Database Develop

[Q] Froyo 2.2 and VOODOO lag fix.

hi.
I have galaxy S I9000 froyo 2.2 official. Orange rom.
I currently use Z4ROOT with RyanZA OCLF version 2.2.8. Benchmark score is around 1800.
I read somwehre that the VOODOO lag fix is better.
Can it work with froyo 2.2? Do I need to root my phone with other application? (uninstall Z4ROOT)?
I'm asking this since the phone is still laggy in some parts, like waiting for it to load the contact list.
Thanks.

You usualy get lower benchmark scores but better real life performance with Voodoo.
It does work with Froyo, but you have to flash it via Odin. Remove oclf first though. And pretty sure you can keep z4root, but if you remove it, it's easy to root using Voodoo.
Edit: You could also get better performance by debranding your phone. Operator bloatware just slows it down.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Bess833 said:
You usualy get lower benchmark scores but better real life performance with Voodoo.
It does work with Froyo, but you have to flash it via Odin. Remove oclf first though. And pretty sure you can keep z4root, but if you remove it, it's easy to root using Voodoo.
Edit: You could also get better performance by debranding your phone. Operator bloatware just slows it down.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does it mean better life performance? In what way? Is it smoother and faster?
And what id Odin? I'm kinda noob at this. I got my phone last week. My first android.

It means that while OCLF provides better benchmark scores, Voodoo provides better user experience - it's snappier, faster, smoother, generally better (for most, anyways). Not by a huge groundbreaking margin though.
Odin is a tool you use to flash firmwares/kernels/etc to your phone using your PC.
If you want to flash Voodoo, I suggest you remove OCLF (you can remove z4root too, but you shouldn't have to) and then read this.

You do not need to root for voodoo to work so if the only reason you rooted was to put OCLF on you can use Z4root and unroot. other wise just remove Remove all the OCLF fixes made and uninstall it. then follow the tutorial that was nicely provided above.

Thanks. I'll try that.

does it take up 1GB from the internal ram as well? the link is not working.

can someone make a tutorial video how to install the voodoo lagfix on the phone!!!! or make it step by step instruction clearly!!!!!pleaaasseeee

nazrazr said:
can someone make a tutorial video how to install the voodoo lagfix on the phone!!!! or make it step by step instruction clearly!!!!!pleaaasseeee
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just click the link I posted above and read it? It says everything you have to do.
Here is the link again. Of course this is if you have Froyo.

wow this is really complicated. This is way technical.
where do I find galaxy drivers and how can I backup my info?
Is there a simpler guide? something that has every tool to help through the process?
Where is /efs folder? can't find it.

Its not complicated at all, just load the file via odin, press a few buttons on the phone click on Flash and then it works

It really isn't complicated. Assuming you connected your PC with your phone already, you have drivers. Make sure you close KIES before proceeding though. So all you have to do is:
1. Remove any other lagfixes that you may have
2. Go to Download mode
3. In odin, put the VooDoo file as PDA and do nothing else in there
4. Plug your phone in, wait for Odin to find and recognize it, maybe install drivers if that's the first time you work with it
5. Hit Start

ok I've done it. I don't really see any improvement. but benchmark shows 1500.
is there another indication for the phone being fast?

The only indication is you. How does it feel - faster, smoother, less laggy, etc. You are the judge of that really, no benchmark scores..

I also just finished apply the Voodoo 5 by following the link given..
the step is so easy.. perfect..
but before im doing this.. i already factory reset it.. mean it look new
so.. how do I knw that the Voodoo is perfectly installed?
but I noticed there's already superuser there is that all?

Is there a folder Voodoo with folder logs in it on your int. SD card? If so it should be installed correctly. Also check Quadrant scores. Should be obvious that it's snappy too.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Bess833 said:
Is there a folder Voodoo with folder logs in it on your int. SD card? If so it should be installed correctly. Also check Quadrant scores. Should be obvious that it's snappy too.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just check it.. yes there's Voodoo folder in my SD..
lazy to check the Quadrant.. will start to install apps & games again
thanks ^_^

You can also check by going to settings and then "about phone" and u should see [email protected]#6 as the kernel.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Is there any battery drainage issue with this version?

