hi all,
i'm a longtime lurker but new poster. i'm happy to say i got a brand new G2 (from t-mobile) yesterday! i'd like to root it but i'm completely confused about the G2 (with new android 2.2 update) vs the Desire. The wiki is titled Desire Z BUT the rooting anchor (at http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision#Rooting_the_G2) refers to the G2. Which is it? I don't want to brick my new H2...
Thanks all!
Pzz
The guides in the device section here SHOULD work fine but best to check the HTC VISION: G2 section instead.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
It is confusing having two sets of forums, the G2 ones and the Desire Z ones. I believe they're going to be merged very soon though.
so... they are the same? i just want to know if i can follow the directions in that link? thanks in advance!
yes. the same.
ufarivtemazn:
thanks for the help.
i just want to confirm that i can follow those instructions EVEN with the 2.2 update from HTC that came over a couple weeks back. i've never rooted anything and am a bit nervous
piruzinho said:
ufarivtemazn:
thanks for the help.
i just want to confirm that i can follow those instructions EVEN with the 2.2 update from HTC that came over a couple weeks back. i've never rooted anything and am a bit nervous
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the instructions in the Wiki, which you linked to in your first post above, will work fine for you. Just read them very carefully, and ask questions if you're not sure about any specific bits.
If you're going to be using adb as part of this process, then I suggest you check out this guide to help you get adb up and running on your PC - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865685
yes! that adb guide did the trick and i am successfully rooted (i ran the gfree_verify to verify).
now, where/how do i actually load ROMS? i'm sorry to ask such newb questions but the stickies in the forums here are outdated or don't appear in my search terms. thanks again!
piruzinho said:
yes! that adb guide did the trick and i am successfully rooted (i ran the gfree_verify to verify).
now, where/how do i actually load ROMS? i'm sorry to ask such newb questions but the stickies in the forums here are outdated or don't appear in my search terms. thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well done.
Have a look in the Android development forum. You'll find lots of threads there with custom ROMs. Take your time, read up and see if there's a ROM which might be good for you.
Before you leap into that, install ROM Manager on your phone, and use that to flash Clockwork Recovery, that's a custom recovery for your phone. Once you have Clockwork installed, you can do what's referred to as a "nandroid" backup of your phone, which is basically a complete dump of the phone. Do that before you try a new ROM, then if you don't like the new ROM it's incredibly easy just to restore that backup and go back to where you were.
Cyanogen's custom ROM is very very popular, but as I say, take your time and read up.
thanks all for your help!
will have a look now and read up on the differences between the ROMS. I've seen tons of compliments of cyanogen's mod but will try to see the difference
Posting to come back and read later...
Hi, I have tried following leedroids steps to flash his custom rom but encountered problems which I wont bore you with. The write up is fantastic but I think I need a youtube guide as I keep getting it wrong.
I was wondering if anyone could recommend the best youtube guides for flashing htc desire hd as soon as its been unboxed. Alot of the guides I have seen start with "you should already have rooted your phone" or something similar.
Just looking for a full comprehensive youtube guide on what to do from the very first step. I've read pretty much every post on here and clicked every link but I am a complete newb and idiot.
i dont know of any good youtube guides, but maybe if you asked some questions about where in the process you are stuck, community members could help you
Hi guys, sorry for not reading through all the threads in here, just a quick question, my friend has a GN, GSM version, yakju'whatever' build, he wants to update to the latest 4.0.4 firmware, and he couldnt get the OTA update, can he updates his GN via the guide posted here?
http://www.theandroidsoul.com/update-galaxy-nexus-to-android-4-0-4-using-odindownload-mode/
thanks for the guiding!
I wouldn't recommend using ODIN to do it. I really prefer to recommend downloading the images and flashing them with Fastboot instead.
What martonikaj said. The fastboot option is imo better. Have a look at the general forum, there's a thread about upgrading from other versions to yakju with an excellent guide by efrant.
Just in case - don't follow the guide in the OP but look at the links in efrant's signature, he posts quite a lot in that thread.
but my friend is not a tech geek, and not familiar with fastboot command either. Thats why i'm seeking a more friendly guide to help him update. I think via odin will be easier?
