
- click import
- select the files

It'll appear automatically on your phone once it has finished syncing with the internet.

I would like to export my contacts on the phone to vcard/vcf format. Is there any app to do that?
Not sure about apps. but you can try this method:

- sync your contacts with google
- go to gmail.com
- click on contacts
- click More Actions
- click export
- choose vcard

I'm running Linux. Can I still flash my firmware? Do I need to install windows?
Odin needs windows. Use virtualbox to install windows on your linux box. Alternatively, you can you heimdall which can be used in linux and osx.

I'd like to know if I still have warranty for this phone
To check ur warranty status with samsung, sms this:

<PC>SPACE<IMEI> to 33802 <celcom line> or 62002 <digi / Maxis line>

Also, you don't need a warranty card. They will scan the serial number at the back of your phone.

What's the different between choosing GSM only or WCDMA only and GSM/WCDMA(automode)?
If you set it to GSM/WCDMA (automode), the phone will use H if the signal is strong enough. If it isn't it'll be in EDGE. Meaning, it'll transfer data using the fastest way possible

How do we set the data to EGDE only? is it GSM = EDGE, WCDMA = 'H', and GSM/WCDMA(automode) = EDGE/H?
Yes

If i set to GSM only, can i still browse the internet and receive push mail? coz i never set GSM only, my setting is always GSM/WCDMA...
Yes you can

Is the email for gmail pushed into my phone?
- Yes they are. You'll get email immediately without having to refresh.
- For hotmail see mengsuan's blog

Is there any possibility or ways that facebook notification can act like push mail, in other word, when there is a notification in facebook, the phone will immediately alert or notify us
Afaik, no. we need a blackberry server-like from google for that. Only facebook chat is push notification, not facebook updates.

I just bought this beast. BUT how do you turn off data connection only. not WIFI?
Many methods:
1. Go to Settings > Wireless and network > Mobile Networks > Uncheck "Use packet data"
2. Use apndroid. Add as a widget. Can easily switch on/off
3. Hold power button. A menu will popup. Tap on "Data Network mode. If it is written "Data network mode deactivated", data is off. This is the quickest way.

However, if you want to switch off data but not MMS, choose option number 2.


Apps

What messenger that you recommend?
BlackBerry Messenger(BBM) alike:
- WhatsApp Messenger
- Cubie Messenger - you can draw while you chat!
- ChatON - a multi-platform messenger by Samsung
- LiveProfile - one of the hottest one right now!
- PingChat!
- Beluga (bought by facebook)

multi-protocol IM (can connect to msn, yahoo, facebook, etc)
- Meebo
- eBuddy Messenger

video-call
- Yahoo Messenger - There's a fix for a working front camera
- Fring
- Nimbuzz
- Fring
- Qik for Samsung

Is the Music Player good enough to take the place of my MP3 Player?
Depending on your model, you will have about 13GB storage in a 16GB model. This smartphone also has an excellent hardware that gives audiophile quality of sound. The default music player is beautiful and functional. To sync with your computer, you can either use doubletwist app or winamp.

I want to to make my own ringtone from my music file. Is that possible?
Yes! You can use an excllent app called Ringdroid. You can choose which portion you want or have the whole length of music to be your ringtone.

I do not want to be bothered and make the phone silent for a certain period of time
You can use either one of these app:
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1031773
- SemiSilent app

How to type with chinese characters? Is there any keyboard that supports this?
- Can install google pinyin in the market

Any recommended apps to check my data usage?
Try to find "3G watchdog" on Android Market.

Wait, these links that you gave me goes to https://play.google.com/store You mean I can install these apps without attaching a cable from computer to my phone?
Yes! You just need to sign-in with your google account on your computer. When you click install, the app will automagically downloaded and installed on your phone. Cable-free. Very convenient isn't it?

I cannot download anything from the market. It always stuck at "starting download"
Go to settings > applications > manage applications > all
Wait a bit and find Market. Click clear data and then force close. Reopen the market.

I cannot see paid apps
Use this app: Market enabler and change to 31020 for Malaysia.
Alternative: Install the modded Google Play Store from here

I hear there are other markets where I can download apps from. Is this safe?
- Yes they are available. Most popular ones are
1. Amazon app store - exclusive to US
2. www.getjar.com - Legal free apps
3. Gameloft - where you can download games not available in Android Market.

Got any more nice apps?
http://www.appbrain.com/app/tv-shows-hd/org.apps.TVShows
Can watch english dramas, ie Smallville, Desperate Housewives... and LOTS more!


Screen

What kind of screen does this phone has?
Super AMOLED screen with gorilla glass

What is Super AMOLED screen?
Instead of traditional LCD, it uses advanced LED tech for display. It provides brighter images with less battery consumption

What is Gorilla Glass?
- Is it a reinforced glass made by Corning. It is very though and can withhold from multiple dropping onto hard surface. It is also scratch-resistant.

Super AMOLED, Retina Display, Super Clear LCD or TFT – Which do you think is better?
- Super AMOLED has rich beautiful vibrant colour. Probably the best looking screen in a smartphone. Some opponent may say it is slightly oversaturated.
- Retina display is nothing but an IPS display with 4times pixel than the iphone 3gs, giving the sharpest display. It is colour accurate but may look a bit washed out when comparing to super amoled side-by-side.
- Super Clear LCD is manufactured by Sony. A good LCD tech but colour is not as vibrant as AMOLED screen
- TFT is a very popular display used in many other phones other than samsung and apple.


Looks and Customisations

I'm bored with the look of my phone, how do I change theme?
- Changing theme is only possible on custom rom. See below for the guide.
- Theme selection is quite a lot. See here
- Creative people has customize their phone brilliantly. See the showcase
- Mycolorscreen

Will live wallpaper drain battery compare to static wallpaper?
Many live wallpaper cpu usage is minimal, not significant enough to cause battery drain.

I want to take a screenshot my phone. How?
- There are several ways to do it:
i) In samsung firmwares, hold back button and then press home button.
ii) Install screenshot app like ShootMe. You need to be rooted
iii) Use ADB (for advanced users only). QtADB works as well.

The in-built folder is ugly. Any other better looking app?
- Yes! Use SiMi folder widget
- GO Launcher Ex has folder capabilities too.

You talked about these launchers. What are they?
It is one way of customizating your homescreen. Each launcher will have its own unique way of using them. Some of them includes beautiful animation that will surely wow your friends! Examples:
- LauncherPro: This is a high quality, very fast and popular launcher. There's a paid version that can do more
- ADW Launcher: Its advantage is the availibility of themes to further customize your phones. Among the themes are Tron Legacy, Honeycomb, Matrix and Iron Man. The paid version add more animations and features.
- GO Launcher Ex - Prettiest and most functional
- Zeam Launcher: Want a simple/minimalist launcher? There's an app for that!
- Gingerbread Launcher
- Launcher 7 - windows 7-like interface
- TSF Shell - The best 3D launcher
- SPB Shell 3D - Another 3D launcher!
- Regina 3D launcher

System keeps killing my launcher everytime I launch an application ,whenever I exit the app the launcher reloads and it makes the phone really really slow and laggy for 10-15 seconds. How?
-Just install DontKillHome.apk, launch it, confirm root and then watch out for a small message. If successful it will directly ask you to uninstall it. Reboot, and done.
-Make sure you're rooted first. So it's very simple and might crash, but it did work for me.