Chuckle75 said:
Is there any battery drainage issue with this version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope none.

[Q] Lagfix options

I have rooted my phone using the Onclick rooting software, that seems to have been a success.
However, I tried using teh OCLF from market to lagfix it but nothing seem to have happened in the 30mins I let it do its thing. THe progress bar goes full then start again, and does this repeatedly. And after reading around some people say that's now out dated and other lag fixes should be more suitable
So, now that my Samsung G S is rooted, what options for lagfixes do I have?

Hi, im asking the same questions
Hi, i am in uk running stock froyo 2.2, I have rooted my phone using Z4root, but I want to put a lagfix on, I have read that OCLF isnt very good anymore, and voodoo you have to install a new rom and im not brave enough to do anything like that so which is the best lagfix i can use and i have heard about overclocking what does that mean? thanks in advance
can anyone help us please

TheSippler said:
So, now that my Samsung G S is rooted, what options for lagfixes do I have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Besides the fact I dont know whats a Samsung G S and no idea what your ROM version is you could do what I did. But depends on your ROM and SGS version!!!
But its on all your risk. Read manuals and warnings to the kernel and the app. You have been warned (I have done this on 2 SGS mine and my friends till now , he has 2.2 stock rom and I 2.2.1 stock JPY too)
Took the neldar kernel flasher , backed up my stock kernel.
Then flashed the speedmod CWM version with the kernel flasher, kernel you can find in the speedmod kernel thread.
Applied the tweaks and lagfixes (ext4) from the recovery. done
and that was it. btw when you do this, try to run the rom WITHOUT the lagfixes, just with the new kernel so you can easily get back to your stock. If you want more, then go to the recovery ULK options and do the recommended tweaks from there. If you still need it, then apply the lagfixes (always backup and always on your own risk)
kezgez said:
and voodoo you have to install a new rom and im not brave enough to do anything like that so which is the best lagfix i can use and i have heard about overclocking what does that mean? thanks in advance
can anyone help us please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure you have to install another rom, but I do not know the the original voodoo kernel . Maybe you could try with the one I suggested up there.Btw there is more kernels to choose from, depends on your Galaxy Version and ROM.
Overclocking is nothing you should be concerned with yet I think there is a pretty big speed jump from stock to custom kernel, then from custom tweaks and also to lagfixes. If you are not satisfied then you can try that. OC should make the phone faster. In my opinion though the 1GHz is enough for the phone. With OC come some risks (heat, battery usage, stability)

Last night I managed to get the OCLF working on the phone and noticed improvements. Now that I have a lagfix working, will OCLF be alright to leave on there? Or do you still recommend going to somethign else? (I didn't quite understand why OCLF is being considered out dated anyway).

Install the new version (2.2.1) and lagfix is of no need anymore.
Completely satisfied with a smooth running Galaxy now.

TheSippler said:
Last night I managed to get the OCLF working on the phone and noticed improvements. Now that I have a lagfix working, will OCLF be alright to leave on there? Or do you still recommend going to somethign else? (I didn't quite understand why OCLF is being considered out dated anyway).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well keep the lagfix you have now. If you wanted try something else you would have to undo the changes you have done till now. If it works and you like it keep it..
To plexat: yes the 2.2.1 it's sufficient in speed.
In my case though I had to do already 2 factory reset once cuz the phone didn't start at all and in time even the 2.2.1 became slow. I installed the custom kernel though just for the sharpness fix but was surprised with the lower battery usage and speed. There is still a big speed jump from stock to custom
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

thankyou for your help, ive got the kernal flasher and kernal thread but can you just confirm for me what I have to do with the kernal thread sorry but ive not done this before and really dont want to damage my phone thanks again Karen

