[Verizon Droid Charge] angelsix:
#2 – CWM – Clock Work Mod.

I’m still confused about the need and timing of this one. Some sources say it’s entirely optional, just allowing other cool stuff done later. Others seem to say it’s important to install (flash through Odin) this before installing the new ROM. And, then there seem to be some ROMs that Odin can flash that do it all at the same time. And, then, there’s the issue of what order things are to be done in. If we just use Odin to flash a new Gingerbread ROM, can we, or should we, use Odin to flash in CWM?

As a noobie, I’m inclined to the “the less I mess with, the less chance I have of screwing everything up.” So, I think I’d like to skip the CWM while installing my new ROM, and wait to use CWM until I find some additional cool feature I can’t add without it.

#3 – ROM’s.

Where’s Consumer Reports when we need them? There are apparently various ROM’s we could use to improve our phones (e.g. Samsung Droid Charge). They are listed with somewhat cryptic explanations. Those explanations are probably perfectly explanatory for experts, but as a Noobie I don’t get a clear sense of direction from reading them. For example, Android 2.2 ROM’s (Froyo) are still listed, along with 2.3 (Gingerbread). Why would anybody want 2.2 if 2.3 is available? I assume there’s some reason I should be considering, but have no idea what it is. Among the 2.3’s, there’s also the “bloated” vs. “debloated” versions. Many of the unremovable (until rooted) stock apps seem to be both useless and resource drainers. But, I don’t know if I’m ready to give up all of them. And, the “debloated” versions are written by programmers, not people who want to devote their lives to writing up detailed commentaries about what is, and is not, debloated and why. Is there any reason not to just keep all the stock apps, and freeze or uninstall them with Titanium Backup later, as I identify the ones I do not want?

I feel anxious when I read somebody’s post about their newly released ROM, with lots of compliments, then comments that some feature now isn’t working. It’s hard enough to get answers about how to deal with the stock ROM.

I’m also confused about the difference between the “kernal” and the “ROM”. My impression is that “kernal” is which version of Android we use. “ROM” is broader, including extra’s like CDM and CDW, and Voodoo, etc. Or, not?

Part of the problem, obviously, is that the ROM writers have to do a different version for every !@#$%^&*! phone that is made. Apparently even with the Samsung Galaxy family, there are enough differences that the ROM’s are customized for each one. (My prior phone was a Vibrant.) I am grateful that we have choices, and that these ROM’s are available, at all, but it would help to get a little more commentary (i.e. recommendations) about which ones are best for those of us just wanting a better ROM.

#4 – Voodoo. This is like the other issues. It seems like a great thing, to make the file system more efficient and do things like improve the sound system. But, it’s also confusing about when/if to install it in relation to the general ROM update.

So, maybe one of the wonderful experts will clarify these things here, or tweak their general instructions, for the benefit of noobies. Regardless, I again express my appreciation for all they’ve done for us.