What Is Rooting?
First, for the newbies, let me clarify what rooting is. Getting root or rooting your phone is the process of modifying the operating system on your device to grant you complete control over it.
This means you can overcome limitations that the carriers and manufacturers put on your phone, extend system functionality, and even upgrade it to a custom flavor of Android.
The name root comes from the Linux operating system world, where the most privileged user on the system (otherwise known as Administrator on Windows) is called root.
Now, I’d like to take a moment to dispel a common misconception and clarify one thing: rooting does *not* mean installing a custom ROM (a ROM is a modified, "aftermarket" OS).
Installing a ROM may require rooting first, but just rooting can be done in only a few minutes, keeping your stock OS otherwise completely intact.
Usually rooting is fairly simple – in most cases you can find several videos and articles on the web that explain how to do it on your specific phone model – just Google "YOURPHONEMODEL root".
Rooting is not something manufacturers or carriers approve of but they can’t really prevent it from happening because the rooting process usually exploits a vulnerability in the operating system code or device drivers and allows the "hacker" to upload a special program called "su" to the phone. This program, not present or requiring a password by default, is the one that provides root access to programs that request it.
Now an obligatory warning: rooting your phone does run the risk of potentially bricking it (i.e. your phone could become nonfunctional) – so do your homework before attempting anything, unless you’re a fan of $500 paper weights.
Benefits Of Rooting
Let’s check out some of the benefits of rooting your Android phone.
Full Control Over Android
You have access to alter any system files, use themes, change boot images, delete annoying stock apps, such as Sprint’s NFL Mobile live and Nascar Sprint Cup Mobile, and other various native applications that might drive you crazy (Footprints, Voice Dialer, etc).
There is plenty of information on the web on how to accomplish this. Here is one example with instructions and some apps you can remove safely.
Back Up The System
On most rooted Android devices, you can back up your entire system to an SD card, much in the same way you can image a hard drive. This is great if you’d like to try a new ROM, as you can back up your phone, wipe it completely, flash the new ROM, and if you don’t like it, you can just restore from your backup and your phone will be exactly how it was before you wiped it.
The easiest way to do this at the moment is by using ‘Rom Manager’ (easily installable from the Android Market), developed by famed Android developer Koush.
Rom Manager allows you to easily flash a custom recovery image which is what you will need in order to backup and restore your phone. The recovery image is a special program that can be booted into outside of the phone’s main operating system, sort of like the BIOS on a PC. By default, the recovery image on most Android phones only gives you a few options, mainly related to wiping the phone. Custom recovery images expand upon these options and usually include scripts that can do things like fix your file permissions, or allow you to flash custom ROM’s that the normal recovery image would otherwise reject.
Normally, flashing a custom recovery image requires some command line work, either on your PC, or on a terminal emulator directly on the phone, but Koush’s Rom Manager should automatically flash his custom recovery image (known as ClockworkMod Recovery) for you, provided you’re on one of the phones listed below.
In order to use Rom Manager, you’ll need to make sure you’re using one of the supported devices, and that it is already rooted. Here is the list, as of today:
HTC Droid Eris (CDMA), AKA: Verizon Droid Eris
HTC Hero (GSM)
HTC Hero (CDMA), AKA: Sprint Hero
HTC Dream, AKA: T-Mobile G1
HTC Passion, AKA: Google Nexus One
HTC Magic (Sapphire 32A)
HTC MyTouch/Ion (Sapphire 32B)
Motorola Droid/Milestone
Using Rom Manager is pretty simple. Download and install the application from the market, fire it up, and you’ll be prompted with a disclaimer. If you’re feeling brave, go ahead and hit continue. You’ll be prompted to allow the application superuser permissions during this process – make sure you allow it access.
The first thing you’ll need to do is flash the ClockworkMod recovery image that I mentioned earlier, which can be done right in the app (it’s the first option). Rom Manager should automatically find the latest version of the right image for your phone, download, and install it – the whole process is seamless.
