[Android General] Adi_Pat:
Hello ! Here is the Ultimate n00b FAQ !

I am mainly writing this FAQ to educate the n00bs about their Android Phone. Many n00bs don't read much and just go about dirtying threads which does not much good to the developments. This FAQ will get you accustomed to the widely and common terms of the Android World ! So here we go...

Glossary:

1)flashing - Installing (In plain language)

2)ROM - The package of the entire system for your phone.

3)bloatware - Unnecessary apps added by Companies to Stock ROMs.

4)Deodex - Your system apps come with additional .odex files. Deodexing means packing these odex files into the app. This is mainly done because deodexing makes it easy to modify the apk also theming becomes easier.

5)EXT4 - A type of Linux system partition like FAT32 or NTFS in windows.

6)Brick ! - The condition of your phone when it becomes a Paperweight ! There are two types of brick conditions- Hard bricked means the phone cannot be recovered and needs to be taken to the service centre. Soft brick means your phone will reboot or will be stuck at the botoscreen. This can mostly be recovered by reflashing your Firmware again.

7)Bootloop- Your phone will continuously boot to the Logo.

Ok so here goes the first question--

1)What is 'Rooting' ? How should I do it? Will it help me not help me ?

A: 'Rooting' means getting Superuser access to your phone. This means that Rooting will provide access to the System files and the core components of the OS. You can Root your phone by using Tools like SuperOneClick Root or Z4Root. This happens in just one click and is very easy ! Rooting can provide you with a lot of benefits like ability to flash a Custom ROM, a Custom Kernel, Theme, system level modifications. You can also install apps which require Root access such as Root Explorer, Font Changer,Chainfire 3D, Faster Fix and lots more. Rooting will generally not cause any problem if you do it correctly !

P.S: Rooting voids your warranty ! However you can unroot and reclaim your warranty so no need to worry ;) !

2)What is a Firmware Package or How to Upgrade my Phone ?

A: A firmware package is usually called Stock ROM or the ROM released officially by the Company. This can usually be flashed to your device by using the software provided by the Company or another third party software.

For.eg. Samsung users can use Kies (Official) but we all use ODIN(Third-Party) all sammy users out there you all know how reliable KIES is XD XD

3) What is a Custom ROM ? How is it beneficial/not-beneficial[Root needed]?

A: A Custom ROM is a modified version of the Operating System System. A Custom ROM comes with lots of features implemented by the dev. Custom ROMS come pre-rooted, Deodexed,Zipalligned.etc. They also come pre-installed with useful apps. Custom ROMs are usually high on Benchmark Scores since devs usually add many tweaks and performance improvements. However read a lot and flash Custom ROMs specefic to your device and Firmware or you will end up with a bricked phone.

4) What is a Kernel ?

A: Kernels are something more deep into the System. The Kernel is a Bridge between the Hardware and Software of your phone. Without a Kernel the device will not boot. For eg. When you receive a message the system sends a message to the kernel and the kernel lights up the notification LED. The kernel is also responsible for the turning on of your screen and also controls the CPU clock Rate i.e the frequency or speed of your CPU. When the phone is idle and not in use the Kernel puts the Phone in Deep Sleep mode. Messing with Kernel components can result in undesirable problems is you don't know what you are doing.

5)What is a Custom Kernel ? [Root needed]

A: A Custom Kernel is a Kernel developed by a developer which may include many improvements and features. It may also support Overclocking your phone i.e running your phone at a higher clock frequency. It may also have more CPU Governers and IO Schedulers. Custom Kernels may also come with a Custom Recovery and EXT4 support.

However do some reading before flashing a Custom kernel.

6) What is OverClocking and how does it affect my device ? [Root needed]

A: Overclocking means running your phone at a higher frequency than Stock. However you need to flash a Kernel which supports overclocking for this. Apps like SetCPU and No Frills CPU (Both require Root access) can be used to alter CPU speeds.

ADVANTAGES: Overclocking can help you run games which lag on your device smoothly. Also it can give you some good speed and zippyness when required.

DISADVANTAGES:Higher CPU speeds may need more power and can cause battery drain. It can also cause your phone to get heated and can fry up internal components.

P.S:Each device has a different Chip. Each Chip has different levels of tolerance to overclocking and every device may not handle overclocking the same way. Results will vary with each chip. So if a Galaxy S plus supports overclocking from 1.4Ghz to 1.9Ghz, a device like Galaxy SL will support Overclocking(stable) upto 1.2Ghz - 1 3Ghz.

7) What is Recovery,Download Mode ?

A: Download mode is a mode through which a New Firmware Package is installed to the device. This can be done by first powering off your device. Then pressing the Volume Down + Home + Power buttons at the same time. As long as your phone enters recovery mode, you can recover it ! Recovery Mode Can be accessed by Volume Up + Home + Power button Combo. You can perform vital tasks like Factory Reset, you can wipe Cache Partition(required after flashing most ROMS). Custom Recoveries [Root needed] like CWM come with even more features like you can wipe Dalvik Cache (is also needed to be wiped after flashing ROMs). Custom ROMs have to be installed through Custom Recovery like CWM. However CWM is not an app alone. You need to flash a Kernel with CWM Recovery support.

NOTE: To enter Recovery or Download mode. Make sure you have enabled USB Debugging at Settings->Applications->Application Development->USB Debugging

8) What is a bootloader ? What is a locked bootloader ? How important is it?

A: A bootloader is rather the part of your system that boots up the device. It is however contained in a separate Partition. If your bootloader gets corrupt or if you flash the bootloader of anither phone you will be hardbricked and your phone wont even boot. Bootloader loads up the Kernel which then loads up the ROM. Some devices come with bootloader locked by companies. This rules out flashing Custom ROMs ! Yes the best thing is to never mess around with the bootloader because only the service centre will be able to help you then.

And n00bs always read, understand and then go about posting or messing up threads. Its not with an intention of being rude :D but a little reading can help. Once even I was a n00b ....

Yes ! Thats the FAQ for you ! Do not PM me with stupid questions (That is a kind request). If you have any doubts post here I will try to help you :D .

Hit Thanks if it helped you !

Still Lots more to come in the FAQ !.. ..