Related
XDA has a wealth of info, but it does seem to assume that you are already pretty knowledgeable about many of the subjects. I'm brand new to this. I've been reading a lot, but still feel like I'm missing some basics. One question I can't seem to find an answer to is: What's the difference between a Kernel and a ROM? TIA for educating me
Espaa Valorum said:
XDA has a wealth of info, but it does seem to assume that you are already pretty knowledgeable about many of the subjects. I'm brand new to this. I've been reading a lot, but still feel like I'm missing some basics. One question I can't seem to find an answer to is: What's the difference between a Kernel and a ROM? TIA for educating me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A ROM is a collection of all your services, phone, sms, bluetooth, applications etc. bundled in a flashable zip or sometimes odin flashable packages. Think of it as a customized operating system. Which it is. Some are themed, some are not.
One thing that every ROM has included is a kernel. The kernel is the interface between your gui (You basically) and the hardware of the phone. The "brains" as it were. When you touch a widget (or whatever) on your screen and something cool happens it's because said widget passed a request for action and the kernel tells the hardware involved to get busy.
Oversimplified, but I hope it clarifies some.
It's not the greatest metaphor, but a ROM is Windows, and a Kernel is your BIOS.
MikeyMike01 said:
It's not the greatest metaphor, but a ROM is Windows, and a Kernel is your BIOS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
heading in the right direction but a bit off.
The kernel is the operating system.
The rom is a collection of software that includes user gui and some of the software for hardware to operating system interface.
Windows is actually both a kernel and user gui.
A bios is nether - usually bios is just hardware firmware - but sometimes contain a few other things as well.
The best example from a pc would be a linux distro such as ubuntu - the desktop environment gui ubuntu/gnome would be the " rom " and actual linux operating system running underneath is the kernel.
Alright, thanks for the explanations, it is a little clearer now.
When i got my phone i did the OTA update to JH7, rooted, installed Clockwork and did a ROM backup. So i have that backup saved. I want to try some other tweaks and such that i see mentioned around here all the time, but i wanted to make sure i understood the various pieces before i start messing with it all any further. So having the ROM backup, i should be always be able to get back to the state of the phone at that point right? (I understand it does not include pictures and messages and such.)
I guess what i haven't been able to find is a newbie guide that explains how to start at stock, what steps to take, what to actually do with the backup, how to restore etc. So i'm trying to learn. Thanks for the replies, it helps!
No. going back that way will not always work.
Make sure you can get into download mode, recovery mode, and that your computer is recognizing your device.
If you are flashing roms, at some point you will need odin so this is essential that you can get that to recognize your device in download mode to flash back to stock when something goes awry.
Sent telepathically using vulcan mind meld app.
I was able to get into recovery mode. I did the rooting through an update.zip. My computer also sees my device fine. I used ADB to communicate with it (and remove the market restriction.) I'm on a Linux box, and it seems that Odin is a Win app?
Technically windows has a kernel too, most people just don't talk about it.
Hence the ROM being the whole package as mentioned above is a good metaphor
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
More kernely details
I hate to revive an old thread, but this one is exactly on a topic I am currently researching. Being a noob I have read a lot over the past couple of weeks but am still a little confused about this whole kernel thing.
I know what the kernel does. What confuses me is that I have seen several references (including in this thread) that a ROM will always include a kernel. If that is the case, why is it that some ROMS state "does not come with a kernel" and ask you to flash the "kernel of your choice".
With this in mind I would like to know:
-How can I tell what kernel I am running? Is it the "build number"?
-Since the kernel does not present anything the user actually sees, how could you possibly choose a kernel and like one over the other?
Thanks!
think of it this way...
the rom is a car (the whole thing)
the kernel is the engine (engines have performance options or economy options)
the build (eg 2.1 /2.1 /2.2.1 or 2.3.3 is like the model of car shape, options ect)
the theme is the interior and exterior options. (the looks)
add-on zips such as dialers/battery mods are like aftermarket accessories.
- copyright tristyn russelo 2011
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to tell what kernel you are on;
menu button > settings >about phone > kernel
to know about each kernel go to the XDA > Captivate > Development area look for [Kernel] at the beginning of each thread. look at the options, read the options, research the options
also there IS visible features of the kernel if it has ClockworkMod Recovery built into it. with this you dont need ROM manager or the update.zip method of Clockwork Mod Recovery (aka CWM)
see the CWM onix kernel idiot guide in my sig.
and check out the XDA wiki for ClockworkMod Recovery. "i started it"
also check out the http://Capfaq.com
TRusselo said:
think of it this way...
the rom is a car (the whole thing)
the kernel is the engine (engines have performance options or economy options)
the build (eg 2.1 /2.1 /2.2.1 or 2.3.3 is like the model of car shape, options ect)
the theme is the interior and exterior options. (the looks)
add-on zips such as dialers/battery mods are like aftermarket accessories.
