New to the scene, a couple questions if you don't mind. - G1 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Well I did google, I always here people talking about JfV and whatnot, but I can't seem to find a definitive resource letting me know exactly what it is and what it does? I know where to find it and see the instructions on how to install it, but noone seems to ever say what it has/does.
Another question I have is about auto starting apps. On Android, is it possible for me to set an app to auto start when i boot my device? this would be useful for some of the apps i use like Hello IM, twidroid, email, etc. I don't post much here but I'm hoping you guys can help me out and get me settled with Android and the G1. Thanks
- Q

The JesusFreke builds are edits of the official builds with root access along with a couple of useful applications like a terminal. Root lets you take advantage of some things like tethering and gives you control to edit and break your phone at your hearts desire.
Autostart seems to be app specific. My weather app autostarts and stays in the background but others don't. Not sure how to make them do it but maybe someone else know.

+1
welcome. JF's modified roms also add auto rotate for your browser and multi-touch which is nifty.

Lite Glossary...
I've seen a lot of questions like this and I vaguely remember someone trying to give a quick explanation in another thread but I couldn't find it.
So here's my attempt to clear some things up based on terminology.
Android OS - Like Windows Mobile but based on Linux, using a Java based front end.
Linux - Open Source operating system used instead of Windows XP/Vista, Mac OSX etc... it's free (as in beer).
Root (as in access)- root is like the administrator account on a windows machine. It allows you to have complete access to the underlying OS of a linux or *nix based machine.
Root (as in location)- the 'root' of a folder or drive is the top most area of that location. In windows, C:\ is the 'root' of your hard drive. The 'root' of your SD card just means you haven't moved into any subfolders.
JFV1.## - Is a specific Version of a JesusFreke ROM. JesusFreke is a developer on this website that has graciously spent his time to modify the G1 OS to allow us to have root access to our phones. This gives us the ability to explore and modify our phones via a command line. It allows for the use of themes, native backup functionality, manually selecting which apps can utilize root access, auto-rotate screen, multi-touch in browser, moving applications/caches to the sd card and I'm sure some other things I'm forgetting.
That's all I can think of right now. Maybe I'll add more later.

skri11a said:
I've seen a lot of questions like this and I vaguely remember someone trying to give a quick explanation in another thread but I couldn't find it.
So here's my attempt to clear some things up based on terminology.
Android OS - Like Windows Mobile but based on Linux, using a Java based front end.
Linux - Open Source operating system used instead of Windows XP/Vista, Mac OSX etc... it's free (as in beer).
Root (as in access)- root is like the administrator account on a windows machine. It allows you to have complete access to the underlying OS of a linux or *nix based machine.
Root (as in location)- the 'root' of a folder or drive is the top most area of that location. In windows, C:\ is the 'root' of your hard drive. The 'root' of your SD card just means you haven't moved into any subfolders.
JFV1.## - Is a specific Version of a JesusFreke ROM. JesusFreke is a developer on this website that has graciously spent his time to modify the G1 OS to allow us to have root access to our phones. This gives us the ability to explore and modify our phones via a command line. It allows for the use of themes, native backup functionality, manually selecting which apps can utilize root access, auto-rotate screen, multi-touch in browser, moving applications/caches to the sd card and I'm sure some other things I'm forgetting.
That's all I can think of right now. Maybe I'll add more later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for the nice overview! I'm going to go ahead and do my G1 first thing in the morning (I don't wanna do it at night while I'm a tired mess and end up bricking it ) The auto-rotate is something I wished the G1 had. Does the autorotate in JesusFreke's rom go multiple directions? or is it just the 2 directions like on the default android rom?
And does it work for every app at all times? I know that the functionality exists in the phone as one of my apps implements the auto rotate feature, as well as several games in the android market that utilizes the accelerometer for gameplay. Would be cool to be able to roate my phone at any time using any app (espcially the browser). Thanks for any more help. And I already head RC33. Does that mean I have to downgrade or has an easier method arisen for RC33?

JF's roms V1.41 and up have autorotate in the browser. DroidSans has the app for root users that impliments autorotate for the rest of the phone except your stock picture viewer. both rotate to the same landscape direction like when you open the keyboard.

Don't forget the ability to move apps to your SD card

No, the auto-rotate only goes landscape like 13bjunkie said and he is also right that you need to download DroidSansTweak to actually activate the feature, accept for the browser (once you have root, of course).
It doesn't work on all apps at all times. Apps/games can disable the feature.
You will have to downgrade to RC29 still... Just follow the sticky in the development forum and you can't go wrong. Just follow it to the letter or all bets are off.

Related

Too much to Process..Help Wanted..

