[Samsung Galaxy S (4G Model)] golmar88:
THE SGS4G DICTIONARY​

A COMPANION TO THE BIBLE​

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I am going to put a more in depth dictionary together, but this is my start. This was "Kanged" (look it up) from cyonogenmod wiki and Wikipedia. but I will be rewording it and customizing it to fit our needs here over time. This is just a jumping off point to get me going. As always, feel free to leave any words that need to be added!

2e recovery

3G

3G is the term generally used to describe 3rd Generation mobile telecommunications, specifically allowing for greater throughput of data over cellular networks. The official standard is known as "International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000)".

4G

4G is the fourth generation of cellular wireless standards. It is a successor to the 3G and 2G families of standards. In 2009, the ITU-R organization specified the IMT-Advanced (International Mobile Telecommunications Advanced) requirements for 4G standards, setting peak speed requirements for 4G service at 100 Mbit/s for high mobility communication (such as from trains and cars) and 1 Gbit/s for low mobility communication (such as pedestrians and stationary users).

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.

ADP

Android Developer Phone. The first ADP was a "development" version of the HTC Dream. The current ADP is the Samsung Nexus S II.

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.

Android

Unveiled on 5 November 2007, Android is a mobile operating system running on the Linux kernel developed by Google. Below is a list of the most recent versions, and what they include:

2.0 (Eclair) included a new web browser, with a new user interface and support for HTML5 and the W3C Geolocation API. It also included an enhanced camera app with features like digital zoom, flash, color effects, and more.[46]

2.1 (Eclair) included support for voice controls throughout the entire OS. It also included a new launcher, with 5 homescreens instead of 3, animated backgrounds, and a button to open the menu (instead of a slider). It also included a new weather app, and improved functionality in the Email and Phonebook apps.[46]

2.2 (Froyo) introduced speed improvements with JIT optimization and the Chrome V8 JavaScript engine, and added Wi-Fi hotspot tethering and Adobe Flash support[47]

2.3 (Gingerbread) refined the user interface, improved the soft keyboard and copy/paste features, and added support for Near Field Communication[48]

3.0 (Honeycomb) was a tablet-oriented[49][50][51] release which supports larger screen devices and introduces many new user interface features, and supports multicore processors and hardware acceleration for graphics.[52] The Honeycomb SDK has been released and the first device featuring this version, the Motorola Xoom tablet, went on sale in February 2011.[53]

3.1 (Honeycomb) was announced at the 2011 Google I/O on 10 May 2011.[54]

3.2 (Honeycomb) is "an incremental release that adds several new capabilities for users and developers." Highlights include optimization for a broader range of screen sizes; new "zoom-to-fill" screen compatibility mode; capability to load media files directly from the SD card; and an extended screen support API, providing developers with more precise control over the UI.[55]

Below is a list of future releases that have been announced:

4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)[56] is said to be a combination of Gingerbread and Honeycomb into a "cohesive whole."[57] It will be released in Q4 2011.

.apk

The .apk is a file extension that denotes "android package". As android in a linux based operating system, things are installed in packages. It is practically the installation file of a new program.

Apps2SD

Move applications from the internal NAND memory on the device to a removable SD Card.

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. The majority of bloatware put on the phones can be useless, as well as additional theming provided to the SGS4G can cause lag.

Brick

Bricking; Essentially the phone is as good as a "brick" or "Paper weight". There are two types of bricking;

Semi-bricked - Phone will boot up to a stage of perhaps the S logo animating but not entering the correct stage of normal use, you should be able to enter recovery mode or download mode and recover your device.

Fully Bricked - The phone will not boot up, depending on what went wrong, you may not even be able to access recovery or download mode to recover your device, but in some circumstance it is possible with the help of a home-made JIG to Trigger download mode. Or- The phone will do nothing, in which case only a JTAG will help.

CWM

ClockWorkMod is an alternate recovery menu where you can execute more advanced features such installing custom ROMs, Modifications such as kernels, lagfixes, battery indicator MODS etc from the internal SDCARD. As well as backing up and restoring the current ROM you are using. Other advanced features include clearing Dalvik Cache, wiping battery stats and partitioning the sdcard. Kernel/lag-fix settings can also be changed using the CWM. It can be installed by using the update.zip by downloading from either a site or via the app on the market. You must have 2e recovery to install this MOD.

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.

Debranding

To "debrand" a handset, you flash stock firmware to it, thus stripping it of any network branding whatsoever. It is a clean handset where adding customizations and modifications has a less chance of causing instability with the SGS.

Download Mode

Can be accessed by pressing "Volume Down + Power + Menu" when the phone is powered off. It is the standby prompt for the installation of new firmware.

ext2

Second extended filesystem for the Linux kernel. ext2 is still the filesystem of FSchoice for flash-based storage media (such as SD cards, SSDs, and USB flash drives) since its lack of a journal minimizes the number of writes.

ext3

Third extended journaling filesystem is a journaled file system that is commonly used by the Linux kernel. It is the default file system for many popular Linux distributions. Note that due to limitations of SD Cards, you need to run "e2fsck -f" on any ext3 based SD Card filesystems after a crash to insure your data is still intact.

ext4

Fourth extended journaling filesystem is a journaling file system developed as the successor to ext3. Note that due to limitations of SD Cards, you need to run "e2fsck -f" on any ext4 based SD Card filesystems after a crash to insure your data is still intact.