I want my phone to stand out. Does anybody has ever sandpaper the chrome bezel around the phone?
- Yes! See this post for more photos.


Your phone and your PC

How do you get your PC to recognise the Galaxy S?
You need to download a USB driver for windows. It is included by default when you installed KIES. If you don't, download the driver from the following link.
Download here : http://www.mediafire.com/?2o95kbl3jum79a6 or http://uploaded.to/file/xeczx9xt
Taken from : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=961956

I dislike cable and I want to transfer my music and videos to my phone over wifi. Is that possible?
Absolutely! I recommend using these apps:
- Android Manager Wifi
- MyPhoneExplorer
- Swiftp for drag and drop interface. Guide here
- Dropbox - for syncing your files into the cloud
- Wireless File Transfer Pro
- Wifi File Explorer

I'm running Windows 7(Vista) x64 and have installed Samsung Kies, but I cannot get my phone to connect. What can I do?
- Make sure you are using touchwiz as the default home. Not Launcherpro or adw launcher
- Make sure you have downloaded the usb driver found above
- Try redownload and reinstall KIES


Lags

I am experiencing long loading times when opening apps/intermittent lags when switching screens. What is the problem?
Samsung uses its own proprietary RFS (Robust file system) while they could have gone to using other established and fast file system like ext4 or YAFFS. You have few methods to try
- Update to latest firmware using KIES (2.3.3 DXJV9 Gingerbread)
- Flash optimized kernel like speedmod. Then switch to ext4 file system if you like. Converting from default RFS to ext4 is called lagfix.
- Use autokiller app and set it on conservative profile.
- Can try this method

I am used to kill app in the background but the phone is still lagging and I have very little free ram available
That's the problem. You should not have a habit of killing apps in the background. It is a short term fix that will do more harm than good. Remember than RAM are there to be used. Free RAM is a wasted RAM. Using autokiller app (see above) is a better solution

Why is my phone says I have only 320MB when the specs on the box says it is 512MB?
- Simple, 320MB is the amount of available RAM for your use. The rest is reserved for the Android OS.

Hi, May I know how do we check background services that are running?
If you are on gingerbread:
- Hold home button > App manager > click Running


Battery

I just bought this phone and the battery quickly drains out
its normal, your new battery have to go charge and discharge cycle few days before it is really optimized, after about a week do battery calibration

How to calibrate the battery?
Battery Calibration

1.Run the device down until it turns itself off.
2.Turn it back on and wait for it to turn itself off again.
3.Remove the battery for 10 seconds.
4.Replace the battery, but leave the device off.
5.Charge the device until full and then for another hour.
6.**Root users only** Using a Terminal Emulator, type “su” enter, followed by “rm /data/system/batterystats.bin” (can also be done more easily through CWM or SGSTools app http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=775154)
7.Run the device’s battery down until it turns itself off.
8.Turn the device on and charge for at least 8 hours.
9.Unplug the device, turn off, then charge for another hour.
10.Unplug the device, turn on, wait 2 minutes.
11.Turn off again and charge for another hour.
12.Restart and use as normal.

Sorry, but why do we have to calibrate our battery?
Sometimes the battery stats can go wonka especially when you flashed custom rom without waiting the phone is charged to the full.

Tips to pro-long battery
1) Avoid frequent full discharges because this puts additional strain on the battery. Several partial discharges with frequent recharges are better for lithium-ion than one deep one. Recharging a partially charged lithium-ion does not cause harm because there is no memory. (In this respect, lithium-ion differs from nickel-based batteries.) Short battery life in a device is mainly cause by heat rather than charge / discharge patterns.

2) Batteries with fuel gauge should be calibrated by applying a deliberate full discharge once every 30 charges. Running the pack down in the equipment does this. If ignored, the fuel gauge will become increasingly less accurate and in some cases cut off the device prematurely.

3) Keep the lithium-ion battery cool. Avoid a hot car. For prolonged storage, keep the battery at a 40% charge level.

4) Avoid purchasing spare lithium-ion batteries for later use. Observe manufacturing dates. Do not buy old stock, even if sold at clearance prices.

5) If you have a spare lithium-ion battery, use one to the fullest and keep the other cool by placing it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze the battery. For best results, store the battery at 40% state-of-charge.

6) If on gingerbread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1021711

7) If you are rooted: Using root explorer, mount r/w, browse into /system/app folerr, delete or rename
- syncmldm.apk
- syncmlds.apk
- wssyncmlnps.apk
in gingerbread firmware for better battery life. You could append .bak to the filenames. Example: syncmldm.apk.bak It'll achieve the same effect.

8) Go to this website for more battery saving tips: http://lifehacker.com/#!5795796/how-to...r-android-phone

9) Remove or freeze these safe system apps, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread...02#post17644102

Any apps that can help prolong my battery life?
Can choose one of the following apps:
A) Apps that intermittently switch on and off data:
i. Green Power Battery Saver
ii. BatteryFu Battery Saver -
B) Apps that automate tasks including battery management
i. Tasker - Well known. Paid app. Simple to use
ii. Superpower - Maybe not a lot of people knows. Has both free and paid version. More complicated to use.

My battery goes down from 100% to 95% right after unplug from charger
It is a feature introduced by samsung. When the phone is charged to the full, the phone will disconnect automatically and use the battery. This prevents overcharge and prolongs battery life. However, the indicator states 100% battery although in reality it may have gone down to 95%.

My phone turned itself off after around 16 hours since unplugged,based on my battery usage,my display drains most of my battery,80+% off total with my LCD brightness' slider is already at it's lowest.
- There must be some rogue apps that leeches off battery while you are sleeping. Download Spare Parts and OSMonitor (sort by load) to see apps use.

How about extra capacity battery?
- ebay
- Can use momax 2700mAh battery. It is HK$328 which is about RM130 or so. Free shipping. See photo.


GPS / WiFi

My phone takes forever to get a GPS-fix? Is there a solution to this problem?
There are a few workarounds
- Download fasterfix app. Copy it to your sdcard, open with MyFiles and click to install.
- Use GPS aids
- Double-sided tape GPS fix
- Update/flash your ROM to the latest gingerbread (2.3.3)
- Flash this.
- Hardware fix - This will void your warranty.

If you are rooted, you can flash alternative modems found in here. It's under Samsung > i9000 > Modem. Download one, put it in your sdcard, go to recovery mode and select the zip file to install. Remember, flashing these modems by CWM will not format your apps and data.