After that is done, you can simply use the ‘Manage and Restore Backups’, and ‘Backup current ROM’ options to, well, backup your current ROM or restore from an existing backup. It’s that simple!
At Android Police, we always encourage supporting developers, so please check out Rom Manager Premium if you enjoyed the free version!
Save Space On Your Phone
Move cache data to SD card
Moving cache data makes for a speedy system. Rooting allows you to save things like browser cache to your SD card to free up space. Its not too complicated a process, but does take a bit of skill. XDA Developer’s have instructions posted on their forum if you want to tackle the task, it is definitely worth it.
Move installed applications to SD card
Moving and storing apps on internal memory can significantly slow your device down. If you root, you can avoid that completely.
The easiest way to move applications to your SD card would be to flash a custom ROM that just does it for you (using an app called Apps2SD) – Cyanogen ROM is always a good choice.
Wow ! I'm more than confused now. I've been reading in this forum for 3 months now. And still consider my self a newbie. I don't think this post will help out some noobs like me. Sorry I had to say.
Sent from my LG-P500h using XDA App
Excellent post. Very helpful to a n00b like me. Thanks a lot.
Sent from my LG-P500 using Tapatalk
@marty.....this post s for the beginners those who dono abt the concept of rooting and it may be helping to them....not for u...thanks for reading my post
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA App
Sorry, but I never flashed a rom before reading your post. Just did it 3 days ago And from reading a lot of posts, rom manager can go wrong installing clockworkmod. I don't know why. So as a beginner, I don't think going this way to instal a recovery was a good idea. But that's my point of view.
I bricked my first O1 with KDZ for downgrading. And surprise...the post I red was not complete and bricked my phone with is method.
All I want from this is to make sure people read more before trying anything considered easy for others. From reading a lot, I never had any problem since and know exactly what I'm doing.
peace...
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA App
I'm welcoming your good thought from saving others from bricking their phone.....i just wanted to share some info about the concept of rooting for the new users and wanted them to know wat the android is capable of doing.......cheers up man.............
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA App
U're right.
i bricked my phone last night . thanks to ROM MANAGER
but u can always recovery ur phone.. I wrote a short guide -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1102694
I'm a NOOB too
Actually, I recommend people rooting and take the advantages on low-ended phones, such as our O1.
because the performance offered, is really really bad and we need a better tweak of a low-priced phone.
if you are satisfied with a high-ended phone, remember, DONT ROOT IT!
I dnt agree mate. I believe that rooting and installing custom roms are for further improving the performance of high-ended phones.. my bro owns xperia x10i.. but the default firmware literally sucks. This is why high ended phones need rooting too
Also, now a days, rooting and flashing are highly fashionable things in the android phone world. In this android fashion shows like Google I/O, We need our phones to walk the ramp in a new sexy dress frequently. So body building (performance boost) and makeover (a new rom/theme) is the need of the hour nowadays.
So be ready to walk the ramp. Start bodybuilding, do a makeover and be called a hunk.
Otherwise remain feminine.
Sent from my LG-P500 using Tapatalk
lekhwani said:
Also, now a days, rooting and flashing are highly fashionable things in the android phone world. In this android fashion shows like Google I/O, We need our phones to walk the ramp in a new sexy dress frequently. So body building (performance boost) and makeover (a new rom/theme) is the need of the hour nowadays.
So be ready to walk the ramp. Start bodybuilding, do a makeover and be called a hunk.
Otherwise remain feminine.
Sent from my LG-P500 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah abs true mate
Personally, I've never felt prettier.
shankesh said:
What Is Rooting?
First, for the newbies, let me clarify what rooting is. Getting root or rooting your phone is the process of modifying the operating system on your device to grant you complete control over it.
This means you can overcome limitations that the carriers and manufacturers put on your phone, extend system functionality, and even upgrade it to a custom flavor of Android.
The name root comes from the Linux operating system world, where the most privileged user on the system (otherwise known as Administrator on Windows) is called root.
