Beginner's Guide to Modding

So you want to modify your A810 eh? Okay.

Steps to Modify your A810
1. Modify the USB cable - your phone comes with a wire that connects it to the computer. If you want to modify your phone, you have to modify your wire first. I have provided a link that will guide you through this process at the end of this post (please read this guide completely!).
2. Install newer version of operating system - the same way Windows 7 brings a lot of new features when compared to Windows XP/Vista, installing a new operating system will give you a Lot of new features and stability updates. This may be achieved by way of 'flashing'. If you have completed step one, click here for a flashing guide.
3. Proceed to other modifications!! - There are a LOT of features you can now add to your A810! Check the guides section on top for help regarding this. Before you go there, you should read the entire "Beginner's Guide".

The Plus Points
Let us now go to the advantages of modding (modifying) your phone.
1. New features - TONS of added functionality. Click HERE for a list of new features (mods) that can be applied.
2. Better reliability.
3. YOU choose what to do with the phone - From having your girl's photo when the phone starts up to changing themes, its about what you want.
4. Great for showing off. :|

Now, get acquainted with some big words that we modders use:
1. Modding - means modifying or changing. Some people call it "hacking" too. What you are doing here is basically adding new features to your phone. If you mod your phone, you become a modder, i.e., a person that modifies. :D
2. Flashing - this is the process by which a new Operating system is installed onto your phone.
3. Firmware - this is the operating system itself. There are many versions the latest modded one being the 94R (made on 26-March-09 by Yan0).
4. Brick/dead -  this is a state when your phone just stops working. Its motherboard is dead. Pray that this never happens to you.

The Risks
Finally, you must understand the risks associated with modding and flashing.
1. Warranty: Modding your phone is a violation of your warranty. Flashing your phone will void your warranty from the shop from where you purchased your phone and will also void your warranty from Motorola! If your A810 gets spoilt (or dies) due to flashing or you have a flashed phone that get hardware problem - you won't be able to bring it to repair shop without paying. Be careful and do not process with anything without informing yourself for all procedures. If you are a beginner and you need help - post a comment with any questions.
2. Risk: Other than the issue of warranty violation, there is a risk of
a. you bricking your phone - not following the steps and flashing the wrong firmware can cause this.
b. short-circuiting because of a bad USB cable that will irreparably damage your phone and your computer. If you have never used a soldering iron before,  I can send you a ready made USB cable. Go here for more information.

Do not let the risks dishearten you! If you follow the guides to the letter, nothing should go wrong..if it does, all you need to do is post a comment here and I'll help you!

That's the end of the guide! Welcome aboard modder! Go on to your first assignment - modifying the USB cable. If you have never soldered wires before, I would advice you to order a ready-made USB wire.
Good luck! Please remember that help is only a comment away!

Note: For updates on the LATEST modding, check our forum!).