Process
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Process or processing typically describes the act of taking something through an established and usually routine set of procedures to convert it from one form to another, as a manufacturing or administrative procedure, such as processing milk into cheese, or processing paperwork to grant a mortgage loan, or converting computer data from one form to another.
Ok first off I'm the biggest noob at all things root as could be. I have managed to make some custom clocks for my old LG voyager way back in the day and have even jailbroke some Ipod touch's so I was able to load bootleg games and apps.
But this root thing has got my brain traped in a vortex and I really want to not just know how to root my droid (That info is everywhere) but I want to know how it all works. What terms like kernel mean and how they relate to clock speed. What is the difference between all the custom rom's? What happens when I root my phone and can't figure out what rom I should use? Do I have to reset all my apps and preferences every time i want to try a new rom?
I understand the how-to's I'm sure when I try to root my phone that I will not have much trouble doing so. But there are so many things I want to learn and know before I do anything.
I would like to say I'm not looking for links to tech reports on rom's that I will not understand I'm looking for alink (or someone who knows the things I wish to learn,) something that will explain the terms what they mean, how they relate to my phone and what outcome I should expect from loading custom rom's.
I understand that most users of this forum fall into one of two category's ONE ether super wonder techs that know exactly what they are doing and know how things work, TWO people who can read follow directions and root there phones while trying NOT to sound like noob's when they ask for help.
And then there's me I'm a number two, now I know that kinda makes me sound like **** but I really want to be a number ONE
So who want's to teach me ? Who's got some time to kill or link's to post? I'm even willing to go buy a android programmers book if there's one that would be recommended reading to help me understand the OS better.
I want to learn from the masters and this is where they all live. So will someone apprentice me ?
To close my rant out I would like to say I'm a 37 year old man with a masters in chemistry 119 IQ and ex-stream case of OCD that drive's my compulsive need to learn how things work, So I make for a good student
Thanx
รถ
Thank you so much, I was hoping to be able to reply first, (this sh*t is my crack)
Ok, First off, the kernel is the basic system that controls how the cpu reacts, as well as how programs interact with the hardware on your phone, such as the screen, wifi and bluetooth modules, accelerometer, gps, ambient light and the battery. When a dev wants to overclock their android, add a module for EXT, or TUN, or add wifi support, this is where the magic happens. this is probably the most important part of the firmware. It also controls battery life via voltage, as well as cpu speed.( the average droid can be overclocked to 1200-ish, depending on the randomness of processors, though I've heard of a ridiculous version called OMAP Ti39 or something that could be stable at 2ghz, even 2.3. As I think you may know, Fat32 doesn't support file transfers of more than about 4 gigs at a time, which is why add in ext support is so important, especially since someone made a video player that reads matroska video files (blu-ray) Ive tried it, its beautiful, (V player - on the market) after kernels is framework, the framework is what renders the gui, basically everything that you see on the screen is thanks to the framework-res. We edit it either manually, or through the use of an app called metamorph, which swaps the xml files the framework uses with edited ones, such as one I recently used to give my droid a circular battery, however these xml files can change anything you could need them to visually about your droid, you just have to find what you need. Now on to shell. shell is the engine that is accesible through command prompt and terminal using the android sdk and adb, more on that can be found easily on the google android homepage. however, much use is made through devs and an app called terminal emulator that is basically a straight to shell terminal screen app. Uses for shell may include but are basically limitless, include moving any app to your sd-card to conserve rom (rom is the phones total system memory, apps usually go in there, but before froyo, and ext partition could be used, and with froyo stock support for most apps was allotted, and without the need of an ext partition.) Ram is basically ram, if you use a rom that originally came with a larger ram supported device, something called a swap partition must be implemented, otherwise it won't boot, there is an app or two that will do that for you, manual swap creation is also possible. Swap basically creates virtual ram on the sd-card. Root access, which can be acheived manually through the recovery flashing of specific zip files, or via free apps that do it with one click, basically allows you to flash kernels, change the framework, or allow tethering which I will cover next, is possible because the kernel the phone uses is linux, the unlocking of which is called granting super user access, in ubuntu a linux distribution, typing su, and your admin password will give you access to your computers system files, much in the same way we apply it to android. (However, it is unlikely you would try to flash an alternate kernel to your desktop, as it runs on either ie36 or x64 architecture, whereas phones run altogether seperate architectures , for instance android runs on ARM, and that is the base and primary reason your phone won't run windows.) Since android is free (open-source) there is an x86 version of android, including a froyo port that you can use on laptops and desktops. (Really quickly I would like to interject that recovery is an option on all phones android based that is usually accessible by holding volume up while booting, however the droid requires you press x while booting to get to recovery, which btw is what you flash a custom version of after rooting that allows you to flash roms and kernels. It also allows for backing up all of your phones firmware and data in the event of a problem. Basically its your new best friend, get familiar.) Also there is another form of booting called bootloader, it allows you to flash specific system files that are normally untouched, a guide to using that and a program called rsd lite will help you if you've bricked your phone ( Bricked- term used to describe the state of a phone that is unable to be recovered to an earlier condition and is essentially a brick or "expensive paperweight".) by allowing you to flash a completely untouched sbf (firmware) file. note that you can also use it to change your boring m boot logo with any image that fits 480x182 bytes through a slightly difficult, but fun proccess, a guide to which ,can be found here at xda, including a file that allows for the flashing of just the logo, whereas previously you had to reactivate your phone (you just have to follow the instructions on the phone) reroot, and restore the rom you previously backed up. Now on to tethering, the most important feature available to root users, which, if carriers have anything to do with it, would normally cost an extra 10 dollars a month. (Tethering- using shell or an app with the proper kernel to allow the use of your phones mobile network via usb connection, or the creation of a wifi hotspot with your desktop or laptop.) However thanks to devs who believe that what you pay for should be used how you want, most roms will tether, even in the settings, without carriers any the wiser. Windows 7 and almost all linux will automatically tether, vista is the most difficult, and xp has a quick install init file that works like a charm. The only reason we root is because we believe in the freedom to change our phones to fit us personally, and lets face it, because we can, because its fun, because its not illegal, and it brings a sense of satisfaction and pride in pushing the limits of technology. (P.S. I tried not to take to long so I couldn't really look it over, so sorry for grammatical or vocabulary based errors.)
(P.P.S. I recommend any book to do with android programming, but you'll need programming experience in linux, especially eclipse.)
Oh, and I'm a 17 year old junior with a vocabulary skill level of 139, just in case you wondered.
There are plenty of applications on the market where you can backup apps and data once you root, I personally use titanium, but I never restore system data if I'm flashing roms, only apps n data that comes with apps. Youre gonna have to search around other forums and whatnot to find the right roms.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

