[REF][Sticky][Must See][First Time XDA][4" Across][Deepest Blacks][Hardest Glass]

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plapczyn

Retired Recognized Developer
[REF][Sticky][Must See][First Time XDA][4" Across][Deepest Blacks][Hardest Glass]

Introduction:

As the thread title implies, the purpose of this thread is to create a more comprehensive guide for newcomers and old friends alike. I'm sure everyone is getting sick of flaming noobs and being flamed, but more importantly, I am sick of the huge waste of time we all spend re-answering questions, or just plain looking up threads to point someone in the right direction. I certainly know I could be using my time in a better way. Before posting in the forum you MUST complete the required XDA101 courseware. I will try to keep things light hearted, while still preparing you for the jungle out there. I am adding more elective courses in the future...guiding you through your pubescent journey from total noob to full fledged productive member of the human race. If you only have 5 minutes before your wife beats you over the head for working 8 hours at a computer, then coming home and sitting at the computer, you can skim and just read the bold text.

XDA101:

Lesson 1: What is XDA?
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 a) customize your device and b) rather than just installing something that someone packaged you want to understand how it works and maybe even enhance it yourself. XDA was created long before the prevalence of mass market smartphones and as such many of the members are developers and have been here since back in the days when PDA phones were not embraced by the general public because of the expense and complexity. 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. There are many friendly developer here that spend a considerable amount of time and energy doling out their knowledge and skills for the betterment of the community...for free at that! Technical consultants regularly charge $100-$200/h for the kind of expert support provided in these forums. If you had to spend $20 (12 minutes of support time) every time you posted to this forum, I guarantee there would be a lot less repeat questions and useless threads. 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.

Lesson 2: Rules and Regulations
Before posting you must know and abide by the Rules. Failure to do so could result in a temporary/permanent ban...or in rare occasions castration. Following these rules will create a much happier forum and build strong bones...

#1: Search before posting
Use one of our search functions before posting, whether you have a question or something new to share, it's very likely someone already asked that question or shared that news. Since there are many many Epic 4g users and you are just now reading this thread, it is highly unlikely that you are the first person to have experience whatever issue/question/thought you may be wanting to post on the forum. Any member who posts an unnecessary thread, or threads which have already been posted before will be warned, and his/her thread will be closed immediately. Repeated offenders will be castrated. If a neutered member commits a third offense, they will likely be shunned.​

#2: Member conduct
Language: XDA is a worldwide community. As a result what is ‘ok’ to say in your part of the world may not be ok in someone else’s part of the world. Please think about who is reading what you write. Keep in mind that what you think of as acceptable use of language may not be acceptable to others. Conversely, while reading member posts, remember that word you find offensive may not be to the writer. Tolerance is a two way street.
No Nudity: XDA is used by people of all ages, including minors. It's not acceptable to post nude/pornographic imagery, which includes exposure of the male or female genitalia or of female breasts.
No Flaming: XDA was founded as a group of people sharing information about certain mobile phones. Sharing does not involve virtual yelling (flaming) it does involve working together to solve problems in an environment of mutual respect and understanding. Losing your temper and flaming another member, or group of members, is not acceptable behavior. Flaming while nude is even worse.
No Personal attacks, racial, political and/or religious discussions: XDA is a discussion forum about certain mobile phones. Mobile phones are not racial, political, religious or personally offensive, therefore none of these types of discussions are permitted on XDA.​

#3: Do not post warez
If a piece of software requires you to pay to use it, either pay or find your cracks and serials somewhere else. We do not accept warez nor do we permit any member to promote or describe ways in which Warez, cracks, serial codes or other means of avoiding payment, can be obtained.​

#4: Do not spam
If you wish to advertise a product, contact us we provide ads. But do not post it in the forums, it will be removed and you're likely to receive a ban. You are however allowed to sell used goods like your own device, parts of your device or accessories for your device in the marketplace forum, please read the rules there before posting. (This rule includes signatures, if you use a signature it will appear in your post.)​


Lesson 3: Searching
So you've made it to lesson 3. You've spent 10 minutes reading this, and you are still waiting for the interracial midget porn link Bing promised. You have two choices...you can either go back to Google or use XDA's in-forum search.
1) Use XDA's internal search: http://xdaforums.com/search.php
Or click here...
1150115212_xwL6W-X3.png

You can even search just in a particular thread...
1150113602_LoCmM-O.png

2) Use google to find your answers: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=304582


EPIC101:
...Gathering course material.
EPIC201:
...Gathering course material.
 
Last edited:

xodaQo

Member
Dec 28, 2010
26
0
This will be a winner and I might actually be the the first to respond to a topic on this thread haha.