Now, I’d like to take a moment to dispel a common misconception and clarify one thing: rooting does *not* mean installing a custom ROM (a ROM is a modified, "aftermarket" OS).
Installing a ROM may require rooting first, but just rooting can be done in only a few minutes, keeping your stock OS otherwise completely intact.
Usually rooting is fairly simple – in most cases you can find several videos and articles on the web that explain how to do it on your specific phone model – just Google "YOURPHONEMODEL root".
Rooting is not something manufacturers or carriers approve of but they can’t really prevent it from happening because the rooting process usually exploits a vulnerability in the operating system code or device drivers and allows the "hacker" to upload a special program called "su" to the phone. This program, not present or requiring a password by default, is the one that provides root access to programs that request it.
Now an obligatory warning: rooting your phone does run the risk of potentially bricking it (i.e. your phone could become nonfunctional) – so do your homework before attempting anything, unless you’re a fan of $500 paper weights.
Benefits Of Rooting
Let’s check out some of the benefits of rooting your Android phone.
Full Control Over Android
You have access to alter any system files, use themes, change boot images, delete annoying stock apps, such as Sprint’s NFL Mobile live and Nascar Sprint Cup Mobile, and other various native applications that might drive you crazy (Footprints, Voice Dialer, etc).
There is plenty of information on the web on how to accomplish this. Here is one example with instructions and some apps you can remove safely.
Back Up The System
On most rooted Android devices, you can back up your entire system to an SD card, much in the same way you can image a hard drive. This is great if you’d like to try a new ROM, as you can back up your phone, wipe it completely, flash the new ROM, and if you don’t like it, you can just restore from your backup and your phone will be exactly how it was before you wiped it.
The easiest way to do this at the moment is by using ‘Rom Manager’ (easily installable from the Android Market), developed by famed Android developer Koush.
Rom Manager allows you to easily flash a custom recovery image which is what you will need in order to backup and restore your phone. The recovery image is a special program that can be booted into outside of the phone’s main operating system, sort of like the BIOS on a PC. By default, the recovery image on most Android phones only gives you a few options, mainly related to wiping the phone. Custom recovery images expand upon these options and usually include scripts that can do things like fix your file permissions, or allow you to flash custom ROM’s that the normal recovery image would otherwise reject.
Normally, flashing a custom recovery image requires some command line work, either on your PC, or on a terminal emulator directly on the phone, but Koush’s Rom Manager should automatically flash his custom recovery image (known as ClockworkMod Recovery) for you, provided you’re on one of the phones listed below.
In order to use Rom Manager, you’ll need to make sure you’re using one of the supported devices, and that it is already rooted. Here is the list, as of today:
HTC Droid Eris (CDMA), AKA: Verizon Droid Eris
HTC Hero (GSM)
HTC Hero (CDMA), AKA: Sprint Hero
HTC Dream, AKA: T-Mobile G1
HTC Passion, AKA: Google Nexus One
HTC Magic (Sapphire 32A)
HTC MyTouch/Ion (Sapphire 32B)
Motorola Droid/Milestone
Using Rom Manager is pretty simple. Download and install the application from the market, fire it up, and you’ll be prompted with a disclaimer. If you’re feeling brave, go ahead and hit continue. You’ll be prompted to allow the application superuser permissions during this process – make sure you allow it access.
The first thing you’ll need to do is flash the ClockworkMod recovery image that I mentioned earlier, which can be done right in the app (it’s the first option). Rom Manager should automatically find the latest version of the right image for your phone, download, and install it – the whole process is seamless.
After that is done, you can simply use the ‘Manage and Restore Backups’, and ‘Backup current ROM’ options to, well, backup your current ROM or restore from an existing backup. It’s that simple!
At Android Police, we always encourage supporting developers, so please check out Rom Manager Premium if you enjoyed the free version!
Save Space On Your Phone
Move cache data to SD card
Moving cache data makes for a speedy system. Rooting allows you to save things like browser cache to your SD card to free up space. Its not too complicated a process, but does take a bit of skill. XDA Developer’s have instructions posted on their forum if you want to tackle the task, it is definitely worth it.
