Database Develop

[Q] Is gingerbread(Android 2.3) coming to the Galaxy S I9000?

Roms based on froyo or gingerbread?
The discussion in the thread "30/Jun r1 (JFB) - MoDaCo Custom ROM for Samsung Galaxy S with Online Kitchen" is a bit confusing so I thought it best to make it a new topic to get it straight.
Will it be possible to make roms based on froyo, gingerbread or any other coming android version, before Samsung makes an update? As I understand psychoace it will be ”near impossible to get roms from other sources like Sense roms or Froyo”. Others are not so sure.
This is important as Samsung is known for its lack of interest in OS updates. Who knows if they will take gingerbread to GS? If they won't can it be done by the really smart guys?

I don't think even HTC will update there top line to V3 (ginger bread). Froyo is coming any way to GS in near future. Now ginger bread should be possible too as GS is power full enough to run. When? we should wait and see. Nexus just got updated to 2.2.
Will see how things go in future.

Samsung has released there kernel sources and there software sources. I haven't had a chance to look in to it deeply but if it has the code of the drivers etc.. it should be possible to merge (with some work obviously) sources and to compile froyo.

kimatrix said:
Samsung has released there kernel sources and there software sources. I haven't had a chance to look in to it deeply but if it has the code of the drivers etc.. it should be possible to merge (with some work obviously) sources and to compile froyo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But don't those drivers only work with 2.1 and just simply won't with any version higher unless samsung releases new source and drivers for 2.2 and then 3.0. So if say samsung never releases anything any source/drivers that work with 3.0 then you would be out of luck to actually get everything to work.

MrDSL said:
But don't those drivers only work with 2.1 and just simply won't with any version higher unless samsung releases new source and drivers for 2.2 and then 3.0. So if say samsung never releases anything any source/drivers that work with 3.0 then you would be out of luck to actually get everything to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is true but if you have the full sources you are able to look what the differences are and maybe patch those by your self. Assume a wlan driver is using an function that has changed or is gone in 2.2, then you can try to patch that by finding the new one for it to work with. If you don't have the sources it's much harder to do those kind of things.
As I sad you have the sources so you can play by your self even if samsung does not do anything. It does not mean it's easy and it does not mean it can be done fast. But it does mean it could be done.

kimatrix said:
That is true but if you have the full sources you are able to look what the differences are and maybe patch those by your self. Assume a wlan driver is using an function that has changed or is gone in 2.2, then you can try to patch that by finding the new one for it to work with. If you don't have the sources it's much harder to do those kind of things.
As I sad you have the sources so you can play by your self even if samsung does not do anything. It does not mean it's easy and it does not mean it can be done fast. But it does mean it could be done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But the video drivers are already compiled. Can they be easily decompiled? It's not a source file if it's already compiled.

psychoace said:
But the video drivers are already compiled. Can they be easily decompiled? It's not a source file if it's already compiled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can they be decompiled and made to work? Of course!
Will someone be motivated to do all this work? Unknown.
Besides drivers arent the only issue to getting a new version of Android on a phone. If you dont have source for any proprietary userland daemons/apps (like radio?) that communicate with the hardware you will be SOL on that as well.

MMMMMMMMM if we can do it for the G1 we can do it SGS...the question is when and how much work. The Galaxy S will be Samsung's flagship device for A YEAR so I'd hope to get Gingerbread...unless Samsung are really stupid. Especially with a lot of US launches, they'll be able to relaunch with Gingerbread as it comes is my hope.

psychoace said:
But the video drivers are already compiled. Can they be easily decompiled? It's not a source file if it's already compiled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who told you that??? The source code of the GPU as well as every other coprocessor is there.
The two .o file that started this all fiasco are ok and you as long as the make file include them in the build they would work perfectly.
All they have inside is a simple elf code to tell the s3c*** to do whatever it needs to do. A source code wouldn't have been beneficial as it would have to be compiled differently for a different ARM instruction set .

kitsune223 said:
Who told you that??? The source code of the GPU as well as every other coprocessor is there.
The two .o file that started this all fiasco are ok and you as long as the make file include them in the build they would work perfectly.
All they have inside is a simple elf code to tell the s3c*** to do whatever it needs to do. A source code wouldn't have been beneficial as it would have to be compiled differently for a different ARM instruction set .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But when you need drivers for 2.2 the source code would be optimal because these drivers are not going to work without some hacking.