[*WORKING*] **Ubuntu on Vibrant** UPDATE:11/05/10

UPDATE: So here is the link to a better version of Ubuntu running on your Vibrant. I do not have much time yet to edit the original post, but take a look at the this. You should be able to get it to work.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=823370
OLD:
DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE TO YOUR PHONE!! YOU ARE DOING THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Ok, so for those who like to push the limits with their phones I don't think it gets better then this
I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to making this possible. We had gotten a lot of good posts.
But a big thanks goes out to danielmid84, he provided me with the link http://nexusonehacks.net/nexus-one-hacks/how-to-install-ubuntu-on-your-nexus-oneandroid/ and a custom modified script to work with our phones, thank you!!
UBUNTU on Vibrant
INSTRUCTIONS
Prerequisites:
Root
Latest version of BusyBox
Android SDK ( and knowledge of how to use the tools, adb shell, etc... )
Understanding of Linux commands ( but not necessary )
Files needed are located here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=FALJFT3L
BootUbuntu script modded by danielmid84 here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=385853&stc=1&d=1282503588 NOTE: This file replaces the BootUbuntu file located in the archive above.
VERY IMPORTANT!!!
Step 1:
Connect your phone to the computer and mount your internal storage sdcard (Not your external sdcard).
Step 2:
Now create a new folder under sdcard named "ubuntu" for instance "/sdcard/ubuntu/" and copy ALL of the files in the "ubuntu.zip" archive over to this newly created folder EXCEPT the BootUbuntu file. You will be copying over the BootUbuntu file over from the additional BootUbuntu file link provided above.
Step 3:
Now that we have all of the files in place, make sure to "Turn off USB storage" on your phone to be able t access the SD card from ADB Shell. Also make sure your "USB Debugging Mode" is check under "Settings>Applications>Developement".
Step 4:
We are going to want a windows terminal open and we are going to "cd" into your "/tools" folder, wherever that may be located. For example " cd c:\android\sdk\tools".
Once you are in the "tools" folder, issue this command "adb shell". And for linux users, you will be issuing the command as "./adb shell".
Step 5:
Once you are in ADB Shell, you should see a "#" symbol now.
You are then going to type "su" to enter superuser mode.
Step 6:
We are going to cd into the ubuntu folder by issuing the command "cd /sdcard/ubuntu".
Now that we are located in "/sdcard/ubuntu" we will issue the command "sh ./ubuntu.sh"
This command only needs to be entered once, or if you ever change the file "bootubuntu".
Step 7:
Once that is completed, issue the command "bootubuntu".
If you get the "localhost" prompt, you have just successfully installed UBUNTU onto your Vibrant. Congratulations!!!
Now mind you, this is not with a Graphical User Interface yet and but you can access the power of Linux and Ubuntu by using a Terminal Emulator.
But if you want a running Graphical User Interface to play with, keep in mind that is uses a lot of memory and continue reading and I will have that updated here shortly.
Step 8:
We are now going to install a GUI.
While still being in Ubuntu with the "localhost" prompt, issue the command "apt-get update".
Then issue the command "apt-get install tightvncserver".
Step 9:
Once that is complete, you are going to want to issue the command "apt-get install lxde". This will take a few minutes so let it do its thing.
Step 10:
Next we are going to type:
"export USER=root" then
"vncserver -geometry 1024x800" but you can change the display size to what you prefer.
You will be asked to set a password at this time for login.
Step 11:
Next we are going to add the following commands to /root/.vnc/xstartup.
Now type:
"cat > /root/.vnc/xstartup" it will seem like it is hanging after you push enter, but it is only waiting for additional input. So continue by entering
"#!/bin/sh"
"xrdb $HOME/.Xresources"
"xsetroot -solid grey"
"icewm &"
"lxsession"
Then hit Ctrl+D twice and Enter key.
Step 12:
Now open the Android VNC app on your phone with "localhost" as "address" and "5901" as "port". Enter your password as well and connect!! You will now have a GUI for your Ubuntu!
REMEMBER: EACH TIME YOU WANT TO LOGIN TO YOUR UBUNTU, YOU DON'T NEED TO BE CONNECTED TO YOUR COMPUTER. YOU CAN USE TERMINAL EMULATOR.
This is only for full phone reboots to set up Ubuntu again.
Start Terminal Emulator and cd into "/sdcard/ubuntu"
Then issue these commands:
"su"
"export USER=root"
"vncserver -geometry 1024x800"
and you should be able to log back into the GUI with Android VNC again.
I'm surprised that not one person is interested in this...
I think debian on the vibrant would be sick!
sadly I don't dev
Can I ask what "debain" is? For all of us new guys..
Sent from my Vibrant using XDA App..
Typos/Nonsense due to Swype!
Stock Root + RyanZA LagFix + Captive Camera MOD
itsjusttim said:
Can I ask what "debain" is? For all of us new guys..
Sent from my Vibrant using XDA App..
Typos/Nonsense due to Swype!
Stock Root + RyanZA LagFix + Captive Camera MOD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google is your best friend. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debian
yeah man, I'm pretty surprised too that no one else is interested in this! I would love to see debian get ported to work on our phones
For those who are asking, debian is a version of desktop Linux. When it works on our phones, it will essentially allow you to do almost anything you can normally do on a desktop computer.
Thanks for the link! This looks luke it would be amazing.. I hope we can eventually get this...
Sent from my Vibrant using XDA App..
Typos/Nonsense due to Swype!
Stock Root + RyanZA LagFix + Captive Camera MOD
post videos.
freekyfrogy said:
It will essentially allow you to do almost anything you can normally do on a desktop computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean, it'll allow you to do almost anything you can normally do on a tiny format linux desktop computer
It's all good and dandy, someone has ported Ubuntu to N1 back in a day, but the question remains:
Why would you want to run a full fledge Linux OS on your phone?
I am a linux user, and have been for quite some time, I do enjoy it on my work laptop with 14.1" of real estate, but I fail to see a huge benefit of running a complete OS on the phone.
And before everyone starts with "you know android is linux" I know that, and it is stripped down linux OS for portable devices like phones, etc. It is as good as it gets, and suits the portable device market well.
Please feel free to address my question:
Why would you want to run a full fledge Linux OS on your phone?
How about we get a port of WINE on android...
lqaddict said:
It's all good and dandy, someone has ported Ubuntu to N1 back in a day, but the question remains:
Why would you want to run a full fledge Linux OS on your phone?
I am a linux user, and have been for quite some time, I do enjoy it on my work laptop with 14.1" of real estate, but I fail to see a huge benefit of running a complete OS on the phone.
And before everyone starts with "you know android is linux" I know that, and it is stripped down linux OS for portable devices like phones, etc. It is as good as it gets, and suits the portable device market well.
Please feel free to address my question:
Why would you want to run a full fledge Linux OS on your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking the same thing. Its kinda a party piece. Look at what my phone can do. You know. I had it on my N1 and i never used it. Just like we could have windows 95 on the HD2. The only good thing i used it for on the N1 was air-crack, and i never got it to work right.
So you can compile android source on your phone, duh!
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Yeah, I find it a shame that some people think debian on a phone is simply a party peice. There are too many useful reasons to list, especially the reason to have a smart phone is to expand the abilities past just "a cellphone"