For additional modem:
- XXJVE modem. The latest modem taken fron the leaked gingerbread firmware
- ZSJPG modem. From Hong Kong firmware. Thanks to coD33 for the link.
- ZSJPG

How do I know which one is the best for me?
Modem performance varies according to network, location and phone. Nobody knows which one is. We need your help (espicially does who know how to flash modem....) to identify the best modem to be use with our phone in malaysia. and maybe with this finding we could pair it up to the best base later on and get best firmware for us

here is a guide on what to do, can pm result to me



lets us help each other. flashing modem will not mess up your apps because only a single file is replaced.
Also, see here for some compilation of modem by pele78 and GPS


Security

Which is the best rom for security?
The latest one of course! 2.3.6 Gingebread

What about the malware exploit that I heard about?
If you are running 2.2.1 froyo and above, you are safe. If you are still on eclair(2.1) or froyo 2.2, you are going to need a patch. See the following link
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread...97#post11801997
You have to be rooted to use that patch.


APN for Internet

Maxis APN


DiGi APN


DIGI MMS


Celcom APN


U Mobile WAP


U Mobile MMS

CODE - Country;Telco;Customize Apps;Additional Info


This post has been edited by ken2291: Jun 7 2012, 11:53 PM

Unofficial Ice-cream Sandwich roms
As Samsung won't provide Galaxy S with Ice-cream Sandwich updates, we can only rely on unofficial ports and roms.



**Note: This is the general flashing procedure. If the rom's thread has its own flashing procedure, follow it instead

Flashing From CM7 or MIUI
1. Download and copy ICS zipfile into sdcard.
2. Reboot into recovery, wipe data, wipe cache and wipe dalvik cache.
3. Select "install from sdcard" in recovery and find ICS zipfile and flash.
4. Restart system after flash.

Flashing From Stock Rom
1. Flash a custom kernel for example Semaphore to have recovery for flashing ICS.
2. Download and copy ICS zipfile into sdcard.
3. Reboot into recovery, wipe data, wipe cache and wipe dalvik cache.
4. Select "install from sdcard" in recovery, find ICS zipfile and flash.
5. Restart system after flash.
**Note: If you stuck at boot screen, hold "power button + volume up + home button" until you boot into recovery, "wipe data" again and restart, it should be working now.

Notable ICS roms
1. CyanogenMod 9
2. TeamNyx (ICSSGS)
3. SlimICS
4. Elite GNEXUS STOCK ROM
5. ELITE's ARC SERIES
6. AOKP
7. ICS333
8. RemICS
9. Doc's Master ICS
10. Codename Android

Custom Kernel for ICS
Semaphore ICS
Midnight ICS
Icy Glitch
Devil

This post has been edited by ken2291: Jun 7 2012, 10:34 AM

Official Samsung stock roms

Hold on your horses, have you made a backup?
*Note: Before you proceed, be aware that flashing according to the procedures below will factory reset your phone (you lose all your contacts, messages, apps and data).

Make sure you backup first:
-- Phonebook & email: Synchronise with google.
-- apps and data: Use AppMonster or MyBackup
If you're rooted, you can use Titanium Backup.
-- SMS and MMS: can use SMS Backup+. or MyBackup


I) VALUE PACK! Stock XXJW4/XWJW5



XXJW4/XWJW5(2.3.6) is the latest and probably best of all because it has:
* Built-in TouchWiz 4
* 364 MB RAM
* Galaxy S II ICS Lockscreen
* Improved camera
* Photo Editor from SGS II
* Face Recognition
* Faster Auto-Rotation

Procedure
1. Download XXJW4 / XWJW5
2. Download Odin and .pit files here
3. Extract the zip file (XXJW4/XWJW5) and flash the tar file by odin. Use 512 pit file and tick re-partition.

For more queries, can refer to this thread as well:
[ValuePack Firmware] I9000XXJW4 (2.3.6) [More Info|Feature List|Screenshots]

Video on how to flash XXJVU (an older leaked rom, you can refer to the video to flash XXJW4/XWJW5 too)



II) DXJV9

Official Gingerbread rom for Malaysia is DXJV9 (2.3.3). This rom is still plaqued by gingerbread battery bug problem which affects phones randomnly. But if you wish to go stock, the download link is here. This rom need 513 pit files:
Special for DXJV9:
1. Flash with re-partition using 513.pit. Download odin and 513 pit file here
2. You will see a lot of red text after the flash is done, don't panic, just do a 'wipe data/factory reset' and reboot the device when done.
3. Let the device boot all the way then turn it off.
4. Re-enter Download Mode and re-flash only the CSC file without pit and without re-partition.

How to Root them?
It's easy to root SGS, just flash a custom kernel. Make sure you select the specific kernel for your rom. You've got choices of:
- CF-Root
- Semaphore
- Fuguroot for all roms
- Speedmodfor DXJV9

- Steps to flash them are the same as with flashing speedmod kernel for froyo. See http://touristinparadise.blogspot.com/2010...to-install.html
- Once you have flashed it, go to recovery mode to install Superuser and busybox to complete rooting.

Things to point out
1. Some apps randomly got FC when upgrading from froyo to gingerbread if you restore by TB. Solution is restore apps only do not choose apps+data in TB.
2. To revert back to Froyo
- In case you want to revert back to froyo roms, just download any firmware that has "Sbl.bin" in it to downgrade the bootloader.

For example, EZBase 2.0 has this. Use the same procedure as the website above mentioned but with these files:
- EZbase-CSC-XXJV1.tar.md5
- EZbase-PDA-XWJS3.tar.md5
- EZbase-PHONE-XXJVE.tar.md5

Flashing to ZSJPJ rom is also possible. I have tested this rom and it works. http://hotfile.com/dl/110924408/c576fa2/I9000ZSJPJ.rar.html (Extract the file. Password is "samfirmware.com")
Once you are on XXJPJ, you can choose to stay with it or just flash any other froyo roms.

Modem for Gingerbread base and Froyo base
It is possible to have gingerbread modem on froyo base and froyo modem on gingerbread base, follow the link below to get the collection of modems.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=876391


Unofficial CyanogenMod7
1. Now you can flash with Gingerbread bootloader!!!
2. Make sure you have turned on HSPA. The just follow the instruction in the official thread: CM7 Q&A

If you think that is too complicated, refer to this


Download link is here Mirror:-
- http://mirror.teamdouche.net/?device=galaxysmtd
- http://mirror.sea.tdrevolution.net/cm/nightly/galaxysmtd/
- http://koush.kanged.net/cm/nightly/galaxysmtd/

3. Flash google apps through CWM after you have done flashing CM7. Download it from here: http://goo-inside.me/gapps/

4. Nightlies changelog: http://cm-nightlies.appspot.com/?device=galaxysmtd

Make sure you read all before proceeding!

Why flash to CM7?
- It is the best and the most popular AOSP rom for android
- Lag-free since no samsung software inside
- Based on the latest 2.3.5 - can have partial google talk video chat!

Known issues:
1. 2G/3G switching will crash the phone. You must disable data first before making any switch.
2. FM radio works now but cannot change volume
3. TV-Out function not working
4. Mino lag in recording 720p videos and also in playing HD movies or divx or avi.
5. General stability. Remember that nightlies are still unfinished rom!

