[Sony Xperia P, U, Sola, Go] Static-Noise:
I felt it might be handy to look at some of the Q&As that have been going on since the forum got moving over the past few weeks and write up some simple, easy to read information giving answers without all the jargon. It's from a real newbie to Sony perspective, which I am. It is not by any means exhaustive, and it will be updated as time goes by.

Mods, feel free to add content or merge as appropriate. I just want to help the community of Android and Xperia S users! :)

Thanks.

Static-Noise

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Glossary and Explanations in simple English

Android

The name of the lovely operating system powering the phone that you have in your hand!

It is a Linux-based operating system, developed by the Open Handset Alliance, but primarily led by Google.

Baseband

The baseband is the software that deals with the wireless mobile signals, eg. the mobile network.

When the baseband is modified, it is usually to improve reception and make your connection to the network better.

At present, no alternative basebands are available for the Xperia S.

Bootloader

The Bootloader is a little piece of code that runs when you power on your device. In simple terms, it tells the phone to turn on the operating system and carry out any necessary tasks to make the phone work.

Every manufacturer installs their own custom bootloader onto their devices so that they work correctly with the hardware. However, many of these companies lock their bootloaders so that it is difficult for the user to modify the phone. This way, the phone will operate and run in the way that the company designed.

The newer Sony devices enable you to unlock your bootloader and harness your phone to the way that you decide. However, they say it may invalidate your warranty.

An official source on the Sony Xperia S forum declared that "[if you unlock] the bootloader, the warranty is void as soon as you do this". Developers on the XDA Developers forum have found ways to "relock" the bootloader and made it look like it is brand new and factory made.

DRM - "Digital Rights Management"

Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a way to make it impossible to copy music, movies, and computer programs. (Wikipedia)

In terms of our phones, it may restrict access to Sony content and service, for example, but not for definite, TrackID or other software.

You will lost your access to various Sony apps that are protected by DRM when you unlock your bootloader. Despite being able to "relock" it, you will permanently lose your DRM "keys" (which grant you access to restricted content) forever, so think wisely before you made any decisions on what to do.

Firmware/.FTF

The firmware is a package containing all the official software for a particular build. It will contain system, kernel & baseband files. Generally the firmware is supplied (on forums) in form of FTF package (a container file ending with .ftf) which can be flashed via FlashTool. (-Thanks DooMLord)

Flashing

This is when you install/load an operating system (eg. a version of Android) that is either customized (like Cyanogenmod) or "stock" (directly from the manufacturer) onto your handset.

It also can be the term used to install a system modification, such as a better camera, a keyboard or other customizations.

Flashtool

This is a piece of software created by the developers Bin4ry and Androxyde that enables you to flash, root and modify your device.

It's a free download and is an invaluable tool for all your needs!

Kernel

This is the software that the phone users to power it and how to use the battery.

As time goes on, the kernel will be spoken of more in this forum.

At present, no modifications have been made to the kernel for the Xperia S.

Recovery

The "Recovery" is a small part of the phone's operating system reserved to be used for basic phone management purposes, for example, resetting the phone to the factory preset. All devices, including the Xperia S, come with a recovery. There are many other recoveries, such as the famous ClockworkMod, for example.

At present, there are no custom recoveries available for the Xperia S.

ROM

Standing for (Read Only Memory), a ROM is another name for the operating system that is powering your Xperia S. As Android is Open Source, meaning that anyone can see the code that makes it up, talented developers can make custom ROMs that they share with the public on forums, like XDA Developers.

At present, there are no custom ROMs available for the Xperia S.

Rooting

This is the method of enabling users to access complete control of their phone. Android, which powers our handset, can obtain "root access" similar to Linux/UNIX computers- which Android is based upon.

Rooting can be obtained by exploiting a security flaw (enabling the user to get full, or "Superuser", access), by "flashing" a ROM/.ftf that has been "pre-rooted" or by merely typing in commands on handsets that permit rooting out-of-the-box.

At this time (April 2012), no security exploits have been found for the Xperia S. The only way at this time to root it is to unlock the bootloader and flash a pre-rooted ROM.

This should become easier to do as more developers work on the phone and find a security flaw.

Stock

This is the general term given to anything that is exactly as the manufacturer, Sony, intended and created. For example, a "stock" ROM, a "stock" firmware or a "stock" recovery.

When you hear the title "stock", think of it exactly as the manufacturer released it as.

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Handy weblinks and software downloads

Android SDK (Software Development Kit)

http://developer.android.com/sdk/index.html

Flashtool

Windows Edition, Version 0.6.8.0.

Linux Edition, Version 0.6.8.0.

Sony Bootloader Unlocking website

http://unlockbootloader.sonymobile.com/

Sony Official Xperia S forum

http://talk.sonymobile.com/community/support/xperia_2012_family/xperia_s