Here is a post that helped me when I first decided to leave the Apple sheep heard...
Its from Android Forms..
It was originally posted by:rEcEivEr.
http://androidforums.com/sony-erics...om-kernel-cwm-firmware-flashing-adb-root.html
What is Bootloader, custom ROM, Kernel, CWM, Firmware, Flashing, ADB, Root ?
Here I've gathered some info for newcomers to the Android world.
I've tried to keep it relatively simple. So if you want more info, follow the links!
What Is A Bootloader?
Taken from: Android 101: What is a bootloader? | Android-Does.com
In literal terms, the bootloader is code that is executed before any Operating System starts to run. Bootloaders basically package the instructions to boot operating system kernel and most of them also have their own debugging or modification environment. Think of the bootloader as a security checkpoint for all those partitions. Because if you’re able to swap out what’s on those partitions, you’re able to break things if you don’t know what you’re doing.
As the bootloader kicks off before any piece of software on your device, it makes it extremely processor specific and every motherboard has it’s own bootloader. This is one reason that all Android phones have different custom ROMS developed due to high variance of processing hardware present on the device.
Android Bootloader
Every Android phone has a bootloader that instructs the operating system kernel to boot normally. But you need to understand one thing here that as Android OS is an open source OS and is available on a variety of different hardware, every manufacturer has their own version of bootloader specific for the hardware present in it’s environment. At its most basic level, your Android smartphone is like a hard drive, made of up several partitions. One of those partitions holds the Android system files, another holds all the app data you accumulate (which is how you’re usually able to update without losing all your stuff), and others to do more behind-the scenes stuff.
A lot has been said about bootloaders being “locked” and even the developer-friendly Nexus devices shipped with a locked bootloader (Nexus devices and a couple tablets are easily unlocked with a single command).In fact, a lot bootloaders are locked and encrypted, meaning simple commands like “fastboot oem unlock”, won’t do a thing.
Why are Bootloaders Locked?
A bootloader is usually locked on an Android device because although it’s an open source OS, still the manufacturers want you to stick to their Android OS version specifically designed for the device. In order to apply this concept, manufacturers lock the bootloader. With a locked bootloader on Android devices, it is virtually impossible to flash a Custom ROM and forced attempts void warranty as well as usually end up in bricks. Therefore, the first step is to always unlock the bootloader.
Why keep a bootloader out of reach? One of the biggest reasons is that the carriers and manufacturers don’t want to have to support hacked phones. The other is that a lot of time and money is spent developing these things. HTC Sense ain’t cheap. Neither is TouchWiz. But Samsung and HTC both have managed to find a middle ground with the modding community, and pressure is on other companies to do so as well.
Also a very good read about bootloaders: http://www.tested.com/news/feature/1879-know-your-android-bootloaderwhat-it-is-and-why-it-matters/
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What is a kernel?
Taken from: Android A to Z: What is a kernel? | Android Central
A kernel isn't something unique to Android -- iOS and MacOS have one, Windows has one, BlackBerry's QNX has one, in fact all high level operating systems have one. The one we're interested in is Linux, as it's the one Android uses. Let's try to break down what it is and what it does.
Android devices use the Linux kernel, but it's not the exact same kernel other Linux-based operating systems use. There's a lot of Android specific code built in, and Google's Android kernel maintainers have their work cut out for them. OEMs have to contribute as well, because they need to develop hardware drivers for the parts they're using for the kernel version they're using. This is why it takes a while for independent Android developers and hackers to port new versions to older devices and get everything working. Drivers written to work with the Gingerbread kernel on a phone won't necessarily work with the Ice Cream Sandwich kernel. And that's important, because one of the kernel's main functions is to control the hardware. It's a whole lot of source code, with more options while building it than you can imagine, but in the end it's just the intermediary between the hardware and the software.
When software needs the hardware to do anything, it sends a request to the kernel. And when we say anything, we mean anything. From the brightness of the screen, to the volume level, to initiating a call through the radio, even what's drawn on the display is ultimately controlled by the kernel. For example -- when you tap the search button on your phone, you tell the software to open the search application. What happens is that you touched a certain point on the digitizer, which tells the software that you've touched the screen at those coordinates. The software knows that when that particular spot is touched, the search dialog is supposed to open. The kernel is what tells the digitizer to look (or listen, events are "listened" for) for touches, helps figure out where you touched, and tells the system you touched it. In turn, when the system receives a touch event at a specific point from the kernel (through the driver) it knows what to draw on your screen. Both the hardware and the software communicate both ways with the kernel, and that's how your phone knows when to do something. Input from one side is sent as output to the other, whether it's you playing Angry Birds, or connecting to your car's Bluetooth.
It sounds complicated, and it is. But it's also pretty standard computer logic -- there's an action of some sort generated for every event. Without the kernel to accept and send information, developers would have to write code for every single event for every single piece of hardware in your device. With the kernel, all they have to do is communicate with it through the Android system API's, and hardware developers only have to make the device hardware communicate with the kernel. The good thing is that you don't need to know exactly how or why the kernel does what it does, just understanding that it's the go-between from software to hardware gives you a pretty good grasp of what's happening under the glass. Sort of gives a whole new outlook towards those fellows who stay up all night to work on kernels for your phone, doesn't it?
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What is CWM?
Taken from: AddictiveTips » Blog ArchiveWhat Is ClockworkMod Recovery And How To Use It On Android [Complete Guide]
ClockworkMod, abbreviated as CWM, is a popular custom recovery for Android phones and tablets developed by Koushik Dutta (Koush), a well-known name in the Android dev community. ClockworkMod recovery allows you to perform several advanced recovery, restoration, installation and maintenance operations on your Android device that aren’t possible with the stock recovery, and is one of the most common ways used to gain root access, back up device data, install a custom ROMs, kernels, themes, mods and more. However, for anyone new to Android customization and hacking, some of its options might prove to be a tad confusing. In what follows, we will cover all that this recovery is capable of doing, and how to do it.
About Android Recovery
All Android devices ship with a recovery console that is basically a partition on the device’s internal memory and can be booted into. The stock recovery of almost all Android devices provides a few basic yet handy options that allow you to factory reset your device and also to recover its operating system using an official ROM in zip format, but that’s all you can do with it. That’s where a custom recovery comes handy.
A custom Android recovery basically replaces the stock recovery with one that lets you do all you can do with the stock recovery, plus a plethora of more options to give you a lot more control on your device. With a custom recovery, you can install official and unofficial ROMs as well as other updates including apps, themes, kernels etc. using zip files, wipe not just user data but pretty much every partition on your device, mount the storage card for USB mass storage access without leaving recovery, partition your SD card, wipe Dalvik cache and battery stats, fix permissions, perform, manage and restore backups and so on.
Introduction To ClockworkMod
ClockworkMod recovery is one of the most widely used custom Android recoveries that is available for most mainstream Android devices. It is our custom recovery of choice here at AddictiveTips and almost every custom ROM that we install on our devices is done using this recovery.
ClockworkMod recovery has been developed by Koushik Dutta (also known as Koush) – the same guy who brought us the Android ROM Manager. He can be found at his blog hacking away at Android devices and at Twitter.
CWM options explained:
[REF] CWM - Clockworkmode menu options & Partitions– GENERAL KNOWLEDGE - xda-developers
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What's Firmware?
Taken from: What is Firmware, Rom and Firmware Flashing ? - I Teach Android
What the heck is this firmware? Definition of firmware is permanent software programmed into a read-only memory
In Simple words, you can understand it like windows for pc , in case of android we are going to do same thing – installing firmware (Froyo,Gingerbread, ICS, Jelly Bean etc.) on your phone. All phones have their different firmwares and installing tools regard less to the Andriod version (Froyo,Gingerbred). So never think that we can install any firmware on any android phone like we do in PCs.