kezgez said:
thankyou for your help, ive got the kernal flasher and kernal thread but can you just confirm for me what I have to do with the kernal thread sorry but ive not done this before and really dont want to damage my phone thanks again Karen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok man, first of all. You have stock 2.2 but which phone exactly?
In the kernel thread, is written for which phones it is and also for which ROM.
So if it fits yours. You can try what I wrote you somewhere up. Backup, flash the CWM version etc.
First make sure though if you have the correct kernel for your ROM and phone. AND you shouldn't have any other type lagfixes applied.
Thats kinda all. What you can do if you have root, without any trouble, is backup your kernel with the app. Then verify if other things fit. And you can try to flash a custom kernel.
EDIT: Why are you still on 2.2? I mean UK had as one of the first 2.2.1 and plexat is right. 2.2.1 is faster and smoother as 2.2 ? If you dont have any lagfixes or other custom things applied you should kinda update to 2.2.1

Hi Pagot, I checked I had the right kernel and stuff and YIPPEE ive done it, my heart was in my mouth but i took the plunge and it now says i have the kernel above, it does seem more responsive and quicker although the benchmark still says the same? the reason I have still got 2.2 is because I have a branded o2 phone and they havent released it yet for branded phones and i am scared to try and flash it to 2.2.1 is there anything i can now do to speed it up anymore ie lag fixes and things thanks for your help

Glad it worked for you
Well not sure about upgrading the rom with a custom kernel. Am new at this too . So dont flash a rom yet.
From what I asked in the speedmod kernel thread. It should be safe to put back the stock backup kernel you made with the app and then to update if its out. Thats just for 2.2.1 upgrade for you in the future. The condition is however no lagfixes applied!!! If you have them applied it can and will probably go bad on the update!!!
kezgez said:
does seem more responsive and quicker although the benchmark still says the same?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok please dont look at the score. Mine is actually worse as on the stock kernel if you are talking about quadrant. They are irrelevant.
If your phone feels right, leave it as it is
If you want to tweak it little more. Get to the recovery and there are some tweaks,should be still safe to make. They are marked as recommended in the ULK options.
I wouldn't suggest yet to apply a lagfix. Try it how it feels now. If it starts getting bad and laggy etc. Then experiment with that. I had a lagfix but reverted back, for me the speed is sufficient how it is now
Since you have now CWM you can even backup your whole phone.
If you dont know how to go to the recovery the 3 button combo. There are many nice tools in the market for that. I personally use SGS toolbox/tools, in it is a shorcut with reboot to recovery.
When you are there. the BACK button is actually like OK so beware of that!!! You navigate with the volume button UP/DOWN and confirm with home or back.

Thanks again, been in and enabled tweeks, just so as I no, I noticed in recovery there is a lagfix option is this where i go to apply this and if I do it how do I disable it if I want to
Also you said I could backup my phone now how do I do this Thanks again

Wow my phone is really speedy now thanks for all the help I've now flashed kernel tweaked and applied lagfix and all is well I've backed up my phone as well
YIPPIE
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

kezgez said:
Wow my phone is really speedy now thanks for all the help I've now flashed kernel tweaked and applied lagfix and all is well I've backed up my phone as well
YIPPIE
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha seriously glad for you . One day you have no idea about anything, the next day you run a custom kernel with lagfixes and tweaks.
When you get to it, its kinda not so difficult. (It took me kinda a half year )

PAGOT said:
Ha seriously glad for you . One day you have no idea about anything, the next day you run a custom kernel with lagfixes and tweaks.
When you get to it, its kinda not so difficult. (It took me kinda a half year )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How true. Just in case get familiar with Odin. Having fun with flashing by CWM can sometimes result in being stuck. Knowing how to use Odin and having all necessary files on your computer should give you some sense of security.

[Q] Can't disable lagfix?