lqaddict said:
It's all good and dandy, someone has ported Ubuntu to N1 back in a day, but the question remains:
Why would you want to run a full fledge Linux OS on your phone?
I am a linux user, and have been for quite some time, I do enjoy it on my work laptop with 14.1" of real estate, but I fail to see a huge benefit of running a complete OS on the phone.
And before everyone starts with "you know android is linux" I know that, and it is stripped down linux OS for portable devices like phones, etc. It is as good as it gets, and suits the portable device market well.
Please feel free to address my question:
Why would you want to run a full fledge Linux OS on your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The real question is why not....
I'm sick and tired of all the negative posts in the xda forums.
why would you want camera on a phone?
why would you play games on a phone?
why would you read webpages on a phone?
why would you text on a phone?
why would you listen to music on a phone?
why would you want to go to the moon?
Is it affecting you in some way?
does someone sacrifice a kitten somewhere when someone wants to use a device for something it was not intended to?
do you enjoy stifling development?
jzero88 said:
Yeah, I find it a shame that some people think debian on a phone is simply a party peice. There are too many useful reasons to list, especially the reason to have a smart phone is to expand the abilities past just "a cellphone"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good man
scrizz said:
The real question is why not....
I'm sick and tired of all the negative posts in the xda forums.
why would you want camera on a phone?
why would you play games on a phone?
why would you read webpages on a phone?
why would you text on a phone?
why would you listen to music on a phone?
why would you want to go to the moon?
Is it affecting you in some way?
does someone sacrifice a kitten somewhere when someone wants to use a device for something it was not intended to?
do you enjoy stifling development?
good man
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, why not explore the possibilities...
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
And why drive the nails down with a screwdriver?
There is no negativity coming from my question, I just needed to hear the reason people choose to run linux on their phones.
Developing a code for android phones on the phone running full linux, ok I failed to see the benefit, unless you get a hard-on from running a compiler on your phone while on a crapper. I would see how I might benefit from using some of the linux commands on my phone, like tcpdump, etc. but running a full raw OS on it is just overkill in my opinion.
And why drive the nails down with a screwdriver?
There is no negativity coming from my question, I just needed to hear the reason people choose to run linux on their phones.
Developing a code for android phones on the phone running full linux, ok I failed to see the benefit, unless you get a hard-on from running a compiler on your phone while on a crapper. I would see how I might benefit from using some of the linux commands on my phone, like tcpdump, etc. but running a full raw OS on it is just overkill in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To probably sum it all up... MOBILITY.
First, I am sure you have several games on your phone which you play frequently. Some of those which you could play on your computer, and some maybe only on the device. If you could play games on your computer, why would you want to play them on your phone?
Virtually everything you can do on your phone you can do on your computer, ten times better. The reason we have Office Suites, Calendars that sync, Games, CAMERA!!!!, Photo Editing Tools, etc. etc. etc... the list goes on and on, is to do it mobile.
No offense, but your question is pretty ignorant.
"I just needed to hear a reason people choose to run linux on their phones"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as an answer is funny as hell if you ask me,lol.
I think if you have nothing productive to contribute other than asking meaningless questions which is plainly obvious, especially in a forum like this, then don't post anything at all.
Only my $0.02
jzero88 said:
To probably sum it all up... MOBILITY.
First, I am sure you have several games on your phone which you play frequently. Some of those which you could play on your computer, and some maybe only on the device. If you could play games on your computer, why would you want to play them on your phone?
Virtually everything you can do on your phone you can do on your computer, ten times better. The reason we have Office Suites, Calendars that sync, Games, CAMERA!!!!, Photo Editing Tools, etc. etc. etc... the list goes on and on, is to do it mobile.
No offense, but your question is pretty ignorant.
as an answer is funny as hell if you ask me,lol.
I think if you have nothing productive to contribute other than asking meaningless questions which is plainly obvious, especially in a forum like this, then don't post anything at all.
Only my $0.02
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why my question is ignorant? I am coming from a development stand point, what android (a linux port for smartphones and mobile tablets) does not do well that the full linux OS can address? I am curious... I've seen some embeded linux systems that are running the OS that requires to complete the task - packet sniffers for instance - I am pretty sure you can run the full OS on it, but it is overkill. I understand that the smartphones are our mobile gateways when we are away from computers, and as they stand right now I failed to see what the full OS can contribute to the whole mobile experience. Games? Well, now you have the whole android community asking when the cadega becomes available on android so that you can run Call of Duty, etc. on your phone.
And as far as me not contributing and asking the meaningless questions - when you come to the development board and demand that something needs to be ported on your device a developer will ask you my question:
Why do you need it? What benefits are you looking for?
So, I still to hear the answer to these questions besides the fun factor to show your co-workers look I have a penguin on my boot screen.
Look at it from this standpoint, every major phone release has hardware that can rival netbooks and ultra-portables, when the dual-core snapdragons hit later on, they may even be on par with low end notebooks. They contain cellular modems as well as wifi so you're constantly connected on a device that can fit in your pocket.
On the software side every major mobile operating system out there is constantly evolving and adding more and more features of that you can find on any PC/Linux/OSX box in the world. Albeit they're slimmed down versions, designed to be lightweight and functional on a smaller sized screen.
Add in google voice, a service that you can have your cell phone calls funneled into a single number or have your google voice number funneled into any other phone number you tell it to, plus you have skype. Installing Debian on a mobile device doesnt change the fact its still a cell phone the only it changes is how much this cell phone can do without restrictions.
Its the people who push software and hardware to there limits and into places they were never designed to be, that push the technology world and push the companies to do new things. There the pioneers who are trying to marry the inevitable before anyone else is ready. Those are the people who make companies like Google, Nokia, Intel, etc etc realize that there is potential in a risk, when there is a community ready to back them up. If it wasn't for the indie developers out there trying to minimalize linux to be used on cell phones we wouldn't have our beloved Android today.
You ask why, I'll answer because its inevitable. You can join the front lines or you can wait.