Wiki link for even more info: Firmware - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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When the f#ck did we get ice cream?
Part #2
What is Flashing?
Flashing refers to the overwriting of existing data on ROM modules present in an electronic device with new data. This can be done to upgrade a device or to change the provider of a service associated with the function of the device, such as changing from one mobile phone service provider to another or installing a new operating system.
In simple words flashing is called installing firmware on your phone.
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What is Rooting?
Taken from: Rooting for Android: What, why and how? | Ubergizmo
WiKi link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooting_(Android_OS)
When carriers and manufacturers sell you your device, it is almost certain that the device would come with certain software restrictions in place. There are a variety of different reasons why they might do that – some claim that this is done to protect the user, preserve the device’s warranty (this policy will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer), prevent users from getting rid of carrier bloatware apps or simply because the manufacturer would prefer if your device was distinguishable from the competition based purely on its user interface (i.e. Samsung’s TouchWiz, HTC Sense UI, etc).
Whatever their reasoning may be, chances are if you are looking to customize your device on a deeper level, you’d be out of luck and this is where rooting comes into play.
Rooting is essentially a process that allows users of smartphones, tablets or other devices running on Android to gain “superuser” access to the software. This will allow the user to perform administrative tasks such as writing to locations normally restricted by the system which in turn will allow for deeper customization. For iOS users, rooting on Android devices could be thought of as a close equivalent to jailbreaking your device.
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What are custom ROMs?
Taken from: Custom ROMs For Android Explained - Here Is Why You Want Them
A stock ROM is the version of the phone's operating system that comes with your phone when you buy it.
A custom ROM is a fully standalone version of the OS, including the kernel (which makes everything run), apps, services, etc - everything you need to operate the device, except it's customized by someone in some way.
So what does the "customized" part mean? Since Android is open source, developers are free to take stock ROMs, modify them, strip them of garbage, optimize them, add things, and pretty much do whatever their imagination and skills allow.
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What is ADB?
Taken from: Android 201: What is adb? | Android Central
According to Google "Android Debug Bridge (adb) is a versatile tool lets you manage the state of an emulator instance or Android-powered device." That certainly sounds like Google, doesn't it? To put it simply, adb is two different applications -- one running on your computer (Windows, Linux or Mac) and one running on your phone. When your phone is connected, and USB debugging is enabled, you can issue commands and communicate with the phone using your computer screen and keyboard.
Your Android phone uses a modified Linux kernel and tools as a base. This means that quite a few Linux commands can be sent via the adb server (the one running on your computer) to the adb client (the one running on your phone) and they will be executed. In our example picture, I've sent the "top" command over the wire to my phone, and my phone sent me back the information and printed it to my terminal.
This can be awfully handy for debugging things that aren't going right, as well sending those weird commands you need when you're hacking away in the middle of the night. Chances are, if you aren't actively debugging something or trying to break hack at your phone, you won't have much use for adb. And that's OK -- there's more than one way to have fun with an Android device.
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What's baseband?
Baseband is the Radio or Modem version depending upon the Phone Model, Carrier and Android Software Stack version. The Radio/Modem file is flashed via Recovery tool (other options are ADB/ODIN). The mismatched Radio/Modem and ROM will lead to things not working. You need to find the matching Radio/Modem for the particular ROM you are running.
The radio firmware controls basic low-level functions like network connectivity, Wi-Fi, and GPS. Upgrading Radio firmware will fix connectivity issues, increase range or performance, decrease battery usage, etc. Incorrec tRadio frimeware can disable some functions in your phone such as MMS, 3G Data, VM Notifications, etc. Network operators/carriers select the correct version of the Radio firmware that is suitable for the phone, network and bandwidth.
There is also Modem and Baseband Radio Processor chipsets in Mobile phones. Usually, Google, Phone Manufacturers and carriers develop various types of modem firmware/software that controls the functions of these chipsets.
Firmware is the overall version of the Android system on your phone. Baseband version is the version of the radio embedded in the device. Since Android is based on the Linux operating system, they show you the current version of the Kernel used in the heart of the system. The Build number is just an indicator of which numerical version of the current overall system was built by developers for your device.
You cannot update any of these from the official web site. Updates to the Android system are pushed to the phone over-the-air by the manufacturer or the cell phone carrier. The only other way to update or change an Android phone it to install custom modified ROMs in place of the existing system firmware. That usually requires rooting the phone and a fairly considerable knowledge of how to hack hardware.
When the f#ck did we get ice cream?
Useful Info.
Thanks.
Do you have any idea how to root lg stylo 3. Boost mobile loads the phone down with bloatware and i would like to get it gone. Any help would be appreciated
سلام
میشه بگید آیا راهی وجود داره که فقط قابلیت ناک آن رو روی ال جی اپتیموس نصب کرد یا نه؟
گوشی من روت شده هست و فقط میخام این قابلیتپ بهش اضافه کنم
Ramin1985 said:
سلام
میشه بگید آیا راهی وجود داره که فقط قابلیت ناک آن رو روی ال جی اپتیموس نصب کرد یا نه؟
گوشی من روت شده هست و فقط میخام این قابلیتپ بهش اضافه کنم
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm happy to assist; however, I'd appreciate if the post was in English language.
please I have a problem with my Samsung GT-S7262 it has a red line at the corner of the phone on the left side of it please help me out I don't know what to do now so I need help from you people please !
Related
Decided to post this for anyone that is curious and wants to know the terminology used in these roms.
I take NO CREDIT for this, just wanted to share my findings. Source below. Let me know if I missed any.
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php/Terminology
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/what-is-odex-and-deodex-in-android-complete-guide/
TERMINOLOGY -
*TRWP- Team Win Recovery Project/ It has a touch based recovey interface.. and its more consistent than cwm it seems
*CWR aka ClockworkMod Recovery-
A custom recovery for Android phones and tablets that allows you to perform several advanced recovery, restoration, installation and maintenance operations on your Android device that aren’t possible with the stock recovery.
*Superuser-
A progam which gives unlimited access privileges to perform any or all operations on the operating system.
*KIES mini-
Kies Mini is an official application from Samsung that is used to update the software on your phone. It should not be confused with the full Kies application, which has a lot more functionality and is not officially supported in the USA. Therefore, abbreviating "Kies Mini" as just "Kies" can cause confusion.
*ODIN-
Odin is the Samsung software used to update Samsung phones. It does not work with any other devices other than official Samsung phones.
*OTA or FOTA-
(F)OTA stands for (Firmware) Over The Air and is the process by which required updates and enhancements to your phone's basic operating system can be sent to you through the cellular network. The Galaxy S II software update will be sent via FOTA and is available through Samsung Kies mini.0
*ODEX-
In Android file system, applications come in packages with the extension .apk. These application packages, or APKs contain certain .odex files whose supposed function is to save space. These ‘odex’ files are actually collections of parts of an application that are optimized before booting. Doing so speeds up the boot process, as it preloads part of an application. On the other hand, it also makes hacking those applications difficult because a part of the coding has already been extracted to another location before execution.
*DEODEX-
Deodexing is basically repackaging of these APKs in a certain way, such that they are reassembled into classes.dex files. By doing that, all pieces of an application package are put together back in one place, thus eliminating the worry of a modified APK conflicting with some separate odexed parts.
In summary, Deodexed ROMs (or APKs) have all their application packages put back together in one place, allowing for easy modification such as theming. Since no pieces of code are coming from any external location, custom ROMs or APKs are always deodexed to ensure integrity.
*Busybox-
A set of Unix tools / commands that has been compiled for use on your phone. These are not usually full-featured versions of the Unix commands found on the larger platforms counterparts, but they are pretty close and useful nonetheless.
*3G/4G-
3G/4G is the term generally used to describe 3rd/4rth Generation mobile telecommunications, specifically allowing for greater throughput of data over cellular networks.