Flashing Bootloaders
This is a short tutorial on how to flash Bootloaders to your device, please be very cautious, a bad flash will brick your device and you wont be able to revive it without bringing it to a service center. Only for cm7 user with froyo bootloader. Do on your own risk!
1. Run EZOdin, you can get it here.
2. select the desired bootloader file as pda, get bootloader file here.
3. make sure "Repartition" is unchecked
4. don't check "Bootloader Update", it doesn't do anything anyway.
5. boot your phone into download mode ( [vol-]+[home]+[power]
6. connect your phone to usb port on pc
7. wait for "Added" to appear in the console box of EZOdin
8. press "Start"
9. wait for your device to reboot
10.done
Source: http://sgscm7nightlies.pbworks.com/w/page/...g%20Bootloaders

Things to point out:
1. You can choose to use Froyo bootloader or Gingerbread bootloader(recommended GB bootloader with better battery life).
2. Before flash nightly , remember to check if you have enabled HSDPA by dialing *#301279#

3. Put the downloaded files - (nightlies) into your sdcard.
4. You'll get an orange coloured CWM. Volume rocker to navigate up and down, and use power button to select. Reboot immediately.
5. If you are upgrading to the new nightlies, make sure you clear cache and dalvik after that. Download and flash the latest gapps (google apps) as well
6. Play around with the stock kernel first. Later you can flash CM7 kernels like fugumod/tk glitch. You'd need to be updated with each kernel to see of it is compatible with the nightlies you use.
7. Call recording will not be implemented. CM7 is an international rom available to countries throughout the world. Call recording is illegal in a certain countries.
8. External sdcard is located at /mnt/emmc folder. If you are using TitaniumBackup and have saved backup files into external sdcard, you must change the settings in TB and point it to /mnt/emmc
9. Changing fonts is not easy. You need to copy the ttf files to /system/fontsb or download Font Changer from market.
10. After changing themes using Theme Chooser app, the notification power bar will disappear. To fix this, use Notification Restart app
11. Li-ion battery is never charged to its maximum capacity. This is done protect the battery and not shorten its lifespan. It will stop at 95%-99% although your phone reports it is fully charged. You'd notice the battery drops very quickly and then stabilize.
12. Some apps randomly got FC when upgrading from froyo to gingerbread if you restore by TB. Solution is restore apps only do not choose apps+data.
13. Finally, read this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.p...452&postcount=7

Tips:
- default sms and dialer is ugly and not as functional: Use alternative apps like Go Contacts and Go SMS Pro
- Alternative to Allshare: iMediaShare
- Media: Not all codecs can be included into CM7 dues to licensing issue. Use MoboPlayer instead
- Need swype? Get it here
- need samsung's thinkfree office? see here
- Battery saving tips: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.p...&postcount=2692
- If you feel the font size is too big, change it using Spare Parts app.

Updating to the latest nightlies
- put the latest nightlies in your phone sdcard
- disable mobile data ( edge/3g/hspa) as a precaution
- go into recovery and clear cache as well as dalvik cache
- flash the latest nightlies and reboot

Custom Kernel for CM7
FuguMod
TK-Glitch
Platypus's Neo

Modems for CM7/MIUI
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1158783

Modems from Nexus S for CM7/MIUI/ICS
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1548815

It's a good idea to have Lippo's kernel cleaner in your sdcard always in case anything happens.
Try this link in case the links above are down

This post has been edited by ken2291: Jun 7 2012, 05:29 PM

General

What is a ROM/firmware?
The firmware/ROM is the software that runs on the phone. In case of the Galaxy S this is (currently in Malaysia) Android Gingerbread.

How do I know which ROM/kernel/baseband my phone is on?
- Go to Settings > About Phone

Can I update my firmware?
Yes. There are many routes to do this. Can use KIES or ODIN.

Which bootloader comes with which rom?
- All stock froyo ROMs have froyo bootloader. You need this if you are downgrading from gingerbread or wishes to try Cyanogenmod or MIUI rom.
- All stock gingerbread ROMs have GB bootloader. You will get this bootloader automatically if you flash the stock GB rom.

I do not want to flash the whole rom just to change bootloader. Any quicker way?
It always advisable to flash EZBase rom just to clean up everything before flashing a new rom. But if wish so, use this bootloader update: EZBoot

Can I flash an Asian ROM on my European device or vice versa?
Yes.

I want to update to a firmware of my choosing using kies
- There is a kies registry hack to have this done. It's done by tricking kies to think you are from another region See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=835628
- There's another method as well. See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=959806

What is product code or CSC for?
- It only for automatic APN setting, no other things will be affected.

How do I change product code or CSC?
CHANGING PRODUCT CODE WILL FACTORY RESET/WIPE YOUR PHONE, I REPEAT, WILL FACTORY RESET/WIPE YOUR PHONE

the correct step should be:

1. check if the CSC you flash to the phone have XME code or not. to check *#272*IMEI# , there should be a box on top showing current product code and a list of available product code below
A. if no go to step 2, and you need to have root explorer or any other apps that explore the system folder
B. if yes go to step 5

2. download XME from here, and extract the .zip

3. MAKE SURE THE FOLDER STRUCTURE THAT YOU JUST EXTRACT IS LIKE THIS XME/system/... NOT like this XME/XME/system/...

4. copy the XME FOLDER, yes the folder, not the content of the folder, copy the XME folder to system/csc

5. dial *#272*IMEI# , you should see a box on top showing current product code of your phone, and a list of available product code below it, beside each of the code is a round box, press it and it will be green, then press install.

that's it...

I have an AP set / i9000t model. How can I upgrade my phone to the latest version?
- You can just follow the instruction to flash XXJVQ below or;
- If you wish, you can use registry hack to trick KIES so that you can upgrade into any firmware you want. But odin method is the fastest.

So even though I have i9000t model / AP set, I can still flasd my phone with all those cool mods, themes and modems?
- Yes! But you must first flash into stock international version of stock samsung ROM like XXJVQ
- You may find your camera not working after flashing custom kernel like speedmod on your stock AP firmware. I suggest:
1. Flash speedmod/cf-root kernel to root
2. Backup apps using titanium backup
3. Flash XXJVQ
4. Flash custom kernel to root
5. Restore using titanium backup.


Root

What is root/rooting?
Short answer: Is simply means gaining administrator access.
Long answer: root is the use account in Linux with all privileges. The root user can edit anything on the system. For safety reasons, users do not have all those privileges. When you root your phone, you will gain write access to areas of the phone you couldn't previously access and are allowed to run more commands in the terminal. The latest guide can be found here, however, all current CustomROMs are rooted and can simply be applied via update.zip.
If all of this means nothing to you then you are probably wise to NOT root your phone. Mistakes using root can break your phone very easily. (Usually, but not always, these can be solved with a reflash.

Why would I need to root before flashing a custom rom?
Rooting is not a pre-requisite to flash a custom rom. But if you root first,
1. You will get to use titanium backup that can back up your apps and data. After flashing to custom rom, you will be able to restore them.
2. Can backup /efs folder to preserve your IMEI number

Is flashing a custom ROM compulsory If I just want to root my phone?
- No.

Does flashing a custom kernel roots my phone?
- Yes.

You mean I can flash a custom kernel on my stock firmware like DXJP9 or XXJVQ to be rooted?
- Yes!