Starting with Development...

I hope this is the right place to post this, if not my apologies. I've had my Droid X for two weeks now, and have done a few customizations to it (NexTheme, root, BusyBox) and to be honest I'm bored already even though I'm still getting used to this phone...and even though it's my first Android powered device, and second smartphone.
Anyways, I want to dig into the guts of this and possibly contribute. I have been working with some form of Unix since the early 90's, and I'd like to think I'm quite experienced with it.
This is where I need assistance. Even though I'm quite adept with my Google-Fu, I'm still not able to point myself in the correct direction. I have a terminal app on the phone, and adb on my pc, however...to be frank...they both suck. Perhaps it's the limits of a mobile Linux platform and not having proper term types defined, but I can't get a decent working environment setup to navigate the filesystem in a comfortable and easy to read way. It's making it extremely difficult to see where I am, where I've been, and the files/directories and their permissions, etc etc. Have tried setting and resetting various TERM env types, but nothing seems to change the layout/display.
I had found an SSHd how to hoping I could install SSHd on the phone and just SSH in from a proper terminal, but it's from 2008 and deals with the G1. I wasn't able to get the steps to work for me.
Short of what I've already tried, what other options are there...if any? I don't know what, if anything, I could contribute to the community...but I'd like to give it a real go, and I *really* do love to mess with things heh heh....
The easiest way i have seen to navigate through your file system is using root explorer on the market.
Since you have adb set up, you should be able to execute "adb shell". Also, there seems to be an emulator included in the sdk, though I haven't used it myself.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
mattyboy1013: I'm looking for a non-gui shell based method of navigation. A terminal is a lot easier and quicker for me.
pchop: Yea, I've used adb shell when manually rooting, and I wasn't too keen on how it laid things out. Particularly in a single column making navigation difficult. I'll take a look at the emulator though, and see what it does. Thanks.
I may be wrong but isn't android a java platform sitting on top of unix?
That's my understanding as well, and I'd like to navigate it as if it were a Linux box, ie: through a console. Problem is, the two terminal apps I have access to (as mentioned above - terminal emulator and adb shell) present the file system in a single column and with no sorting. It makes navigating and seeing whats available quite difficult.
What I'm looking for, if it even exists, is a terminal app that will display in rows and columns, and sorting alphabetically with directories first then files. Basically how most Linux distributions do by default and have for years.
I tried some more with my attempts at getting SSHd on the phone by compiling dropbear myself via the android source, but no go. The compile bails on me even after several fixes and attempts. Was hoping SSH in via a gnome-terminal, xterm, eterm, etc on one of my Linux boxes would set a proper TERM environment that the phone would respect, but I may be barking up the wrong tree there as well.
Dunno, I'm just in search of something to play with, and heck...doing all of the above has kept me pretty busy anyways lol.

