[Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] acdroid:
Combined all the advice I got from the internet when I started out.

Although I am sort of experienced in flashing ROMs and troubleshooting if something goes wrong, however this device is particularly new for me (A week).

So, here's the process I followed to set up my phone with a custom ROM and Recovery:

1. Check your model no. There are several variants of the S4- I9500, I9505, I9506 etc. And we have different ROMs/Mods for different variants. Check your model no. to proceed. You can do so by going to Settings>About phone/device>Model No. or simply take your battery off and check the sticker that is pasted under it. [IMG="An example I found in Google Images."]http://consumer.huawei.com/en/ucmf/groups/public/documents/webasset/img_dev_en_fm03.jpg[/IMG]

EDIT: As suggested by [MENTION=6312707]Pwnycorn[/MENTION], check your model no. in download mode (Vol Down+Power+Home->Vol Up)

2. Prepare your computer. Find and download all the drivers, Kies, the root files, Odin etc. Install your drivers and see if your computer is recognizing your phone. Always download the stock firmware for your device, so that if anything goes wrong, you will have something to quickly fall back on. A quick tip: Try to use the data cable that came with your phone. I personally faced a lot of problems without it.

3. Root it. I followed this guide: http://xdaforums.com/galaxy-s4/general/guide-t3018625 It has several variants of the S4 in focus, plus he has provided all the necessary files you would need for the process. Follow this guide and if you did everything correctly, your device should now be rooted.

4. Install a custom recovery. Well, you probably have already done this in the previous step, but if you haven't, look for CWM/TWRP/Philz Recovery for your specific model. Remember that recoveries are model specific and one recovery wouldn't work for another device it is not meant to be installed on. I am using this for my I9500- http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2362838

Flashing a recovery involves critical steps, which if not done right can brick your phone. Read guides before you attempt this.

5. Research about custom ROMs. What ROM do you want to install? What specific features do you want? Is the ROM you like made for your device (Like I love JDC Team ROMs but they aren't for my device). Watch YouTube videos, read about it etc. Here is a video that really helped me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhRdy6BiJBU

6. Flash the ROM you like, flash scripts and mods and set up your phone: Pretty self explanatory. Go through the ROM's development page, and understand the installation process. Install the ROM and any other scripts/mods and you are good to go.

COMMON TERMS

1. Firmware/ROM: It is the operating system your phone runs on. Like a PC typically runs on Windows/Linux/Mac, phones too have such software. They are called Firmware or ROM. In our case, our phone runs on Android.

2. Stock/Custom: Stock Firmware is the OS which came preinstalled when you got the phone. Custom ROM is developed by third party developers and you have to flash them in order to use it on your device.

3. Flash: In simple words: Installing. Flashing a ROM or Recovery means installing a ROM or recovery.

4. Root: "Rooting is jailbreaking for Androids, and allows users to dive deeper into a phone’s sub-system. Essentially, it’ll allow you to access the entire operating system and customize just about anything on your Android. With root access, you can also get around any restrictions that your manufacturer or carrier may have applied. You can run more apps, you can overclock or underclock your processor, and you can replace the firmware." (Courtsey: Digital Trends. http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-to-root-android/ )

5. Custom Recovery: Read this very well written guide. http://www.howtogeek.com/193055/what-is-a-custom-recovery-on-android-and-why-would-i-want-one/

6. Recovery Mode/Download Mode: These are special modes you can put your phone in. In recovery mode, using your recovery you can flash ROMs, Mods, create backups etc. You access recovery mode in S4 by pressing Volume Up+Power Button+ Home Button simultaneously. In Download mode you flash files using your computer. Files like custom recoveries, stock firmware etc. You access download mode in S4 by pressing Volume Down+Power Button+ Home Button simultaneously, then pressing volume up when the prompt shows.

I sincerely hope I could be of help to you. You can PM me anytime for any help you need. Good luck and happy flashing. :laugh: :D

Forgive me if I have written something incorrect. Let me know and I will correct it right away.