[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S II SGH-T989] -Falco:
I made this thread to help stop people from asking the same question over again. Source: http://www.talkandroid.com/guides/beginner/android-rom-and-rooting-dictionary-for-beginners/

- What is root and how do i get it?

Rooting is the process of gaining total control of your device. That means you can go into certain files that a stock ROM can't. If you want to obtain root for your t989 please go to this thread. http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1311194

- What is a ROM?

A ROM is the main firmware or operating system that your phone runs. Just like Windows 7 runs on your PC, or Mac OSX runs on your Macbook, a ROM is the main software you interact with to use your phone. It includes all the system apps (messaging, email, phone), the launcher, the notification bar, etc. Google’s Nexus line runs a “stock” Android ROM (meaning it’s unmodified) while manufacturers make significant changes to the look and feel of their ROMs before they ship them with your phone (for example: note the difference between the Samsung Galaxy S III’s software and the software on LG’s Nexus 4, they are totally different.) What you see in the android development section of this forum is a custom ROM. A custom ROM is a modified version of android. Which means developers edit the line of coding, change the look of it, and add extra features. The most common custom ROM is cyanogen mod or CM. If you are looking for a ROM that is feature heavy try a PACman ROM. If you want a stable ROM try CM 10.1 a ROM cannot brick your device it can only cause a boot loop.

- what is a kernel?

A kernel does not change the look and the feel of the phone, all it really does is tell the software how to interact with the hardware. A custom kernel is a kernel that developers have added code to, in order to create all sorts of new options and abilities. They might add code to make the phone’s processor run at a higher speed, or make the battery draw less power when the phone is in “idle” mode. A kernel can brick your device if installed wrong. Make sure it is a kernel from your devices forum.

- what is a radio?

A radio (also known as Baseband or modem) is a *firmware that allows your phone to connect to the wireless network. It allows you to connect to your data connection, WiFi, and GPS.

What is a Mod?

- a mod is simply modifying a ROM and changing it to your liking. For example: changing the battery icon to look different.

What is a brick and how do i recover from one?

When your device becomes unusable, meaning you can't do anything you are bricked. If you are hard bricked you are out of luck. All you really have when your hard bricked is a fancy paperweight. If you are soft bricked, meaning you can get into download mode you are in luck. To recover from a soft brick just go here and follow all instructions carefully:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1513359

I will add more to this later, such as odex/deodexed, recovery, backup/nandroid, and more.

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Phone: Galaxy s2 t989

Rom: PACman 20.1

Kernel: Stock

I'm full of great idea's, but don't have the time to create them or learn the coding to create them. If you want to make one of my ideas a reality just message me and I will give you my idea as specific as possible.

ideas:

-launcher/lock screen

-line rider type game where you control the character

-2d fighting game like art of fighting for the SNES

-multiplayer fps where you create your own map with a creative mode (minecraft style)

-roller coaster tycoon style game

-get phone out of sleep mode

-many more! :)

Just message me which idea you want info on and I'll tell you!

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