Unmodified gTabs

Not only am I a newbie, but I am also a timid newbie. I am reluctant to mess around with the stock software, and OS that came with my gTab. Most of the great apps, and advice on this site requires you to either flash the tablet, or root the device, etc. I am WAY too chicken to try this. I would love to be able to get to the usual Market as I can on my phone. I would also like to use Swype. Is there any way to "open" up the tablet to these without "major" surgery? I think a list of apps that can be manually installed would be helpful to inexperienced "chickens" like me. Or any add ons, that might improve our new baby would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Search is a wonderful thing, everyone should try it...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=858136
Warning, if you stick stock you may end up returning it
Flashing a room is not difficult if you read/search/research.
copc said:
Search is a wonderful thing, everyone should try it...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=858136
Warning, if you stick stock you may end up returning it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't be ridiculous, it is fine with a few tweaks.
Flashing a room is not difficult if you read/search/research.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is like buying a brand new car, and then replacing the engine. Fine for some, but really not necessary.
Reggie777: I am going to apply the newest update to my stock g-tablet. This usually wipes out all user changes, including installed apps. I will actually follow my own post about doing the changes. I can't remember everything!
wasserkapf said:
Don't be ridiculous, it is fine with a few tweaks.
That is like buying a brand new car, and then replacing the engine. Fine for some, but really not necessary.
Reggie777: I am going to apply the newest update to my stock g-tablet. This usually wipes out all user changes, including installed apps. I will actually follow my own post about doing the changes. I can't remember everything!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny I had to pull nothing out of my gtab? LOL
Why would I pull the Tegra out just to flash a rom?
PS there is a reason that thread was on page 3 as there are fewer that are not flashing roms.
Plus the original point was that the "SEARCH" was a wonderful thing.
wasserkapf said:
Reggie777: I am going to apply the newest update to my stock g-tablet. This usually wipes out all user changes, including installed apps. I will actually follow my own post about doing the changes. I can't remember everything!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just did the 1.0.1-3053 update, and it appears all previous changes remained. I did have to re-root it with the z4root app. Those complaining of problems after this update seem to be running a customized ROM. You won't have these problems unless you flash a customized ROM.
wasserkapf said:
Don't be ridiculous, it is fine with a few tweaks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This whole argument is ridiculous. Not a single rom has done a single thing to the underlying "Stock" structure. They are all based from the original "Stock" stuff. The only thing they do is either add or subtract from the original base software.
There is no magic here. If you buy a new car and put shiny new wheels on it you have done the same thing. The car still has the stock engine, and basic structure. If you bought a house that was painted pink and didn't like how it looked you might paint it. Same house, just a new look.
So, your stock with tweaks is essentially the same as my stock with tweaks. I just choose to install the majority of the tweaks at one time with a simple rom update. You do yours one by one..
I don't care what anyone does with there tablet as long as you don't use it to start World War III. But the my mods are better than your mods argument is kind of silly.
Do whatever makes you happy. All I can say is that pretty much no matter what you do it can be put back to original in about 5 minutes. Boot loops, hangs, funky looking screens.. All part of the learning process. Some people seem to be more prone to it. Most of the issues I see people have come from them getting in a big hurry, not thoroughly reading the instructions given with almost every mod, and then flashing away. Slow down, read, and understand what you are doing and it will all typically go just fine.
Sprdtyf350 said:
This whole argument is ridiculous. Not a single rom has done a single thing to the underlying "Stock" structure. They are all based from the original "Stock" stuff. The only thing they do is either add or subtract from the original base software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true.
Some of the mods are based on the zpad image, a completely different image than the g-tablet. My only objection is people saying flashing custom ROMS is a must. That is nonsense, and I will say so every time I see someone post that.
The more updates that ViewSonic put out, it seems the fewer "tweaks" that will be needed.
Can we keep the trolling to World of Warcraft?
There are minor to major changes that can be done ROM wise. What is important IMHO is to give choices to someone that is just starting.
I have the impression the op would like TnTLite version vs Vega or Cyanogen or even ZPad.
I did start like you... almost happy with stock. But the more basic things I needed I noticed the original TnT wasn't good enough. I have changed to TnTLite myself and couldn't be happier.
Just check that thread. Its one stop and change.
Good luck
Bingo! Choice is king, if you don't like the choice you choose go back to stock. But atleast show all your choices, we are not all wanting the same build, hence we are not talking IPADS.
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I gather that rooting the gTab is not such a big deal after all? I had started with the impression that rooting and flashing the rom were similar, and equally "dangerous". I DID find the thread that copc referred me to after my starting this thread. We all have to start somewhere as newbies. Thanks too to Wasserkapf for his help.
Rooting will still allow you to get all VS updates. Same with doing the Market install.
Flashing a ROM can be scary, especially if you have lots of stuff on your tablet. I found that investing in Titanium Backup (requires root) was a great idea. I do a full backup every time I flash my ROM and restore apps and data afterwards; I have never lost data nor settings.
If you decide to flash TnT Lite or VEGAn (which is coming along nicely and really brings the tablet to life IMO), there are not only many posts but many friendly folks who are here to help you out.