*Baseband/Modem-
Baseband refers to the original frequency range of a transmission signal before it is converted, or modulated, to a different frequency range.
*Bloatware-
Software or 'apps' that you don't need, but come preinstalled to a device's /system partition, meaning that you cannot remove them unless the device has been rooted. Usually, these are apps are sponsored by a company and included by a carrier for profit. For example, the Photobucket app included on the G2 by TMobile.
*CDMA-
Code division multiple access (CDMA) is a channel access method used by various radio communication technologies. It should not be confused with the mobile phone standards called cdmaOne and CDMA2000 (which are often referred to as simply CDMA), which use CDMA as an underlying channel access method.
*Firmware-
Programs stored in the ROM, EPROM, or flash memory that usually control various internal electronic devices (Hard Drives, Keyboards, Displays, etc). Firmware is typically 'fixed' software that is not updated in consumer devices, however it is often updated (or 'flashed') by advanced users to fix bugs or add features to the device. Flashing firmware designed for one device onto a different device, or not following a specific procedure while flashing will often render the device unusable.
*Flash-
Non-volatile computer storage that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed (similar to EPROM). No power is needed to maintain the information stored in the chip. This technology is primarily used in memory cards and USB flash drives for general storage and transfer of data between computers and other digital products. Because of its ease of use, speed, ability to be updated (see flashing), this technology is often used in mobile devices, PDAs, digital media players.
*Kernel-
The central or core software component of most operating systems. Its responsibilities include managing the system's resources (the communication between hardware and software components) and can provide the lowest-level abstraction layer for resources (especially memory, processors, and I/O devices).
*IMEI-
The International Mobile Equipment Identity is a number unique to every GSM, WCDMA, and iDEN mobile device, as well as some satellite devices. The IMEI number is used by the GSM network to identify valid devices and therefore can be used to stop a stolen device from accessing the network. For example, if a mobile device is stolen, the owner can call their network provider and instruct them to "ban" the device using its IMEI number. This renders the device useless, whether or not the device's SIM is changed. The IMEI can be displayed by dialing *#06#.
*IRC-
Internet Relay Chat. Basically a chatroom, or a cross between Instant Messaging and a forum.
*Open-source-
Open-source is software that anyone is allowed to see the 'source' code. In the context of Android, Open-source refers to the approach to the design, development, and distribution of software. This offers accessibility to a software's source code for modification, improvement, bug-fixing, and security-enhancement. CyanogenMod is based on this principle.
*AOSP-
Android Open Source Project
*Radio-
The cellular radio on the device which needs control software called firmware to control it.
*ROM-
Read Only Memory. In the context of an Android device, ROM is the internal flash memory where the core operating system resides. It can also refer to a specific version firmware that can be applied to a device through a process usually referred to as flashing. An improperly flashed ROM can often brick the device, rendering it unusable.
*SDK-
Software Development Kit. You can find the Android SDK at http://developer.android.com/sdk.
*Vanilla-
A clean, unmodified version of something. In the context of Android ROMs, vanilla refers to the stock ROM that came pre-installed on the device.
*Widget-
An application that lives (in other words, is always running) on the homescreen instead of being 'run' like a regular app. Common examples are calenders and weather widgets.
*Soft Brick-
Recoverable without professional repair via Odin
*Hard Brick-
Not recoverable, better hope you have a warranty/insurance. Usually happens when flashing wrong rom or modem, like from another device.
*Superwipe-
A tool that will get your device "Rom-flash-ready" by doing the necessary wiping
*Zipalign-
Reduces the amount of RAM consumed when running the application by allowing data to be mmap'd in; which causes all uncompressed data within the .apk, such as images or raw files, to be aligned on 4-byte boundaries.
*Sleep of death or S.O.D.-
Refers to the the device not being able to be awaken after a long time in "off mode" like while charging while you sleep. If you try to awaken your device, I will not come on. Usually requires a long press on the power button to reset the device or battery pull.
*Hot Reboot-
An option to reload all apps and framework files without rebooing the complete device
*FC-
Foreclose
*WIP-
Work in Progress
*Kanged-
To have one's developer code and work taken, manipulated, rebranded, and re-released by someone else with no credit
*Insecure-
A kernel that will give you root access, installing one of these will allow you to run apps that require root access, and allow you to make proper backups of your handset.
Android Specific Definitions
*ADB-
Android Development Bridge. Command line tool used to communicate with & control the device over a USB link from a computer. The ADB command is found in the Android SDK.
*Android-
Unveiled on 5 November 2007, Android is a mobile operating system running on the Linux kernel developed by Google.
*Apps2SD-
Move applications from the internal NAND memory on the device to a removable SD Card.
*CyanogenMod Updater-
An updater written by Cyanogen that allows you to receive OTA (Over-The-Air) updates to CyanogenMod.
*Dalvik-Cache-
The dalvik-cache directory holds all of the pre-compiled .dex files created from installed apps. These files are static and do not change unless the app is updated.
*Fastboot-
Fastboot is protocol used to directly update the flash filesystem in Android devices from a host over USB. It allows flashing of unsigned partition images. It is disabled almost all production devices since USB support is disabled in the bootloader.
*GApps-
See Google Apps.
*[CO
Nice job! Thanks for compiling that.
I was just saying on another thread that I wish when I had rooted last week that I knew more about WHAT and WHY I was doing something vs. just following the directions of the dev! Love to see someone maybe elaborate on the actual root process. Such as explaining why we have to use odin vs. say just drag and dropping files, what is and why do we have to have Superuser, explain CWM recovery, etc.
Nice post. I didn't know what odex vs deodex was but now I do!
Swyped from my iPhone eater
-BeastMOD
-Supercharged 1000HP
you deserve a thanks click and a sticky... sorry can only provide one
OP updated with Superuser, ODIN and CWR.
thanx bro..my noob level dropped lol
mightymike889 said:
thanx bro..my noob level dropped lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. If I can help at least one person than my job has been done.
Powered by the SGSII....
Very nice list. But I have one question, what's ota? ;-)
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Deebo took your bike too?
ThC23 said:
OP updated with Superuser, ODIN and CWR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Learning more and more!
Superuser...I thought I "installed" Superuser like an app or interface?
AOSP - Android Open Source Project.
I just looked this one up the other day after wondering for a loong time what it meant.
m.
escrowdog said:
Thanks! Learning more and more!
Superuser...I thought I "installed" Superuser like an app or interface?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, my bad! It is, it was late last nite and I have no idea where that came from, lol. Superuser fixed. Thanks.
Busybox added.
ThC23 said:
Lol, my bad! It is, it was late last nite and I have no idea where that came from, lol. Superuser fixed. Thanks.
Busybox added.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should've added ota in the op too.
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Deebo took your bike too?
Write what CWR actually stands for. ClockworkMod Recovery
The_Biz said:
You should've added ota in the op too.
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Deebo took your bike too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
darkamikaze said:
Write what CWR actually stands for. ClockworkMod Recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP updated, thanks.
Thanks OP! You know what I would really like - a listing for the 'just past n00bs' that includes items like:
Baseband version
Kernel version
Mod version
Build number
(Basically all the less than painfully obvious items on the "About Phone" page. )
As an example, Keis wanted to update the firmware to VKID2 last night, but I thought, screw it, I am loading CM7. However, I still see the old baseband version there. Whats the difference? Should I (can I) load the samsung update now that CM7 is loaded. Is there "firmware" and a "rom" or are they the same thing... etc.
anyway, thanks for the glossary. Its good!