- copyright tristyn russelo 2011
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a great explanation, thanks!
Thanks, Tristyn for that analogy. So my question is, can you just use a "Kernel"? By Tristyn's analogy, it appears that just the kernel is useless as you can't drive a car that only includes the engine (ie: you need the wheels and the frame, etc.).
What? if you flash just a kernel it doesn't delete the framework? It's just like swapping the engine in a car.
Yes if you SOMEHOW only had a kernel installed you get a boot error and it would probably give you the "phone...!....pc" screen.
i added that analogy to my new users guide the other day but expanded...
- "A ROM" is like "a car" nothing in specific but a body, wheels, engine, and paint. a general standard vehicle.
- "Each ROM" or each developer is like an auto maker. Each has their own style, options, focus and customer base. Some are luxury, others economy and some are fully loaded! Some are fully packed and heavy and others are base models and very light. You get to get to choose what you like or need, and for once "price is no object" (donating is appreciated) But you almost always get a whole car!
- "Framework" or "Build" - is like the frame of a car, you cant put SUV parts in a Honda. It just won't work unless you rebuild from scratch (and if you can do that, you would laugh at this analogy!) Parts / Kernels / Mods must be compatible with that framework and that framework must be compatible with your phone.
- "Rooting" or getting a "rooted ROM" is like getting the keys and permission to change ANYTHING in your car! But you dont have a warranty anymore!
- "The Kernel" is like the engine and power systems, it is the "software" engine, it does work and ties all the components together. And engines can be upgraded and tuned up for performance or down for economy!
- The theme is like the paint job. pure looks and enjoyment!
- Other dialers, meta-morphs, mods ect are all after market fun changes, once again only looks not usually any more function.
- The launcher (no rooting or romming needed) is alot like your interior, its the seat you sit in and the controls you touch 75% of the time, until you dig through your glove box or fuse box (back to rom)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TRusselo said:
i added that analogy to my new users guide the other day but expanded...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha very nice Tru! I love it
Sorry to ask repeative questions of Kernel & m0d,
but i failed to understand few Things
1. Whenever we are installing a m0d {like cyanogen, oxygen, etc} iS iT necessary to install another kernel ??? oR can we just run on Stock kernel
2. if we install another kernel can we get back our stock kernel ?
3. Do m0ds come pre-installed wid kernel or do we need to install them seprately.
4. h0w would i know that which kernel is made for which rom ???
If you go to CyanogenMod 7 for Captivate Q&A ( gotta love the search function ) and read the devs OP pretty much all your questions will be answered, infact any rom you care to flash if you read the devs OP they will spell out what you are asking for.
Custom ROM and then a custom Kernel. Is it possible?
Well, I'm a bit confused. Consider this:
I flash the phone with CM7(say). Here I'm assuming that CyanogenMod comes with its own kernel. My question is: Can I flash a custom kernel on top of this setup? and what difference does it make?
One can also think the other way round. I have flashed my phone with a custom kernel. Successively I flash CM7 on to my phone. What happens then? Is the original custom kernel wiped out to be over-written by CM7 kernel? What can be done to keep it intact? Please people solve this dilemma...
saurabh.khare1000 said:
Well, I'm a bit confused. Consider this:
I flash the phone with CM7(say). Here I'm assuming that CyanogenMod comes with its own kernel. My question is: Can I flash a custom kernel on top of this setup? and what difference does it make?
One can also think the other way round. I have flashed my phone with a custom kernel. Successively I flash CM7 on to my phone. What happens then? Is the original custom kernel wiped out to be over-written by CM7 kernel? What can be done to keep it intact? Please people solve this dilemma...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not really a dilemma. You can flash any appropriate kernel that you want. Flashing CM7 again will give you the CM7 kernel. Simply reflash your other kernel.
My post here explains why you may want to switch
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=26110276
Swyped from my ICS Samsung Captivate
Hi guys,
I am really interested in figuring out the steps that should be followed in order to compile a stock android rom for i9000.
I find the phone amazing but really hate touchwiz and all samsung's applications.
Thanks in advance
compile a stock android rom for i9000.