Hello,
Today I decided to flash my rom and I have just chosen the new Cognition 4 to go with. My Captivate has the default 2.1 firmware, and the only thing I did was rooting and installing a lagfix. The problem is that I can't remember which lagfix it was and no matter what I try, I can't disable it.
It's probably not Voodoo since I there is no Voodoo folder (and creating one and putting the disable-lagfix folder in it does nothing) on my internal sd, and there's no app to allow me enable/disable it. The only thing that makes me sure I still have is the high Quadrant score I keep getting.
Can you guys help me out on this?
Under settings, my kernel version is:
2.6.29
jetaek.lee (at) sep-11 #2
Sorry if this is a silly or dumb question. But I have been trying for a couple hours.
Thanks a lot.

bardomudo said:
Hello,
Today I decided to flash my rom and I have just chosen the new Cognition 4 to go with. My Captivate has the default 2.1 firmware, and the only thing I did was rooting and installing a lagfix. The problem is that I can't remember which lagfix it was and no matter what I try, I can't disable it.
It's probably not Voodoo since I there is no Voodoo folder (and creating one and putting the disable-lagfix folder in it does nothing) on my internal sd, and there's no app to allow me enable/disable it. The only thing that makes me sure I still have is the high Quadrant score I keep getting.
Can you guys help me out on this?
Under settings, my kernel version is:
2.6.29
jetaek.lee (at) sep-11 #2
Sorry if this is a silly or dumb question. But I have been trying for a couple hours.
Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way you are gonna be sure to remove it is by doing a master clear, and yes it will delete all data.

zelendel, thanks. But I can still use Titanium Backup to backup my apps, right?

bardomudo said:
zelendel, thanks. But I can still use Titanium Backup to backup my apps, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, otherwise it's a long day downloading one at a time.
Sent from my Craptivate with the leaky rom

bardomudo said:
zelendel, thanks. But I can still use Titanium Backup to backup my apps, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can use it to back up user apps and data. Just dont back up system data as when it is restored system data tends to cause issues
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App

bardomudo said:
Hello,
Today I decided to flash my rom and I have just chosen the new Cognition 4 to go with. My Captivate has the default 2.1 firmware, and the only thing I did was rooting and installing a lagfix. The problem is that I can't remember which lagfix it was and no matter what I try, I can't disable it.
It's probably not Voodoo since I there is no Voodoo folder (and creating one and putting the disable-lagfix folder in it does nothing) on my internal sd, and there's no app to allow me enable/disable it. The only thing that makes me sure I still have is the high Quadrant score I keep getting.
Can you guys help me out on this?
Under settings, my kernel version is:
2.6.29
jetaek.lee (at) sep-11 #2
Sorry if this is a silly or dumb question. But I have been trying for a couple hours.
Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also flash back to stock with Odin (with a master clear after of course just for good measure). That will remove your lagfix too. Just be sure to save your titanium backup file to your EXTERNAL Sd before doing the master clear, or you will loose all your backups you just created.

Thanks a lot everyone. I did a master clear (didn't install odin, though, since I was already on 2.1 stock) and everything went great.
I'm kinda disappointed with the Cognition 4, though. The phone is only slightly faster and smoother, even my Quadrant score is lower (by about 600 points) than it used to be on Eclair. But hey, at least it's froyo.
With the official 2.2 out, should I bother updating or am I better with Cognition 4?

[Q] updating CM7 nightlies - probably a noob question

So I have CM7 nightly v98 working mint on my nook. Netflix is working etc, and even my battery life is good too, and I'm not getting the SOD anymore (i think).
So right now I have no reason to update anything but I'm sure inevitably SOMETHING is gonna come up that I'm gonna want to update to a new nightly (or like a new stable will come out, or something). So my question is if I download a new nightly and flash it through CWM, can I flash just the file, and not wipe everything etc and will my settings, apps, etc all still be there? Or do I have to wipe everything out to upgrade each nightly? I figure I'd probably have to modify build.prop for Netflix each time which is no big deal, and also reflash the overclock Kernel as well, but otherwise??

