Want to root, but very wary

I downloaded Alter Beast and when I try and extract the files from the zipped file I don't get a usable .rar file. How do I fix this?

I'm not that familiar with AB, but when you extract the files from the .zip or .rar, you should have a .tar.md5 file.
 
Not sure what to tell ya then. I haven't personally used AB. I would suggest reading through that thread. You will most likely find your answer there.
 
Well I tried the GC and I still can't get WinRar to open the file for me so I guess I'll just stick with the phone the way it is. Its still a huge upgrade from the 8830 I had.
 
Well I tried the GC and I still can't get WinRar to open the file for me so I guess I'll just stick with the phone the way it is. Its still a huge upgrade from the 8830 I had.

You don't open GummyCharged with winrar. You simply put the GummyCharged zip on your sd card and flash via CWM. Have you flashed CWM via ODIN yet?
 
That thread is 115 pages long lol. I may just try the Gummycharge.

If you're still running stock EE4 on your Charge, follow the link in my sig dude. It takes you through the entire process step-by-step. You will not be disappointed.
 
Yes I am still on the stock EE4. So you don't have to unzip any of the zipped files? No I haven't flashed any thing with Odin.
 
Yes I am still on the stock EE4. So you don't have to unzip any of the zipped files? No I haven't flashed any thing with Odin.

Again, follow the steps provided in the link in my sig. You need to flash CWM via ODIN first. CWM = Clockwork Mod Recovery. That will replace the factory recovery. Once that is done, you can flash imnuts's PBJT kernel. Then you flash GummyCharged. After that, life will be good.

If you want to go the Altered Beast way, I believe you can flash his file with ODIN and that does everything all in one shot (Custom ROM and root access) I would read through his thread thoroughly though so you understand what you're doing.
 
what is the biggest difference in the two?

GummyCharged has the plain AOSP look to it (which I like) AB has a custom layout with different colors, etc.. From what understand. It really boils down to personal preference.
 
I did that too. I have a window on my computer that says Installing USB drivers for Samsung Mobile Phone but after it fills up the bar it doesn't do anything else. I'm just going to hang it up for the day maybe I'll have better luck later.