[Q] ROMs, kernels and why.

[EsotericSYN]

I'm not an expert but this is my understanding.

1. Kernel: Set of controls that lets the software interact with the hardware of the phone. Typically affects GPS, battery, bluetooth, wifi, display, etc.

2. Modem: How your phone connects to and transmits voice/data/everything.

3. ROM kitchen is a tool to help build ROM.

4. You can flash new ROMs through ClockWorkMod Recovery. You choose to install new software from zip on sd card. It lets you install ROMs, Kernels, & modems, provided they have been setup to work with CWM.

Hope that helps answer some things.

Great response, but don't forget about Bootloaders! People commonly have issues flashing due to lack of bootloader knowledge.

EDIT: I apologize for opening a dead thread. I thought I was on a different thread when I posted.

 

[Mr3000]

Great response, but don't forget about Bootloaders! People commonly have issues flashing due to lack of bootloader knowledge.

EDIT: I apologize for opening a dead thread. I thought I was on a different thread when I posted.

Do not apologize ... I happen to think this is a GREAT thread. It helped me tremendously ! And to add bootloaders to it would even make it better.

Some people are so fast to throw out "search it" rather than try and help. I understand the clutter factor for sure, but whats with the attitude ! In fact, if it wasn't for threads like this, there would be no google results.

Thanks for all the helpful responses in this thread !

 

[popfan]

Just to add my 2 cents to this:

As far as kernels go:
I9000 are good for HSUPA+ connections but not so great call quality
I897 are good for great call quality, but lacks HSUPA+

So depending on your needs and what you care about more is the type of kernel you want to use.

Don't forget some kernels affect your battery life also.

I am having great battery life on Cog 5 beta 3

 

[TonyStark]

Just to add my 2 cents to this:

As far as kernels go:
I9000 are good for HSUPA+ connections but not so great call quality
I897 are good for great call quality, but lacks HSUPA+

So depending on your needs and what you care about more is the type of kernel you want to use.

Don't forget some kernels affect your battery life also.

I am having great battery life on Cog 5 beta 3

Excellent point, but your melding kernel and modem functionality into one. The kernel has much to do w/ battery life where as the modem has to do with the call quality. Getting the right combo can also effect each other

 

[Pirateghost]

Excellent point, but your melding kernel and modem functionality into one. The kernel has much to do w/ battery life where as the modem has to do with the call quality. Getting the right combo can also effect each other

you have no choice but to meld them into one.

you cant run i897 modem with an i9000 kernel
you cant run i9000 modem with an i897 kernel
(technically you can, and you can get data, but you get no voice)

if you run an i9000 combo, you lose Audience noise cancellation features and thus, sound quality on calls is diminished.

if you run an i897 combo, you gain back the noise cancellation, and good sound quality, but you lose HSUPA capabilities.

 

[TonyStark]

you have no choice but to meld them into one.

you cant run i897 modem with an i9000 kernel
you cant run i9000 modem with an i897 kernel
(technically you can, and you can get data, but you get no voice)

if you run an i9000 combo, you lose Audience noise cancellation features and thus, sound quality on calls is diminished.

if you run an i897 combo, you gain back the noise cancellation, and good sound quality, but you lose HSUPA capabilities.

My point is, you need both. popfan was making a statement about kernels but left out the info about modems. As we have both just stipulated, BOTH are of equal importance

 

[Pirateghost]

My point is, you need both. popfan was making a statement about kernels but left out the info about modems. As we have both just stipulated, BOTH are of equal importance

sorry, i read your post wrong.... it appeared to have said that you CAN separate them...

 

[iwebsource]

Now if we only had more kernels and Roms for the Telus Samsung Fascinate. I know that the I9000 / Verizon out numbers the T959D and is similar but I guess there is not enough out there yet

Sent from my SGH-T959D

 

[TonyStark]

sorry, i read your post wrong.... It appeared to have said that you can separate them...

.

 

[confusedmuse]

[...] ROM. Well IMO this one has a bad nomenclature. ROM is actually Random Access Memory and we flash an image to the "ROM" (which it really isn't but I'll leave that one alone). The "ROM" in this case is the operating system (a version of embedded Linux), which is the basic software needed to run and admin the phone, things like the Kernel, bootloader, device drivers, and file system plus any user apps like the phone dialer, launcher, etc. that are included in the ROM. As you can imagine the possibilities of customization are almost endless when it comes to the ROM. Different kernels, different drivers, different apps and many combinations of those. Thus we see all the different "ROM"s for the captivate with all the different options and unfortunately problems as well. [...]

Read-only memory (ROM) is a class of storage medium used in computers and other electronic devices. Data stored in ROM cannot be modified, or can be modified only slowly or with difficulty, so it is mainly used to distribute firmware (software that is very closely tied to specific hardware, and unlikely to need frequent updates).

Random access memory (RAM) is a form of computer data storage. Today, it takes the form of integrated circuits that allow stored data to be accessed in any order with a worst case performance of constant time.

 

[rheicide]

You guys are helpful! And this is a great thread with so much useful information. Thanks!

Sent from my ICS-powered Cappy

 

[TonyStark]

You guys are helpful! And this is a great thread with so much useful information. Thanks!

Sent from my ICS-powered Cappy

You will find most people with experience are willing to share. Good luck in your endeavour.