Root and Flash Optimus V

Here's some good resources for rooting and then flashing an Optimus V.

I didn't find any good start to finish guides that didn't include a step like: "now flash the OS and you're done!" when I had no idea how to do that.

Here's just a handy starter, rooting "unlocks" your phone so you are essentially a superuser and can make big changes that you couldn't otherwise. Flashing the OS is what can make the big difference in the useability of your phone.

I used GingerBreak 1.2 to root, but my boot loader screen didn't give me all the options I needed (update, backup, etc.). So then I used Super One Click to essentially re-root using the command prompt.

Flashing was super easy. Move the .zip file that has your ROM (phone OS) to your SD card, then enter the boot loader menu (hold the home key + volume down + power when powering up) and choose "update from zip".

GingerBreak: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1044765
Root and flash: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=935312
Bumblebee Rom: http://forums.androidcentral.com/optimus-v-rooting-roms-hacks/78705-rom-kernel-bumblebee-2-4-6-25-2011-a.html
How to flash the OS: http://www.thedroiddemos.com/2010/11/07/how-to-flash-a-custom-rom-on-android/