I just bought my first Android a week ago. I've been reading a bunch and was confused by many terms. This was very helpful. Thanks!
unlocked ; can also referr to the bootloader too fyi
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
Thanks
Thank you so much for such an informative page. What is Android without Root privileges
Thank you. good Info.
dwayner79 said:
Thanks OP! You know what I would really like - a listing for the 'just past n00bs' that includes items like:
Baseband version
Kernel version
Mod version
Build number
(Basically all the less than painfully obvious items on the "About Phone" page. )
As an example, Keis wanted to update the firmware to VKID2 last night, but I thought, screw it, I am loading CM7. However, I still see the old baseband version there. Whats the difference? Should I (can I) load the samsung update now that CM7 is loaded. Is there "firmware" and a "rom" or are they the same thing... etc.
anyway, thanks for the glossary. Its good!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what it should look like with the new update. This has the latest baseband and its 2.3.6.
Powered by the SGSII....
I got useful information From thread posted by ThC23. Credit goes to him
ThC23 said:
Decided to post this for anyone that is curious and wants to know the terminology used in these roms.
I take NO CREDIT for this, just wanted to share my findings. Source below. Let me know if I missed any.
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php/Terminology
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/what-is-odex-and-deodex-in-android-complete-guide/
TERMINOLOGY -
*CWR aka ClockworkMod Recovery-
A custom recovery for Android phones and tablets that allows you to perform several advanced recovery, restoration, installation and maintenance operations on your Android device that aren’t possible with the stock recovery.
*Superuser-
A progam which gives unlimited access privileges to perform any or all operations on the operating system.
*KIES mini-
Kies Mini is an official application from Samsung that is used to update the software on your phone. It should not be confused with the full Kies application, which has a lot more functionality and is not officially supported in the USA. Therefore, abbreviating "Kies Mini" as just "Kies" can cause confusion.
*ODIN-
Odin is the Samsung software used to update Samsung phones. It does not work with any other devices other than official Samsung phones.
*OTA or FOTA-
(F)OTA stands for (Firmware) Over The Air and is the process by which required updates and enhancements to your phone's basic operating system can be sent to you through the cellular network. The Galaxy S II software update will be sent via FOTA and is available through Samsung Kies mini.0
*ODEX-
In Android file system, applications come in packages with the extension .apk. These application packages, or APKs contain certain .odex files whose supposed function is to save space. These ‘odex’ files are actually collections of parts of an application that are optimized before booting. Doing so speeds up the boot process, as it preloads part of an application. On the other hand, it also makes hacking those applications difficult because a part of the coding has already been extracted to another location before execution.
*DEODEX-
Deodexing is basically repackaging of these APKs in a certain way, such that they are reassembled into classes.dex files. By doing that, all pieces of an application package are put together back in one place, thus eliminating the worry of a modified APK conflicting with some separate odexed parts.
In summary, Deodexed ROMs (or APKs) have all their application packages put back together in one place, allowing for easy modification such as theming. Since no pieces of code are coming from any external location, custom ROMs or APKs are always deodexed to ensure integrity.
*Busybox-
A set of Unix tools / commands that has been compiled for use on your phone. These are not usually full-featured versions of the Unix commands found on the larger platforms counterparts, but they are pretty close and useful nonetheless.
*3G/4G-
3G/4G is the term generally used to describe 3rd/4rth Generation mobile telecommunications, specifically allowing for greater throughput of data over cellular networks.
*Baseband/Modem-
Baseband refers to the original frequency range of a transmission signal before it is converted, or modulated, to a different frequency range.
*Bloatware-
Software or 'apps' that you don't need, but come preinstalled to a device's /system partition, meaning that you cannot remove them unless the device has been rooted. Usually, these are apps are sponsored by a company and included by a carrier for profit. For example, the Photobucket app included on the G2 by TMobile.
*CDMA-
Code division multiple access (CDMA) is a channel access method used by various radio communication technologies. It should not be confused with the mobile phone standards called cdmaOne and CDMA2000 (which are often referred to as simply CDMA), which use CDMA as an underlying channel access method.
*Firmware-
Programs stored in the ROM, EPROM, or flash memory that usually control various internal electronic devices (Hard Drives, Keyboards, Displays, etc). Firmware is typically 'fixed' software that is not updated in consumer devices, however it is often updated (or 'flashed') by advanced users to fix bugs or add features to the device. Flashing firmware designed for one device onto a different device, or not following a specific procedure while flashing will often render the device unusable.
*Flash-
Non-volatile computer storage that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed (similar to EPROM). No power is needed to maintain the information stored in the chip. This technology is primarily used in memory cards and USB flash drives for general storage and transfer of data between computers and other digital products. Because of its ease of use, speed, ability to be updated (see flashing), this technology is often used in mobile devices, PDAs, digital media players.
*Kernel-
The central or core software component of most operating systems. Its responsibilities include managing the system's resources (the communication between hardware and software components) and can provide the lowest-level abstraction layer for resources (especially memory, processors, and I/O devices).
*IMEI-
The International Mobile Equipment Identity is a number unique to every GSM, WCDMA, and iDEN mobile device, as well as some satellite devices. The IMEI number is used by the GSM network to identify valid devices and therefore can be used to stop a stolen device from accessing the network. For example, if a mobile device is stolen, the owner can call their network provider and instruct them to "ban" the device using its IMEI number. This renders the device useless, whether or not the device's SIM is changed. The IMEI can be displayed by dialing *#06#.
*IRC-
Internet Relay Chat. Basically a chatroom, or a cross between Instant Messaging and a forum.
*Open-source-
Open-source is software that anyone is allowed to see the 'source' code. In the context of Android, Open-source refers to the approach to the design, development, and distribution of software. This offers accessibility to a software's source code for modification, improvement, bug-fixing, and security-enhancement. CyanogenMod is based on this principle.
*ASOP-
Android Open Source Project
*Radio-
The cellular radio on the device which needs control software called firmware to control it.
*ROM-
Read Only Memory. In the context of an Android device, ROM is the internal flash memory where the core operating system resides. It can also refer to a specific version firmware that can be applied to a device through a process usually referred to as flashing. An improperly flashed ROM can often brick the device, rendering it unusable.
*SDK-
Software Development Kit. You can find the Android SDK at http://developer.android.com/sdk.
*Vanilla-
A clean, unmodified version of something. In the context of Android ROMs, vanilla refers to the stock ROM that came pre-installed on the device.
*Widget-
An application that lives (in other words, is always running) on the homescreen instead of being 'run' like a regular app. Common examples are calenders and weather widgets.
Android Specific Definitions
*ADB-
Android Development Bridge. Command line tool used to communicate with & control the device over a USB link from a computer. The ADB command is found in the Android SDK.
*Android-
Unveiled on 5 November 2007, Android is a mobile operating system running on the Linux kernel developed by Google.
*Apps2SD-
Move applications from the internal NAND memory on the device to a removable SD Card.
*CyanogenMod Updater-
An updater written by Cyanogen that allows you to receive OTA (Over-The-Air) updates to CyanogenMod.
*Dalvik-Cache-
The dalvik-cache directory holds all of the pre-compiled .dex files created from installed apps. These files are static and do not change unless the app is updated.
*Fastboot-
Fastboot is protocol used to directly update the flash filesystem in Android devices from a host over USB. It allows flashing of unsigned partition images. It is disabled almost all production devices since USB support is disabled in the bootloader.
*GApps-
See Google Apps.
*Google Apps-
An add-on for Google's applications (Market, GMail etc.), packaged separately to avoid copyright issues
*Logcat-
A debugging tool built into Android devices that displays system logs as they occur. See Logcat.
*NANDroid-
A set of tools that will enable anyone who has root on their Android device to make FULL system backups, in case something goes wrong or you want to try out that new experimental ROM/theme. NANDroid will backup (and restore) /system, /data, /cache, and /boot partitions.
*Recovery Mode-
A special environment that you can boot into for troubleshooting and upgrading purposes.
