[Q] installing custom rom .... pls just explain in simple language - Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 Mini

lots of posts about this issue i found. but dnt understand them fully... would u guys help me to understand some terms pls.
boot unlock
why need to unlock boot to install
what is flashing
sim lock
firmware
firmware = custom rom : it is or not ?
and at the end it would be great to give a guide(installing custom rom)
for newbies .... step by step. thanx aagain XDA.

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juda19 said:
lots of posts about this issue i found. but dnt understand them fully... would u guys help me to understand some terms pls.
boot unlock
why need to unlock boot to install
what is flashing
sim lock
firmware
firmware = custom rom : it is or not ?
and at the end it would be great to give a guide(installing custom rom)
for newbies .... step by step. thanx aagain XDA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I was you id forget about unlocking bootloader or flashing a custom kernal just for now. Just focus on rooting your fone, then installing clock work mod reccovery. Then look for a custom rom, make sure it works on your fone and that you have the correct baseband. There are a lot of topics on everything you need to know,so use the search button to help you and make sure you read everything including posts on topics before you install anything.
Sent from my U20i using xda premium

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simple explanation
firmware
>>firmware = the whole software inside your phone (which part of the firmware are bootloader, kernel, ROM, etc )
firmware = custom rom : it is or not ?
>>base on above explanation, so firmware =/= custom rom
content of custom rom = content of folder /system, in your phone internal memory
boot unlock
>>unlock bootloader is required to install custom KERNEL
why need to unlock boot to install
>>you don't need to unlock bootloader to install custom ROM
what is flashing
>>flashing = copying (writing) a firmware (whole or partially) into your phone internal memory
sim lock
>>this issue only used when you unlock bootloader. (caution!!!)
Network providers use sim lock capability to restrict the use of the phones to specific countries and network providers, so if your phone is locked by your gsm operator and you force unlock bootloader, the result your phone will lose it's radio capability (no signal)
to make it clear,
1-2 months ago we use : stock kernel + custom rom with add-on*
(*these add-on called modules, example: dual / multi touch module, overclock module etc.
* these add-on are parts of the custom rom)
now since they've found a way to unlock boot loader, they can modify kernel also, with this modify kernel, they can merge those modules inside the kernel.
basically we can say:
stock kernel + custom rom WITH modules = custom kernel WITH modules + custom rom WITHOUT modules
but of course custom kernel have other benefit beside the modules, so it's your configuration choice
now your steps are:
1. update your firmware to the latest version (2.1.1.A.0.6) via PC companion / SEUS
2. root your phone
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=906742
3. install recovery (is needed to install custom rom)
(there are choices: Xrecovery & Clockworkmod recovery/CWM) CWM is more famous these day
4. install your preferable custom rom (+ modules, if they make it separated)(don't forget to backup your stock rom in CWM)
5. optional, unlock bootloader >> install custom kernel >> install custom rom that ready for custom kernel
ps: there is no point to unlock bootloader if you dont install custom kernel