Oh, and i need to confirm that does this method will work on his phone? i dont want getting him stuck at a bootloop or brickking his device, that will make me feel bad and guilty... thanks for the reply though!
"Teach a man to fish...." you know the rest.
Download ADB and Fastboot (you don't need the whole SDK), and learn how to do these simple things yourself. If the only way you're mentally capable of handling flashing your phone is with ODIN, then you should not be flashing your phone. Toolkits and 1-click methods populate XDA with bricked phones and "omg halp" threads.
You don't get to have it both ways. Either you wait for the OTA and be patient, or you take the time to learn how to modify your phone to do what you want it to do.
It'll take you 30min to read a few guides and install some software, and you can put your phone on "yakju". Your brain (and phone) will thank you.
Hi,
First, consider I am a beginner so I do not know the keywords you use. (like brick-unbrick-cm10-flash-rom-debugg-recovery mode...)
I want to benefit from my phone.
1- By rooting it. Please tell me what is the latest/tested/safest/compatible method to do so.
2- By having IF possible the latest android version after the latest/official update that is the 4.0.4 for my phone.
I really want a good guide that won't give me almost any errors because I will not know how to deal with them and if putting the latest android version will do so, I won't do it. But my main concern is rooting it.
[Edit]I did some research since I still got no replies so I found there is the Bin4ry method. Is this the one for me?
Thanks for a detailed answer for a beginner.
Your website is great
(I already created a topic before but I was given 2-3 different methods so I didn't know which one to choose so I hope this time you can help)
About my phone:
I have an LG Nitro HD P930 bought from the USA so they wrote on it at&t and updated with the LG tool to ICS 4.0.4.
Baseband version : APQ8060/MDM9200.
Kernel version : 3.0.8-perf
Build number : IMM76D
Software version : LG-P930-V20c-JUN-25-2012
Forum Rules
Specifically.. Rule #1 & 5
Does no one read stickies?
I really want you to take a look at the XDA Mantra.. I couldn't put it better myself:
I think what a lot of people forget is that this is not a "make my phone neat & kewl" place.
As implied by the name this is technically a Developers forum/community.
Now what does that mean? Well first off it means that there is an expectation that if you are here then you want to customize your device but rather than just installing something that someone packaged you want to understand how it works and maybe even enhance it yourself.
When I first came here with a Blue Angel it was a different environment. PDA Phones were not embraced by the general public because of the expense and complexity (I paid over $400 for my BA). A $400 phone 4 years ago was expensive, today the Tilt is $300 after rebates but with inflation & the rise in the cost of other devices and the fact that there are other sources out there giving them away for $150 our neat bit of kit has become popular with mainstream users.
Now we have a flood of new users who are asking not "How can I do this myself" but more like "Give me the quick fix" without caring to understand the process. See if you read the threads then you get to experience the learning process, you see how the issues were investigated and confirmed. Then you get to watch the different attempts at resolution and learn why some failed while others worked. That is called Development.
The NooB backlash is coming from users who have walked in the development shoes and is directed mainly at those who don't care for the journey but just want the end result or destination.
As a Development Forum we are just as much (if not more) about the journey. I've read so many comments like "I don't have time to read all of the threads" or "I don't care how it works, just that it does". These very statements are contrary to the heart & soul of XDA-Devs and that is why the backlash is so strong.
Let me be very clear on this: IF YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT UNDERSTANDING THE JOURNEY THEN YOU PROBABLY SHOULDN'T BE HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE.
XDA-Devs is about developers & hackers helping each other and working together to get the most out of our devices by understanding them better than most.
XDA-Devs is not about helping everyone who wants a "Kewl bit of kit" make their phone better than the guy next to him.
Now do we go kicking users off who never contribute anything, NO. We tolerate it to an extent. Where the toleration ends is when these users start diluting the usefulness of the forum by repeating the same questions over and over again.
You ask us to understand your position. Well if you want to benefit from our experience and time then I think it is only fair that you understand our position.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I first got here from the Sony Ericsson dev forums of my previous phone (w810i) I knew absolutely nothing about android, or any smart phones.. However, I've been doing web/gfx design & coding for many years and I know how to learn fast. That being said, I didn't feel it necessary to make one thread and before I knew it I had rooted, and flashed a custom recov/ROM within 24 hours. Now yes, I had my share of problems but I was actually quite well versed because of it..