Move installed applications to SD card
Moving and storing apps on internal memory can significantly slow your device down. If you root, you can avoid that completely.
The easiest way to move applications to your SD card would be to flash a custom ROM that just does it for you (using an app called Apps2SD) – Cyanogen ROM is always a good choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are using copy/paste method, at least please:
1) Post link of source text (http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/0...top-5-benefits-of-rooting-your-android-phone/)
2) Do some formating for better reading
3) It should be normal ask for approve before posting
You are lucky men, that ROM manager works now, because it is not so long, that it didn't work. In past it completely screw up our device. Now it working fine, because it have proper custom ROM loaded into it.
Thanks.
damn good !
Hi ! appreciate a lot your post and this helps me so well migrating from wm to android using now my wildfire !!!
shankesh said:
What Is Rooting?
First, for the newbies, let me clarify what rooting is. Getting root or rooting your phone is the process of modifying the operating system on your device to grant you complete control over it.
This means you can overcome limitations that the carriers and manufacturers put on your phone, extend system functionality, and even upgrade it to a custom flavor of Android.
The name root comes from the Linux operating system world, where the most privileged user on the system (otherwise known as Administrator on Windows) is called root.
Now, I’d like to take a moment to dispel a common misconception and clarify one thing: rooting does *not* mean installing a custom ROM (a ROM is a modified, "aftermarket" OS).
Installing a ROM may require rooting first, but just rooting can be done in only a few minutes, keeping your stock OS otherwise completely intact.
Usually rooting is fairly simple – in most cases you can find several videos and articles on the web that explain how to do it on your specific phone model – just Google "YOURPHONEMODEL root".
Rooting is not something manufacturers or carriers approve of but they can’t really prevent it from happening because the rooting process usually exploits a vulnerability in the operating system code or device drivers and allows the "hacker" to upload a special program called "su" to the phone. This program, not present or requiring a password by default, is the one that provides root access to programs that request it.
Now an obligatory warning: rooting your phone does run the risk of potentially bricking it (i.e. your phone could become nonfunctional) – so do your homework before attempting anything, unless you’re a fan of $500 paper weights.
Benefits Of Rooting
Let’s check out some of the benefits of rooting your Android phone.
Full Control Over Android
You have access to alter any system files, use themes, change boot images, delete annoying stock apps, such as Sprint’s NFL Mobile live and Nascar Sprint Cup Mobile, and other various native applications that might drive you crazy (Footprints, Voice Dialer, etc).
There is plenty of information on the web on how to accomplish this. Here is one example with instructions and some apps you can remove safely.
Back Up The System
On most rooted Android devices, you can back up your entire system to an SD card, much in the same way you can image a hard drive. This is great if you’d like to try a new ROM, as you can back up your phone, wipe it completely, flash the new ROM, and if you don’t like it, you can just restore from your backup and your phone will be exactly how it was before you wiped it.
The easiest way to do this at the moment is by using ‘Rom Manager’ (easily installable from the Android Market), developed by famed Android developer Koush.
Rom Manager allows you to easily flash a custom recovery image which is what you will need in order to backup and restore your phone. The recovery image is a special program that can be booted into outside of the phone’s main operating system, sort of like the BIOS on a PC. By default, the recovery image on most Android phones only gives you a few options, mainly related to wiping the phone. Custom recovery images expand upon these options and usually include scripts that can do things like fix your file permissions, or allow you to flash custom ROM’s that the normal recovery image would otherwise reject.
Normally, flashing a custom recovery image requires some command line work, either on your PC, or on a terminal emulator directly on the phone, but Koush’s Rom Manager should automatically flash his custom recovery image (known as ClockworkMod Recovery) for you, provided you’re on one of the phones listed below.