How do I go to recovery mode and download mode? (3 button combo)
Recovery mode: Shutdown the phone. Hold up volume, home button and power button simultaneously. Release when samsung logo shows up
Download mode: Shutdown the phone. Hold down volume, home button and power button simultaneously. Release when samsung logo shows up
To navigate around recovery mode, use volume up and down and home button to select.

3-button combo/3-button fix/3-button enable/3-button disable
Follow this link to get 3 button combo.

2e vs 3e recovery
when you get into recovery mode, you can see on the top the version of the recovery 2e or the default froyo uses 3e, with 2e you can use update.zip without any problem but with 3e there is not possible, you need to change it to 2e (there is guide at XDA) or flash CWM (clockworkmod) to get the custom recovery. <-- has green interface.

My phone is rooted. How do I browse system files?
- Default My Files app cannot see system files. You need different app for that. Suggestion:
1. Root explorer - Paid
2. File Expert
3. ES File Explorer

There are some stock system apps I want to remove. How?
- Either us Titanium Backup or;
- Nitrality app.

How do I know which one is safe to remove?
- Check out SGS chlorine

Clockworkmod (CWM)
Clockworkmod is an extension of normal recovery, it will bypass all security ( no more 2e or 3e ), you can use any update.zip or better yet, you can choose any .zip in your SD card without renaming it to update.zip. some Clockwordmod have been modified to include ULK (Universal Lagfix) in them. To navigate, use volume up and down. To select, use back button


Custom rom

Custom ROM vs Stock Rom
Rom/Firmware is the same thing,
stock rom = official firmware directly release from samsung
custom rom = made by developer by tweaking the official firmware

custom rom got more advantage than stock, such faster phone, easy theme

What are custom ROMs? How do I get them?
They are custom modified firmwares made by the community.
A list can be found here

I want to install new firmware but I want to have a backup of my original firmware to go back to in case I need to go back for warranty reasons. Can I backup my original firmware somehow? I need the official formware for Malaysia / South East Asia region.
Cannot backup (unless you are rooted with CWM; can just do a nandroid backup) but official stock rom can be downloaded to be flashed on your smartphone. Samsung repair centre won't know you have rooted and installed custom rom before.

DXJG4 Firmware (eclair 2.1)
http://www.multiupload.com/4EQOPSH2P6
You need 7z to unzip.
There are 4 files in it; the CODE, MODEM, CSC and PIT513 file.
There is no necessity to put the MODEM into phone and CSC into the csc of Odin3, because CODE tar file already included these 2 items.
Please use PIT513, with Re-partition checked.
If you use PIT512, it will fail.
P/S: Swype contains bahasa indonesia and melayu. useful for our malay friends.
Locale we have english us and uk, bahasa indonesia, melayu, tieng viet, thai, koren and mandarin. would be useful for those who knows viet and thai.

DXJPA(froyo 2.2)
Link 1 Link 2

DXJPE(froyo 2.2)
Link 1 Link 2

DXJV9(gingerbread 2.3.3)
Link

WHAAAA! I think I bricked my phone. My flash was unsuccessful/My device boots to a black screen/similar scenarios. Can I still save my device?
It is extremely difficult to brick Galaxy S. You should always be able to use ODIN to reflash stock firmware.


Custom Kernel

What are custom kernels?
They are modified kernels with lots of improvements over Samsung's stock kernel

If I flash them, what do I get?
You'll get various improvements such as
- lagfix. This is achieved by converting RFS to ext4 format
- BLN. Uses soft key backlight as notification
- CWM. Allows flashing zip files through recovery mode

I am on froyo and I have a custom kernel like speedmod flashed. Now I want to upgrade to gingerbread. Do I need to unlagfix? (change ext3 back to RFS)
- No. Just straight flash using odin

I am on gingerbread and I want to upgrade the kernel. Do I have to unlagfix?
- If you are switching base, i.e. from JVB to JV9, then yes.
- If you are upgrading the same kernel, then no need.

How do I know if I have lagfix enabled or not? (RFS or ext4)
- Easy way: Go to recovery mode. Go to lagfix option. See if lagfix is enabled
- Harder way: Open Terminal Emulator app. type

On the line of /data folder, see if it is RFS or ext4. RFS means lagfix not enabled; if ext4, it is is enabled


Bootanimations

I want a different boot animation. Is that possible?
Definitely. You must first be rooted. Then follow the following instruction:
1. On your phone, go to doc's & stefunel mobile kitchen: http://romkitchen.org/m/
2. Click on update.zip Generator
3. Click on boot animation
4. Choose any boot animation that you want
5. Click right green arrow at the top.
6. Click generate

You'll get a zip file to be downloaded. To install, go to recovery mode, locate the downloaded zip file and flash.


Overclocking and Undervolting (OC/UV)

What's the function OC/UV?
- OC: Overclock. Make the cpu run at a faster frequency, thus faster cpu
- UV: undervolt. Reduce the power consumption of the cpu. Leading to longer battery life.

If we play with Undervolt setting, is it will affect to the graphic and performance? Especially on games?
If too much undervolt, can make your phone unstable (random crash). Different phones has difference tolerance. So you should undervolt a bit by bit. This oc/uv is only for supported kernel such as damiangto, super-optimized, kanity kernel or CM7 custom kernels.


How to Use CWM to Flash

- This method can flash any CWM package files such as modem, kernel, boot animation, themes, apps and others.
- Whenever possible, it is preferable to flash using CWM as it is a lot easier and safer.
- Make sure the file you are going to flash is a .zip file. Not .tar files.
- Procedure:
1. Copy the zip file into you sdcard
2. Go into recovery mode (CWM)
3. Choose" install zipfile from sdcard" > choose zipfile from sd card> find the zipfile> flash!
4. Reboot and done!

- Alternatively, you can use an app called Nitrality from the Market to flash your CWM zip package file.

I would like to make CWM flashable thinkoffice zip file, anyone can direct me a way to do it?
- Try doc's kitchen for single app cwm package, or insanity 8.5 cwm package. Then open the zip, replace whatever apk in the /data folder with your thinkfree apk. Try using 7-zip software if you cannot see the folders.

I am on stock ROM, can I use recovery mode to flash?
- Yes it is possible, depending on what file you are flashing. Since the stock recovery will only accept file named update.zip, you will have to rename it first using MyFiles app from the phone.


How to Use Odin to Flash




How to Use Odin to Flash a Modem

1. Put the modem file into the modem slot.
2. Switch your phone to downloading mode (volume down+home+power)
3. Connect phone to computer
4. Press start

Do I really need to charge to 100% before flashing?
- Not really. Flashing will only take 10-15 minutes the most. You won't drain your battery during that time even at 30% battery. However, it is advisable to have more than 50% charge before you start it.


