Hello and Help? Please?

[samstone11]

I suppose I may be the classic case of teaching an old dog new tricks. I have struggled with an illness for several years essentially rendering me a functional invalid, but I still have a family to provide for. What I'm trying to say is that I read a post elsewhere that said those of us who do not, can not, or will not make time to learn all there is about smart phones don't deserve to own one and certainly should never, ever be offered assistance. I must disagree. My pastor told me just today that I need to live while I'm alive meaning I already have considerably more than 100% of my waking or productive time accounted for and even if I wanted to, I simply cannot dedicate time, energy, or effort to learning terminology, processes, and accompanying issues necessary to become remotely proficient in understanding my T-Mobile Samsung S 4G (SGH-T959V). I work in hospice, and since I dread the thing ringing because it may be a nurse or family member alerting me their loved one just passed, but instead I have chosen to embrace the fone for entertainment and creativity with my 12 year old son. I have been told many time I need to root the stoopid thing because of things I cannot comprehend, but I believe I have been sufficiently convinced it would be a good thing.

What is rooting? What is this "ROM" thing, and why can't informed people allow themselves the opportunity to help others like me with no base of knowledge whatsoever? Far too much familiarity is assumed in every thread I see, and because of this I have no idea what I'm being told. I'm humbling myself at everyone's mercy and pleading for productive assistance. Is it true that a rooted phone will allow my son and I more opportunity to enjoy time together, maybe become more productive at work over time, and potentially make life in general easier to manage?

When I say please be gentle, I mean Charmin/feather soft gentle. I really have no comprehension what any of this is, I just trust friends who have encouraged me to go ahead and root it.

All input, advice, and assistance will be treated with great respect and appreciation. Its very late, I'm very tired, and I hope I have made some sense. I also have no idea how to find any responses, so if someone is courteous enough to share time to help, hopefully there is a means to contact me and let me know where to look for the information.

Thanks for your time.

---Sam

 

[LilBit]

Hi Sam!! I am sorry this intro got overlooked, But here is a link to your specific phone.
Inside this forum you will find like minded people who can help you understand what rooting is, and any other questions you may have about your phone. Welcome to the forums!!
Samsung Galaxy S 4G - Android Forums

Edit" I do believe they will be gentle with you, as you requested.

 

[samstone11]

Thanks so much for your time. A quick note: I went to the T-Mobile store yesterday and described the multitude of problems I have been experiencing (again) and they offered an even exchange. Question is, does this make it even more sensible to go ahead and root the one I have now since the new one will supposedly be here in two to three days anyway in case of absolute failure, or do I take the tech's advice and never, ever, under any circumstance root a phone? They ARE replacing mine for only $5 with free shipping because of the insurance coverage. The warranty has been out for quite some time.

I looked at the mentioned forum and will see if I understand any of it, but thanks to all for any input.

 

[LilBit]

Hi again samstone!! Rooting is a personal preference, usually done to install apps for rooted users only and install custom roms, kernels, themes,etc. Read up on it before you make any attempt at it.

My advice to people who want to root is always, read, read, read, make sure you understand the process involved, and make sure you really need and or want to root the device.
BTW, The tech gave you his only answer he could!!