They are going to work as they are non kernel bound ELF files.
Guys this isn't a driver ,if it was a kernel module ( or "driver" s you call it) it would have been a .ko file and had a slightly different structure ( use readelf on a kernel module and then on this to see the difference). So no matter what it is when can use the compiled version as it not kernel bound
From quick inspection it seems like the injection code for the s3c*** . so basically its there so the kernel could reference to it when the code tells it to do so . So Basicly all we have to do is put it in the proper place when building the kerne.
So please DON'T PANIC

well the TP2 just got 2.2 FroYo (2.1 has more working drivers ATM).. but if we have it, how would it be different for the SGS to get FroYo?

You need to remember that while other companies can update kernel quite easily ( all the work is done for them by the chip manufacturer and some member of the community ) this isn't possible here as this is a chip only used in one android/other linux platform device and the company making the device also make the chip.
So give them a few weeks to work on it

J-Hop2o6 said:
well the TP2 just got 2.2 FroYo (2.1 has more working drivers ATM).. but if we have it, how would it be different for the SGS to get FroYo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
let's just say it will be the first time a non Samsung Rom has worked on a Samsung Android phone.

psychoace said:
let's just say it will be the first time a non Samsung Rom has worked on a Samsung Android phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true.
Look here: http://forum.samdroid.net/f28/lkmod-v-2-5-1-based-jce-en-upd-03-30-a-336/
I see a custom ROM made for the i5700
Everything is possible.

clubtech said:
Not true.
Look here: http://forum.samdroid.net/f28/lkmod-v-2-5-1-based-jce-en-upd-03-30-a-336/
I see a custom ROM made for the i5700
Everything is possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did I say custom rom? No i said specifically non samsung based roms on a samsung device. That custom rom is based off of a Samsung rom.

This is the closest we have got to a Hero rom on a Samsung device.
http://androidforums.com/all-things-root-behold-2/60408-port-htc-hero-behold-2-wip.html
He couldn't get Rosie to boot so who knows what other problems he would of had after that (from the picture you can see he never got any network connection)
So there don't say I didn't give you any hope.

Froyo is offical. That's good, but we need to be looking past it to Gingerbread.
Froyo is announcedm confirmed, and now dated for the end of September, and that's great. But to me, that's not the question we need to be asking Samsung anymore, we need to be thinking past that.
The question people need to be asking Samsung, so we can get them on the record committed to it now, is will you release a Gingerbread update for the phone as long as the hardware is capable of supporting it. The OS is only 2-3 months from being unveiled if Google sticks to their time table, and if the rumors are true it'll be a much bigger overhaul than 2.1-2.2 is.
So unless we want our phones to be outdated before the end of the year, we need to start making a push as a community to get a commitment from Samsung to support not just the OS that was released 4 months ago, but also the much bigger one that's right around the corner.

2.2 is good.. proves everyone wrong who said "ooh its Samsung, of course they won't release Froyo."
but somehow, I doubt that samsung will somehow not upgrade SGS to 3.0. If they do, it might be a few months (at least) after everyone else gets it. The reason is, they could have new flagship devices out that they wanna push to the mass-markets, so putting gingerbread on that will boost the sales.
However, considering that they marketed the SGS so well, and have it well on its way, they might just put gingerbread on it
seriously, i see ads for SGS EVERYWHERE online.

mjgunn said:
[....]
So unless we want our phones to be outdated before the end of the year
[....]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally expect that my phone will be outdated by then. That's a consequence of the world we live in But then again, i'm a nihilist

[Q] AOSP ROM for Galaxy S?

