Question about the jump from 1.5 to 2.1

trishuhh

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Mar 27, 2010
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Okay, this is my first post on here thus far, and for the past two weeks or so I have been reading about how to update the Eris to 2.1 and have gotten completely confused by the 47382940235819 threads that exist, each with different tutorials, and each using different versions of the leak or whatever.

I am a total newb to the whole android/rom/leak/update process and I would like some advice.

I just want to update so that I can have my turn-by-turn navigation and less stupid bugs that joyously come with 1.5.:( But I also will probably want to get the official ota update if and when Verizon decides to quit being a turd and release it. So which process should I use?

Thank you so much all.

-Trishuhh
 

bcurtiss

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Apr 2, 2010
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I have the same questions, I have done some searching and have yet to understand what the difference between rooted and unrooted and Roms. I am also new to this and would like as much info as possible.
 

jorgi

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Mar 16, 2010
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I have the same questions, I have done some searching and have yet to understand what the difference between rooted and unrooted and Roms. I am also new to this and would like as much info as possible.

Hello,

A ROM, I believe, is an operating system install package similar to a disk that may allow you to install a different version of Windows or OSX. When you restart your phone while holding down a special series of buttons, the phone unzips and installs the contents of that ROM onto your phone's permanent memory. This is just like upgrading to Windows 7 from Vista. The operating system completely overwrites and replaces the original one. This process is called 'flashing.' I believe they are probably called ROMs because they 'flash' overwrite the Read Only Memory inside your phone. 'Flashing ROM' is what you do on your computer when you upgrade to a new version of BIOS.

Root vs Unrooted

This is a term that derives from Unix bases systems like Linux and the Mac operating systems. Rooted means that you have hacked the operating system so you have root, or superuser level access over the operating system. Android is based on a linux kernel. Root lets you sign in as 'su,' at which point you have full access to every aspect of the operating system.

The Windows equivalent would be signing onto your computer from the main Administrator account versus signing on from the Guest account. Both will let you USE most of the software on the system, but only the Administrator level lets you change certain functions, settings, or install certain types of programs.

A rooted ROM, or version of Android, is one which has been hacked to allow you, the user, to have that full, absolute control over every aspect. This is very useful to very advanced users who wish to micro control every aspect of their hardware. It also allows you to uninstall some of the default software your provider has built into the system.

An unrooted version simply means that while it upgrades to 2.1, in the case of the Eris, it does not ALSO give you that absolute control over every possible detail. Simply put, you cannot access 'su' or superuser login. It is un-rooted, meaning it has not been cracked to allow access to the root level privileges.

If you are confused by things, don't worry - everyone except the developers and the really motivated, dedicated Eris superstar users is, too. There are a few different versions floating around.

You would want to read carefully, figure out exactly which version you're looking at, and check to see what others who have used that version are experiencing.

It seems like a lot of the contributers to this forum are really knowledgeable and friendly. Asking them exactly which versions they've used and what bugs or problems they've encountered might help you decide which version is right for you. Also, there are other android forums out there. I get really confused trying to figure out whether they are using the same ROMs or have different devs putting out different versions than the ones I see here at android central.

I'm personally waiting for the official upgrade, because I've only had my phone a few weeks, and it's still new enough to me that I'm content with it as things are. I mean, it's not like I've been waiting since November like most of the people here in the forums who have already upgraded. And I don't use navigation software, anyway, so the one or two features I'd gain in the short term just aren't that important to me.

I wish I could afford a second phone just to experiment on. If so, I'd try them all.
 

trishuhh

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Mar 27, 2010
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Jorgi,

Thank you so much for explaining it all and using comparisons. I mean, I have read enough tutorials on how to upgrade the eris but I really just wanted to know WHY you have root and what rooting is, and what the Rom does. Anyways thanks so much.

Also, you can upgrade your eris without rooting , did I read that right? Or is the only way for that to happen is to download the Verizon release of the upgrade?
 

bcurtiss

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Apr 2, 2010
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Jorgi,

Thank you for taking the time to explain in such detail. That was agreat help. It is also my understanding that if you go one or another in regards to rooting that you can not remove it from your phone so you would be stuck with it. Am I correct with this?

I am going to be making the switch from my storm2 which we can remove, add, install any hybrid or leak version and remove it as well anytime. So this is all very new to me. Thanks again.
 

borgey401

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Mar 24, 2010
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yes you can upgrade to 2.1 without rooting your phone. it's actually very very simple. all you do is put the upgrade on your SD card (dont unzip file). then while phone is off hold down power button and volume down at the same time n just follow the directions the phone gives you. it's really the easiest process, i am completely new to the android world and was able to do it no problem
 

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