*Tethering-
Using a wireless device (e.g. an Android phone) to share it's wireless data connection to another device (e.g. laptop). With an Android device, the wireless data connection can usually be shared via WiFi, Bluetooth or USB connection.
*Wipe-
Usually refers to wiping data and cache partitions of the device.
*Zipalign-
Reduces the amount of RAM consumed when running the application by allowing data to be mmap'd in; which causes all uncompressed data within the .apk, such as images or raw files, to be aligned on 4-byte boundaries.
Hacking Definitions
*Aftermarket-
Aftermarket generally refers to any product or service applied or requisitioned by end-users to add usability or functionality to the original product. Many aftermarket modifications can void the manufacturer's warranty. From a manufacturer's perspective, the after-market is any goods or services offered by the manufacturer directly to end-users of a given product or service. After-market services include support for warranties, contracts, and parts and accessories sales.
*Brick-
a device that no longer functions, generally caused by a failed firmware or SPL update. Since the device no longer works as intended, it is often referred to as a "brick" or "paper-weight", since that is all it is good for.
*Flashing-
The process of applying a firmware image (or ROM) to a device. It generally entails a very specific order of steps. Failing to complete any one of these steps properly may result in bricking the device.
*Kang-
The process of creating a code based of someone else's code or reapplying code that someone else created into your own code (e.g. git cherry-pick)
*Rooting-
Obtaining root ("administrator", or "full") access to the device. This means you can mount its internal memory partition as read/write, which lets you do various things: have USB or Wi-Fi tethering, uninstall applications you otherwise can't uninstall (e.g. the Amazon MP3 store), install applications that need root access (such as AdFree), disable the camera shutter sound (simply by deleting the shutter sound file), overclock or underclock the CPU, install and boot Debian, and so on. Installing CyanogenMod roots the device in the process. The "Superuser" app controls what applications may gain root privileges.
*Unlock-
Most GSM devices are locked to only work with the sim cards of a particular carrier. Obtaining root access (e.g. installing CyanogenMod) on the device usually does nothing to the sim-lock. The usual way to unlock the device to all SIM cards is to obtain a subsidy unlock code from a carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good Job
It really helped me
sagarda7 said:
I got useful information From thread posted by ThC23. Credit goes to him
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice post... i like this
Very Nice Information
Very very Nice Information............thanks for it..........
Thanks for the information.. like this!
nice, very informative for newbies like me
thanks for the info
Nice share... but we still don't have multi-odin, right...??
Thanx for the info
Thnx a lot ;-)
Sent from my GT-S5360 using XDA App
Elparaq said:
Nice share... but we still don't have multi-odin, right...??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got that wrong. We don't have single-odin yet.
Sent from my GT-S5360 using XDA App
Nice Info, Thanks!
Nice. It helped me
If you just switched from iPhone or BB or this is ur first android. Read this thoroughly and see ur questions get eliminated by this guide. if you find this helpful than show your appreciation and hit that thnx button.
Little in-depth information about Android. Must Read. Thank You Pirateghost.
Pirateghost said:
Android itself is OPEN. you can go and build your very own version of 4.0 ICS right now from source code. there are very few phones you can STABLY and RELIABLY run it on though.
The NEXUS line of phones exists for a reason. they are untouched by carriers (verizon teabagged the Galaxy Nexus a little), and do not have some stupid overlay on them. they are developer devices in that it is the first phone to get android updates straight from google (no manufacturer interference required).
every other phone is tainted with a manufacturer's UI. Touchwiz on Samsung phones (galaxy nexus is a samsung but they provided the hardware not the software), Sense on HTC, 'non-blur' on Motorola, whatever Sony calls theirs...lol, LG, etc
on top of that tainted Android interface is a carrier branding or lockdown (doesnt apply to the entire world, but im only referring to US here)
so google releases new version of Android
manufacturers build phone, and customize android to fit their model (this is where android almost stops being OPEN)
carriers get a hold of the manufacturers build of android and tweak and modify it themselves (more than likely they just tell the manufacturers what they want), as you know they love to include bloat and lock it down from the user
you receive your android phone after it has gone through all those steps....long process huh? we dont get updates to newer versions as quickly because of that long process...and they would rather us buy new phones instead of improving perfectly good hardware.
Android is open in the sense that manufacturers can use it however they wish, within reason. it is not necessarily meant to be 'open' to the average end user, and manufacturers dont want you messing with the phone they built. its the reason XDA is what it is today, albeit with roots deep in WinMo hacking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ADB → Android Debug Bridge (adb) is a versatile command line tool that lets you communicate with an emulator instance or connected Android-powered device..
Android →Unveiled on 5 November 2007, Android is a mobile operating system running on the Linux kernel developed by Google.
AOSP → Android Open Source Project
Apps2SD → Move applications from the internal NAND memory on the device to a removable SD Card.
BLN → BackLight Notification
Bloatware → Software bloat is a process whereby successive versions of apps include an increasing proportion of unnecessary features that are not used by end users, or generally use more system resources than necessary, while offering little or no benefit to its users. Like all the crap that comes from At&t
Brick → When used in reference to consumer electronics, "brick" describes a device that cannot function in any capacity (such as a device with damaged firmware). This usage derives from the fact that some electronic devices (and their detachable power supplies) are vaguely brick-shaped, and so those which do not function are useful only as actual bricks. The term can also be used as a verb. For example, "I bricked my phone when I tried to modify its firmware."[
Hard Brick → When your phone does not turn on at all. When you can’t get in to CWR/CWM Or Stock recovery. You are basically screwed.
Soft Brick → When your phone bootloops. When you can get into CWR/CWM. When You can use jigtag to get into download mode.
Busybox → BusyBox provides several stripped-down Unix tools in a single executable. It runs in a variety of POSIX environments such as Linux, Android, FreeBSD and others, such as proprietary kernels, although many of the tools it provides are designed to work with interfaces provided by the Linux kernel. It was specifically created for embedded operating systems with very limited resources. Platforms counterparts, but they are pretty close and useful nonetheless.
CWR OR CWM ClockworkMod Recovery →A custom recovery for Android phones and tablets that allows you to perform several advanced recovery, restoration, installation and maintenance operations on your Android device that aren’t possible with the stock recovery.
DEODEX → Apk files have respective odexes that devs use to supposedly save space. Deodexing means you convert it back to a .dex file and put it back inside the apk. This allows you to easily replace file (not having to worry about odexes), but the main point was to deodex services.jar so that you can change all text to different colors (such as the clock color to white) and to deodex services.jar, you need to deodex everything.
Flashing → The process of applying a firmware image (or ROM) to a device. It generally entails a very specific order of steps. Failing to complete any one of these steps properly may result in bricking the device.
Firmware → is a term often used to denote the fixed, usually rather small, programs and/or data structures that internally control various electronic devices. Programs stored in the ROM, EPROM, or flash memory that usually control various internal electronic devices (Hard Drives, Keyboards, Displays, etc). Firmware is typically 'fixed' software that is not updated in consumer devices, however it is often updated (or 'flashed') by advanced users to fix bugs or add features to the device. Flashing firmware designed for one device onto a different device, or not following a specific procedure while flashing will often render the device unusable.
Kernel → is the main component of most computer operating systems; it is a bridge between applications and the actual data processing done at the hardware level. The kernel's responsibilities include managing the system's resources (the communication between hardware and software components
Radio → The cellular radio on the device which needs control software called firmware to control it.
ROM → Read Only Memory. In the context of an Android device, ROM is the internal flash memory where the core operating system resides. It can also refer to a specific version firmware that can be applied to a device through a process usually referred to as flashing. An improperly flashed ROM can often brick the device, rendering it unusable.
Superuser→ A program, which gives unlimited access privileges to perform any or all operations on the operating system.
ODIN → Odin is the Samsung software used to update Samsung phones. It does not work with any other devices other than official Samsung phones.