Hey guys, been out of the loop for a while as I've been settled on JPY for a few weeks now. However, I saw a friend flash his Desire today with Oxygen, a gingerbread-based AOSP ROM. All the SGS ROMs I can find so far are based on the stock Samsung firmware - is there any work being done on a full AOSP ROM like Oxygen or Cyanogen? I can't find any details about this anywhere.

I am very curious about this question. Because if answer is simply no, it's time to sell Galaxy S. Gingerbread will be the last update from Samsung and AOSP could be the future of this phone then CM7 for SGS seems to have big problems and it's the only AOSP ROM for SGS which I'm aware of...

What big problems?
I'm using CM7 for a month right now and it's pretty stable if i can say. Yes, it lacks some features and some bugs are not fixed yet (theres a workaround tho), but if you follow it's thread the progress they make are great. They're already into mainline, so probably it will reach RC status in a month/maybe less, who knows.
After the devs are done, i think there will be a custom ROM based on CM7/AOSP.
~drz

CM7 is getting there. And with Gingerbread coming out, that should make things easier for the dev.

Yes, but with no source then there is nothing big. GB leak, only helped them with "less" important stuff (FM radio, etc.)
~drz

Any decent 2.3 ROMs for the Captivate?

I had a look through the Android development section and couldn't really find anything above 2.2. My GF has a captivate and she's finally willing to do away with the carrier installed stuff.
And IF there are no 2.3 ROMs (which really doesn't make any sense because I've been running 2.3 on my DZ since the start of January), what are some of the better 2.2 ones?

Dinglehoofis said:
I had a look through the Android development section and couldn't really find anything above 2.2. My GF has a captivate and she's finally willing to do away with the carrier installed stuff.
And IF there are no 2.3 ROMs (which really doesn't make any sense because I've been running 2.3 on my DZ since the start of January), what are some of the better 2.2 ones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are none yet, look at Supernova, Phoenix or Firefly ROM's there are pretty good.

jhernand1102 said:
There are none yet, look at Supernova, Phoenix or Firefly ROM's there are pretty good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't Forget Serendipity, great support ,frequent updates

2.3 ROMs aren't out yet.
But there are some really nice 2.2.1 ROMs, di11igaf's rom being one of them

Dinglehoofis said:
I had a look through the Android development section and couldn't really find anything above 2.2. My GF has a captivate and she's finally willing to do away with the carrier installed stuff.
And IF there are no 2.3 ROMs (which really doesn't make any sense because I've been running 2.3 on my DZ since the start of January), what are some of the better 2.2 ones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Serendipity is the best one I've found, Mike has a great eye for design, and he and Chance have great ideas on functionality. They pay close attention to detail and update the ROM frequently with easily flashed .zips in recovery (no wiping involved unless it's a major update). It's built on 2.2.1.

diablo009 said:
2.3 ROMs aren't out yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um... I've been using Cyanogenmod 7 for about a month now.

Moosehunter said:
Um... I've been using Cyanogenmod 7 for about a month now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Care to enlighten the masses on this? Cyanogen's been trolling (IMO) on his wiki:
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Samsung_Galaxy_S:_Flashing_CyanogenMod
"NOTE: As of right now CyanogenMod is not available for the Samsung Galaxy S family. Please check the wiki or the Samsung Galaxy S sub-forum for updates."
But then again, I suppose if you have a large amount of expertise and win in your arsenal, you could fit all of the witchcraft to the Captivate, unless I'm a complete noob and Cyanogen got a ROM hidden away that I'm not aware of.

Serindipity is one that I've been looking into. I have her phone ready to rock and roll, rooted + CWM. Just need to decide on a ROM
I find it strange that the Galaxy S lineup still doesn't have a publicly available 2.3 ROM... considering the first device to ship with 2.3 was the Nexus S. IIRC it has a near identical hardware set as the Fascinate, Captivate, Vibrant, I9000 etc.

LOVE Pargaon RC6....Great ROM! Stable, fast, and great GPS! It is 2.2.1. No 'working' 2.3 roms out as of yet!

