whats the difference between a ROM and a kernel - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

really appreciate your answers
Sent from my U8150 using xda premium

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faux123 said:
What is a Kernel? The Kernel is the Foundation in which everything else builds upon in any software system.
[Car Analogy]: Kernel is like the Engine, Electrical system and the Transmission to a car. The Library, Framework and the Apps [AKA ROM] are the body frame and the rest of the Car.
​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In other words, you can sort of think of a ROM as your "version of the OS" on this phone, while the kernel is the thing that manages memory, tasks, etc and contains the drivers to the input/outputs. (This is probably highly inaccurate.) If you have options for, say, volume waking, changing the navigation bar, changing general OS settings, that's probably the ROM. Kernel changes are usually to subtly increase speed/reduce battery drain, but they can also be driver features like color control, vibration level, touch wake and so on.
A ROM comes with a default kernel when you flash it. However, the kernel can often be changed, by flashing a different one (the files just get overridden). Not all kernels are compatible with all ROMS/devices, so this does involve a bit of reading (and nandroid backuping, of course).
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ROM literally stands for read-only memory, but I'm not sure this is true. I think the access is only limited by permissions, as root explorer seems to have access to everything. (Once again, I could be quite wrong.) The name probably comes from that the phone manufacturers intended for it to be read-only, since phones were originally intended to be far more locked-in than computers, for some reason.

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ROM
(previously) During the production process, the whole operating system was written on ROM [Read Only Memory]
(now) They write it on a Flash-ROM [rewrite-able (Read Only) Memory]
In XDA or Android,
ROM stands for the whole packages, which the manufacturer otherwise write at manufacturing
Package includes:
-Operating System
-Kernel
- diverse Platforms (depending on) [Java is always for Android required]
-Applications
Kernel
Android is based on Linux or it just uses the Linux - Kernel
- the Word kernel comes from Linux and that means Core, because it comes from German Noun [Kern] {I speak German, so understandable for me ;-)}
- Kernel is a bridge between Hardware and Software, which manage the whole Calulating process
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in XDA or Android Modifier
-try to modify the Kernel to accelerate the phone or to activate new/better function
Know-how
Flashing a new ROM/Kernel --> it means new/other version of firmware/Kernel onto your phone
custom ROM/Kernel --> a ROM/Kernel which was not developed manufacturer, it means someone else has modified/tuned/pimped/hacked a ROM
---Recommandable ROM is "CyanogenMod"
Stock ROM/Kernel --> a firmware/Kernel that comes from manufacturer or default/non-Modified ROM/Kernel
Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(computing)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Read-only_memory
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ROM_image
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thanks for the info. :good:

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i dont get it...& also i cant find a thread for flashing details...can u help plz
Sent from my GT-S5360 using xda app-developers app

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a kernel is the backbone of the rom
both have to be compatible with each other.
a kernel influences the battery usage of the rom, it also helps it to boot after flashing. a wrong kernel if flashed will make the phone get stuck at logo. a kernel will decide how safe it is to wipe/format your system or if some chips will be triggered to brick the emmc.
it determines root issues too. certain features of the rom will not work unless the kernel supports it like multiwindows in JB. the kernel decides if
your phone will support bootanimations. it will also decide from its nature if you can overclock your phone or undervolt it and to what extent.
custom kernels are released by highly knowledgeable developers and usually it is released in the forum set up for your device. All details of flashing etc are written in the OP. Feedback is given in following posts by those who have used it for reference of new users. usually kernels are paclaged in CWM zips which can be flashed from recovery. sometimes you may come across tar files that can be flashed with mobile or pc odin (depending upon device.

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Sent from my NEO L using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 09:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:29 PM ----------
Dhaval Bhatt said:
i dont get it...& also i cant find a thread for flashing details...can u help plz
Sent from my GT-S5360 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1508585
Look in this u will get an ida about fashing Rom / kernal
Sent from my NEO L using xda app-developers app

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Nice info
Really superb explanation.

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What ROM and Kernel to install. Confused
Hi Guys. Ive been reading through the forums here and there but im still confused on what rom and kernel do i need to flash on my Samsung galaxy s3 I9300 international version. I really dont want to mess up this phone thats why i wanted some help from the experts . Ive already rooted my phone and backup everything using titanium backup.
Baseband version : I9300DXELK1
Kernel : 3.0.31 stock
Build Number : I9300XXEMA2
Basically what i really wanted was to have a better battery life, ofcourse new themes/looks/feel, remove all the bloatwares, and hopefully to add items on my multiwindow would really be great. Im doubtful of what version of omega rom and siyah kernel to flash as ive read that they should harmonically match with each other not to mess up the phone. Your help would really be appreciated specially for noob like me

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[email protected] said:
Hi Guys. Ive been reading through the forums here and there but im still confused on what rom and kernel do i need to flash on my Samsung galaxy s3 I9300 international version. I really dont want to mess up this phone thats why i wanted some help from the experts . Ive already rooted my phone and backup everything using titanium backup.
Baseband version : I9300DXELK1
Kernel : 3.0.31 stock
Build Number : I9300XXEMA2
Basically what i really wanted was to have a better battery life, ofcourse new themes/looks/feel, remove all the bloatwares, and hopefully to add items on my multiwindow would really be great. Im doubtful of what version of omega rom and siyah kernel to flash as ive read that they should harmonically match with each other not to mess up the phone. Your help would really be appreciated specially for noob like me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for ROM i would say get Cyanogenmod 10/10.1
And for kernel - franco kernel
That's What i would say is awesome + safe
Or if you prefer paranoidandroid or aokp go for them , it is a matter of personal preference.
Franco kernel will help with battery life.
Guide To Install Franco Kernel - Click here
Guide to Installing Cyanogenmod 10.1 - Click
here
Known issues/bugs - click here
Hit the tanks button if i helped

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Thanks Techmasta :good: i would give it a try. But is there anything that i need to look for like compatibilities? or are most of the kernels and roms compatible with my baseband/firmware. Thats what i am really afraid of before proceeding with flashing

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Custom ROM on Stock Kernel
Thanks for the information!!
Will a custom rom work on Stock Kernel tooo????
Will it work smoothly????