OTA or FOTA → (F)OTA stands for (Firmware) Over The Air and is the process by which required updates and enhancements to your phone's basic operating system can be sent to you through the cellular network. The Galaxy S II software update will be sent via FOTA and is available through Samsung Kies mini.0
ODEX → In Android file system, applications come in packages with the extension .apk. These application packages, or APKs contain certain .odex files whose supposed function is to save space. These ‘odex’ files are actually collections of parts of an application that are optimized before booting. Doing so speeds up the boot process, as it preloads part of an application. On the other hand, it also makes hacking those applications difficult because a part of the coding has already been extracted to another location before execution.
SDK → Software Development Kit.
Logcat → A debugging tool built into Android devices that displays system logs as they occur. See Logcat.
NANDroid → A set of tools that will enable anyone who has root on their Android device to make FULL system backups, in case something goes wrong or you want to try out that new experimental ROM/theme. NANDroid will backup (and restore) /system, /data, /cache, and /boot partitions.
Recovery Mode → A special environment that you can boot into for troubleshooting and upgrading purposes.
Kang → The process of creating a code based of someone else's code or reapplying code that someone else created into your own code (e.g. git cherry-pick)
Rooting → is a process that allows users of mobile phones and other devices running the Android operating system to attain privileged control (known as "root access") within Android's Linux subsystem with the goal of overcoming limitations that carriers and manufacturers put on some devices.
How to root ANY US VERSION ON MAC
How To root At&t Samsung Galaxy S III I747 No Tripping Flash Counter
How TO ROOT USING SNAPDRAGON TOOL KIT!
How To Install ClockWorkMod Recovery!
How To upgrade ClowckWorkMod Recovery!
HOW TO UNROOT & FACTORY RESET YOUR SGSIII
How TO Flash ROMS!
How TO Back up Rom on Samsung Galaxy III
How to flash themes
MOD FEEL FREE TO STICKY IT, AS IT WILL BE FILLED UP & THIS THREAD WILL BE NOOB HANG OUT PLACE!
Legit!
Thanks for this thread...this will be my first android phone
I'm switching from iphone 4 to the SGS3, although i'm still eagerly awaiting my phone to arrive at my local BB, i've been reading up on all this stuff as much as i can...
+1 to sticky
send2amrish said:
Thanks for this thread...this will be my first android phone
I'm switching from iphone 4 to the SGS3, although i'm still eagerly awaiting my phone to arrive at my local BB, i've been reading up on all this stuff as much as i can...
+1 to sticky
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. Nice to have all of this info to read up one while I wait for my phone. Hopefully bb will come through soon. Thanks for the Thread!
heya AppDroid.
i lol every time i see my quote in your guides...
Appreciate the effort here....if only there was a way to make the noobs read all this before being allowed to post on the board
Sup Pirateghost!
Well Your Quote explains why we no get update like GNex! SO its great Explanation to NOOBS! lol
But hope you get this phone/already have it! Looking forward to flashing your stuff!
Pirateghost said:
heya AppDroid.
i lol every time i see my quote in your guides...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
appdroid said:
Sup Pirateghost!
Well Your Quote explains why we no get update like GNex! SO its great Explanation to NOOBS! lol
But hope you get this phone/already have it! Looking forward to flashing your stuff!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I don't have it and don't plan on buying another device off contract until the next nexus.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Noob here. I plan on switching from a 3gs iPhone (AT&T) I've had for about 2.5 years. Had a few questions.
What's the deal with the micro sim? Will I just need to cut my old one down to size (i've seen the tutorials) or will I need to transfer to the new one they provide?
I don't plan on doing any rooting but I did see a thread about removing unnecessary processes to free up RAM and would like to do this if it is simple. Any advice/recommendations on how to do this without getting too detailed?
Lastly, for those that may have already done the switch or anyone else who would know, what are some of the most important changes I will have to get used to coming from the iPhone? What is the coolest thing I didn't have before? What are some of the first things a noob should do to his phone to make it "better" without getting crazy. I'm not a developer or specialized in computers or code or anything. Just someone looking for a few ideas. Thanks!!
PS thanks for the noob forum
If you're referring to this thread, then you would need to root the device to accomplish what he's detailing there.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1726842
Not sure how I missed that. Guess I'll have to look into rooting.
Spoonman87 said:
Not sure how I missed that. Guess I'll have to look into rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's your only reason for rooting, then it may interest you to know that in Android 4.0 they introduced the concept of disabling system apps. It'll still take up disk space (which is negligible compared to the 16 or 32 GB availalbe), but it won't be allowed to run (no RAM usage) and it will be removed from the app list. So, it will be as if it's uninstalled.
So that's probably a better option if this was your only reason for rooting.
There are plenty of other reasons to root though, but I'll leave you to discover those for yourself. Personally, I value my 1 year Verizon warranty. So I wait until my second year to root.
demarcmj said:
If that's your only reason for rooting, then it may interest you to know that in Android 4.0 they introduced the concept of disabling system apps. It'll still take up disk space (which is negligible compared to the 16 or 32 GB availalbe), but it won't be allowed to run (no RAM usage) and it will be removed from the app list. So, it will be as if it's uninstalled.
So that's probably a better option if this was your only reason for rooting.
There are plenty of other reasons to root though, but I'll leave you to discover those for yourself. Personally, I value my 1 year Verizon warranty. So I wait until my second year to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know. Thanks!
Where is the ...
Okay, on a very serious note ...
Where is the post on what to do in case you run out of toilet paper? Well? Well? Come on, this is very important.
Peter
Hopefully this will address a few questions, and help anyone new to the forum. I've assembled a list of terms and acronyms used on the forum below. Terms with links go to sources or threads with additional information. An item in all caps in a definition is one that I've defined elsewhere.
Use CTRL+F to find a specific term.
FORUM RELATED:
SEARCH: The button just above the title of the forum or thread you are in. This should be your first resort when trying to find information.
GENERAL: This is the place for posting anything general. These include tips, ideas, comments, etc.
Q/A: This is the place for posting any questions. If you have a bug to report in a program or ROM (and have the minimum of 10 posts), post it in the appropriate thread in the ANDROID DEVELOPMENT subforum.
ACCESSORIES: This forum is for any items that attach to the physical hardware of the Android device.
ANDROID DEVELOPMENT: This is the place for posting Hacks/Mods/ROMs/Modems/Kernels. Generally reserved for developers, there is a 10-post minimum before a user can post here. This is the place to inform developers of bugs or software issues - ask questions in the Q&A subforum.
ORIGINAL ANDROID DEVELOPMENT: Similar to the ANDROID DEVELOPMENT subforum, this is where Hacks/Mods/ROMs/Modems/Kernels developed from scratch (i.e. not ported from other devices) are located.
THEMES AND APPS: This is the place for posting themes as well as programs. Many applications can be interchangeable with Android Development, so use your best judgement.
FWIW: Short for "For what it's worth"
OP: Short for Original Poster, or the person who originally started the thread.
PM: Short for Private Message. Allows users of XDA to send and receive non-public messages. Accessed from USER CP.
THREAD: An individual issue page on the forum. This thing you're reading is a thread.
THREAD TOOLS: A button that allows users to subscribe and unsubscribe from THREADs. Subscriptions can be accessed from USER CP. See button screenshot below.
USER CP: Short for User Control Panel. This button near the top of the XDA page allows users to update their avatar, personal information, and signature. PMs and subscribed threads can also be checked in this location. See button screenshot below.
YMMW: Short for "Your mileage may vary".
ANDROID DEVICE RELATED:
4G: Short for Fourth Generation. Refers to network connection speed levels that exceed 3G / Third Generation speeds. See also LTE.
ADB: Short for Android Debug Bridge. Part of the Android Software Development Kit (SDK), it allows for ROOT-level access to the Android device from a computer.