Verfassergeist said:
Care to enlighten the masses on this? Cyanogen's been trolling (IMO) on his wiki:
"NOTE: As of right now CyanogenMod is not available for the Samsung Galaxy S family. Please check the wiki or the Samsung Galaxy S sub-forum for updates."
But then again, I suppose if you have a large amount of expertise and win in your arsenal, you could fit all of the witchcraft to the Captivate, unless I'm a complete noob and Cyanogen got a ROM hidden away that I'm not aware of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he is using the beta rom. if you check the sub forum they have the experimental rom there including cm7 for captivate

Verfassergeist said:
Care to enlighten the masses on this? Cyanogen's been trolling (IMO) on his wiki:
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Samsung_Galaxy_S:_Flashing_CyanogenMod
"NOTE: As of right now CyanogenMod is not available for the Samsung Galaxy S family. Please check the wiki or the Samsung Galaxy S sub-forum for updates."
But then again, I suppose if you have a large amount of expertise and win in your arsenal, you could fit all of the witchcraft to the Captivate, unless I'm a complete noob and Cyanogen got a ROM hidden away that I'm not aware of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a captivate update zip. Follow the instructions on the CM forums for the initial install using the GT-I9000 rom, and then follow the update instructions using this captivate package.
http://www.mediafire.com/?xpk8pzcv27cj67c

Dinglehoofis said:
I had a look through the Android development section and couldn't really find anything above 2.2. My GF has a captivate and she's finally willing to do away with the carrier installed stuff.
And IF there are no 2.3 ROMs (which really doesn't make any sense because I've been running 2.3 on my DZ since the start of January), what are some of the better 2.2 ones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for it not making sense, The whole reason you have been able to run it is that HTC likes putting the source code up as to where we are still trying to get it from Samsung. Heck 2.2 official just dropped to day. lol
You will get 10 different answers as to some good roms. Just have a read in the threads and chose one that seems good to you.

New to captivate

I just got a captivate last night and i have unlocked and and rooted it
it has a firmware of 2.1 - update 1
idk if thats the most recent update
i was told i can not update the phone with a t-mobile sim card in it so can anyone post a thread on updated versions and what do you all think is the best rom?
THANKS

There is no "best" rom. It's what's "best" for you. Read the forums and learn to flash 2.2 roms first.
I must warn you, flashing becomes very addictive.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Yea i know i have a sidekick 4g and ive tried about every rom on it
thanks for the info though

Tyler0309 said:
Yea i know i have a sidekick 4g and ive tried about every rom on it
thanks for the info though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend trying MIUI, the customization is what puts it over the top!
Here are a few different versions of MIUI:
Galnet**What I prefer**
http://www.galnetmiui.co.uk/twooey/v3/Twooey-V3-i897.zip
Prototypes release
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1066885
MIUI.us
http://roms.miui.us/1.8.12/MIUI.us_captivatemtd_1.8.12_Eng_Deo_ZipA_Signed.zip

Ok ill give it a try..do i have to update to a different version> im running 2.1 right now

Tyler0309 said:
Ok ill give it a try..do i have to update to a different version> im running 2.1 right now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've not been on 2.1 since phone came out. I would use odin one click to goto 2.2 stock. Root it then install cwm and then follow this guide if your going to try Galnet's MIUI.
http://www.galnetmiui.co.uk/content/forum/guides/(guide)-i897-galaxy-s-captivate-gb-bootloaders/
Then just pop the MIUI.zip on root of sdcard and install from CWM.