In order to use Rom Manager, you’ll need to make sure you’re using one of the supported devices, and that it is already rooted. Here is the list, as of today:
HTC Droid Eris (CDMA), AKA: Verizon Droid Eris
HTC Hero (GSM)
HTC Hero (CDMA), AKA: Sprint Hero
HTC Dream, AKA: T-Mobile G1
HTC Passion, AKA: Google Nexus One
HTC Magic (Sapphire 32A)
HTC MyTouch/Ion (Sapphire 32B)
Motorola Droid/Milestone
Using Rom Manager is pretty simple. Download and install the application from the market, fire it up, and you’ll be prompted with a disclaimer. If you’re feeling brave, go ahead and hit continue. You’ll be prompted to allow the application superuser permissions during this process – make sure you allow it access.
The first thing you’ll need to do is flash the ClockworkMod recovery image that I mentioned earlier, which can be done right in the app (it’s the first option). Rom Manager should automatically find the latest version of the right image for your phone, download, and install it – the whole process is seamless.
After that is done, you can simply use the ‘Manage and Restore Backups’, and ‘Backup current ROM’ options to, well, backup your current ROM or restore from an existing backup. It’s that simple!
At Android Police, we always encourage supporting developers, so please check out Rom Manager Premium if you enjoyed the free version!
Save Space On Your Phone
Move cache data to SD card
Moving cache data makes for a speedy system. Rooting allows you to save things like browser cache to your SD card to free up space. Its not too complicated a process, but does take a bit of skill. XDA Developer’s have instructions posted on their forum if you want to tackle the task, it is definitely worth it.
Move installed applications to SD card
Moving and storing apps on internal memory can significantly slow your device down. If you root, you can avoid that completely.
The easiest way to move applications to your SD card would be to flash a custom ROM that just does it for you (using an app called Apps2SD) – Cyanogen ROM is always a good choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow gr8 post for ultra noob...I boted ur thread
hi, i am new on the forum so hello to everyone. I joined as i have recently been given a Viewpad7 as a present. i only wanted a 7 inch tablet and didnt have the funds for an ipad/transformer etc, they were a bit on the large size.
i have read a bit about the device and have had a chance at trying it out at one of our local shops. it certainly was a lot faster and more sturdy that the storage options 7" device.
i may be interested in rooting the device and have read up a bit about it on various threads on this forum. i get 50% of what is being said but 50% goes over my head at the moment.
i have an htc android phone and one of the things that is really frustrating is the fact that the memory fills so quickly if you add too many apps. i have been told rooting a device will allow more apps as it allows install to the disc rather than the internal memory...i am presuming this will be the same for a tablet allbeit most have a larger internal memory??
i have heard that the android 2.2 is not great with tablets as it is designed really for the moblie phone? is this the case for the viewpad?
i am presuming that a rooted tablet can use slightly amended operating systems with some tweaks?
can anyone tell me what other benefits there are...
Gingerbreak sounds a good one from what i have read as it is based on the android 3 software...
if there isnt a need to root it i will carry on as is but if there are a lot of benefits i might as well root it when i first get it before i load anything onto it...i will have to learn some of the jargon like 'adb shell' to make sure i dont end up with a brick.....what are the risks in rooting and how often do things not turn out better?
sorry for all the questions....
atb
forgot to ask is there a youtube guide to rooting where i could watch someone going through the stages etc
Hi
Here is the link to video guide for rooting viewpad 7 (or variant like mine - commtiva lynx n700): http://www.techofweb.com/technology/root-viewsonic-viewpad-7-superoneclick.html
With rooted system you can actually do a lot of tweaks like flashing altered core, which will give you possibility to overclock a bit, it will also give the ability to install applications which can require root like Titanium Backup (total backup of all applications, their settings and data) and others.
With rooted device you can also change how your desktop looks, changing even notification icons or dialogue windows or buttons.
Then as you mentioned rooting opens a way to use cores which allows you to store applications, data and java machine cache to a partition on SD card (ext2, 3 or 4) and this will give you a way to install lot more apps than on non rooted tablet.
