Droid Noob...

[mamak59]

Hello, I just got my LG Optimus V over a month ago, but just now activated it with Virgin Mobile last weekend.... and going from Blackberry to Droid is pretty wild... LOL

I know I'd need to "root" my droid, and trying to read up on rooting for dummies, and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with technical terms based on the assumption that it's understood, plus I don't know where to start, basically.

So many different root apps, techniques, etc... all over the net...

Let me start:
Root: SuperOneClick
Backup: Titanium Backup
Custom ROM: Gingerbread (I have Android 2.2.2) ?

prepaidandroidsDOTnet/topic/1597 "[guide] how-to-root-the-lg-optimus-v/ was done in a way that I can understand. there is a video embedded (from Youtube) that shows how it's done.

youtube: how to root the lg optimus v by user TheLinux215

sounds so simple, but I don't want to end up with a "brick"

I'd like to start putting in apps, but I get the impression it's better to root the phone before doing so.

anyways, that's all I can think of for now, I think that's enough torment from me... LOL Hopefully I'm making sense as I'm way past bedtime...

TIA for suggestions, advice, etc...

~mamak59

 

[El Presidente]

Welcome to AF!

Having had a look through the Optimus V root forum we have here on AF, it looks like there are some pretty useful threads there and some helpful users to assist you on your way: Optimus V - All Things Root - Android Forums

 

[mamak59]

Welcome to AF!

Having had a look through the Optimus V root forum we have here on AF, it looks like there are some pretty useful threads there and some helpful users to assist you on your way: Optimus V - All Things Root - Android Forums

Ok....went over there...and I'm feeling very overwhelmed with it all.... even the first stickied thread "Simplifed Root..." isn't simple enough for this raw noob to understand. Ach, my poor head is swimming!

1) Why isn't there a dumbed down walk through tutorial...?
2) Why are all the droids have stock apps--why not make it blank and allow the users to customize their phones instead of complicating it with rooting, flashing, partitioning--

is there a glossary somewhere to help me understand..?

what is:

1) mounting (SD card)
2) flashing (ROM)
3) SDK


*groans*....

 

[El Presidente]

I'll take a look at some point over the weekend for you.

A lot of carriers/manufacturers aren't a fan of rooting so they patch the exploits that make it possible.

Here's some quick answers though:

1. Putting the SD Card in a state that the phone or PC can read/write to it.
2. Installing an alternative, custom version of the OS on your handset.
3. Software Development Kit. It's the software app/rom developers can use to write apps/make ROMs. Via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), it can be used by your PC to access certain parts of your handset or issue commands that are impossible using the software on the phone itself.

 

[mamak59]

1) after reading How to Geek website on rooting LG OV, it was suggested to NOT google search a root app for this version, as some apps may not be current, but to go to XDA site to get the most updated/current app. Problem? the XDA site is NOT user friendly and I've no idea how to search for an app from them. Will I need to use SU app to make sure my phone is rooted?

2) I understand that TIBU is the most popular app for backups...so that's a no brainer...

3) I've read of 2-3 customized ROM app for LG OV. Which one would work with the version 2.2.2(stock) that I have now? A lot of users are using "Gingerbread" Btw, is there a difference between Gingerbread and Gingerbreak?

sorry for being redundant...just want to make sure.

 

[lunatic59]

Just for some clarity, why do you feel the need to root your phone? Is there a specific app or mod you want to use that requires root? Many things can be done with your phone and most people are perfectly happy without having root access.

My advice is if you are uncomfortable with the process or unsure about the method, then don't. I was very happy for a year with my unrooted Nexus One and only recently rooted it.

 

[mamak59]

Just for some clarity, why do you feel the need to root your phone? Is there a specific app or mod you want to use that requires root? Many things can be done with your phone and most people are perfectly happy without having root access.

My advice is if you are uncomfortable with the process or unsure about the method, then don't. I was very happy for a year with my unrooted Nexus One and only recently rooted it.

Some apps I don't care to keep, and I'd like to be able to customize my phone. But I think I'll take my time to read and re-read til my eyes are crossing. Better to go slowly than to rush and end up bricking the phone.

 

[lunatic59]

Some apps I don't care to keep, and I'd like to be able to customize my phone. But I think I'll take my time to read and re-read til my eyes are crossing. Better to go slowly than to rush and end up bricking the phone.

Apps you don't use have very little impact on your phone. I know some people love to get rid of them, but you have to be very careful with that. Some seemingly useless apps provide services and function for other very necessary parts of the system. If you delete them, they could disable parts of your phone like the ability to send and receive messages or connect to hardware. Worse, you cannot simply reinstall them or restore them from a backup or factory reset. You must find a stock rom for your device and re-flash the entire phone. Just to be safe, before you do any app deleting, check back here to make sure it's safe. Of course any apps that were installed without root privileges are perfectly safe to delete.

As far as customization, there are virtually unlimited customization that can be done without root, so you might be surprised how little you can't do.