New to PocketPCs! Getting started guide to messing with PPcs?

[tryiian]

Hi guys, I should start by saying that I posted this here because I have an 8125 (eBay!). I only bought it because I needed a phone and I thought this looked like a fun device to browse the web with... then I go searching on the internet for other owners and stumble across all this incredible depth and complexity available to the little thing.

Problem is, I have no idea what to do with anything software wise.

So what i`m askin is...
Is there a starter`s guide to the basics of modifying the phone`s software?
Where can I go to learn about what IPL, SPL, CID, SIM, ROM, all actually mean/do/are?

The few things I know so far are that I have a G4 wizard and by simply following instructions blindly, I managed to install SNN3.1 on it (no idea what I actually used or how, honestly!). I`ve decided now that while SNN has been nice for a week, I`d like to try out some other roms... I think from what I`ve read, that I need to downgrade back to Cingular`s rom for it? I`d also like to experience the performance of some other radio versions but... I haven`t quite figured out what the difference is between the OS Rom and the radio version yet, let alone how to upgrade the radio independently of the OS rom.

So in short... what are some very good threads with knowledge that can thoroughly acquaint someone who knows nothing about pocketpc`s?

(and sorry for the book)

[Myrddin Wyllt]

I would start here: Wizard Wiki Pages (http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Wizard)

Then, I'd find out if I had a G3 or a G4 phone (read the Wiki), and start combing the G4 board (http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=343), or the Wizard Mobile 6 board (http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=356), depending on hardware. Pay special attention to any thread that has been made "Sticky" as those are usually full of VERY good information and/or critical hacks that should be considered when modifying your Wizard.

Some freeware sites that I find incredibly useful:
http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/
http://www.pocketpcfreewares.com/en/index.php
http://www.pdagold.com/software/list.asp?s=&p=1&frm_Submit=OK
http://www.freewareppc.com/
http://www.freecabs.de/

Three things to watch out for with a Wizard:

Don't kill your battery. If drained below 5%, the battery cannot be charged on USB, but can usually be recovered with a wall charger. Drain it below 5% and it may need to be jump-started. Search these boards for the fix.
Mini SD capacity is 2GB for this device, because the Wizard can only read single layer SD cards. If you are lucky enough to find a single-layer mini SD higher than 2GB, be sure to post about it!
In spite of what you read, most "bricked" phones are recoverable. Do due diligence in searching the threads for information...you'll usually find a solution here.

[Mr. Zach]

I second what he said. Reading is the most important part. It'll seem overwhelming at first but you will learn a lot. The search function is very useful as well as a Google search, most of what you will find will send you right back to xda or to someone quoting xda.