I can see a lot of benefits in rooting tablet, I have done it 2 days after purchasing n700. Installing new roms will not always give you a stable, fast working tablet, there are reboots sometimes for no apparent reason, there is sometimes a lot of fun flashing another rom and restoring all your apps and data and rearranging desktop to how is was.
What are the risks - if you start wisely and flash proper recovery first and do a system backup first - chances to brick your device permanently are slim. But if you start flashing a device with a new rom right away - you may end up with a non working device and a need to find a stock rom. Because before you can flash rom you must flash recovery, which gives you the ability to flash a rom designed for your device. I haven't read of anyone who bricked tablet when trying to root it.
I've heard about some stack with non working rom (boot loop) and asking for stock one. But there is always a way to flash non altered rom for your device (after flashing recovery which is kind of application like bios but without all those options to change device settings).
But behind all this, which is for altered pads lovers just a fun - you will have a device which is far more functional then the stock one.
Have fun
Jaredj
hi...i think i will root it at least, but not sure if i will bother with any of the roms. doesnt look like there are many available for this tablet, although i may be looking in the wrong places...
atb
rooted it...use the one click but it wouldnt do it with the latest so i used one of the older versions and it did it...
now...now that it is rooted can i get rid of any of the clutter like the stock browser and any of the other stuff i wont use as i will download other apps??
will titanium backup copy the whole system for me, i have seen a post about backing up the viewpad but it was using the command prompt and i am not confident doing this...what is the easiest way of doing a full backup in case i brick it??
atb
another question i have is will rooting the pad now mean that i can save more apps onto it...it is showing about 80mb of space left at the moment...if so how do i get it to save everything to my sd card?
atb
Another point....now i am getting into this device. i have copied some of my films onto disc to put in this... some mp4 some h.264 [i think] files both with mp3 audio but the player on the viewpad just says it cant play them...it hasnt opened any video files yet!!!!
atb
nothing seems to be working here...i have emailed viewsonic support and have now been told this unit only supports 3GP playback????????
atb
Install a better video player app, I use rockplayer myself to play avi files.
Further I would recommend you search and read the forums, there is a lot of info to be found and most of your questions will already have been answered in the past.
have now tried rockplayer but still no joy. it will play small files up to 70mb but anything bigger seems to bring the sorry cannot play video warning... have tried altering some of the settings in the 3GP format but still no joy. have also noticed it wont paly any of the youtube videos through the app at HQ, but it will play them all at a lower quality...really did want this to hold films to play on the move but as yet cannot seem to get them to play no matter which palyer... not sure if it may be a problem with the unit?
will do some more reading!!
atb
Hi, everyone. I'm new, and i just realize "rooting" will speed up my phone.
I'm totally newbie, i need a tutorial which have more details and attached file for me to help me out.
my phone is I9000M.
And the other question is: what is the definition of ROM, FLASH, ROOT?
mwhin said:
Hi, everyone. I'm new, and i just realize "rooting" will speed up my phone.
I'm totally newbie, i need a tutorial which have more details and attached file for me to help me out.
my phone is I9000M.
And the other question is: what is the definition of ROM, FLASH, ROOT?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting
Rooting is the method in which the user gains 'root access'. Root access is a linux term and is used to define the abilities of the super user account, akin to the 'administrator' account in Windows. This account can modify and change anything on the OS it resides. So when your phone is 'rooted' it is not broken, you are merely in complete control of your phones OS, cool huh?
But what does this mean? Most people don't even realise they aren't in complete control. Well there are a few benefits to having a rooted phone, but there are two big ones. Custom ROMs, and apps.
Firstly, apps. Because you are now in complete control, you can grant apps super user access that require them to work. Such as taking a screen shot of your phone, taking a comprehensive backup of your important data, using the flash as torch light or enjoying an ad-free Android!
Custom ROMs
Firstly what is a Custom ROM? Well a ROM, is actually a colloquial shortened version of 'ROM Image' which in turn is short for 'Read Only Memory Image', and dates back to the cartridge gaming days. Remember slotting that thing into your sega mega drive? or your N64? Anyway, back on track, it's basically an entire OS in a file called an image. So a 'ROM' is a file with an OS in it. Now a 'Custom ROM' is a ROM that has been customised, simple enough, yes? Nearly every device comes with a 'custom' ROM on it, bar two phones so far, the Nexus One and the Nexus S. They are the 'pure' androids so to speak.