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.

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.

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.

GApps/Google Apps

An add-on for Google's applications (Market, GMail etc.), packaged separately to avoid copyright issues

GNU

A recursive acronym for “GNU's Not Unix!”; it is pronounced g-noo, as one syllable with no vowel sound between the g and the n. The GNU Project was launched in 1984 to develop a complete Unix-like operating system which is free software: the GNU system. “Free software” is a matter of liberty, not price. To understand the concept, you should think of “free” as in “free speech”, not as in “free beer”.

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#.

JTAG

JTAG is repair solution providing unique scripting support and IDA real time debugging via GDB Server. RIFF Box JTAG is a high quality hardware with the Resurrection feature allowing for one-click repair.

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)

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). You can flash different kernels to the SGS, being Voodoo, SpeedMOD and others, you can have different desired effects with flashing different kernels by enhancing sound/picture, the enhancement of input/output between the processor and memory as well as lagfixes.

Kies

Kies is official software from Samsung which allows you to connect your SGS to your PC. It provides many features such as photo/audio/video copying PC <-> Mobile, firmware upgrading and backing up of data such as contacts/calendar/media.

IRC

Internet Relay Chat. Basically a chatroom, or a cross between Instant Messaging and a forum.

Lagfix

The lagfix in the SGS is exactly what it means...fixing lag. Reason for it is that the SGS has a proprietary filing system known as RFS, this although works with android, it can cause lag. Fixes for these are "lag-fixes" which can convert the original RFS filing system into EXT4, a linux filing system which the android operating system can work very well with. Newer ROMs such as 2.2.1 JPU + have improved RFS structures which aid against lag and alot users are not using lagfixes anymore.

Launcher

The standard launcher that the SGS comes with is the touchwiz. This allows you to have a standard 4-icon dock and 7-home screens, placing icons and widgets onto the home screen, it is responsible for launching various applications. You can have alternate launchers such as "launcher pro", ADW, new gingerbread launcher and modified touchwiz's, each can give you additional performance and features such as graphics, widgets and increased speed in launching applications.

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.

ODIN

Is a windows program used to flash the SGS phones when the phone is activated in download mode. It is an un-offical method to flashing the SGS. However, it is rumoured to be leaked firmware flashing software from Samsung.

PIT File - Believed to be responsible for the partitioning and directing where to install firmware on disk.

PDA File - Is the main firmware image of the phone containing the kernel, bootloader and majority of data for the SGS.

Phone File - Also known as the modem file, believe it is responsible for the phone/modem data, such as calling protocols and having the relevant software for being able to sign onto mobile networks and other communications such as wi-fi/bluetooth and GPS.

CSC File - Customer sales code, responsible for the identification of the phone, e.g XEU-CSC will be UK/Europe Standard. The CSC values will be used for future "over the air" updates as well as current identification while in the android market to see which apps are available to you.

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.

Radio

The cellular radio on the device which needs control software called firmware to control it.

Recovery Mode

A special environment that you can boot into for troubleshooting and upgrading purposes. Can be accessed by pressing "Volume UP + Power + Menu" when the phone is powered off, press and keep a hold for approx 4 seconds and release.

2e Recovery;

Is a revision of recovery mode which allows you to apply unsigned "update.zip"s, Wipe Cache partition, Wipe data/factory reset and format the internal SD-Card. This is the commonly used recovery mode.

3e Recovery;

Is the latest revision of recovery mode which allows allows you to flash signed "update.zip"s. Wipe Cache partition, Wipe data/factory reset and format the internal SD-Card. This recovery revision can be downgraded to 2e in order to flash unsigned zips and allow the installation of rooting or other modifications used in recovery.

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.

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.

SDK

A software development kit (SDK or "devkit") is typically a set of development tools that allows for the creation of applications for a certain software package, software framework, hardware platform, computer system, video game console, operating system, or similar platform. You can find the Android SDK at http://developer.android.com/sdk.

SIM

A subscriber identity module or subscriber identification module (SIM) is a small card provided by your carrier. It is an integrated circuit that securely stores the service-subscriber key (IMSI) used to identify a subscriber on mobile telephony devices (such as mobile phones and computers). A SIM card contains its unique serial number (ICCID), internationally unique number of the mobile user (IMSI), security authentication and ciphering information, temporary information related to the local network, a list of the services the user has access to and two passwords (PIN for usual use and PUK for unlocking).

SPL

Second Program Loader, in conjunction with the IPL comprise a device's bootloader. Aside from bootstrapping Android, the bootloader also fulfills various diagnostic functions. One of these functions is the manipulation of data in the device's internal flash ram. Depending on the SPL installed, the user might be able to flash signed NBH files, flash nand images, and more. Note that the SPL is installed and operates independently of the Android build that runs atop it.

Generally speaking, there are two variants of the SPL: Stock, which is 'locked' and is installed on most devices from the factory, and Engineering, which is 'unlocked' and has to be manually flashed - usually after 'rooting'.

Stock firmware

Stock firmware is official, untouched firmware from Samsung.

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.

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.

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. It feeds information right to the home screen, and you can interact with the app without the need to open the app. Common examples are calenders and weather widgets.

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.

More to come as I fill it and make it pretty! :D