I'm jsut a beginner - I installed purplera1n and ultrasn0w by following a guide but I don't know how to isntall redsn0w 0.8....can someone help please. I know how to isntall ultrasn0w once Cydia is installed.

another thing, what is winterboard? Do you install it from Cydia? If so what is the address I hear a lot of people talking about it so I might as well give it a try.

I have an iPhone 3GS - 16GB..

One final thing, I was reading earlier that 3GS users need to save 3 files - ECID & iBEC and iBSS or else once OS 3.1 is released, you won't be able to jailbreak your phone anymore...right now my phone is restored to factory settings so do I REALLY need to save this files or just ahead with the jailbreak?

Thanks in advance

- iClarified and hackthatphone have tutorials on how to install Redsn0w.

Since you used Purplera1n, your 3GS is already jailbroken. Redsn0w is another JB tool. Unless you're having problems with Purplera1n, or unless you're trying Redsn0w for learning purposes, there really isn't a need for you to install it.

- Winterboard is an app that lets you customize your home screen. It's located in the Cydia repository.

- If you want to be able to JB future firmwares, like 3.1, you must obtain three files.
1. Signed iBSS using your ECID# through the Purplera1n website.
2. Your iBSS captured during a restore from DFU mode.
3. Your iBEC captured during a restore from Recovery mode.

Geohot told us to get #1. The DevTeam told us to get #2 and #3. There may be some overlap, but it's better to be safe than sorry, so most people are getting all three. One difference between them is that Geohot's method contacts Apple's servers. There are tutorials for getting all three files here in the 3GS General Talk forum, on iClarified, and on hackthatphone. George and the DevTeam also give explanations/instructions on their blogs.

It's better to get these files now instead of later. At any time, Apple can change their processes and you won't be able to get them anymore.

Hope this helps!

Thanks timothy1,

Your reply is a help to me as well.

I have a related question; will the same process work fine outside of the states? I am working OS at the moment. I would like to buy a new 3GS online and have it carried to me by a colleague that travels to where I work regularly.

Therefore, I would be powering it on for the first time OS and starting from scratch with a sim from another country.

Is there any reason why I would run into any troubles, based on the current procedure?