Okay so I am sort of confused between what a Rom and kernel is. I have flashed saurom rom rcvi on my phone and it comes with a kernel.
I just want to know what they exactly are.
I know a rom is basically like the operating system and their are different roms. What is a kernel tho? I have dags oc kernel though i havent oc yet. But what is it and what does it do? I assume it has something to do with the internal hardware and performance. How do you flash a kernel by itself, Can you even do that or does it always come coupled with a rom? Lets say i wanted to get the holonote kernel by itself would it be possible to do that? Can you mix and match roms and kernels?
Also where does theming come into play? I know that theming well basicallys themes and decorates your device. But how does that work? Do certain roms have themes, or can you put any themes on any roms? How do you flash a rom? Also themes shouldnt affect the performance right.
You may want to search the forums, specifically Q&A or development. People are going to flame you.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(computing)
In the simplest terms that I can think of, a kernel is a component within an operating system that acts as a bridge which allows software to communicate with hardware. I think Saurom is bundled with Hololight's kernel, and the two Collective roms are bundled with DaG's 0.2 OC kernel. You can flash an alternate kernel, as long as your ROM works with it. You can also flash just a kernel without flashing a ROM.
As for themes, most of them are designed for and require a specific ROM. The thread for the theme will be very clear as to which ROM is required to run it.
tenderchkn said:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(computing)
In the simplest terms that I can think of, a kernel is a component within an operating system that acts as a bridge which allows software to communicate with hardware. I think Saurom is bundled with Hololight's kernel, and the two Collective roms are bundled with DaG's 0.2 OC kernel. You can flash an alternate kernel, as long as your ROM works with it. You can also flash just a kernel without flashing a ROM.
As for themes, most of them are designed for and require a specific ROM. The thread for the theme will be very clear as to which ROM is required to run it.
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good call....,.
Here is another great example:
http://developer.android.com/guide/basics/what-is-android.html
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Follow up to OP's question: Where does the kernel "live"? Is it in the boot partition?
I ask, because with all the flashing and at times wanting to go back, does a full nadroid restore (I see it restoring the boot partition, then system, then data) restore the previous kernel also?
Thanks.
If you are curious where stuff is... Take a cwm flashable zip, open it with 7 zip on your pc, follow the folder path in "meta-INF" til you get to a file called "updater-script" pull that out, open it up with NotePad and look and see where its writing to.
the kernel is written to
/dev/block/mmcblk0p8
Related
Hey anyone that's got some noob time, I was curious what exactly is a kernel, why are there different kernels, when to know if you need to use a different kernel and lastly instructions on how to flash a kernel. I am pretty experienced in dealing with my phone and I'm capable of bringing my phone back from ANY software brick with ODIN and I have been flashing ROMS for about 5 months. I recently was reading up on the Epic 4g forums because I was going to root my epic when I buy it and I noticed much more about kernels in the epic 4g forums. Any knowledge would be appreciated! Thanks!
Roms, Basebands and Kernels, a basic overview
The baseband is only the 'radio' part of the phone that makes the calls, the 3G and Wifi connections, GPS connections, etc. As you thought, it is totally separate from a ROM. Updating a ROM will not update a baseband and going back to an older ROM will not 'downgrade' the baseband either. Upgrades to a baseband my improve signal strength, call quality, maybe have software tweaks to improve battery life while on 3G/Wifi, etc - things like that.
Kernels are the core software code that allows CPU to over-clocking and controls voltage controls. Think of it like Bios settings on your computer (PC, that is)..that's really all they do. Now, a kernel can be completely separate from a ROM, but a new ROM contains a kernel in it so it will run. So, a kernel can be both separately applied from a ROM, but is also part of a ROM.
The ROM is basically everything else but the apps and the two things above. It's actually the OS, as well as any stock apps that come with it - and any new improvements, features, etc. The increasing build numbers reflect bug fixes, known issue solutions, feature improvements, etc...thing of them like windows service packs and/or any software update.
