[Galaxy S II General] machatta:
A basic guide for those new to XDA and Android in relation to the essentials of improving your phone. Really just pulling together a few guides already done and a few basic essentials.

Rooting

Allows write access to system files. Similar to administrator mode in windows. You need this to flash custom firmware (ROMs) and certain apps. It wont wreck your phone, but it does void your warranty.

Best place to start with this is Chainfire’s kernels. The kernel is the central software component of Android. Chainfire has taken the basic Samsung kernels and modified them to allow root access and additional functionality. With this you also get an enhanced pre boot recovery menu.

Flashing custom kernels requires you to use ODIN – Chainfire has links to this program and detailed instructions THAT YOU NEED TO FOLLOW TO THE LETTER. Not to unduly worry you but really, you need to do this.

See here for Chainfire's goodies - http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1103399

The different versions reflect the different releases by Samsung. You can match to your own (Settings - About Phone - Kernel Version) or choose one of the newer ones.

ODIN

Software that runs on your PC that allows you to flash your phone with new software. It’s safe if you use it properly but has options you don’t want to touch. Intratech has compiled a selection of stock (ie official Samsung firmware) with detailed instructions about how to use ODIN to apply them. See http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1075278 for carrier specific versions see here http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1113928. The first post has the detailed instructions and also includes are rooting guide.

Recovery

A textual pre boot menu that allows certain key functions – principally allows updates to software and clearing data from your phone. The phone ships with one with limited functionality. If you apply a custom kernel like Chainfires you get an enhanced one called Clockworkmod together with an app installed on your phone to allow easy use. This has more functionality and allows you to apply more software updates and even flash ROMs. Pulsar 2G has info http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1134290 in relation to that.

What the heck are Custom ROMs

Modified operating systems to allow greater functionality and style. Basically the developers take and add from the basic Samsung ROMs and save you a whole bunch of time in modifying your system to improve it. It only takes a few minutes to flash a ROM but there are a few things you want to do before flashing one. There is more to it than this but at this stage, enough to know.

Also, you’ll see development of completely custom Roms that are built without using Samsungs Roms. Miui for example (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1130951). There are Alpha stage at the moment so maybe leave those now.

Hosts of them in the Android development section. Each to their own in relation

to ROMs. Some you like, some you dont. But it doenst really matter, as if you dont like one, just flash another. Currently I’m liking Pursar G2’s Villian Rom (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1081368) and Novek’s TK Rom (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1125140). But that’s just me.

Post Rooting Pre Flashing Essentials

EFS Folder

After you root your phone a key task is to take a backup of your EFS folder. Seriously essential - this stores both the IMEI number and carrier locking software. If you lose this you lose your IMEI. You dont need to know whats in it – just backup the whole folder. Put a copy on your SD card, your PC and your dogs PC. I lost my IMEI on my SGS, had formatted the SD card with the backup, had changed my computer and found a copy on a USB flash.

You need a program like Root Explorer (paid) or super manager (free) to do this. The EFS folder is a separate directory in the highest level directory.

APNs

In Settings – Wireless – Mobile Networks – Access Point Names. This is the access info for your data connection to your carrier. Note all details. You may lose them when you flash a ROM. Saves you hassle in having to google them afterwards.

Backups

When you flash a custom ROM you will likely lose all data (you should actually clear data) – that is your phone data AND all programs you installed. You can back this up using Chainfires CWM app that is installed on your phone when you flash his kernel.If you flash another kernel, you can backup and restore in recovery mode. Alternatively you can use a program like Titanium backup from the market to do this.

Personally I do both and Titanium backup is worth purchasing the full version as you can batch restore without having to accept the permissions for each app you are restoring.

I’d also recommend using a program like SMS Backup+ which backs up call logs and SMSs to your google account.

Your Firmware Version

If you want to return to your original firmware, take a note of the exact version in Settings – About Phone – down the bottom Baseband version. You will find a copy of this in Intratech’s post. Be aware you may some some specific carrier customisations in doing so. These are held in CSC files - also in Intratechs post. Yours might not be there so be aware. Mostly bloatware but also things like APNs etc. If you like your carrier specific apps, make sure to back them up using Titanium backup.

Questions/Problems

Go to the Q&A forum. Search. Trust me it’s likely already happened. If not, structure a query with detail in the thread title. “A problem with XYZ” will get a better response than “Help me Pleeze” with a tearful emoticon.

Most problems are ultimately solvable by resetting your software with a data wipe or going back to Samsung firmware. Just dont flash when drunk, on your bike etc.

Themes and Apps

The section that does what is says. Quick tip – you may find downloading apps fails. If you, get Astro file manager from the market and in preferences tick “enable browser downloads”.

Worth also checking out the general XDA apps dev section http://xdaforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=564