Rogue Leader said:
So I have CM7 nightly v98 working mint on my nook. Netflix is working etc, and even my battery life is good too, and I'm not getting the SOD anymore (i think).
So right now I have no reason to update anything but I'm sure inevitably SOMETHING is gonna come up that I'm gonna want to update to a new nightly (or like a new stable will come out, or something). So my question is if I download a new nightly and flash it through CWM, can I flash just the file, and not wipe everything etc and will my settings, apps, etc all still be there? Or do I have to wipe everything out to upgrade each nightly? I figure I'd probably have to modify build.prop for Netflix each time which is no big deal, and also reflash the overclock Kernel as well, but otherwise??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U can do it from within Rom manager. Gives u the option of what to del. Back up current ROM, and make sure wipe data isn't set. You'll then need to reflash the OC kernel and edit the build.prop again.
My question:
1. Does ROM manager backup ROM capture everything or just /system? I've been doing backups from CWM.
2. Been using Kernel manager, but haven't seen notification of new OC Kernel when new one just came out. Does this work?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App

akenis said:
U can do it from within Rom manager. Gives u the option of what to del. Back up current ROM, and make sure wipe data isn't set. You'll then need to reflash the OC kernel and edit the build.prop again.
My question:
1. Does ROM manager backup ROM capture everything or just /system? I've been doing backups from CWM.
2. Been using Kernel manager, but haven't seen notification of new OC Kernel when new one just came out. Does this work?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So doing this everything will be "identical" just on the newest ROM I got? I tried to do this once with ROM manager and screwed it up because I didn't put the ROM on my SD card so it wouldn't read it. Then I didn't bother as everything suddenly worked right (no complaints lol).

How can a Captivate phone SGH-i897 show different model in specs screen?

I'm hoping someone here can help in explaining this because this is something I've NEVER seen or heard of before and in theory, shouldnt be possible but i'm seeing it with my own eyes!
I'm (about to) purchase a slightly used Samsung Galaxy S CAPTIVATE model (SGH-i897) at least that is what the "boot up screen" shows.. I KNOW this is the Captivate.. i've seen the physical differences between it and the Vibrant.. they are basically the same phones hardware wise but do have a different physical appearance on the outside.. the Vibrant's model is GT-i9000..
now when I go to the "About screen"...the model shows the GT-i9000! How is this possible? I'm baffled because I know that i'm actually looking at a CAPTIVATE and the boot up screen shows the correct model number..but the android os (which shows the gingerbread 2.3.5 model in the about screen) is showing the model number as the VIBRANT.. gt-i9000, on the same phone!
I want this phone and was about to buy it but i'm thinking this could seriously cause problems when i go to root and mod it as the conflicting model numbers could create problems with the proper files and processes i'll need to follow when doing the root/mods...
Has anyone heard of this or can explain this because I am STUMPED!
THanks

ok, it appears like a custom Kernel was used cause this conflict. Make sense?
I looked at the About screen again and the KERNEL VERSION looks like something that is NOT the stock kernel. It states:
2.6.35.7-I9000XXJVT-CL617736
[email protected] #DarkCore_4.1_JVT_C
this has to be a custom Kernel right?
This phone must have been rooted and mod'd at some point (the seller didn't know and thought his cousin only unlocked the phone).
I assume a custom kernel that likely is typically for the Vibrant GT-i9000 was flahed with or without a custom rom to this phone and that is why there is the conflicting model numbers... this make sense?
Normally that wouldn't be good idea to use another kernel or rom for a slightly different model of phone but i guess it worked..
I would now like to confirm that this is the case and if so, that it is obviously ok..cuz the phone is working fine.
Should I now wipe the phone back to stock rom/kernel? Can I? if I want to do more mod'ing on the phone anyways.. different kernels and likely update os to ICS 4.0
Thanks for any help on this and hopefully this all makes sense now and explains what i'm seeing

Many of the custom builds for the Captivate are based on I-9000 framework. DarkCore is one of the custom kernels. This phone has been flashed. If you prefer a stock Captivate firmware, there are ODIN One-Click programs in the Development section that will put you back to an "Out-of-the-Box" state. Then do some reading if you plan on shopping around for different roms, as there are several different sets of bootloaders among them and a bootloader mishap is a surefire way to brick this phone.
Happy Flashing and good luck! Welcome to the Captivate!