Some of the other phones modifying the kernel may be done more because the phone design and limitations
Hope that helps
Very helpful, I was sure to click thanks. I'm curious how to change the kernel on my phone and when should i consider changing it. Do I use ODIN to change the kernel? Also can any kernel work with any ROM? If not, how do I know which ROMs a specific kernel is compatible with?
stevenmcneal83 said:
Very helpful, I was sure to click thanks. I'm curious how to change the kernel on my phone and when should i consider changing it. Do I use ODIN to change the kernel? Also can any kernel work with any ROM? If not, how do I know which ROMs a specific kernel is compatible with?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most kernels can be flashed just like a ROM, very few require ODIN and if it does the dev will specifically say so. Also not every kernel works with every ROM. However they are usually made to work with any ROM base don a version number. For example if a kernel is made for 2.2 than all ROMs that are made from 2.2 will work with it. The version number a kernel is meant to be used with is always in the OP of its thread.
And one last thing, if it is a kernel that has to be flashed via ODIN could someone give a step by step? I've got return to stock via ODIN memorized and I've done it plenty of times but not sure about the procedure for kernels.
Put the kernel in the PDA do not repartition, On a side note, when you are flashing things especially adding new kernels etc, It is better to go to recovery manually and do it from there. Sometimes the custom stuff or CWM have conflicts and it doesn't flash and you have to go odin back......... that's been my experience
so just use adb to get to stock recovery and then choose install packages? forgive me for my extreme detail
oka1 said:
Put the kernel in the PDA do not repartition, On a side note, when you are flashing things especially adding new kernels etc, It is better to go to recovery manually and do it from there. Sometimes the custom stuff or CWM have conflicts and it doesn't flash and you have to go odin back......... that's been my experience
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Have you been using 2.2.1 ROMs?? I always have to ODIN from 2.2.1 ROMs cause I can't wipe data from CWM on them. So when it gets to that part of flashing the ROM it freezes
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I've been doing this whole "reading" thing about flashing and all that, but some confusion is still there.
I have rooted my newly got SGS2 (i9100, UK).
Now what ? I'm looking at Darky's rom, but there are two files to flash separately: kernel (darkcore1.7) and ROM itself.
1. I was just wondering what is kernel in this situation ? Can i keep my current kernel, which was flashed by superoneclick(2.1.1) or do i absolutely need to flash darkcore ?
2. Same question applies to any other rom out there - can i use different kernel to the rom i may want to flash ? A lot of them come in sets (rom+kernel)
3. Another question - if i mess up kernel flash somehow, does that kill "download mode" of the phone (voldn+pwr)?
I have SGS1 flashed just another day, due to it being "expendable" now that i have SGS2, so jumped in and flashed it following instructions, but without solid understanding. Either stuff gets too complicated or i'm getting too old for this **** (I do have a background of messing with PCs, videogame consoles (ps1 era to ps3/360), winmo6 phones, gadgetry in general...engineer at heart )
You can use any kernel with any ROM. And no I don't think your Download Mode will be gone if you mess up a Kernel.
Kernel don't come in sets. You can choose your favorite there. See Dev section for more details.
Regards.
Correction: SuperCore, not darkcore...
Can i use cwm app (v2.0)to flash any kernels ? Or does it have to be odin ?
sliex said:
Correction: SuperCore, not darkcore...
Can i use cwm app (v2.0)to flash any kernels ? Or does it have to be odin ?
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Rom>>That depends upon the instructions as always in the rom you choose for a custom rom .
Kernel is flashed via Odin Via CWM app or via CWM recovery .
Kernel is the core of the system between hardware and operating .
jje
Ok, so saying that, What stock Kernel can I use for Cyanogenmod7 ROM?
I was using "XWKE7" previously.
The ZIP file that i downloaded actually replaced my kernel with its own.