So, I'm not totally nooby, but exactly where I can go to learn absolutely everything about Android (and Ubuntu because Android is based heavily on Ubuntu)? Literally everything. I want to be able to look at a file in the kernel and say, "Hey, I know what that does!" I've been hanging out in the IRC chat, but I'm not learning too much technical detail. I understand how different systems of OSes work, but I'd like to know as much technical detail as I possibly can, right down to the firmware of the parts I'm looking at.

Any suggestions?

EDIT: Shabbypengiun rendered that first line defunct. LOL.
 

plapczyn

Retired Recognized Developer
This will be a winner and I might actually be the the first to respond to a topic on this thread haha.

So, I'm not totally nooby, but exactly where I can go to learn absolutely everything about Android (and Ubuntu because Android is based heavily on Ubuntu)? Literally everything. I want to be able to look at a file in the kernel and say, "Hey, I know what that does!" I've been hanging out in the IRC chat, but I'm not learning too much technical detail. I understand how different systems of OSes work, but I'd like to know as much technical detail as I possibly can, right down to the firmware of the parts I'm looking at.

Any suggestions?

EDIT: Shabbypengiun rendered that first line defunct. LOL.

Baby-steps. We need to get the epic forum working smoothly, but I plan on adding a lot more info soon. I think a big topic of interest is using the wiki for references and guides.
 

MysteryEmotionz

Senior Member
Sep 7, 2010
5,615
1,988
Massachussets
This is great and thank you for taking your time to educate.

I'm willing to help and teach others my tricks of the trade but I will not hold your hands. Same goes for alot of other devs. Me personally I spend a couple hours a day on xda trying to help out as much as I can buy it became very repetative to point I'm in s transitanial state of leaving.

It is just sad that I had to make a thread dating my final good byes and no people are finally working towards a change. lets get this **** organized and it would be a better experience for everyone

Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
 

riceknight

Senior Member
Jan 30, 2008
179
17
Sweet! I've been a big promoter of a FAQ post to help out the newbies and clean up our threads. Hopefully this will get stickied. Thank you.
 

plapczyn

Retired Recognized Developer
This is great and thank you for taking your time to educate.

I'm willing to help and teach others my tricks of the trade but I will not hold your hands. Same goes for alot of other devs. Me personally I spend a couple hours a day on xda trying to help out as much as I can buy it became very repetative to point I'm in s transitanial state of leaving.

It is just sad that I had to make a thread dating my final good byes and no people are finally working towards a change. lets get this **** organized and it would be a better experience for everyone

Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

I feel the same way. I'm more than happy to point people in the right direction, but part of learning how to ride a bike is taking off the training wheels. I do feel like it is the moderators and experienced developers that should be held responsible for giving people the tools they need to to be successful, and making it a good experience. As much as I want to post RTFM and GIYF to pretty much 99% of the posts on here because I know that I could have found it with a clever search query, not everybody has that experience, and people are coming from a lot of different skill levels. If the experienced members don't at least make a token effort to set people up to succeed, then we are just making it hard/frustrating on everyone, including ourselves.
 
Last edited:
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readermo

Senior Member
Oct 27, 2010
84
8
45
Omaha, NE
ok, i just flashed lesson 3, and now my bluetooth vibrator won't pair. any suggestions?

seriously, though, thanks. this will be a good resource.
 

drivenapollo

Senior Member
Jul 11, 2010
199
21
Las Vegas
this is awesome. For me the best way for me to search is Google. I ask my question then put xda at the end. Always works. Working on starting my development skills. Its a long road but I'm ready. Again thanks for writing this. I don't do dev work but it gets old for me seeing the same thing again and again.

Sent from my Epic 4G
Rom: Never stock, but always with some Gingerbread.
 

pulser_g2

Admin Emeritus / Senior Recognized Developer
Nov 27, 2009
19,544
11,630
I feel the same way. I'm more than happy to point people in the right direction, but part of learning how to ride a bike is taking off the training wheels. I do feel like it is the moderators and experienced developers that should be held responsible for giving people the tools they need to to be successful, and making it a good experience. As much as I want to post RTFM and GIYF to pretty much 99% of the posts on here because I know that I could have found it with a clever search query, not everybody has that experience, and people are coming from a lot of different skill levels. If the experienced members don't at least make a token effort to set people up to succeed, then we are just making it hard/frustrating on everyone, including ourselves.

I agree with everything you said, other than it being the responsibility of the mods to give people the tools they need...

Don't own an Epic, don't live in a continent where you can buy or use one... But I can do things like perma-stickying a link to the wiki in general and dev, so it will sit above all other stickies for all time... Just added that today.

We need to encourage more people to use the wiki. This guide is really good, but ultimately might form a good part of a "new user guide" in there for the Epic. Someone can make a new page, and link to it from the Epic page, and we're half way there... If there's a good guide, make it into wiki markup and shove it in there.