Going Back

I got problem with flashing with odin
If nothing happens after 20 minutes, you could have got a connection error. You can pull out the battery and retry. Pulling out should be safe since copying bootloader(the only reason that can brick your phone) happens in less than a second.
1. Disconnect your phone
2. reset all or close odin then reopen
3. use 512 pit file and tick repartition
4. restart and reboot into download mode
5. connect your phone and wait till yellow box appear, indicating your phone is indicated
6. click start
7. After you've finished, repeat step 1-2
8. repartiton is no longer ticked, choose that pda, modem and csc file
9. do step 4-6
10. Enjoy.

this method separates pit flashing and the rom flash.
How can I reset my phone?
On the Galaxy S the soft-reset is achieved by pressing and holding the power button. A hard-reset can executed by pressing and holding VolumeUP+Home+Power. There you will find the options "reboot", "apply sdcard:update.zip", "wipe data/factory reset" and "wipe cache partition".
The "wipe data/factory reset" option will restore your phone to the original configuration of the firmware YOU LAST INSTALLED (including any updates made via update.zip). This will NOT bring your phone back to the firmware installed when you originally bought it unless you haven't flashed your phone.
You can navigate the recovery screen using VolumeUp & VolumeDown and use the Home button to select.

I have flashed speedmod on foryo/gingerbread. But now I want to use kies for official upgrade. How?
- Once you have flashed custom kernel/rom, you need to use odin to flash back to stock rom. Use Ctrl+F and search for stock rom in this first page.


This post has been edited by ken2291: Jun 6 2012, 12:52 AM

This guide will help us trouble shoot your problem effectively. How to use it?
1. Reply to this post
2. Remove the quotes as well as these steps
3. Add your replies to the questions
* Indicates compulsory reply

What is your current rom?*

What is your previous ROM?

Is your phone rooted or not?*

Did you install custom kernel? If yes, which one?*

Did you install custom rom? If yes, which one?*

Describe the steps that you did leading to the problem.*

What did you expected it to be?*

Give any additional information that might be useful

This post has been edited by ken2291: Jun 6 2012, 01:16 AM

New Users

Android 2.3 Gingerbread user guide
GUIDE: Getting the most out of your SGS

Flashing Guides

[HOWTO] [REF] [FAQ] [Guides] [Tutorials] Flash/Root/ADB/ROM [MUST READ!]
The Noobs Guide to Root/ROM/Kernel/Theme Your Samsung Galaxy S! - By Totallydubbed

Download Links

[ROM LIST] Galaxy S I9000 Custom ROM List
[KERNEL LIST] Galaxy S I9000 Custom KERNEL List
[MODEM LIS]Galaxy S I9000 Froyo and Gingerbread Modem List
[Firmwares]Stock I9000 and I9000M Firmwares collection [Latest: XXJVQ, RSJV3, ZSJV6]
[REF] Stock Firmwares for Samsung Galaxy S I9000 series - Download Only
[CWM and Odin][Latest ROM: XXJVQ, RSJV3, ZSJV6] Deodexed stock firmware collection

EZBase 3.0 (Gingerbread XXJVB) and EZBase 2.0 (Froyo) EZBase 4.0.7
EZBoot

Custom Roms Quick Links

GamerzRom
Simplicity
SAUROM
Jetpack Rom
F1 Galaxy SII
GingerReal
Juwe's
Darky
Simply Honey
Ryuu's EDB
Cyanogenmod7
MIUI
Insanity

Kernels Quick Links

For Samsung Stock Firmware
CF-Root
Galaxian
Semaphore
SpeedMod Gingerbread
Talon
[MOD] FuguRoot: root _any_ stock SGS ROM safely (froyo, GB)

For Cyanogenmod 7 & MIUI
Glitch Kernel
Zach's Platypus
FuguMod

Froyo
SpeedMod Froyo

Tools

Odin 1.8 and pit files
[PROGRAM] Heimdall - Open-Source Cross-Platform Flashing Suite (1.2.0 Available)

Trouble?

Homemade Jig

This post has been edited by ken2291: Jun 6 2012, 01:19 AM

Taken from techcredo

A2SD+

A2SD+ is an extension of Android 2.2 Froyo’s native support for installing apps on the SD card, but it virtually installs every app to the external storage. You can more or less expand your internal storage with the size of the partition you create on your memory card — because you need to partition your SD card to use A2SD+. It’s great if your Android phone has a limited amount of internal storage space. Most Android ROMs have built-in support for A2SD+.

AOSP

AOSP is short for Android Open Source Project, and when the term is used in ROM descriptions, it usually indicates that the ROM in question is based on the Android source code provided by Google itself, and not on some other ROM project or a company’s firmware.

Bootloader

The bootloader executes code before any operating system is launched. On Android devices, the bootloader is usually locked because manufacturers want you to use the version of Android they’ve provided. With a locked bootloader on Android phones, custom ROMs cannot be flashed.

Busybox

BusyBox is an app on your phone that will give you access to additional Linux/Unix based commands. You may need BusyBox installed to perform some root level tasks, and some other apps that require root access may need BusyBox installed as well. BusyBox is self-dubbed “The Swiss Army Knife of Embedded Linux.”

Clockworkmod Recovery (CWM)

I won’t get very technical here, because I can’t, but you can think of the Recovery Mode as Android’s equivalent of the BIOS on your computer. Not quite, since Hboot may be more similar to your PC’s BIOS, but you get the picture. It’s a boot menu that is shown without Android being loaded, and it gives you access to certain features such as doing complete backups of your phone (Nandroid backups) and installing custom ROMs. ClockworkMod is the most popular Recovery Mode, and it’s installed with the app ROM Manager.

CyanogenMod

CyanogenMod, often abbreviated CM, is a custom version of vanilla (more or less unmodified) Android. It’s the most popular custom ROM for Android – a community effort, and many other ROMs are based on CyanogenMod. Among other things, it adds a bunch of extra customization features and options.
Dalvik & Dalvik cache

Dalvik is the cryptic name of the virtual machine (VM) in Android, and it’s the basis for running apps (with the .apk filename extension) on the platform. Before Android apps are launched, they’re converted into the compact Dalvik Executable (.dex) format, which is designed to be suitable for systems that are constrained in terms of memory and processor speed. Dalvik was originally written by Dan Bornstein, who named it after the fishing village of Dalvík in Eyjafj?reur, Iceland, where some of his ancestors lived.

The Dalvik cache is a simply the cache used by Dalvik, and it’s the result of Dalvik doing optimizations of running apps. Some Android ROMs allow you to move the Dalvik cache to your SD card, in order to free up internal storage.

Data2SD / D2EXT / D2SD

If a ROM supports data2SD, D2EXT, or simply D2SD, it means that the /data folder on your Android phone’s internal storage can be moved to your memory card instead. That’s a good thing, because it will free up precious internal megabytes and leave more room for apps and games. Some say that having the data stored on your SD card is slightly slower, though.

D2ext is a short way of saying “data to the extended file system”. It requires that you have created a partition on your SD card.

Deodexed

The term “deodexed” has been mocking me ever since I rooted my first Android phone. What the frak does it mean, exactly? Well, it’s probably the hardest term to explain in this rooting dictionary, but I’ll do my best.

Apparently, when a ROM has been deodexed, it means that its apps have been prepared so they can be modified. Deodexed ROMs feature apps that have been repackaged in a certain way. Android applications, .APKs, contain .odex files that devs supposedly use to save space. These .odex files are extracted from the application packages and put in the /system/ folder on your phone, to speed up boot processes and to allow parts of applications to be preloaded.