The moral is that you'd be answering the same question asked by the next guy if you did the same thing. Trial and error is how humans learn.
First, if you are a beginner as you said, what is the reason you think you need root? Most users probably don't even need it.
Second, and im sure this is going to be your next thread; you have official ICS which means locked boot loader. In layman's terms, no roms can be flashed without unbricking.
Either way, there's literally 5 or 6 rooting guides.. Did you even try?
This community frowns on people who continuously ask the same questions especially when the answer is on the front page of that very forum... It gets very frustrating to see the same question asked day after day by people who aren't even willing to try. And the fact that you've already asked once and now felt it necessary to make a whole new thread to do it again tells me rooting and modding isn't for you.
There's literally no negative result from a failed root attempt.. However, succeeding will void your warranty, and if you don't know how to find resources on your own you'll probably end up with a bricked phone (won't boot and/or worse... )
Questions are fine, not bothering to do any research or trial/error is not.
Sent from my LG-P930 using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 11:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:44 AM ----------
Judging by your +Thanks I take it you see what I'm saying, however looking back I just want to add that I'm not trying to make you look stupid or single you out.. and I apologize if it came off that way.
To answer your question better: typically the latest guide with the most recent replies is the one people are using. Just open the thread and read the last few pages to see if anyone has linked a newer guide or better method.
Afterward I'm assuming you'll want to try jb at some time which will mean you'll have to unbrick. There's a newer unbrick guide that is specifically designed to help with people who've flashed the official ICS and licked their bootloader. I suggest that one. Too hard to link on the fly so you'll have to do some recon
Good luck and thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts.
Sent from my LG-P930 using Tapatalk 2
First, thanks for replying.
First, I am not the kind of person you are talking about. In fact, I feel sad for creating this thread now after your reply.
I want to learn but I find it hard to find the resources. Give me a good source of 10 pages and I am ready to read it to learn.
For example now, I saw different methods one of them sparkyroot one of them the bin4ry method and others but I don't know with which one should I proceed with. I don't know which one is compatible with my phone. I don't know if any user having my phone is facing problems after rooting since every popular thread have a minimum of 200 pages.
I posted this thread because I am scared of "trying" like you said and making an error while rooting and having my phone bricked and it is not a simple error I will get but a major one since I am modifying the root of my phone so I do care if my phone will face any error. I don't want to pay for a new phone or searching for someone to repair it.
I am still 16 years old, trying to learn, but it is so hard for me to find the tools on Android, none of my friends know anything about these stuffs and there are no tech guys in my place if I have questions. In two years I will be in university studying in CCE and this is to show you I like the programming stuffs but I need help starting. I do like exploring and learning like I do on my laptop and on my Ipad but the guides here are harder to find. When I first wanted to jailbreak my Ipad, I 've read a lot of step by step guides and found redmondpie.com which gives answers and guides to almost everything but I don't know where to start for Android since there are tons of models, forums, threads, methods etc.
As I said in the title, I want to make the max out of my phone so I want to be able to have the latest updates since the last one is ICS, getting rid of the useless apps, managing the startup apps, adding the coolest and most useful tweaks like I try to do on my jailbroken Ipad. To sum up, doing EVERYTHING none of the people around me know how to do and being able to have kind of a unique phone full of nice tweaks.
I hope you really understood what type of person I am.
So back to my problem,
I didn't know "There's literally no negative result from a failed root attempt".
I read that the sparkyroot uses an "old exploit"
I read that that the bin4ry method is new but I didn't find my model listed in it, in fact, I was more confused when I new there are models of my models like when I read v20c and v20e etc so I didn't know if I will have my phone bricked while using a bad method.
I don't know which ROMs are compatible with my device and my main problem is : I can't find answers for MY device since there are tons of guides and devices on Android unlike on IOS where you find the same guides, problems and solutions (I am not saying IOS is better in fact I like Android for its open OS based on Linux if I read well).
So I came here searching for not only the answers but the latest answers in which errors are fixed and which will not create problems with my device.
I knew XDA is one of the best communities for Android users but I can't seem to find easy guides for beginning and developing my knowledge.