I'm asking this as I wanna use Tegrak overclock which is only compatible with stock kernels.
Rjmcgauley said:
Ok, so saying that, What stock Kernel can I use for Cyanogenmod7 ROM?
I was using "XWKE7" previously.
The ZIP file that i downloaded actually replaced my kernel with its own.
I'm asking this as I wanna use Tegrak overclock which is only compatible with stock kernels.
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Stock kernels will not work with cyanogenmod. There are no overclockable kernels available for it yet.
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Hey guys, I'm not gonna ask the dreaded question "Which Kernal is best?", but I am currently rooted and want to overclock to 1.5, but besides that, what else should I be looking for in a kernal?
What about modems (or is that embedded in the kernal)?
We only have 2 options, Entropy or Siyah and they do not include a modem.
Check the dev section for kernels & modems.
butikofer08 said:
Hey guys, I'm not gonna ask the dreaded question "Which Kernal is best?", but I am currently rooted and want to overclock to 1.5, but besides that, what else should I be looking for in a kernal?
What about modems (or is that embedded in the kernal)?
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Both kernels we have offer oc abilities.
Personally I would look at stability and battery life but that is just me. Try both and see which suits your needs.
Modems are not associated with kernel and depend on your area. Whichever works the best where you are.
We have two choices here and both are incredibly stable and allow overclocking. You can't go wrong. Basically the biggest difference as far as I can see is the recovery that comes with it which is almost entirely preference.
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So if I find a ROM I like but want to experiment with the other available Kernal, is it as simple as flashing my ROM first, then once booted up go into Odin and flash the other kernal i want to experiment with?
Or is the kernal that comes with a ROM the one your stuck with?
butikofer08 said:
So if I find a ROM I like but want to experiment with the other available Kernal, is it as simple as flashing my ROM first, then once booted up go into Odin and flash the other kernal i want to experiment with?
Or is the kernal that comes with a ROM the one your stuck with?
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Just use CWM to flash the zips provided or Mobile Odin if you prefer it that way.
No need to use a computer to change the Kernel.
LiLChris06 said:
Just use CWM to flash the zips provided or Mobile Odin if you prefer it that way.
No need to use a computer to change the Kernel.
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Thanks for the quick response chris,
I guess what I'm asking is if I have a rom with the Syiah kernal, is it possible to keep that same ROM but swap kernals, sorry, I just wasn't clear on what your answer meant.
I'm guessing your saying it is indeed possible and just flash the .zip for a different Kernal on top of an already installed ROM.
Sorry, I'm tired...
Changing the Kernel on 2.3.4 & 2.3.6 roms will not break anything.
For CM7, CM9, MIUI etc you have to stick with what is included or see what works with it.
AntwanL said:
We have two choices here and both are incredibly stable and allow overclocking. You can't go wrong. Basically the biggest difference as far as I can see is the recovery that comes with it which is almost entirely preference.
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Click to collapse
For example, latest Siyah with touch recovery. Awesome for flashaholics.
Your talking of version .14 I assume, if so, doesn't it say in .13 description that .13 would be the last for Gingerbread?
Obviously it works if your using it, so i'm gonna download now...
Its probably a noob question but i really need an answer. Ive seen in many roms the based on cm7 or something else. When telling that a rom is based on something, do we mean that the rom will just have the graphics of the cm7 in my example, kernel parts or what? I hope my question was clear enough.
When a Rom is based on say another Rom such as cm7, or when its based on an HTC ruu for example, it means that the dev has constructed his Rom using another Rom/firmware. It is usually the same kernel, and the possibilities of how the Rom is similar to the base is different depending on what the developer wants with his Rom.
I'll give you a clear example. A MIUI Rom requires an aosp base.
