[Sprint Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshoot] mikeprius:
Hello everyone-

New user for the Samsung Galaxy S4 here. I used to own both the iPhone 3GS and 4S prior. My general background was writing VB in version 3.0 for AOL back in the late 90s for all you old school people, progs/punters that may remember those days. Unfortunately, even now I'm still have issues following along with new technology. So far, I have really enjoyed the android system and have made modifications through various launchers. I did use SuperSU and rooted the phone by the automated process. I realize these may be 'noob' questions, however; everyone I suppose goes through it at some point. I do have some general questions and several of them that I have read about have conflicting information. This will be somewhat long, but I do appreciate any input:

The Galaxy S4 that I have is SPH-L720, MK2, and 4.3 version.

At this point, I backed-up and installed several Google Games, Books, and Sprint ID, Sprint Worldwide, etc.....general bloatware using Titanium Back-up. Again the root method I used was SuperSU by Chainfire. I have NOT use TWRP/Clockwork Mod or flashed any custom ROMs. I just have it rooted and diabled some bloatware, installed Xposed Installer and other root only apps. I checked my phone and its status says 'custom'.

1. Given this set-up, can I still get OTA for new Android versions ? I don't care if it removes root, but I was just wondering if I can get OTA updates to get new versions for my phone. Some threads I have read say yes, others say no. If I cannot, how can I then get new updates ? I don't want to not be able to permanently update to 4.4 in the future. I know there is a way to update via Kies to the computer.

2. The root access via Chainfire SuperSU involves 2 components from what I understand. SU.apk and busybox. I was using Terminal Emulator based on the advice from this thread: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2565758

I could not get it to work when typing in the prompts on the screen, it just would not go through. I tried downloading Total Commander which allows root access. Can I instead of using Terminal Emulator to get rid of busybox, use Total Commander to get into the /system/xbin folder and manually delete all busybox files prior to using the permanent unroot of SuperSU feature in settings ? Or does the Full unroot remove everything ?

3. Maybe I still don't understand the flashing process, but it seems, you download Odin, then use the ROM file you need under the PDA selection then start the process while the phone is in download mode (home button, down volume, etc...) Is this how all custom ROMs and re-stores are performed ? Is this form of the restore different that the phone Samsung settings (back-up/restore) ? I've read about TWRP, custom recovery, Clockwork Mod, etc....but I dont understand what all these are. It seems easy enough to download files then put them via Odin then hit start....

At this point, I've refrained from doing anything other than back-up/uninstalling some bloatware and using some cool apps that supposed xposed installer. I'm worried that I might brick my expensive phone or render it unable to get anymore updates :crying: :(

Thanks for the input !