I thanked your answer because you took time replying me but I need any help for starting. For example I found here a really good explanation of ROM http://droidlessons.com/what-are-roms-for-android/ and I really liked the "What kind of benefits can a custom ROM give me?" but I am scared of "2. Custom ROMs may have bugs that cause your device to have issues" and this is why I am posting this thread to know more of ROMs particular to my model version, and it is not as simple as that to find answers for my phone's questions I mentionned on the thread.
Proceeding
Yes.. I also don't like the people who want the answer directly without caring about all the effort the dev made and what they are really doing so I understand why you first posted your reply.
I will not do anything before wednesday (I have exams :s )
But first if I want to root, the latest method is the bin4ry one if I searched well.
I ve read about superoneclick http://androidjinn.com/how-to-root-lg-nitro-hd-the-easy-way.html but I told the guy who posted the thread about my first thread I posted on XDA so he told me to try the sparkyroot method here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2044645 but then someone told me "TPSparkyRoot is based on an old exploit and works on v18f(4.0.3) only. Thats just for rooting if you want to install CWM, you mush "unbrick" your phone."
So, should I proceed with the bin4ry method? (I am scared having errors as I told you so is this the one I should try?)
After having my phone rooted, to have JB on it, you told me I should unbrick it (did I understand you well?) To do this, I've read "Just rooting, you shouldn't lose your data.... following an unbrick guide on the other hand, you will." does this mean like a "format" for my android? I do not mind doing so because in that way I will have a new phone wiped from all the things I installed on it.
So, I should backup all of my data first.
But which unbrick guide should I follow, the latest one on the LG Nitro HD section is this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1597488
So again the same question, is this the one for me? Should I do it after rooting my phone? And do you know known bugs?
I am detailing you my answer to show you I am searching but I still need help.
Thanks.
Wow.. Loaded question.
Truepeace said:
First, I am not the kind of person you are talking about. In fact, I feel sad for creating this thread now after your reply.
I want to learn but I find it hard to find the resources. Give me a good source of 10 pages and I am ready to read it to learn.
For example now, I saw different methods one of them sparkyroot one of them the bin4ry method and others but I don't know with which one should I proceed with. I don't know which one is compatible with my phone. I don't know if any user having my phone is facing problems after rooting since every popular thread have a minimum of 200 pages.
I posted this thread because I am scared of "trying" like you said and making an error while rooting and having my phone bricked and it is not a simple error I will get but a major one since I am modifying the root of my phone so I do care if my phone will face any error. I don't want to pay for a new phone or searching for someone to repair it.
I am still 16 years old, trying to learn, but it is so hard for me to find the tools on Android, none of my friends know anything about these stuffs and there are no tech guys in my place if I have questions. In two years I will be in university studying in CCE and this is to show you I like the programming stuffs but I need help starting. I do like exploring and learning like I do on my laptop and on my Ipad but the guides here are harder to find. When I first wanted to jailbreak my Ipad, I 've read a lot of step by step guides and found redmondpie.com which gives answers and guides to almost everything but I don't know where to start for Android since there are tons of models, forums, threads, methods etc.
As I said in the title, I want to make the max out of my phone so I want to be able to have the latest updates since the last one is ICS, getting rid of the useless apps, managing the startup apps, adding the coolest and most useful tweaks like I try to do on my jailbroken Ipad. To sum up, doing EVERYTHING none of the people around me know how to do and being able to have kind of a unique phone full of nice tweaks.
I hope you really understood what type of person I am.
So back to my problem,
I didn't know "There's literally no negative result from a failed root attempt".
I read that the sparkyroot uses an "old exploit"
I read that that the bin4ry method is new but I didn't find my model listed in it, in fact, I was more confused when I new there are models of my models like when I read v20c and v20e etc so I didn't know if I will have my phone bricked while using a bad method.
I don't know which ROMs are compatible with my device and my main problem is : I can't find answers for MY device since there are tons of guides and devices on Android unlike on IOS where you find the same guides, problems and solutions (I am not saying IOS is better in fact I like Android for its open OS based on Linux if I read well).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure exactly what you mean.. If you searched you'd have found on the very first page of this very sub-forum:
Root LG Nitro HD on ICS
In post # 4 you can see that the method linked worked.. and this was posted this month.. Not sure why you have so much trouble finding this info.. It's right here, and if you notice; if that fellow had bothered to search, he'd have found the same info that the first response provided. It's literally all right here. XDA is usually the one-stop-shop for all required info and resources, so long as you're willing to look.