Tyler0309 said:
I just got a captivate last night and i have unlocked and and rooted it
it has a firmware of 2.1 - update 1
idk if thats the most recent update
i was told i can not update the phone with a t-mobile sim card in it so can anyone post a thread on updated versions and what do you all think is the best rom?
THANKS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow... so... You should probably READ a lot more before flashing anything, but I'll give you a few hints to get you going:
1) Make sure you understand what a "PBL", "SBL", "Kernel", and "Modem" are and how they are placed/installed in your phone.
2) Learn how to correctly and safely use ODIN (and/or Heimdall).
3) Learn about the various methods of recovery for "soft bricks", and if necessary for your hardware revision, possibly invest in a jig (also learn what a jig is)
4) There are 2 different types/branches of ROMs for the Captivate:
-- Samsung Branch
-- AOSP Branch
Within the "Samsung" types you have:
- i9000 ROMs (like JVP, JVR, JP8, etc)
- i897 ROMs (like JF6, KF1, etc)
Within the "AOSP" types you have:
- CM7
- MIUI
- Other AOSP-based ROMs
Which is "better" is relative. CM7 and MIUI have features that aren't present in the Samsung ROMs, and both offer a bit more customization than the Samsung ROMs. However, only the Samsung ROMs offer GPU accelerated video playback, and they tend to have significantly better battery life than the AOSP-type ROMs. Also the Samsung-type ROMs used to be much more stable than the AOSP branches, but recently, the tide may have turned in the other direction. Some of the low-level radio settings are also unavailable in any of the AOSP builds. And finally, some of the Samsung stock camera features are unavailable in CM7/MIUI.
It really all depends what you want... Do you want closer to stock "open source" Android? Or do you want Samsung's vision of what they think Android should be?
Also, the whole kernel/modem part is dependent on what branch of ROM you plan on running. When using a i9000-Samsung ROM, you pretty much have to use an i9000 kernel and modem. When using a i897-Samsung ROM, you pretty much have to use an i897 kernel and modem. The rules for CM7/MIUI are a bit more vague, but at the very least you'll need to use a CM7/MIUI (most AOSP-type kernels are interchangeable) compatible kernel.
The best advice is really to try them all out and see what you like the most. If you're currently on stock 2.1 (which it sounds like you are), at the very least you should upgrade to some variant of Gingerbread (2.3.4 preferably). You will definitely notice a big difference in terms of speed and functionality. From there, well, it's all really up to you...
OR alternatively, just start throwing stuff on your phone and see what happens. Just PLEASE don't come crying back in the Captivate General forum with a "OMG I bricked my phone!!! Plz help!!!" thread. Fair warning...

Just a suggestion, but become familiar with Odin one click. Make sure your captivate has 3 button recovery, and read, re- read, and read again the directions of every rom before you flash it. Always make a nandroid back up if possible, and read the threads.if you have questions, so did someone else and the answer is probably already out there .use search. Some People will rip your head off if you don't. as far as miui goes .....i was a flashaholic when I got phone. After switching to miui, It is very unlikely that I will ever leave. Best rom ever imho. And it updates every Friday so that satisfied the flashing urge. Usually it gets better with each release. The last couple have been a little rough though. Might want to spend the 8 bucks and have a download jig on standby. Can get it from mobiltech videos. Its worth it though
Sent from my I897 using XDA Premium App