The vibrant model number is T-959 or some ****..I9000 is the international galaxy s. The original.
It is really easy to switch what is displayed in about phone...it's all in the builds.prop located in /system
You can open that up with a plain text editor and change any instance of Gt-I9000 to sgh-I897 and Viola...
But as mentioned above, flashing to stock with Odin/heimdall will get you back to stock.
Btw what does "build number" say in about phone? Cause that is the name of the ROM that was flashed to it.

Build number says: Mosaic 8
So that is the custom rom that was flashed to the phone I take it?
Ultimately I dont want to go back to the stock rom/kernel but want to definitely flash to OTHER custom roms/kernels. With that being said will I have to go back to stock on either rom or kernel FIRST before doing another change?
I'd like a kernel that will allow me to play with some overclocking and the rom(s) can be one of many.. preferrably I want to put ICS 4.0 on this
Can anyone give me the links to the best info/tutorials to flash the kernel/rom's to do so on this phone?
As said, the actual phone is an unlocked and rooted AT&T Samsung Galaxy S Captivate SGH-i897 but has been already flashed with custom rom kernel as follows:
Model Number
GT-i9000
Firmware Version
2.3.5
Baseband Version
I9000UGJK4
Kernel Version
2.6.35.7-I9000XXJVT-CL617736
[email protected] #DarkCore_4.1_JVT_C
Build Number
Mosaic 8
Thanks

M8 is a great custom rom. You shouldn't need to flash to stock before flashing a new rom. Just follow the steps in the first post of each rom you want to flash. A good ROM to try next would be Mosaic 9

yeah...i hear great things about mosaic!

Thanks..i figured it was a good rom..i play around with it for a while.. it also came with the custom kernel from DarkCore..
I'm fairly new mod'ing rooted phones and all that so I'm curious if I can install a different custom kernel on this Mosaic 8 Rom and if so, what's best way? I want to use one of the many on this site that allow for oc'ing...is it ok to replace the Darkcore Kernel that came with this rom to any other or not?
THanks

hey buddy, i happen to be the lead developer for mosaic.
you are more than welcome to change the kernel, the best way to do that would be in cwm recovery...which can be accessed by holding down on the power button and choosing recovery. or by powering off and holding vol up and power til you see the first splash (that should actually say I9000) then let go that will boot into recovery.
if you see an at&t screen at all the its vol up AND down AND power.
as said above i have updated mosaic, and the latest version includes a kernel that is overclockable already, this one to be exact the .tars in post 1 are for use with odin. post 2 are zips to be flashed in recovery. ater the kernel is flashed it will install an app called semaphore, in there are a bunch of options including oc up to 1300Mhz
that being said...FIRST I would play around with it some more and get used to it WHILE DOING SOME RESEARCH AND READING...i mean you just got the phone...get to know it take her out on the town before you get her all nekkid and vulnerable

THANK YOU SO MUCH for this reply! I was just trying to get into recovery mode and I noticed this phone was allowing me.. this is due to the rom/kernel on it..but you're post with the info WORKED! I was about to start doing a bunch of stuff to try and fix.. THANKS
This whole double splash screen is very new to me with it showing the phone as TWO different models..
I see you have the new Mosaic 9 out..and that's the one you're takling about i take it? and it comes with another new custom kernel that will allow for oc'ing too? sounds good..and 1300 is more then enought.. I'm happy with 1.2 if I can.. dont need to get crazy and try for 1.6 like some..
Just follow the steps on the main page for that rom and all should be good? What will be the easiest way for me to flash to your new rom/kernel? Can I do it from a rom manager or use sd card or internal mem? Any help on this is greatly appreciated! Thanks again for posting a response to my concerns!

btw can i just update this Mosaic 8 rom to that new custom kernel you're talking about or do i have to update to the new Mosaic 9 rom first?