AOKP: Short for Android Open Kang Project. Consists of Android builds compiled from open source, but with special features unique to each build. See also KANG.
AOSP: Short for Android Open Source Project. The open-sourced code from which individuals can build new distributions of Android.
APK: An Android executable file, similar to the .exe file in Windows. Most programs will install with a .apk file.
BOOTLOADER: There are two of these; the primary and secondary bootloaders. These programs tell the Android device how to start up, and are critical to its functionality.
BML: Short for Block Management Layer. Provides a programming interface simulating the parallel disk model.
BRICK: An Android device that is completely non-responsive, i.e. nothing lights up, the screen does nothing, no combination of button presses cause any reaction. Can only be restored by JTAG or warranty service.
BUILD.PROP: A plain text file which contains environmental variables for the system to use during operation. Can be hacked to fake a different model for increased functionality, among many other operations.
BUSYBOX: An application that contains many standard Unix tools. Commonly used with TITANIUM BACKUP.
BUTTON COMBO: The act of pressing several buttons at the same time to produce a desired result (e.g. pushing volume up, home, and the power button for 10 seconds will reboot into the RECOVERY menu). 3-Button Combo is a common example. May also be referred to as a "Chord".
CLOCKWORKMOD RECOVERY MENU: This is a program that allows you to install custom ROMS as well as do many other low-level customizations. Often referred to as the "RECOVERY MENU". See also "ROM MANAGER"
CM: Short for CyanogenMod. CyanogenMod is an Android build built from the Android Open Source Project, and its builds are usable on multiple different Android Devices.
CWM: Short for ClockWorkMod Recovery Menu. See CLOCKWORKMOD RECOVERY MENU.
DALVIK CACHE: The collection of program information stored for use by the DALVIK program. This can be cleared from the RECOVERY menu to resolve issues with the Android OS.
DALVIK: The Android operating system's memory management tool. This program handles which other programs are running and assigns memory to them
DEODEXED: Removing the .odex files from an APK file. The .odex files contain a list of dependencies for the associated file, and if something changes, the .odex (and similarly, the associated file) not longer function correctly.
DOWNLOAD: The download menu is the lowest-level interface to the Android device. Allows for full access to all flashable items on the device via the ODIN/HEIMDALL tool.
EFS: The directory /efs on the Android device's internal storage. Contains files with the Android device's IMEI, wireless devices MAC addresses, product code, and other information..
EMMC: Short for Embedded MultiMediaCard. A chip architecture consisting of an embedded storage solution with MMC interface, flash memory and controller, all in a small ball grid array package.
EXT4: A journaling file system (e.g. NTFS, FAT32 are file systems) often used by Linux distributions. Can be used with Android.
EXTERNAL SD: A micro SD card that has been inserted in the micro SD slot in the Android device. Can be removed.
FACTORY RESET: This will remove all user customizations in the Android OS, returning it to a factory state. Note: This will not wipe the Internal SD card.
FC: Short for FORCE CLOSE. See FORCE CLOSE.
FLASHING: The act of writing code to the Android device. ROMs, MODEMs, KERNELs, and BOOTLOADERs can all be flashed. Independent from, and having nothing to do with, Adobe's Flash product.
FLASH COUNTER: A line of code in several Samsung Galaxy devices' bootloaders that counts the number of times a user uses ODIN to flash code to the device. Commonly used to detect software modification. Can be reset with TRIANGLE AWAY.
FORCE CLOSE: When a program on the Android device becomes unstable, the DALVIK program will force it to terminate to prevent further system instability.
FREEZE: Specific to TITANIUM BACKUP. Using the TITANIUM BACKUP tool, the user changes a program into a non-functional, but still installed, state. Useful for identifying problem and FCs.
GOVERNOR: A program that interacts with the device hardware to increase or decrease the processor's clock speed (e.g. at low usage, it will set the processor speed to 400 MHz, but as usage increases, it would scale up to 1000 MHz).
HEIMDALL: An open-source program by Benjamin Dobell that allows the Android device to be flashed back to stock or with custom software. See also ODIN.
HSUPA/HSDPA: Short for High Speed (Up/Down) Packet Access. This is 3G+, and is the Android device's internet speed level between 3G and 4G.
ICS: Short for Ice Cream Sandwich, the Android OS version 4.0.x.
IMEI: Short for International Mobile Equipment Identity. A unique number to identify GSM, WCDMA, and iDEN phones. Used by GSM networks to identify valid devices.
INTERNAL SD: The internal storage memory of the Android device. Not a physical SD card that can be removed.
JB: Short for Jelly Bean, the Android OS version 4.1.x.
JIG: A piece of hardware that makes a physical connection between pins of the USB slot to force the Android device into DOWNLOAD mode.
JTAG: A process of connecting directly to the main board of the Android device to rewrite corrupted BOOTLOADERS.
KANG: Originally used to refer to stolen or leaked code. In CyanogenMod builds, a KANG build is one that is an unofficial branch from the main CyanogenMod development. These builds usually contain custom modifications that did not make the official CyanogenMod builds.
KERNEL: The collection of software drivers and more "nuts and bolts" programs that allow the basic functionality of the device.
LAUNCHER: A program that launches programs in Android. Examples are Touchwiz (Samsung), Launcher Pro, ADW Launcher, and Go Launcher.
LTE: Stands for Long Term Evolution. It is based on the GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA network technologies, increasing the capacity and speed using a different radio interface together with core network improvements.
MD5 CHECKSUM: A 32-digit (128-bit) hash number generated by a cryptographic program to ensure that a downloaded file matches the original file. The original file is run through the MD5 generator program, which creates the 32-bit number. This number is checked against the md5 number created with the file the end user receives to ensure file integrity.
MODEM: The software that interfaces with the phone's radio hardware to connect to cell phone towers.
MTD: Short for Memory Technology Device. A type of device file in the Linux structure that interacts with flash memory. Provides an abstraction layer between applications and hardware-specific device drivers.
MTP: Short for Media Transfer Protocol. Allows file transfers between the Android device and a PC. Safer to use than USB Mass Storage, as it does not seize complete control of blocks on the Android Device; instead, it connects in a transactional (all-or-nothing transfer) method.
NANDROID BACKUP: A complete system image backup of the Android device except for the MODEM and KERNEL. Can be accessed from CWM.
NO-WIPE PACKAGE: A rom update package that leaves the user's market apps intact while still performing the updates to the system files. Restoring from backup is not necessary. See also WIPE PACKAGE.
NV_DATA.BIN: An encrypted file in the /EFS directory that contains the Android device's IMEI number and product code. See also EFS.
OC: Short for Overclocking. See OVERCLOCKING.
ODEX: A file that is associated with an APK file, containing a list of the dependencies for the program. See also DEODEXED.
ODIN: A Samsung proprietary program that allows the Android device to be flashed back to stock or with custom software. See also HEIMDALL.
OVERCLOCKING: Setting the processor's clock speed to run faster than its default setting, i.e. 1200 MHz (1.2 GHz) vs 1000 MHz (1.0 GHz).
PIT FILE: Short for Partition Information Table file. One of the possible file types used while flashing with ODIN or HEIMDALL.
PRIMARY BOOTLOADER: Also known as First Stage Bootloader. The first bootloader run at boot time, this bootloader finds RAM for the Android device, and hands the boot sequence off to the SECONDARY BOOTLOADER. See also BOOTLOADER, SECONDARY BOOTLOADER.
RAT: Short for Radio Access Technology. This determines how the network decides the QoS (quality of service) on the connection between the Android device and the carrier's data towers.
RECOVERY: The menu that allows a user to do many low-level operations on the Android Device. This menu can either be the stock Samsung menu, or the CLOCKWORKMOD RECOVERY MENU (CWM). See also CWM.
