Various "basic" questions

[srsizzy]

So I've looked over the wiki a bit, and looked at some of th freeware available, but I have some questions. I was hoping someone could just list some things out for me since a lot of you have done this stuff before and I'd like to save time looking for how to get all the programs and stuff that I want when my phone shows up.

So, I notice there's a lot of talk of ROMs. They aren't necessary for anything, are they? They just improve the device? And does unlocking the phone and installing one void the warranty or anything?

There's a lot of general programs I've seen used, such as a task manager, and adding lots of stuff to the today screen. I've also seen people list off programs they use that I think cost money. I don't know what the policy on this is here, but is there any safe place to get programs for free that wouldn't normally be? I'm mostly looking for some of the stuff you'd find on Handango, or similar. If people could reference any forums or sites where they get a lot of their programs (freeware or not), that would be awesome.

I've also seen talk of TouchFlo on the Titan. Does anyone know if this works with IE or Opera? I'd mostly want it just for scrolling online and such, I don't care about the stupid cube.

I've seen a lot of videos online of people modding their Titans with cool programs, like that one with the iPod skin, programs that run Flash, various ways of having contact thumbnails or full pictures of contacts show up, etc. Basically I'm looking for where people are getting all of these, and if a list of available/popular programs is compiled anywhere. I know that the Wiki has a lot of info on ROMs and tethering and such, but I'm just looking for popular/useful software right now.

Also, on that note, what's the best way to run flash videos? I've seen lots of programs, even one that searches sites like Veoh and Youtube, but it would be easier to be able to go to those sites and just play the videos. Is this possible at all? I'm mostly looking for Veoh support, because that site has the most shows and movies.

Has anyone gotten Stage6 to work on their phone? I know there's a Mobile DivX player, but it would be a hassle to have to download videos and then copy them over every day. The site doesn't say if the DivX player works online with Stage6.

I'm also planning on getting a Seidio case, screen cover, and 3.5mm jack adapter. Any other suggested hardware? I already have 2 1GB mircoSD cards with a USB reader. I'm worried, though, that the Seidio doesn't protect the screen from cracking. Has this ever happened to anyone? I don't know what kind of material the screen is, but I broke my VirginMobile Slider Sonic screen by having it in my pocket and bumping something.

Thanks for any answers you can give!