You can flash that on 8.
Don't ever use ROM manager, it doesn't work right on the galaxy line.
And whenever sdcard is mentioned, that is the internal sd, cwm does not flash from an external sdcard.
To flash mosaic 9 over 8 just put ROM on sdcard, boot into recovery, wipe data/factory reset, then go to install zip from sdcard, choose zip, and find the ROM you just downloaded.
Flash the kernel the same way, just don't do the wipe first.
The ROM flash will wipe all your apps, the kernel will not, use titanium backup to backup your apps, then restore them after the flash. Again only needed if you're flashing the ROM and you can flash the kernel on the ROM you have now,
but a backup is a good idea before any flash if something were to go arwy.
As for the 2 boot screens (and the different button combos for recovery, btw download mode is vol down and power), is because the phone has I9000 bootloaders, which is the first splash you see, the second splash is the kernel, both darkcore and semaphore use the same splash the one that says sgh-I897. some kernels use a custom image there instead.
But again, i urge you STRONGLY, PLEASE read, and understand completely what it is that you want to do, and more importantly how to fix a situation that doesn't go as planned, BEFORE you start flashing stuff. Please.

Thanks again bud this is all so helpful. I already downloaded your mosaic 9 zip. Quick question..do i have to format my sd card a certain way first for the update to work? on past.flashes on different phone certain.partioning had to be done on the sd card in order for the update to work.successfully.
Thanks n looking forward to this mosaic 9.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Nope, you're good. Anything that was needed, which was flashing gingerbread bootloaders, has already been done by the previous owner.

Thanks again bud. That last question was pointless cuz i read back again and u mentioned that the sd card stated is always internal and not external..so obviously i wouldnt need to format n partition etc. Thats a bit newer for me well on this new phone anyways. Used to using ext card in past.
As of now ive only updated the kernel to the new one and not the whole new rom...yet. Will play around with it for a bit. The oc was very easy and working just fine.
Btw any plans to do this mosaic rom on ICS 4.0 at all? Or maybe there is one u could recommend? i really want to check it out as so many are "raving" about the new ics os and that it the best by far, etc. Whats your take?
One other question about the flashing from the internal sd now, hope this aint silly but if the zip rom file is saved to the internal mem and im doing the usual data wipe/factory reset wont everything get cleared.including the rom file itself and then not find it when i go to do the update?
and again thanks for all the info, still a bit of noob when it comes to the phones side of things but fyi im definitely a techie when it comes to the pc hardware, software and networking side. Take care
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Data wipe/factory reset only wipes the /data partition. Leaving all others including /sdcard intact.

Data factory reset clears (/data, /dbdata or /datadata depends on the ROM you are on, /cache, and /mnt/sd_card/android.secure

Definitely gonna wait a while before flashing any ICS4 roms as still too early and lots of bugs to workout. Im hoping u guys eventually come out with an ics rom cuz this mosaic 8 n 9 are damn good and high quality and read a lot of good things too.
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So the bootloaders, when are they input or changed? Is it a seperate update or do they typically come with a rom or kernel? So the ones i have now with the dual splash screens (gt-i9000 then sgh-i897), will i keep those if i wipe and flash a different rom or will a new set of different bootloaders come with most other custom roms? I still dont fully understand that yet and would prefer to mess with them as little as possible cuz i know how important they are and thats an easy way to mess up a phone.
Another quick question i have is about the Captivate phone itself...i know all the specific hardware specs and its states it has 512 ram outside of the 16gb storage/2gb internal rom but why can i only find spec screens that show my phone having 323mb of ram and of that most of it is used up all the time even after a fresh wipe and flash of the mosaic 8 rom ane nothing new installed? Does this have something to do with the rom itself or am i missing something? a little puzzled by this. Part reason i upgraded to this phone was to get better hardware and have more memory cuz i like to eventually install a ton of apps but im thinking i could quickly run into issues with the numbers im seeing. Any thoughts on this? Thanks
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Bootloaders ate only flashed with a pc flashing program such as Odin or heimdall.
The second image may change, that within the kernel itself, the first image will not.
As far as storage space goes, you have 16gb on the entire phone. 2gb of that is for user apps. About a Gb for the system, and about 13Gb on the sdcard.
you do have 512mb of ram, but some of that is always used by the system leaving the user with 323. And THAT being mostly used up is just they way Android handles memory. It keeps recently opened applications loaded in memory so that if you wanna access it again it will open much faster than having to reload it. It will also kill off apps as the memory load grows. Put simply: free ram is wasted ram.