I was overwhelmed to see how eager the forum members are to help out each other and solve (or try to) any concerns. Best example being I got responses to my above posted queries within a span of an hour or so. Thanks again mamababu2007 and sureshg.
I know I have a lot of reading to do to be updated in terms of my knowledge about this phone and android as such, which I am very sincerely doing. Meanwhile could one of you old timers/experts address my below query/suggestion?
1. I read a lot about "rooting", "flashin", froyo etc. A short write up on what all these terms mean, advantages and disadvantages of these procedures will be really helpful for new members. Theres a lot on the internet on these topics but none which talks from the Indian perspective, like what'l happen to warranty etc.
2. This might be a silly question but I have been trying all morning to find a solution before posting here. How do I activate/deactivate gprs? Since this got activated on my phone, I have never been able to switch it off. Cos I do not know how to. I tried in the "Settings--->Wireless and networks--->Mobile Networks" but there is no on/off facility there. Any help?
Off note, I spoke to one of my friends who works for Samsung. He has officially confirmed that the battery performance in SGS is not as good as Wave contrary to what they claimed earlier, although they wanted to make it.
Flashing: It's just like installing an operating system on a computer. You can download the latest firmwares (like different version of OS you install on your computer) from
http://www.samsung-firmwares.com
If you google about flashing you will find many serious warnings...you may be scary...but the fact is it's very easy if you follow the instruction properly....on top of that if you mess up during flashing...no problem...you can reflash again...
no chance to turn your mobile into a brick 
About warranty: Flashing firmware other than the original you have will most likely void your warranty.
If you have
I9000DDJF3 (you can check it by pressing *#1234#) you can't find (still now) the original firmware on the web. Even you do a nandroid backup...unfortunately it cannot backup your device's baseband version !!! So there is no chance to get your original baseband version back and so you lose your warranty.
EDIT: Now I9000DDJG4 is up on
http://www.samfirmware.com/WEBPROTECT-i9000.htm . So we don't need to be worried about the above issue.
How to Flash:
1. Go to
http://www.samfirmware.com/WEBPROTECT-i9000.htm . Download the firmware of your device. Extract it and you will get 3 files inside it (don’t extract them). Download ODIN and .PIT file also. Put the ODIN, .pit and firmware files on C drive in a same folder named with no space (not necessary, just to be safe).
EDIT: If you find one single file inside the rar just
use it in PDA field.
2. If you haven't installed Kies, make sure you have the drivers installed. 64 bit
here. 32 bit
here.
3. On your phone go to settings > about phone > USB Settings > set to Mass Storage. Then go to Settings > Applications > Development > Enable USB debugging mode. Plug your phone into the PC and make sure all the drivers load up.
4. Unplug phone. Switch it off. Remove external microSD if you have and sim card also. Open ODIN. Load .PIT file. Use 512pit file. Load the 3 separate firmware files:
CODE file in PDA field;
MODEM File in PHONE field;
CSC file in CSC field.
Check Re-Partition for the first time you are flashing. No need to check it for the next time if you use the same .PIT file. Double check your settings.
Don’t plug your device before setting up ODIN.
5. Your phone is still off.
Boot into download mode by holding: Volume-down + Home key + Power. Plug the phone in and make sure all drivers are loaded.
Watch ODIN if it finds your device through a COM port. If not just unplug and replug your device. Wait 30sec to be safe. Then click start.
6. When it is completed your device will restart automatically. For the first time your device will take a long time to boot completely…so don’t panic.
Don’t unplug your device or exit ODIN through out the process. After booting your device will be connected through KIES (default settings). Just wait a bit and you will notice a
green PASS signal on ODIN. You are DONE
Note: Do a hard reset after your flash. The code: *2767*3855# (for safety).
Rooting: Rooting is a process to access your root drive (where the OS is installed) from your device. Many advanced softwares require root access. You can uninstall the default softwares you don't use, you can take a hard backup of your device, even change the default applications of your device....etc etc etc.......
How to Root (for GALAXY S):
1. Download
the update.zip file for rooting Galaxy S from the following locations Download from
http://www.multiupload.com/JT0DZSLS3I
2. Select Mass Storage on your phone by going to Settings –> About phone –> USB Settings –>
Mass Storage
3. Connect your Galaxy S via bundled USB and
turn on USB Storage by going to the Notification bar and
tap on USB connected and then tap on Mount.
4. Transfer update.zip file downloaded in step 1
to the root drive of Galaxy S's internal SD card.
5. Now shut down your Galaxy S and unplug the USB cable. Now Simultaneously press Home, Volume+(top volume) and Power button for a few seconds, the phone will boot itself into
Android System Recovery mode.
6. Use Volume button to navigate to
apply sdcard: update.zip and press Home button to select it and start the rooting procedure.
7. Your device will boot automatically. You are DONE
EDIT: Rooting can be removed without flashing by this zip (same procedure as above):
http://www.multiupload.com/YEOE4LRR8U
How to Disable APN: Here is a very nice utility to control your device
http://handheld.softpedia.com/get/System-Utilities/Enhancements/Quick-Settings-95279.shtml
where is the SENT SMS ITEMS on this phone ?
....yet I want to know from experts like you. Thanks in advance.