Shammyh said:
Wow... so... You should probably READ a lot more before flashing anything, but I'll give you a few hints to get you going:
1) Make sure you understand what a "PBL", "SBL", "Kernel", and "Modem" are and how the are placed/installed in your phone.
2) Learn how to correctly and safely use ODIN (and/or Heimdall).
3) Learn about the various methods of recovery for "soft bricks", and if necessary for your hardware revision, possibly invest in a jig (also learn what a jig is)
4) There are 2 different types/branches of ROMs for the Captivate:
-- Samsung Branch
-- AOSP Branch
Within the "Samsung" types you have:
- i9000 ROMs (like JVP, JVR, JP8, etc)
- i897 ROMs (like JF6, KF1, etc)
Within the "AOSP" types you have:
- CM7
- MIUI
- Other AOSP-based ROMs
Which is "better" is relative. CM7 and MIUI have features that aren't present in the Samsung ROMs, and both offer a bit more customization than the Samsung ROMs. However, only the Samsung ROMs offer GPU accelerated video playback, and they tend to have significantly better battery life than the AOSP-type ROMs. Also the Samsung-type ROMs used to be much more stable than the AOSP branches, but recently, the tide may have turned in the other direction. Some of the low-level radio settings are also unavailable in any of the AOSP builds. And finally, some of the Samsung stock camera features are unavailable in CM7/MIUI.
It really all depends what you want... Do you want closer to stock "open source" Android? Or do you want Samsung's vision of what they think Android should be?
Also, the whole kernel/modem part is dependent on what branch of ROM you plan on running. When using a i9000-Samsung ROM, you pretty much have to use an i9000 kernel and modem. When using a i897-Samsung ROM, you pretty much have to use an i897 kernel and modem. The rules for CM7/MIUI are a bit more vague, but at the very least you'll need to use a CM7/MIUI (most AOSP-type kernels are interchangeable) compatible kernel.
The best advice is really to try them all out and see what you like the most. If you're currently on stock 2.1 (which it sounds like you are), at the very least you should upgrade to some variant of Gingerbread (2.3.4 preferably). You will definitely notice a big difference in terms of speed and functionality. From there, well, it's all really up to you...
OR alternatively, just start throwing stuff on your phone and see what happens. Just PLEASE don't come crying back in the Captivate General forum with a "OMG I bricked my phone!!! Plz help!!!" thread. Fair warning...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA Premium App

Tyler0309 said:
I just got a captivate last night and i have unlocked and and rooted it
it has a firmware of 2.1 - update 1
idk if thats the most recent update
i was told i can not update the phone with a t-mobile sim card in it so can anyone post a thread on updated versions and what do you all think is the best rom?
THANKS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a very simple and easy way to start with...
2.1 is eclair..
2.2 froyo
2.3 gingerbread..
means 2.1 is oldest and 2.3 is latest in case of official roms..
so obviously new version will hav more features and faster in speed...
so now u can take baby step and install 2.2 ..and use it for few days..and get the feel of it..then again after sometime u can install 2.3...
or else u can directly jump to 2.3....which is gingerbread....u can install stock kf1 on ur phone..its leaked official gb...if u search a bit..u will get it..
then u can use it for a lil while and get the feel of gb stock rom..in the meanwhile u can read xda abt available custom roms..and then install any of them...
coz every memeber here in xda will suggest the custom rom they r using..coz they r lovin the rom then only they r using....like for me..since the time i started flashin..i always used APEX ROM..so i will say its the best....
but again thats just me..
so decision is always urs...

[i9000] Complete Android Noob.

Right, ive had a i9000 for 5 months or so, and ever since i got it, ive found it to be slow, at times laggy. And hate alot of the crap samsung put on it.Which ive not even used.
I reckon its about time i start to make the most of my phone, but dont really know where to start, with these custom roms and rooting and what not.
I basically want it to run smoothly and possibly add a tweaks/features to it which could possibly improve it. However i remember reading somewhere, that ill lose the camera features if i install a custom rom. :l (i could be talking from my arse here)
Also i read that android 4.0 is coming or has come out. Would i be able to upgrade my phone to it ? and should i ?? If not what is the best rom to flash which will make my phone faster and smoother.
Is there anything at all to make it significantly faster, or is it limited by hardware :/
Im currently on:
kernal version 2.6.29
firmware 2.1 -update1
Which i havnt messed with since i got the phone.
Thanks, and sorry for the daft questions.

Oh dear! did you wrote 2.1? Please read basic root steps and install custom rom. I recommend you to start with Cf-root
go here :- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=788108
As far as 4.0, please wait.

innovat0r said:
Oh dear! did you wrote 2.1? Please read basic root steps and install custom rom. I recommend you to start with Cf-root
go here :- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=788108
As far as 4.0, please wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol Is 2.1 bad ? hahaha
Sorry for sounding dim, but what have you pointed me to ?? rooting ? installing a rom ? updating kernal ?
And what is the difference between these ? are all 3 needed to get the phone working as i want it to ?
Im totally new to everything andriod so can you please be as clear as possible.
Thank you for your reply.
And sorry again for all the questions.