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rayven18 said:
Its probably a noob question but i really need an answer. Ive seen in many roms the based on cm7 or something else. When telling that a rom is based on something, do we mean that the rom will just have the graphics of the cm7 in my example, kernel parts or what? I hope my question was clear enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What it usually means is, someone took CM7 (or whatever rom) and pushed and pulled files to make it their own. And then shares what he has done with the community. More often than not, it is CM7 with custom tweaks, new launcher, couple apps, scripts baked in. In my HUMBLE opinion these aren't consider ROM's to me. They are simply modified versions of someone else's ROM's.
Yet there are still people who take ROM's and completely rewrite them. Those would be based originally off other ROM's but actually made a totally different ROM.
Everything cleared out in my head, thanks
If I was to install, say, the Liquid Smooth ROM onto my i717 (I have a good amount of experience with flashing ROMs, so that much I know,) specifically, the KitKat version, it lists kernels in the download links. Would these kernels be included with the ROM files themselves, i.e. install at the same time as the ROM, or would I have to flash the kernel separately before flashing the ROM? Thank you VERY much in advance
Reinstalled said:
If I was to install, say, the Liquid Smooth ROM onto my i717 (I have a good amount of experience with flashing ROMs, so that much I know,) specifically, the KitKat version, it lists kernels in the download links. Would these kernels be included with the ROM files themselves, i.e. install at the same time as the ROM, or would I have to flash the kernel separately before flashing the ROM? Thank you VERY much in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thread should tell you if the kernel is baked into the Rom our not but the stock kernel usually comes with it. I'm pretty sure you're talking about a beefed up kernel tho. You'll just have to read the thread and if you're still not clear about it, ask in that thread to be sure.
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Reinstalled said:
If I was to install, say, the Liquid Smooth ROM onto my i717 (I have a good amount of experience with flashing ROMs, so that much I know,) specifically, the KitKat version, it lists kernels in the download links. Would these kernels be included with the ROM files themselves, i.e. install at the same time as the ROM, or would I have to flash the kernel separately before flashing the ROM? Thank you VERY much in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is always a kernel included with a rom. most alternate kernels are made and or flashed to combat a side effect or incompatibility with some folks devices. its not that provided kernel doesn't work, just that every device is different and the alternates can sometimes be more compatible.
however, I would suggest you give the original kernel a chance to settle, at least a day if not two. if it just flat out is not working for you, then flash an alternate onto the rom. wipe you caches ( not factory) flash kernel by itself and your good
never want to discount reading here as Gimmeitorilltell suggests. reading educates you and puts you in a better position to help yourself first.
Reinstalled said:
If I was to install, say, the Liquid Smooth ROM onto my i717 (I have a good amount of experience with flashing ROMs, so that much I know,) specifically, the KitKat version, it lists kernels in the download links. Would these kernels be included with the ROM files themselves, i.e. install at the same time as the ROM, or would I have to flash the kernel separately before flashing the ROM? Thank you VERY much in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In general stick with the kernel that comes with a ROM unless you have a reason to change, like stability, overclocking, etc... but you do flash the kernel after the ROM; anytime after the ROM flash really. You don't need a clean flash before kernel switch.
The dev probably did not test his/her ROM with every kernel possible so if you want support your best bet is to be on the kernel included. For the 1st install of a ROM if you are unsure you should definitely use included kernel; as sometimes you just can't predict what changing it will do.
That said there many of us do switch kernels when installing updates, I certainly do. There are not alot of kernels for our phones as only a dedicated few devs continue to support the Note but you have a few choices. All kernels I've seen allow performance/governor control to some degree. If you read through the various ROM threads you'll find that some kernels are preferred by users but for the most part kernels like Uber work well with most ROMs.
P0llution's ROM patch allows you to switch kernels after flashing a ROM (BeanStalk, LiquidSmooth, etc....) and even before 1st boot. It also has patches for various KK problems. It is in the Beanstalk thread 1st post.
Thank you so much for your replies! Installed LS and flashed Uber kernel and running with no issues.
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