I am very happy with my G Tablet and this community has been immeasurably helpful in making it so useful.
-=Sent from my ViewSonic G Tablet (VEGAn) using Tapatalk=-
Reggie777 said:
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I gather that rooting the gTab is not such a big deal after all? I had started with the impression that rooting and flashing the rom were similar, and equally "dangerous". I DID find the thread that copc referred me to after my starting this thread. We all have to start somewhere as newbies. Thanks too to Wasserkapf for his help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly we all start as newbies, and it's places like this that are great help.
Good News, everyone. I used z4root, and was able to root my gTab. I also was able to install Launcher Pro, so that now when I turn it on, I get the option of going to the old familiar Android layout as on my Droid. Thanks for the encouragement from you'all. The sky did not fall. Yeah!
I do have some questions, though.
1. If I accidentally load in the TapnTap home screen, I cannot get back to the launcher pro. I cannot find it on the tablet to run it. I can find the apk and it offers to install it again. So, can anyone tell me where it is hidden?
2. I downloaded the vendors apk in an attempt to get the old android market place as on my phone. But it will not install. I am sure I am doing something wrong.
3. There are some icons to the right, the web, messages, and the phone. Is there a way to remove the ones that do not work? Only the web works. I understand that the phone would not, and even the messages. But how can I remove them?
Again, thanks for the moral support and encouragement. I still find the structure of the tablet confusing. Internal SD, external SD, root, etc. Anyone out there with the technical know how could make quite a few dollars by writing a book explaining the wonders, procedures, and pitfalls of our new tablet.
Reggie777 said:
Good News, everyone. I used z4root, and was able to root my gTab. I also was able to install Launcher Pro, so that now when I turn it on, I get the option of going to the old familiar Android layout as on my Droid. Thanks for the encouragement from you'all. The sky did not fall. Yeah!
I do have some questions, though.
1. If I accidentally load in the TapnTap home screen, I cannot get back to the launcher pro. I cannot find it on the tablet to run it. I can find the apk and it offers to install it again. So, can anyone tell me where it is hidden?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my tablet, just hitting the Home icon in the upper-right corner will do that. It is the second one from the top, on the bezel of the screen.
2. I downloaded the vendors apk in an attempt to get the old android market place as on my phone. But it will not install. I am sure I am doing something wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the second thing on my list of tweaks. You need to download and install several files. Please follow the instructions:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
3. There are some icons to the right, the web, messages, and the phone. Is there a way to remove the ones that do not work? Only the web works. I understand that the phone would not, and even the messages. But how can I remove them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to drop a different icon, from the main screen 'Desktop' on top of it, essentially replacing it. To get different icons on the main screen, open the app drawer, and tap and hold an icon. To remove it from the main screen, tap and hold, and move it to the trash can on the right.
I got as far as downloading the zip file, unzipping it. But I am not sure what "mount as R/W" means. I am also not up on the structure of the storage of the Gtablet, and my computer sees .android_secure, Android, Backgrounds, backups, DCIM, download, and Lost.Dir. As a result, I am not sure where to copy the new files to. I moved the unzipped file to the download folder on the tablet. But I am not sure where to go from here. Being a newbie bites.
Reggie777 said:
I got as far as downloading the zip file, unzipping it. But I am not sure what "mount as R/W" means. I am also not up on the structure of the storage of the Gtablet, and my computer sees .android_secure, Android, Backgrounds, backups, DCIM, download, and Lost.Dir. As a result, I am not sure where to copy the new files to. I moved the unzipped file to the download folder on the tablet. But I am not sure where to go from here. Being a newbie bites.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought that the instructions were as clear as anyone could make them.
3. Using AndRootFile or any other file manager that supports root access, mount as R/W, and copy the contents of G Tablet\permissions to System\etc\permissions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That means to use a file manager that supports root browsing. The stock one doesn't, so you will need to install one. The link in the original post will get you the AndRootFile app, that should work. I purchased RootExplorer from the Android Market, so that is what I use. It has a "Mount R/W" button at the top, and I assume AndRootFile has something similar.
Oh, and root is to Unix/Linux/Android that Administrator is to Windows. You need root permissions to make system changes.
Once you have mounted it in R/W mode, copy the files to the folders that it says to. When done, don't forget to re-mount it in R/O mode before exiting.
My bad. I had used z4root to do the rooting. I'll try it with the one you suggested. Thanks.
Actually z4root should work for rooting the tablet. But it isn't a file browser with root access. That is where the other apps come into play.
OK. Here is my adventure so far. I got AndRootFile, and installed it. It is now working. But when I try to copy a file to another location, it does not want to copy the file. features.xml is an example of one that it shows the check box for copying, but when I get to the destination, there is nothing to paste. Frustrating. I also tried Rootexplorer, and have the same result. Now it looks as if the other new file in the new permissions folder copies, since it says it exists and do I want to overwrite. I said yes. But the second file, features does not show up even after I try to paste it. The good news is that I am figuring out the structure of the Beast, and so can move around much easier with AndRootFile, and RootExplorer. Thanks for your ongoing patience, and support.
It doesn't sound as if you are first mounting the file system in R/W (Read/Write) mode. And when finished, make sure you mount it back into R/O (Read/Only) mode before exiting.