Experienced developers might help a bit, but the ball is in your court, as in the users... I remember before I started to dev, writing guides on how to do various things. The best hero guides were written by someone who is neither a mod or dev. That same guide is the one recommended over a year after it was first written (updated of course)

If someone makes a new page for new users of the Epic in the wiki, let me know and I'll change my redirect links to go to it.
 

pulser_g2

Admin Emeritus / Senior Recognized Developer
Nov 27, 2009
19,544
11,630
this is awesome. For me the best way for me to search is Google. I ask my question then put xda at the end. Always works. Working on starting my development skills. Its a long road but I'm ready. Again thanks for writing this. I don't do dev work but it gets old for me seeing the same thing again and again.

Sent from my Epic 4G
Rom: Never stock, but always with some Gingerbread.

Or you can use the search box next to "search by device and manufacturer". It just does a "site:xda-developers.com QUERY" pretty much. It's a good resource too, as mentioned in the OP, and I think it can search the wiki too iirc (it can btw)
 

thomasskull666

Senior Member
Sep 24, 2010
1,553
412
St. Louis
Excellent. Let's see how this helps the noob problems, and then maybe just maybe I'll come back someday...

Sent from Carl Sagan through the Cosmos
 

tmuka

Senior Member
Oct 25, 2008
388
44
Grand Rapids, MI
Thanks for this thoughtful course. I agree it should be mandatory. I would love to see the respect restored and noise reduced...
 

sauron0101

Senior Member
Aug 29, 2010
363
38
Ontario
Excellent effort!

My only fear is that there will be people who will jump in right away without reading this. Fundamentally, the reason why there are duplicate threads is because people have short attention spans and are unwilling to spend 5 minutes to search XDA or Google their problems.

We're gonna need a solution for that. I would be willing to contribute a step by step guide for ROM flashing, but it may be subject to the same problem above.

Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
 

jjjjayd13

Senior Member
Nov 24, 2006
662
37
EXCELLENT!!!

Very nicely arranged.

Just one other point, it is the "RESPONSIBILITY" of the reader/owner to complete his 'due diligence' of reading/research.:D
 

haas599

Senior Member
Oct 8, 2010
192
20
This is great and thank you for taking your time to educate.

I'm willing to help and teach others my tricks of the trade but I will not hold your hands. Same goes for alot of other devs. Me personally I spend a couple hours a day on xda trying to help out as much as I can buy it became very repetative to point I'm in s transitanial state of leaving.

It is just sad that I had to make a thread dating my final good byes and no people are finally working towards a change. lets get this **** organized and it would be a better experience for everyone

Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

This is all for you mysteryemotons! When you made your thread saying you were leaving everyone first cried, then began to do anything to get you to stay.

/sarcasm

I think your ego is ballooning to dangerous levels. Your contributons are great but the XDA Epic forums do not revolve around you.

Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
 

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    [REF][Sticky][Must See][First Time XDA][4" Across][Deepest Blacks][Hardest Glass]

    Introduction:

    As the thread title implies, the purpose of this thread is to create a more comprehensive guide for newcomers and old friends alike. I'm sure everyone is getting sick of flaming noobs and being flamed, but more importantly, I am sick of the huge waste of time we all spend re-answering questions, or just plain looking up threads to point someone in the right direction. I certainly know I could be using my time in a better way. Before posting in the forum you MUST complete the required XDA101 courseware. I will try to keep things light hearted, while still preparing you for the jungle out there. I am adding more elective courses in the future...guiding you through your pubescent journey from total noob to full fledged productive member of the human race. If you only have 5 minutes before your wife beats you over the head for working 8 hours at a computer, then coming home and sitting at the computer, you can skim and just read the bold text.

    XDA101:

    Lesson 1: What is XDA?
    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 a) customize your device and b) rather than just installing something that someone packaged you want to understand how it works and maybe even enhance it yourself. XDA was created long before the prevalence of mass market smartphones and as such many of the members are developers and have been here since back in the days when PDA phones were not embraced by the general public because of the expense and complexity. 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. There are many friendly developer here that spend a considerable amount of time and energy doling out their knowledge and skills for the betterment of the community...for free at that! Technical consultants regularly charge $100-$200/h for the kind of expert support provided in these forums. If you had to spend $20 (12 minutes of support time) every time you posted to this forum, I guarantee there would be a lot less repeat questions and useless threads. 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.

    Lesson 2: Rules and Regulations
    Before posting you must know and abide by the Rules. Failure to do so could result in a temporary/permanent ban...or in rare occasions castration. Following these rules will create a much happier forum and build strong bones...