RFS: A Samsung-proprietary file system (e.g. NTFS, FAT32 are file systems) used on some Android devices. Stands for Robust File System.
ROM: The collection of programs, themes, and settings that create the general look-and-feel of your Android device. This is what most users will initially be wanting to change.
ROM MANAGER: The Android OS front end program for the CLOCKWORKMOD RECOVERY MENU (or CWM). Allows use of many of the CWM features from inside the Android OS. See also CWM.
SECONDARY BOOTLOADER: Also known as Second Stage Bootloader. The second bootloader run at boot time, this bootloader handles the processes required to allow the Android device to boot the main kernel, such as file systems, memory, and MODEM. See also BOOTLOADER, PRIMARY BOOTLOADER.
ROOT: Changing the permission level of the Android system to its most powerful level, the root user, allowing full access to the file system.
SILVER HOME BUTTON: One of the most powerful and dangerous modifications to the Android device available. Can cause a variety of results, from improved signal to radioactive cats in boxes. Should not be used by the infirm or those with faulty gluons.
SOFT BRICK: A device that is not functioning correctly, but still shows some signs of operation. See also BRICK.
STOCK: The Android software version that comes installed on new devices, prior to sale to the user. Can also be used to refer to the Android software issued from Samsung or the carrier.
TETHER: Connecting the Android device to a computer via a wired or wireless connection to allow the transfer of data through the Android device's internet connection. Commonly used to provide internet access to a laptop or desktop computer when other methods are not desired or available.
THEME: A collection of images, backgrounds, colors, font types, and other visual items to change the Android device's look and feel. Separate from LAUNCHER, and is usually FLASHed in CWM.
TIBU: Short for Titanium Backup. See TITANIUM BACKUP.
TITANIUM BACKUP: A backup utility available in the Android Market that allows users to back up their applications, the saved data for the applications, and system settings.
TRIANGLE AWAY: An app developed by Recognized Elite Developer Chainfire that resets the FLASH COUNTER to zero, removing evidence of software modification.
UNDERVOLTING: Setting the voltage levels drawn by the Android device to a lower level to reduce overall battery usage.
UV: Short for Undervolting. See UNDERVOLTING.
WCDMA: Short for Wideband Code Division Multiple Access. An air interface standard in 3G mobile communications networks that allows higher speeds and more users.
WIPE PACKAGE: A rom package that will format the portions of the Android device where the user's market apps are stored, in addition to any updates to the system folders. After a wipe package is installed, the user will have to restore apps from a backup or redownload them from the Android Market. See also NO-WIPE PACKAGE.
ZIPALIGNED: An archive alignment tool that provides important optimization to APK files. The purpose is to ensure that all uncompressed data starts with a particular alignment relative to the start of the file. Reduces RAM consumption.
ROMS:
Note: These are only ROM names that use acronyms, not a complete ROM listing
CM: CyanogenMod. See "CM" in Android Device Related section.
MIUI: A Chinese built-from-source ROM. Short for "Mobile Internet User Interface". Also can refer to the MIUI music player, which has been included in other ROMs.
If I've incorrectly identified what something is or does, please let me know so I can update this post with the correct information. If you can think of any other terms or acronyms that should be included, let me know, and I'll put them up here. I've tried to give credit where it's due by direct linking, but if I've copied something and not cited properly, point it out and I'll update it.
Everyone should have to read this before trying to flash a ROM.
Ota?
What does ota stand for?
UnicOrnseeD said:
What does ota stand for?
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Click to collapse
Over the air, as in updates downloaded wirelessly.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
great informative post! it deserves a sticky! this should be the first thing anyone reads before joining the forum :good:
edit:
what are inverted gapps? what's the difference between normal gapps and inverted?
OP great info here, Stuck and Thread cleaned. Thank You.
Thanks for the thread!
Subcribed because awesomeness.
Props friend youbput a lot of commendable time into this.
Fantastic job.
:thumbup:
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:thumbdown: Crapatalk fail app 2 :thumbdown:
paid app with adds now?? seriously?!?
nlºlm
:banghead:
dd
I have come across the term "dd" a few times. May I inquire as to its meaning?
WavyA70 said:
I have come across the term "dd" a few times. May I inquire as to its meaning?
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Daily driver. One you feel you will keep a while. The taboo one is deal beaker...ask any dev ..daily driver is a compliment though.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
what does ''OTG'' means? just saw a post today couldn't find the answer anywhere :/
ravike14 said:
what does ''OTG'' means? just saw a post today couldn't find the answer anywhere :/
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Click to collapse
OTG stands for "On The Go" it refers to the USB standard. Usually people use it to talk about a USB cable that you can plug into your phone and then plug things like hard drives, keyboards, game controllers, and other things into the cable to then the above mentioned devices with your phone.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
shimp208 said:
OTG stands for "On The Go" it refers to the USB standard. Usually people use it to talk about a USB cable that you can plug into your phone and then plug things like hard drives, keyboards, game controllers, and other things into the cable to then the above mentioned devices with your phone.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks also this is not anything related to android but how to post a link with it's name not the whole link which that name redirect to the link?
ravike14 said:
thanks also this is not anything related to android but how to post a link with it's name not the whole link which that name redirect to the link?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To do this with a link you can hit the insert link button and input the link you want to link to then highlight the area outside the brackets that looks similar to this and put the word or phrase you want the link to work for, example:
xda-developers
I linked to the xda main page but rather then the full link being displayed it only displays xda-developers for the phrase. To change it you could do:
your text to display here
I would also recommend taking a look at this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/misc.php?do=bbcode that tells you how to link urls that show only words and all the other things you can do with BB code when posting on XDA.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
shimp208 said:
To do this with a link you can hit the insert link button and input the link you want to link to then highlight the area outside the brackets that looks similar to this and put the word or phrase you want the link to work for, example:
xda-developers
I linked to the xda main page but rather then the full link being displayed it only displays xda-developers for the phrase. To change it you could do:
your text to display here
I would also recommend taking a look at this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/misc.php?do=bbcode that tells you how to link urls that show only words and all the other things you can do with BB code when posting on XDA.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks alot what are Gapps?? also KDH gapps?? sorry if both are the same
BUTTON COMBO: The act of pressing several buttons at the same time to produce a desired result (e.g. pushing volume down, home, and the power button for 10 seconds will reboot into the RECOVERY menu). 3-Button Combo is a common example. May also be referred to as a "Chord".
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Click to collapse
Actually that puts it in download mode
ravike14 said:
thanks alot what are Gapps?? also KDH gapps?? sorry if both are the same
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gapps= google apps.. or bad clothing sold by a retailer that employs slave labor.
TeknoGodz said:
Actually that puts it in download mode
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Op corrected, don't know how those got mixed up
Very useful info
Thank you very much for taking the time to give us this information. It is very helpful.
I've looked several times but what is "d2att"?
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Hi,
I run a company based in the UK and we specialise in audio visual control systems in corporate environments. We currently import and use touch panels that have an android 7.1 operating system the manufacturer supply, but I really would like a custom ROM on them so they are more branded as to what we require. Therefore we are looking to employee a freelance individual that has experience with custom ROMS.
I have the android img file from the manufacturer I could provide if this is helpful and possibly be edited as opposed to building from scratch. Also I can supply a touch panel for any testing location depending. What I am looking for ideally is the following...
Replace android boot logo for Custom Logo
Stripped back, light version of Android OS. Only including required applications.
Possibility to use swipes gestures or similar to access “hidden” android menu/settings and/or apps.
Boot directly into android kiosk app as this is what we currently use https://www.android-kiosk.com/ The application already does this if set to the main launcher.
Bootable image file that can be uploaded to different tablets easily via usb stick or adb or similar. This is so I can change the ROM on the imported devices simply.