[Q] Reset in emulator and backup restore?

I have an actual WP8 device that I've backed up to skydrive (contacts and sms). I would like to be able to pull that down into the WP8 emulator which I have installed and running fine.
Am I correct in that you can only restore a WP8 from skydrive backup on the first cold boot after a reset?
When I try to reset the emulated phone via the Settings/About page, the emulated phone shuts down and restarts, but hangs when it restarts.
1. Is there a way to get the emulated phone to restore from skydrive without doing a full reset?
2. Is there a way to make the emulated phone do a full reset and bring up the initial first boot screens so I get the restore options?
Thank you.
The Emulator does not support setting a Microsoft-Account which also means that SkyDrive access, Backups or Marketplace Downloads don't work.
Well.. That's unfortunate.
No way to mount the flash and hack on a xml/etc file? Also, I was mistaken about the emulated phone hanging on restart after the reset. It does come back up after about 5 minutes. and I very briefly see some text on the screen right before the windows start screen, but it flashes by so quick I can't make it out. It looks like it may be the initial welcome information, and the emulator is automagically bypassing it?
The emulator can't do anything other than eating away at your resources and fool new developers into buying new hardware to support hyper V. The only useful thing you can do with them is check how the layout looks under different resolutions.
When you re/start it, you need to have the entire OS image do a complete OS boot. It takes so long because it is emulated (obviously, on a phone is a lot faster). It also uses different architectures (x86 compared to ARM on actual devices)
As I said, you can't do anything useful with it other than basic stuff like UI interaction and UI display.
Ehh I dunno about new hardware. Runs just fine on my i7 windows 7 gaming machine in a win8 vm in vmware
But yeah, completely ridiculous that it needs hyper-v and win8.
Hmm probably worthy of a different post, but do you know of a way to pull backed up sms from skydrive onto a PC?
As Long as you don't work with the Camera of NFC the Emulator actually works quite well. You can also simulate bad Network connectivity and so on which you can't do properly on the phone. The UI sometimes seems rather slow in the Emulator but actually it does outperform the phone quite a lot with CPU bound code (at least on my Core i7). Having Multitouch Support implemented in the Emulator is also a nice Addition.
I don't know of any way to Access the SkyDrive backup from anywhere but an actual device.
StevieBallz said:
As Long as you don't work with the Camera of NFC the Emulator actually works quite well. You can also simulate bad Network connectivity and so on which you can't do properly on the phone. The UI sometimes seems rather slow in the Emulator but actually it does outperform the phone quite a lot with CPU bound code (at least on my Core i7). Having Multitouch Support implemented in the Emulator is also a nice Addition.
I don't know of any way to Access the SkyDrive backup from anywhere but an actual device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You forgot SD cards, media elements, any sort of audio playback, umm...well thats about it xD

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