Stock as in stock rom supplied by Samsung or do you mean a Custom Rom .
Custom roms are in the development section as are the guys that build them .
jje
JJEgan said:
compile a stock android rom for i9000.
Stock as in stock rom supplied by Samsung or do you mean a Custom Rom .
Custom roms are in the development section as are the guys that build them .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant vanilla android, i am aware of resources where you can find stock samsung compilations (namely samfirmware -sorry but as a new user i cannot post links- although there's also an updated list in a thread somewhere in xda forums) and i also follow some of the custom made roms (currently i'm using Darky's v9.3).
I would like to get to know how to get my custom rom compiled and packged so i9000 can load it, the reason: i really dislike samsungs additions to android (touchwiz) and i haven't found a custom rom similar to what i am seeking.
For the first steps i suppose i should grab the code from aosp but i just don't know if i need some drivers (i suspect i do), and if so... where can i get these?
Then... once all that stuff is compiled, what are the steps that should be followed to make the compiled image flasheable?
Thanks.
I really thought that the custom ROMS in the dev section could be built as custom as you like via the kitchen. First take the bare Android 2.2.1 JPY/JS5 system and add the Gingerbread launcher as well as the market then off you go. Can't get anymore vanilla than that ?
Dear friends
What is the best guide book or website to start Building a Custom ROM?
what is the software (Windows or/and Linux)that i need for Building a Custom ROM?
Do you mean you want to build a custom rom >> Rom Kitchen
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=817703
Or you want to develop a custom rom .
Android = Linux
jje
no
I mean the software (PC apps) that i can use it to edit a rom and to finilized in update (zip) format.
Actually, I try to use cygwin_packages and Android Kitchen_dsixda. I know this is the easier apps that can be used to edit (****) the ROMs. But, the cygwin not work in windows 7 ultimate sp1.
So, do you have solution for the cygwin application to work in windows 7 or there s another apps?
regards
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+to+use+cygwin+on+windows+7
Hi,
I've tried several custom roms, while they are much faster than stock rom and i do find faults in them so always go back to stock rom.
However I want to deodex my stock rooted rom. the reason for this is that i need this patch for arabic on my phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1424144
can someone help me to do this, all other threads are for other phones, is the method the same? and are the requirements also the same?
finally, if there is a way to get arabic full and not broken up like what i currently have, can some help with that instead, because that is what I really need.
cheers and thanks in advance.
salespalace said:
Hi,
I've tried several custom roms, while they are much faster than stock rom and i do find faults in them so always go back to stock rom.
However I want to deodex my stock rooted rom. the reason for this is that i need this patch for arabic on my phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1424144
can someone help me to do this, all other threads are for other phones, is the method the same? and are the requirements also the same?
finally, if there is a way to get arabic full and not broken up like what i currently have, can some help with that instead, because that is what I really need.
cheers and thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have 2 options mate:
1. Easy way:
- Download a stock, deodexed and prerooted ROM from [ROM] Stock ...LA4,LA6,LB1 ROM[Stock Deodexed & Tweaked Version]
- Go to that patch thread you posted and get the patch for the ROM you downloaded
- Flash and profit
2. Hard way:
- Go to [GUIDE] dsixda's Android Kitchen - Now with SGS2 support (Windows/Linux/Mac) and get the kitchen up and running in your machine
- Deodex your ROM by yourself
- Get the Arabic patch
- Flash and profit
EDIT: You actually have another option if all you're looking for is only Arabic support:
- Got to [STOCK ROMS] N7000 All stock ROMs + install + Root guide All at 1 place,Latest XXLC2
- Download the ROMs with the region code of JPXX (where XX is e.g. LA)
- Flash and profit
However, you may want to get the directly rootable ROMs to gain root and CWM recovery after flashing but never mind this if you don't care about root
matius44 said:
You have 2 options mate:
2. Hard way:
- Go to [GUIDE] dsixda's Android Kitchen - Now with SGS2 support (Windows/Linux/Mac) and get the kitchen up and running in your machine
- Deodex your ROM by yourself
- Get the Arabic patch
- Flash and profit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats not actually hard mate and you dont deodex it.only the script does.The actual way is to use smali/baksmali.Just for your info.And yeah the easy method is to flash stock,deodexed rom
vijai2011 said:
Thats not actually hard mate and you dont deodex it.only the script does.The actual way is to use smali/baksmali.Just for your info.And yeah the easy method is to flash stock,deodexed rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I've been using smali and backsmali for a long time but that's not for everyone and dsixda's kitchen is a great way to start learning about cooking ROMs
thanks mate, you've been a great help, i might as-well use the easy way. but first may give the hard way a shot, I want to learn about all this stuff, coming from the n900 its all interesting.