However, this makes hacking and modifying those apps difficult because parts of the apps have been extracted to another location. Deodexing means that all pieces of an application package are put back together into one file, and it makes sure that a modified .APK won’t conflict with some separate odexed parts located somewhere else. Developers of custom ROMs choose to deodex their ROM packages, since it lets them modify various .APKs, and it also makes theming possible after the ROMs have been installed.

DSPManager

This is an equalizer app that Android devs like to include in their ROMs.

EXT2/3/4

This refers to ext2, ext3, and ext4 partitions on your SD card. They’re extended file systems for Linux that can be used by Android, usually in order to preserve internal storage space. Many custom Android ROMs require that you have an ext2, ext3 or ext4 partition on your memory card. Ext2 is the oldest type of extended file system, and ext4 is the newest. Some say that ext4 will put an unnecessary strain on your memory card, because it writes to it so much, and I think the ext3 file system currently is most common. To use one of these file systems, you need to create a special partition on your SD card with ROM Manager or GParted. You can read a detailed tutorial about that here.

So what exactly is a partition? It’s a part of a hard disk, or a SD card in this case, that’s separated from the other parts. Think of partitioning as dividing your SD card into two sections that have different purposes.

Fastboot

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but fastboot is essentially a boot menu that you can do stuff from before Android is launched. On the HTC Desire, you can access it by turning off the device and simultaneously pressing the Power button and the Volume down button. From this menu, you can choose to boot into Recovery Mode, and more. I’ve also seen this technical (and likely more accurate) explanation: “Fastboot is a protocol used to directly update the flash file system in Android devices from a host over USB.”

Firmware

A phone’s firmware is basically its operating system. A “firmware update” means that the operating system, the software that controls the phone, is updated. “Stock firmware” means that the firmware is unmodified: it’s the version of the operating system the phone’s manufacturer delivers.

Flash and flashing

To flash a custom ROM, or a firmware, simply means that you install it. So, flashing is the process of installing a new version of the Android operating system, or just parts of it, like the radio. Flashing new ROMs is done via the Recovery Mode, usually with ClockworkMod Recovery.

HBoot

HBoot is loaded immediately when your phone is switched on, and it’s mainly responsible for checking and initializing the hardware and starting the phone’s software. It can also be used for flashing official software releases, as well as a few other things. HBoot can be compared to the BIOS on a computer.

IME

This acronym simply means “on-screen keyboard.” What do the letters represent? No idea. Please enlighten me.

Kernel

The kernel is the central component of most operating systems: it’s a bridge between applications and the actual data processing done at the hardware level. The Linux kernel was initially created by legendary Finnish computer science student Linus Torvalds in 1991. Android kernels are often customized, optimized and modified for different purposes, such as over-clocking the processor or extending the battery life. Custom ROMs usually include a new kernel.

Linux

Linux refers to the family of Unix-like computer operating systems that use the Linux kernel. The name “Linux” comes from the Linux kernel, originally written in 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Android is a Linux-based mobile operating system.

MIUI ROM

MIUI is a heavily customized version of Android 2.2 from a team of Chinese developers, and it made a splash in the Android blogosphere back in September 2010. MIUI takes the best parts of Froyo, Samsung’s TouchWiz interface and iOS, and transforms the various elements into something quite unique that has managed to make many people excited. A lot of developers have released their own versions of MIUI, and the ROM is available for many different devices. Besides the official website (in Chinese), there’s a forum dedicated to MIUI at miui-dev.com.

NANDroid & NANDroid backups

NANDroid will let anyone with root access make a complete system backup. It lets you create a backup of every piece of information on your phone, and it can be restored later whenever you want. NANDroid backups are usually performed before flashing a new ROM, in case anything goes wrong, or if you want to return to your previous setup later. NANDroid backups are created from the Recovery Mode, often with ClockworkMod Recovery.

Odexed

See deodexed.

Radio

OK, so this is not the radio you’re listening to your favorite stations with. It’s the radio on your phone that handles communication, the radio that sends and receives voice and data. Flashing (installing) a new radio can improve your reception, and bring other benefits. A radio is flashed via Recovery Mode, just as a full Android ROM.

Radio interface layer (RIL)

Android provides a Radio Interface Layer (RIL) between Android’s telephony services and the radio hardware. Developers and enthusiasts enjoy messing around with every part of Android, and some of them modify the RIL, just like Android itself, the kernel and the radio, to make it better.

RC1, RC2 et cetera

When it comes to Android ROMs, RC means Release Candidate. It’s a candidate for the final release of a ROM, and they can be considered ROM betas.

Recovery Mode

As explained under ClockworkMod, the Recovery Mode is a menu that you can boot into that lets you perform complete backups of your phone (Nandroid backups), install custom ROMs and more. ClockworkMod is a very popular Recovery Mode, and you can get it via the app ROM Manager below.

ROM Manager

ROM Manager is an immensely popular app for root users, and it lets you flash ClockworkMod Recovery, install ROMs from your SD card, perform backups and even download new ROMs over-the-air.

Root

When someone mentions root, it usually just refers to having root access on an Android phone – also called being a root user, or a superuser. Root access is explained under superuser, and in the introduction to this dictionary.

S-OFF (security off)

On the HTC Desire and several other HTC Android phones, the company has implemented a form of “security.” It’s called @secuflag, and it controls whether your phone has its NAND or flash unlocked. S-ON (security on) will read-lock your /system and /recovery partitions, blocking you from performing certain root level actions directly from Android.

You can disable this security measure with S-OFF (security off), although you risk bricking your phone in the process (worst case scenario).

SetCPU

This is a popular application for overclocking or underclocking your phone’s processor, making it faster or slower. It may require a special kernel in order to work.

SuperUser

Android is a Linux-based operating system, and in Linux, there is something called root access. When you root your Android phone, you will get superuser access. The superuser, or root user, is sort of a special user account for system administration. SuperUser is also the name of an app, which lets you grant or deny superuser privileges to other apps.

Terminal and Terminal Emulator

Terminal Emulator, sometimes just referred to as Terminal, is an app that lets users access Android’s built-in Linux command line shell. The application emulates a Digital Equipment Corporation VT-100 terminal, and it’s mostly useful for programmers and for those with root access. For example, typing this in Terminal Emulator when a2sd is installed will move the Dalvik cache to the SD card:

su (gives the app SuperUser access)
a2sd cachesd (moves the Dalvik cache to the SD card)

Titanium Backup

Titanium Backup is the best backup tool for root users, since it allows you to backup all your applications as well as their data.

Zipaligned

Zipalign is a tool that optimizes the way an Android app (.APK) is packaged. It enables Android to interact with the application more efficiently, and in doing so, it has the potential to make the app and the entire Android system much faster. Zipaligned applications are launched more quickly, and they use less amounts of RAM. So, thumbs up for zipaligned Android ROMs.

WWE

WWE means “World Wide English”, and usually tells that an Android ROM is based on WWE, or World Wide English, firmware.