So for every phone, there is a ROM preinstalled, this is the ROM the manufacturer has usually developed for that specific handset, or a range of handsets. These preinstalled ROMs usually include a lot of junk called 'bloatware', essentially just apps and links that can't be deleted that you may or may not want. You don't get a choice! The beauty of custom ROMs is you can delete and add anything you like to them!
FLASH
Flashing is the method you use to put a Custom ROM on a phone. Flashable packages are zip files that can be installed by Flashing using a tool like ClockWorkMod.
Let me point you in this direction for your i9000 - http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=748
Goodluck!
I have multiple questions pertaining to root and ROMs, any advice on any one of them would be appreciated. My questions surround a Samsung Galaxy S 4G, and a Nexus 7 (2012).
Samsung Galaxy S
ROM Manager
The SGS4G XDA forums have coined it as the "ROM Mangler", my model of Galaxy S is not a compatible device. However, every ROM I've flashed so far has included Clockworkmod5 or Clockworkmod6 (which are only accessible through Recovery). I naturally want to use this app to manage my ROMs on this device, but am wondering if I should or if I will be able to?
Nexus 7, and other Google/Nexus devices
OTA (over-the-air) software updates
I read a comment from a guy on Youtube that said he rooted his Nexus 7, but eventually received a software update from Google. He said he had to re-root his device after this. I am assuming the notification never went away, and he decided to install the update. How would I prevent something like this from happening? Should I install a ROM immediately after rooting??
Internal Storage
My Nexus 7 doesn't have an SD card, but has 32GB of internal storage space. My file explorer shows that the device has an 'sdcard' folder, but wouldn't that folder be wiped if I decided to root and flash a ROM on this device?? How would I prevent this scenario from happening?
General
Busybox
What is Busybox, and should it be installed? I watched a Youtube video suggesting to install it anyway, but I highly doubt I will ever use or need it. After rooting my Galaxy, I noticed Busybox was automatically installed. However after flashing several ROMs, I notice that some of them don't come with Busybox pre-installed.
Cyanogenmod
I currently have an unofficial Cyanogenmod 10.1 (w/Android 4.2.2) ROM installed on my Galaxy. But what is Cyanogenmod exactly, and why is it a big name in the ROM community? I've heard a lot about AOKP too.
SuperUser
My current ROM is missing a Superuser app. Should I install a Superuser app, and does it matter which one I choose?
If a Superuser app has already been pre-installed with a ROM, is updating to the Play Store version a good idea? Are there any consequences to installing a different superuser like Super SU or SuperUser from Clockworkmod? Is uninstalling one Superuser for another a good idea?
bump
Double44 said:
I have multiple questions pertaining to root and ROMs, any advice on any one of them would be appreciated. My questions surround a Samsung Galaxy S 4G, and a Nexus 7 (2012).
Samsung Galaxy S
ROM Manager
The SGS4G XDA forums have coined it as the "ROM Mangler", my model of Galaxy S is not a compatible device. However, every ROM I've flashed so far has included Clockworkmod5 or Clockworkmod6 (which are only accessible through Recovery). I naturally want to use this app to manage my ROMs on this device, but am wondering if I should or if I will be able to?
Nexus 7, and other Google/Nexus devices
OTA (over-the-air) software updates
I read a comment from a guy on Youtube that said he rooted his Nexus 7, but eventually received a software update from Google. He said he had to re-root his device after this. I am assuming the notification never went away, and he decided to install the update. How would I prevent something like this from happening? Should I install a ROM immediately after rooting??
Internal Storage
My Nexus 7 doesn't have an SD card, but has 32GB of internal storage space. My file explorer shows that the device has an 'sdcard' folder, but wouldn't that folder be wiped if I decided to root and flash a ROM on this device?? How would I prevent this scenario from happening?