salespalace said:
thanks mate, you've been a great help, i might as-well use the easy way. but first may give the hard way a shot, I want to learn about all this stuff, coming from the n900 its all interesting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best choice, Good luck
matius44 said:
Well I've been using smali and backsmali for a long time but that's not for everyone and dsixda's kitchen is a great way to start learning about cooking ROMs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah But I bet we can never learn by using scripts though the scripts are great .Ok no off topics anymore.
as most of us now have knowledge that the ics official rom is out but only the german one, is there a stock rom which is pre rooted and pre deodexed? just like what's available for the GB rom through here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1416192
So I ordered a Galaxy Note 1 yesterday, and i am pretty sure I wanna root& put a custom rom on it.
Right now, i tried to find the right rom for me, which turns out to not be that easy, since there seem to be many good roms &kernel combination
Its simply not "clear" which one is the best, nor is there a comparison table or anything that would help a noob to know about advantages of different roms without actually trying them.
I read many threads, but I found out that there are a lot of fans of all those roms, so that i am not able to decide what to choose...
Maybe you could give me a hint, which rom/kernel is nice for my needs which are the following:
1) I would like to use "google now" since i like to test voice assistance
2) I am exited about project butter, since i want a very fluid/smooth feel when swiping homescreens, also want this "animation" when swiping through screens like with the s3
3) I want this s3 typical live wallpaper with those waterdrop effects (has nothing to do with the rom, does it? )
4) I want to use the pen and those apps (at least until I find out i dont use it as often as i think...) so I would like to have the galaxy note 2 experience on my galaxy note, speaking newest Touchwiz ?! (since i think some pen functionality get lost when using some roms..)
5) I saw there are roms, which support this tablet/hybrid more, so you can select for each app if you want it in tablet or smartphone view, i like that very much, would be cool to have it!
6) I am noob at all this, but whatever you suggest, I will read into it and spend a lot of time doing it the right way or as you say and succeed with it
7) I like easy upgrade mechanics, so if there is something new out for this type of rom, it would be cool to be able to update this from my phone without the initial tools needed to get root/flash/custom rom it (dont know if this is even possible)
8) German language support would be a nice to have, but not a must have...
Based on those needs, which combination would you suggest to me kernel/rom wise?
Advice is very very appreciated!
Regards, James
JamesBrooooks said:
1) I would like to use "google now" since i like to test voice assistance
2) I am exited about project butter, since i want a very fluid/smooth feel when swiping homescreens, also want this "animation" when swiping through screens like with the s3
3) I want this s3 typical live wallpaper with those waterdrop effects (has nothing to do with the rom, does it? )
4) I want to use the pen and those apps (at least until I find out i dont use it as often as i think...) so I would like to have the galaxy note 2 experience on my galaxy note, speaking newest Touchwiz ?! (since i think some pen functionality get lost when using some roms..)
5) I saw there are roms, which support this tablet/hybrid more, so you can select for each app if you want it in tablet or smartphone view, i like that very much, would be cool to have it!
6) I am noob at all this, but whatever you suggest, I will read into it and spend a lot of time doing it the right way or as you say and succeed with it
7) I like easy upgrade mechanics, so if there is something new out for this type of rom, it would be cool to be able to update this from my phone without the initial tools needed to get root/flash/custom rom it (dont know if this is even possible)
8) German language support would be a nice to have, but not a must have...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are mods to get google now on any rom but i guess project butter can be experienced only on jb
You can get all spen apps on tw based custom roms and some apps are available on non-tw based roms but not all
There are many cm roms that support tablet mods like paranoid android
And on any rom,the best kernel is hydracore..Its an universal kernel and can be flashed on any rom
I'd say the best for you is stock Samsung JB (Android 4.1.1).
kopitalk said:
I'd say the best for you is stock Samsung JB (Android 4.1.1).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right but....Stock jb rom is not yet released for note
it should be here in a months time I hope
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
rajsekhar.300 said:
There are mods to get google now on any rom but i guess project butter can be experienced only on jb
You can get all spen apps on tw based custom roms and some apps are available on non-tw based roms but not all
There are many cm roms that support tablet mods like paranoid android
And on any rom,the best kernel is hydracore..Its an universal kernel and can be flashed on any rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks rajsekhar!