skweezer said:
Lol Is 2.1 bad ? hahaha
Sorry for sounding dim, but what have you pointed me to ?? rooting ? installing a rom ? updating kernal ?
And what is the difference between these ? are all 3 needed to get the phone working as i want it to ?
Im totally new to everything andriod so can you please be as clear as possible.
Thank you for your reply.
And sorry again for all the questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, here we go...
1. First of all you need to root your device to install a custom rom or kernel. So first root your device with the above thread (cf-root).
2. Choose any rom from so many roms available all over xda. Choose only from the topic which is under your device's category, not from other device's rom,lol.
To do this you need Odin(use search)
3. Once done you will have custom rom and also custom kernel if you wish.
After these you can go for lagfix, like changing from rfs to ext4.
Best of luck.

Thanks, so after ive rooted with cf-root. do i have to install a custom rom and custom kernel, both ?
And which is considered the best rom and kernel ?
thanks
regards

Hey Skweezer,
Recommend you start with these threads:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=939752
and:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=723596
They will tell you about how to connect your phone to your PC (Samsung USB drivers + adb), 3 button mode (how to avoid bricking your phone), backing up important/unrecoverable data (like your EFS block!), and what (in general) needs to be done to flash custom firmware.
After that, you should be able to pretty much recover from any error (like unplugging your phone mid flash). Now you can go ahead and root your phone and start exploring the wonderful word of custom roms! As for which one is the best, that's like asking "how long is a piece of string?" Some people prefer speed and cutting edge, others value battery life and stability, some aim for the middle of the road.
Personally I've tried tegrak kernel and was really impressed with the speed improvement! However, the limited app space finally turned me back to other kernels. I found the rest to be pretty much six in one, half dozen in the other (ie all about the same)... so pick one you like and just go for it... use it for a while and if it's not to your liking, flash again
Just a quick rundown on android for you... firmware 2.1 = Eclair, 2.2 = Frozen Yoghurt, 2.3 = Gingerbread, 3.0 = Honeycomb (tablet only version of android) and 4.0 = Ice Cream Sandwich (unify android for phone/tablet/tv again). There is a HUGE performance increase from going stock 2.1 to 2.3! so even if you just upgrade to Samsung's Gingerbread release (2.3.3 I believe?) you will notice better performance. Doing lagfix, kernel tweaks, etc is just icing on top of the cake. However, you'll find once you start tweaking, you won't go back to stock

Well, easiest way of starting is installing KIES and letting it update your phone. That's the official way and you won't have to bother with details like kernels, roms, bootloaders, etc and won't void your warranty (if that's the case).
You'll probably be left with with some 2.3.x version. Might as well make a backup from your stuff before upgrading, kies sucks in a general way, but may help you with that.
From that point on, if you still want to press further into customization goodness, there are PLENTY to chose from.
There are mainly 2 kinds of roms:
- Samsung based (someone picks up a sock samsung rom and modifies it with scripts, kernels, themes, apps, etc). These are most of the ones you'll find in the development section of this forum.
- not samsung based (like Cyanogen e MIUI). These are built from Google's sources directly and totally skip samsung. Therefore, samsung apps most likely won't work here. Everything else does.
Personally i'd recommend Cyanogen 7.1 stable as your next rom. It's an extremely optimized and wildly popular rom, with plenty of options that you won't find in any stock rom. They have their own forum i recommend you to look up if you're going their way.
Whatever you do, GET AWAY FROM THAT 2.1

Cheers for alll the replies guys. Im first going to just update via kies. To an official 2.3
If im not happy with that then ill try a custom rom and rooting.
If only it was as simple as jailbreaking and iphone. lool

Right, ust updated to latest version via kies. And instantly alot better, smoother. Has some of those things bulit into the system which i always though were missing.
Ill try it for a week, and see if theres anything i need, or think is missing. Then i might go custom. But right now im happy with it on the latest official version.
Thank you guys, i think you've made me sort of like android a bit more.