This post has been edited by ken2291: Jun 6 2012, 01:21 AM

Cases

SGP Screen Protector
SGP Ultra SILKE Case
SGP Ultra SILKE Pleiades-Series Case
Case-Mate
Outterbox Case
Ultra Case
MyHappyTel

Leather Cases

SGP Vintage Edition Series Leather Case
SGP Valencia Swarovski Series Leather Case
SGP Illizion Series Leather Case
Fav/Ve Portage
Tinos Flip Case

More Cases

Spare Parts



This post has been edited by ken2291: Jun 6 2012, 01:20 AM

so fast V22

2nd

reporting in~

Congratulations on V22, see how far can we go!

gamerzrom v4.5 on the way

Flashing GamerzRom v4.0 now. Can't wait for v5

This post has been edited by ken2291: Jan 28 2012, 01:41 AM

Congratulation for V22!

at last, V22 liao

hi guys, i've just inherited a galaxy S from my dad n i believe it's still on the stock 2.2

shld i just stick wit it till there's a stable version of ICS or flash to custom 2.3 first for now?

congratz to our new TS ken......

to u ic3joker..... hope u not MIA even if u r not TS now

ohh games rom anyone on it... compair d batery life for me

My fren Galaxy S did the update to 2.3.3 yesterday. After awhile the phone restarts non stop & gets very very hot. Try taking out battery and putting it back also cannot solve. Unable to use the device anymore. Can any sifu help.....

try this.

1) take out the battery, then put in back
2) vol up + home + start button to get into recovery mode
3) wipe data
4) then restart

this should solve ur problem.

But if have not back up ur datas before upgrade, then u will lost all ur data after doing the above steps. With ur situation, loosing data is the only way to get ur phone back alive.

---

Added on January 28, 2012, 11:13 amIf stock 2.2 is ok for u, u may continue using it

Stable ICS, well, that will be a long long time... as there will not be an official ICS for SGS.



This post has been edited by Crossover: Jan 28 2012, 11:13 AM

On CM7.1 with stock kernel
Glitch nor fugu didn't seem to work well. Random reboots.

Anyway with stock kernel OC/UV is enabled
SetCPU with 2 profiles
One with screen off another while charging
See how battery life is with this.

---

Added on January 28, 2012, 11:19 amWoops, phone just crashed

This post has been edited by MYstombox: Jan 28 2012, 11:19 AM

Thx bro for ur kind input. Will try this & Gong Xi Fa Cai to all .....

Make sure you back up your /efs folder and store that folder in your computer.
That's ur IMEI info.

when you was on screen 1, if you wanna go to screen 5 you just slide to left right? is this from rom or kernel?

well in that case then could u recommend a good, well balanced custom gingerbread rom?

i used csl mi-300 previously n custom roms could really make the phone improve by 2 - 3 folds!

normeck -> rom
It's actually from launcher, called loop scrolling

This post has been edited by MYstombox: Jan 28 2012, 04:22 PM

semaphore on CM9 / TeamHackSung now... it is a great combi !

---

Added on January 28, 2012, 9:49 pmCustom ROM, most buddy here using gamerzrom.

This post has been edited by Crossover: Jan 28 2012, 09:49 PM

can pm me d link for gamerzrom custom rom?

check it at xda developers la.

okok...found it.thought not on xda.long time didnt flash my phone though...sorry

Custom roms, I use CM7. Stable and quick.

i see, thanks for the input guys

what bout the samsung stock 2.3? good enough for daily use till ICS is stable enough?

btw, it seems that my phone cannot be updated using KIES :S

I suggest not updating via kies.
Rather download the ROM and update via ODIN, much faster.

Personally the stock roms have issues in terms of lag.

Once I went via CM7, it was a much more enjoyable experience.

those who are on GamerzRom, can u use Evi?? If FC on my phone

U can find it in the first page too

alright i shall try my hands on custom 2.3 rom using odin for now then..

how long would the whole process take assuming everything goes well?

got class from mrng till evening tmrw

---

Added on January 28, 2012, 11:18 pmwhat about browsers bro?

i've used opera mini for its smoothness for my old phone bcuz of hardware limitation

any other better, easier to use browser that galaxy S can handle?

This post has been edited by 2kia: Jan 28 2012, 11:18 PM

It really depends on what you're downloading.
You can download stock 2.3 roms and flash via ODIN, those roms are typically 200+mb.

Flashing itself takes a few minutes at most.

CM7 is ~100mb if i remember correctly.

But CM7 is slightly different from flashing stock roms.

The key is to get a CWM recovery on, then flashing custom roms are much easier.

For browser, I can't comment, because the CM7 browser is good enough.

Same old question...

I just update to Stock XXJVU Value Pack.
Seems like it not as smooth as the previous version & sometimes it will FC.
I also feel that the battery is draining faster...

Any thing I missed in the process?

You need to fix permissions to fix the FC, u can do this with CWM.
As for battery drain, sometimes it happens with different roms.

forget about value pack, its hell buggy sometimes, flash ICS build 15!

gaming sucks lately, don't know how to overcome this lag problem, any idea?

dlding now..... want to see any differ comp 14

congrats ken as new TS. v5.0 is out..haha

congratz to the new ts!

just checking in btw. hehe

gratz new ts

gamerzrom 5.0 superb?

Checking in lol. Just found out about this thread. Right now, I'm currently using Darky's 10.2.2. Its smooth and stable. =) I've tried a couple of other roms but kept on going back to Darky's. What's the current top roms anyway?

ok... Thanks for the suggestion.

Mind to show me some link that have step by step guide to flash?
I'm really not as good as you guys. Really can't understand some of the instructions.
I have only 1 phone. If I accidentally brick it, I'm in trouble already...

I'm a normal user. I don't really play Games, I'm more to Wat's Apps, Tango and Viber stuff.
Any recommended Custom ROM to suggest?

This post has been edited by jenwai: Jan 29 2012, 03:27 PM

gamerzrom 5.0

reporting in.. gratz ken..

gamerzrom 5.0 still not so stable

Failed. Now using 4.0

enaleni,

Where do u get the download link for this?

From what I read about gamerzrom 5.0, there's too many bugs and stuff for it to be considered stable. ==

Thanks guys

I flashed back to stock JVU

Ken:

mali mali... TeamHackSung... ;-)

I ll wait for final version gamerzrom 6. Seems it ll b ics..was about to dl until I read back a few post by the rom dev..

from this xda website

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1363593

and here is the download link i think

http://faramir.eriador.org/pawitp/update-c...LD15-signed.zip

everything juz check with xda forum arrrr bro.....

sorry for late reply....

i use Gamerz Rom v2.0 for only 3 days before this.. then jump back to Simplicity.. gamerz rom is smooth n fast.. but not suitable for daily use i guess..

currently using Simplicity 2.2.1.. 2 weeks already.. satisfied with it..

battery is draining when using wifi/data, I'm on wifi most of the time

yeah, some of my apps FC (unable to launch) when I'm using it

I9070 probably with ICS

hi all.update to 2.3.6 lately but it sometimes restart itself.why? admin please help me.tq.

Try doing a factory reset (Do a backup on Titanium Backup beforehand).