General
Busybox
What is Busybox, and should it be installed? I watched a Youtube video suggesting to install it anyway, but I highly doubt I will ever use or need it. After rooting my Galaxy, I noticed Busybox was automatically installed. However after flashing several ROMs, I notice that some of them don't come with Busybox pre-installed.
Cyanogenmod
I currently have an unofficial Cyanogenmod 10.1 (w/Android 4.2.2) ROM installed on my Galaxy. But what is Cyanogenmod exactly, and why is it a big name in the ROM community? I've heard a lot about AOKP too.
SuperUser
My current ROM is missing a Superuser app. Should I install a Superuser app, and does it matter which one I choose?
If a Superuser app has already been pre-installed with a ROM, is updating to the Play Store version a good idea? Are there any consequences to installing a different superuser like Super SU or SuperUser from Clockworkmod? Is uninstalling one Superuser for another a good idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer your questions:
Samsung Galaxy S
ROM Manager
ROM Manger has been buggy for a while now and can cause a lot of problems on certain devices, I would personally avoid it for the time being. That being said the best way to manage your ROM's (And any other Kernel, or MOD's you may want to flash) is too boot your device into recovery mode by using the key combination described in this post, or by running the following command from ADB on your computer:
Code:
adb reboot recovery
Once in recovery, you can flash any ROM that you pushed to your phones sdcard. Make sure to always perform a NANDROID backup of your current setup in recovery mode, before installing a new ROM, Kernel, or other MOD (Such as editing your build.prop file). Also before flashing anything in recovery make sure it is intended for your device and that you read and re-read, and re-read again the instructions on how to properly flash the file.
Nexus 7, and other Google/Nexus devices
OTA (over-the-air) software updates
It is always assumed that any OTA update you apply will break root and that you will have to re-gain root access by re-rooting your device. You can disable OTA updates a couple of different ways. One method is to use an app such as FOTAkill to prevent OTA updates from happening. Another method is to use an app such as Titanium Backup to freeze and disable certain system apps that control OTA updates from being sent and received. Lastly, you can install a custom ROM to prevent OTA updates from being pushed to your device.
Internal Storage
This is a great question. The way the Nexus 7 and other devices that don't have an actual physical sdcard slot handle this is the sdcard folder you see in the file explorer acts as an emulated sdcard. So this way when you go to install a custom ROM in recovery mode when the ROM installation requires you to wipe everything the contents of the emulated sdcard will be untouched and remain as if it were a actual physical sdcard.
General
Busybox
Busybox is a series of stripped down GNU utilities and command line applets, you can find more about Busybox and what it is here. As far as needing it in the beginning you might not need it but as you get more familiar with modifying devices is comes in very handy for performing certain operations and tasks and is worth installing just to have for it's functionality. A lot of root programs push the su binary, a Superuser.apk, and often times the busybox binary. Not all ROM's choose to include busybox but it's handy to have like I mentioned for it's functionality.
Cyanogenmod
Cyanogenmod is an aftermarket firmware distribution you can find more about it here. As for why is it famous it was one of the first well know custom ROM's and soon grew to include support for a vast amount of devices you can find more about the history of Cyanogenmod here. AOKP is another well know ROM that stands for Android Open Kang Project, it first came about when Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich was released you can learn more about AOKP here.
SuperUser
If your current ROM is missing a Superuser app you may install one from the Play Store, it does not matter which one you choose it is personnel preference but I would use either Chainfire's SuperSU app or Koush's Superuser app. Updating a pre-installed Superuser app to the latest Play Store version is fine. There are no consequences to installing one Superuser app and uninstalling another one it's a matter of personnel preference which one you want to use. Keep in mind if you uninstall one Superuser app and then install a different one it may ask you to update the su binary (Which it should ask you if you want to do that once you launch the app for the first time) before it will function properly.
If you have any other questions let me know I'll be happy to answer them or elaborate on anything that may still be unclear to you.