Nevertheless, I've tried both of these methods, and both worked first try for me. However, you usually only have to do this once, and Ive done it both on GB when I first got it, and then again on ics 4.0.4 when I updated like a moron without reading... This was a great example of a "lesson learned" for me.. and trust me, I am better for it.
I don't understand what you're "scared" of... Basically, as long as you follow the guides properly you'll never have a problem..
However, if you are flashing custom ports, or beta release roms that are known to be unstable (it will always say); then your worst "fear" would be having to follow the Unbrick Guide, which shouldn't take more than 30-45 mins tops after the first run-through in which you obtain all the required files. Unless you do something stupid -- usually caused by not following/reading guides properly.. again, most of the time human-error is the only culprit of bricks -- your phone will never be "broken beyond repair."
Warnings are typically clearly stated -- I can't stress this enough: READ READ READ (replies, comments, reports, bugs.. all listed in the same thread as the guide itself).
So I came here searching for not only the answers but the latest answers in which errors are fixed and which will not create problems with my device.
I knew XDA is one of the best communities for Android users but I can't seem to find easy guides for beginning and developing my knowledge.
I thanked your answer because you took time replying me but I need any help for starting. For example I found here a really good explanation of ROM http://droidlessons.com/what-are-roms-for-android/ and I really liked the "What kind of benefits can a custom ROM give me?" but I am scared of "2. Custom ROMs may have bugs that cause your device to have issues" and this is why I am posting this thread to know more of ROMs particular to my model version, and it is not as simple as that to find answers for my phone's questions I mentionned on the thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, "bugs" and "issues" usually means random reboots, or force closing of apps... Nothing serious. Flashing CM nightly (trusted dev) is very safe IMO.. Flashing custom ports is probably the most risky. but again, nothing an unbrick cant fix in 45 mins or so.
Truepeace said:
Yes.. I also don't like the people who want the answer directly without caring about all the effort the dev made and what they are really doing so I understand why you first posted your reply.
I will not do anything before wednesday (I have exams :s )
But first if I want to root, the latest method is the bin4ry one if I searched well.
I ve read about superoneclick http://androidjinn.com/how-to-root-lg-nitro-hd-the-easy-way.html but I told the guy who posted the thread about my first thread I posted on XDA so he told me to try the sparkyroot method here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2044645 but then someone told me "TPSparkyRoot is based on an old exploit and works on v18f(4.0.3) only. Thats just for rooting if you want to install CWM, you mush "unbrick" your phone."
So, should I proceed with the bin4ry method? (I am scared having errors as I told you so is this the one I should try?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was more a general look at the rules. Not specifically saying you're like that, I just think he worded it well so I thought I'd share.
Anyways, from my experience as long as you have the drivers properly installed and don't let your antivirus delete the zergrush or other exploit file (because it will), superoneclick has always worked first try for me. However some people report having to try multiple times so just keep trying.
As I said, all rooting guides use pretty much the same exact tools, just worded differently or a different app that does the same thing.
After having my phone rooted, to have JB on it, you told me I should unbrick it (did I understand you well?) To do this, I've read "Just rooting, you shouldn't lose your data.... following an unbrick guide on the other hand, you will." does this mean like a "format" for my android? I do not mind doing so because in that way I will have a new phone wiped from all the things I installed on it.
So, I should backup all of my data first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the official ICS update locks the bootloader so you have to follow the same guide you would if you had "bricked" your phone.
Flashing any ROMs or doing pretty much any modding requires a full wipe. Simply back up your data (I suggest helium).
After you flash a custom recovery (CWM), you can do what's known as a Nandroid backup, which (basically) backs up every last detail of your current running ROM including settings for all installed apps, games, etc. as well as settings for the OS itself, wifi info, etc. -- Let me put it this way, if you restore a nandroid backup, it's as if you never wiped/flashed anything else. This is the best benefit of flashing a custom recov. (IMO) besides flashing roms of course.
Rooting is very non-intrusive.. Unless you have apps that require root, you wouldn't even notice. There's no risk of errors or bricked via root itself, however.. Root means "admin" or "full" access. You will have access to things that are normally hidden/protected from accidental changes.. Similar to the control panel in windows.