    #1: Search before posting
    Use one of our search functions before posting, whether you have a question or something new to share, it's very likely someone already asked that question or shared that news. Since there are many many Epic 4g users and you are just now reading this thread, it is highly unlikely that you are the first person to have experience whatever issue/question/thought you may be wanting to post on the forum. Any member who posts an unnecessary thread, or threads which have already been posted before will be warned, and his/her thread will be closed immediately. Repeated offenders will be castrated. If a neutered member commits a third offense, they will likely be shunned.​

    #2: Member conduct
    Language: XDA is a worldwide community. As a result what is ‘ok’ to say in your part of the world may not be ok in someone else’s part of the world. Please think about who is reading what you write. Keep in mind that what you think of as acceptable use of language may not be acceptable to others. Conversely, while reading member posts, remember that word you find offensive may not be to the writer. Tolerance is a two way street.
    No Nudity: XDA is used by people of all ages, including minors. It's not acceptable to post nude/pornographic imagery, which includes exposure of the male or female genitalia or of female breasts.
    No Flaming: XDA was founded as a group of people sharing information about certain mobile phones. Sharing does not involve virtual yelling (flaming) it does involve working together to solve problems in an environment of mutual respect and understanding. Losing your temper and flaming another member, or group of members, is not acceptable behavior. Flaming while nude is even worse.
    No Personal attacks, racial, political and/or religious discussions: XDA is a discussion forum about certain mobile phones. Mobile phones are not racial, political, religious or personally offensive, therefore none of these types of discussions are permitted on XDA.​

    #3: Do not post warez
    If a piece of software requires you to pay to use it, either pay or find your cracks and serials somewhere else. We do not accept warez nor do we permit any member to promote or describe ways in which Warez, cracks, serial codes or other means of avoiding payment, can be obtained.​

    #4: Do not spam
    If you wish to advertise a product, contact us we provide ads. But do not post it in the forums, it will be removed and you're likely to receive a ban. You are however allowed to sell used goods like your own device, parts of your device or accessories for your device in the marketplace forum, please read the rules there before posting. (This rule includes signatures, if you use a signature it will appear in your post.)​


    Lesson 3: Searching
    So you've made it to lesson 3. You've spent 10 minutes reading this, and you are still waiting for the interracial midget porn link Bing promised. You have two choices...you can either go back to Google or use XDA's in-forum search.
    1) Use XDA's internal search: http://xdaforums.com/search.php
    Or click here...
    1150115212_xwL6W-X3.png

    You can even search just in a particular thread...
    1150113602_LoCmM-O.png

    2) Use google to find your answers: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=304582


    EPIC101:
    ...Gathering course material.
    EPIC201:
    ...Gathering course material.
    2
    This is great and thank you for taking your time to educate.

    I'm willing to help and teach others my tricks of the trade but I will not hold your hands. Same goes for alot of other devs. Me personally I spend a couple hours a day on xda trying to help out as much as I can buy it became very repetative to point I'm in s transitanial state of leaving.

    It is just sad that I had to make a thread dating my final good byes and no people are finally working towards a change. lets get this **** organized and it would be a better experience for everyone

    Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

    This is all for you mysteryemotons! When you made your thread saying you were leaving everyone first cried, then began to do anything to get you to stay.

    /sarcasm

    I think your ego is ballooning to dangerous levels. Your contributons are great but the XDA Epic forums do not revolve around you.

    Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
    1
    This is great and thank you for taking your time to educate.

    I'm willing to help and teach others my tricks of the trade but I will not hold your hands. Same goes for alot of other devs. Me personally I spend a couple hours a day on xda trying to help out as much as I can buy it became very repetative to point I'm in s transitanial state of leaving.

    It is just sad that I had to make a thread dating my final good byes and no people are finally working towards a change. lets get this **** organized and it would be a better experience for everyone

    Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk

    I feel the same way. I'm more than happy to point people in the right direction, but part of learning how to ride a bike is taking off the training wheels. I do feel like it is the moderators and experienced developers that should be held responsible for giving people the tools they need to to be successful, and making it a good experience. As much as I want to post RTFM and GIYF to pretty much 99% of the posts on here because I know that I could have found it with a clever search query, not everybody has that experience, and people are coming from a lot of different skill levels. If the experienced members don't at least make a token effort to set people up to succeed, then we are just making it hard/frustrating on everyone, including ourselves.
    1
    I'm new here and i enjoy it. but i have been guilty of posting topic in the wrong tread. all i gota say is.... give me a break. why is every1 sooo upset of noobs and not just ignore them. Should be happy new ppl are checking out XDA and not some other forum. Thnx for makin ppl scared to even ask a question w/o being labeled a noob!
    1
    I'm new here and i enjoy it. but i have been guilty of posting topic in the wrong tread. all i gota say is.... give me a break. why is every1 sooo upset of noobs and not just ignore them. Should be happy new ppl are checking out XDA and not some other forum. Thnx for makin ppl scared to even ask a question w/o being labeled a noob!

    Couldn't agree more. The threads would be much cleaner if every dumb question wasn't followed by 30 complaints about the dumb question.