So lets say I would use hydracore and as a rom i have tot decide between a tw rom and paranoid android rom.
1) In the hydracore thread its seems that gavin the main developer is stopping his work, does this mean i should not use his kernel? Or does he have something "finished" released? Like completly without bugs, that can be used for the next year or so?!
He said in his thread:
If CM and AOSP type roms continue down this path then unfortunatly Hydra will be coming to an end.
So, on this note, when v6.1 final is released on friday (still more testing to do) i think I shall be calling it a day and cease all development activities for the Note.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I should not use this Kernel because of this, which alternative is there?
2) If you suggest the paranoid android rom, you mean i should stick to this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1871713 ,right?
3) I cannot find the thread for the TW based-ROM do they also have a thread in this forum?!
Thanks so far, and in advance!
hydra core 5.4 is quite good,
nickyleon said:
hydra core 5.4 is quite good,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so I will pick hydra core 5.4, without OC.
Is there a touchwiz rom based on jelly bean yet?!I have not found any,...
If there is non, i have to decide to use touchwiz & 4.0.4 OR no touchwiz but 4.1 jelly bean, right?!
So i will try to install the paranoid android rom: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1797698
In this Thread its stated that I should make sure to run CM9 before I try to flash this ROM to avoid a brick, so I guess I have to do something else before...
To be honest, I feel a little bit helpless with all those FAQ´s which Link to other threads which include further FAQ, there is no clean way to follow even after reading all those threads...
What I have done so far is:
- have donwloaded the correct hydracore v5.4 kernel
- downloaded samsung USB driver and installed it
- downloaded "gapps-jb-20120726-signed.zip"
- downloaded "pa_n7000-2.17-04OCT2012-130953.zip"
- downloaded odin v1.85
So with the aim of using hydracore 5.4 with paranoid android on it, and I expect gb on my note when i receive it today:
What are the steps to take?!
Help would be very much appreciated!
JamesBrooooks said:
Ok, so I will pick hydra core 5.4, without OC.
Is there a touchwiz rom based on jelly bean yet?!I have not found any,...
If there is non, i have to decide to use touchwiz & 4.0.4 OR no touchwiz but 4.1 jelly bean, right?!
So i will try to install the paranoid android rom: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1797698
In this Thread its stated that I should make sure to run CM9 before I try to flash this ROM to avoid a brick, so I guess I have to do something else before...
To be honest, I feel a little bit helpless with all those FAQ´s which Link to other threads which include further FAQ, there is no clean way to follow even after reading all those threads...
What I have done so far is:
- have donwloaded the correct hydracore v5.4 kernel
- downloaded samsung USB driver and installed it
- downloaded "gapps-jb-20120726-signed.zip"
- downloaded "pa_n7000-2.17-04OCT2012-130953.zip"
- downloaded odin v1.85
So with the aim of using hydracore 5.4 with paranoid android on it, and I expect gb on my note when i receive it today:
What are the steps to take?!
Help would be very much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are no tw jb roms
If you were on gb and interested in stock 4.0.4,then go to settings<about phone<software update.Then you will be updated to 4.0.4 through ota
If you wish to flash paranoid android or any other rom,then follow this guide to get root and cwm
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1329360
Then flash the rom and gapps through cwm recovery
If you were on ics,then flash hydracore kernel using odin and then flash any rom through cwm
rajsekhar.300 said:
There are no tw jb roms
If you were on gb and interested in stock 4.0.4,then go to settings<about phone<software update.Then you will be updated to 4.0.4 through ota
If you wish to flash paranoid android or any other rom,then follow this guide to get root and cwm
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1329360
Then flash the rom and gapps through cwm recovery
If you were on ics,then flash hydracore kernel using odin and then flash any rom through cwm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I guess i will first test stock 4.0.4 but at first sign of underperfomance / stuttering, i guess i will try to follow your linked guide!
Will 4.0.4 run faster if I would take a TW Rom from the forum? Or will I only get "butter smooth" feeling through Jelly Bean Roms? What are your experiences?
Thank you very much for your help
JamesBrooooks said:
Yes, I guess i will first test stock 4.0.4 but at first sign of underperfomance / stuttering, i guess i will try to follow your linked guide!
Will 4.0.4 run faster if I would take a TW Rom from the forum? Or will I only get "butter smooth" feeling through Jelly Bean Roms? What are your experiences?
Thank you very much for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.0.4 is stable and faster but i really dont like the tw interface and so i am on jb rom now..It runs fine and stable enough for me
But you need to experience both of hem to get a clear idea