As with any computer, If you go deleting things or editing important options like a moron after obtaining root then yes, you will have problems. That's the whole point of why phones don't come with root access.. People who aren't smart enough to figure it out most likely aren't smart enough to handle it.. (Ie. General public).
But which unbrick guide should I follow, the latest one on the LG Nitro HD section is this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1597488
So again the same question, is this the one for me? Should I do it after rooting my phone? And do you know known bugs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what you mean by bugs.. It works 100%. Its user error that is the problem.
Google "how to unlock p930 bootloader".. Its clear as day
I am detailing you my answer to show you I am searching but I still need help.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the point.. Read the mantra more closely. The whole point is to try.. You learn by trying.. If you're afraid to get a little dirty sometimes, then this stuff probably isn't for you.
One last tip: Read guides fully before starting and make sure all files are still available/alive. This ensures you don't get stuck half way through. You'll thank me later.
Edit:
PS: mattman was kind enough to make an updated repo for us.. It's on this same sub-forum:
[May 05, 2013] Repository
This contains an updated list of almost all important resources. Just read the guide you're interested in, and like I already said; go to the last page and read every post from the last 3-5 pages if necessary. Most of the time, this is where the latest bugs, and newest updated info is located in any thread.. Its very simple. Did you read my post or just skim through it?
PPS: HO!NO! has been kind enough to offer a mirror of all the required files for unbricking, as well as many other useful resources. If you look around you'll find everything you need right here.
Heres the guide you want for rooting official ICS:
Note: Disregard the word "Bell" in the title.. It'd be the same for any provider, so long as you're running a p930 (even then, it probably works for the 935, 936, and su640, etc.)
[GUIDE] How to ROOT Bell official v20e firmware
Here's the guide you want to use for both rooting, and unlocking bootloader if you're going to want to flash a custom recovery and/or roms:
Note: I highly recommend.. Clockworkmod Recovery is extremely useful, and nothing beats CM10.1 RC2 + Wind Kernel 2.01 as far as battery life is concerned, and the features JB offers over ICS are simply amazing.. (as long as bluetooth isn't a deal-breaker for you -- this should be fixed soon though.. we're getting very close.)
[GUIDE] Rooting and Unbricking p930/p935/p936
FYI: I found all of this info in a matter of seconds.. This is why it's so frustrating when people ask this every day.. lmao
Good luck.
Sent from my LG-P930 using Tapatalk 2
So, I'm new at this whole Rooting/flashing thing
My questions would be to just get some simple instructions on how to flash a new ROM over to my phone
And how to flash a new recovery over from CWM to TWRP from using odin
I see all these threads about bricking a device, so I am being overcautious lol.
honestly don't even know what I am doing, been trying to get more involved in this field, so i decided to take the leap and root the device!
mike_yoshi said:
So, I'm new at this whole Rooting/flashing thing
My questions would be to just get some simple instructions on how to flash a new ROM over to my phone
And how to flash a new recovery over from CWM to TWRP from using odin
I see all these threads about bricking a device, so I am being overcautious lol.
honestly don't even know what I am doing, been trying to get more involved in this field, so i decided to take the leap and root the device!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The how-to is pretty simple.
How-to: flash recovery - Find which recovery you wish to use. Follow flashing instructions in the recovery's OP.
How-to: flash a new ROM - Find which ROM you wish to use. Follow flashing instructions in the ROM's OP.
It's literally that simple, just make sure you follow the most important step. It's a step that isn't listed in any of the instructions. No matter how experienced you are or how many times you've flashed any number of devices (or lack of experience thereof).. That step would be reading. Read the first post especially. I know that some ROMs will have threads that are hundreds of pages long... I'm not saying read the whole thread, but at the very least read the first post, maybe the first few pages, then skip to the end and read the last few pages. In threads with many, many pages, the OP and the last few pages will be the ones relevant to the current version.
Use Q&A for questions. There's even a "Noob Friendly" thread for dumb questions (or ones you think might be dumb), and actually is a wealth of knowledge. Use the threads in the Development section for reporting problems (and steps to reproduce them, logcats, etc), providing solutions, and offering input.
Read.