A series of Questions

[Robcy]

I have am Epic 4g, and installed the DK28 with the new Modem Driver. Everything works including the GPS. I want to root this phone so that I can get the Tethering working, and I would also like to set the file system to EXT4. I can follow instructions pretty good so the root, and the tethering I can do. Here are my questions.
1) what is a ROM?
2) Do I have to have a non OEM ROM for the EXT4? I like the stock DK28
3) Would DK28 be considered a ROM or what is it?
4) Is a ROM and Kernel the same thing?
5) Will I lose everything every time I change a ROM?

Basically I would like to root, tether, and change the file system to EXT4, but I would like to leave the phone (appearance) as is. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Paul627g]

I have am Epic 4g, and installed the DK28 with the new Modem Driver. Everything works including the GPS. I want to root this phone so that I can get the Tethering working, and I would also like to set the file system to EXT4. I can follow instructions pretty good so the root, and the tethering I can do. Here are my questions.
1) what is a ROM?
2) Do I have to have a non OEM ROM for the EXT4? I like the stock DK28
3) Would DK28 be considered a ROM or what is it?
4) Is a ROM and Kernel the same thing?
5) Will I lose everything every time I change a ROM?

Basically I would like to root, tether, and change the file system to EXT4, but I would like to leave the phone (appearance) as is. Any help would be appreciated.

1.) Rom is an image of the operating system. Example Eclair 2.1 (release DI18) is a ROM, Froyo DK28 is a ROM

2.) In order to enjoy the EXT4 file system you will have to root and use a custom ROM that supports the EXT4 file system. Stock DK28 doesn't support this.

3.) See answer #1

4.) ROM, see answer #1. Aside from the technical explanation, a kernel is different from the ROM. They have not released the source code for Froyo so there are NO kernels available for Froyo. Eclair 2.1 has many available and when rooted allows overclocking of processor, undervolting to help with battery life and many other things that developers can change/apply to customize a ROM even further.

5.) Yes and no... It is usually good practice as recommended by most developers to "wipe" when switching ROMs. This will cause you to lose all your data on your phone NOT YOUR SD CARD. That is why they recommend making backups before doing anything to retrieve data or fix a problem when switching ROMS. Also new in Froyo is the Setup Wizard which once you get on Froyo the first time will start tracking and backing up your apps installed. When you switch ROM's it will reinstall your apps automatically for you if the ROM has it enabled and you chose to allow it. Otherwise as I mentioned for personal data backups I recommend using Titanium Backup/MyBackup or the Nandroid backup in ClockWork or other means available from the Market.

All the help you need is found here in the Epic 4G ROMs/Hacks. Read the guides provided at the top of that section and any questions ask from there...

 

[dtm_stretch]

1.)

5.) Yes and no... It is usually good practice as recommended by most developers to "wipe" when switching ROMs. This will cause you to lose all your data on your phone NOT YOUR SD CARD. That is why they recommend making backups before doing anything to retrieve data or fix a problem when switching ROMS. Also new in Froyo is the Setup Wizard which once you get on Froyo the first time will start tracking and backing up your apps installed. When you switch ROM's it will reinstall your apps automatically for you if the ROM has it enabled and you chose to allow it. Otherwise as I mentioned for personal data backups I recommend using Titanium Backup/MyBackup or the Nandroid backup in ClockWork or other means available from the Market.

All the help you need is found here in the Epic 4G ROMs/Hacks. Read the guides provided at the top of that section and any questions ask from there...

Just a few questions in regard to your answers to this post.

-What are the recommended ways to wipe your phone?
-Is there a step by step guide on how to switch roms?

 

[Paul627g]

Just a few questions in regard to your answers to this post.

-What are the recommended ways to wipe your phone?

If rooted and have ClockWorkMod (version depending on ROM) then before you switch ROMs you would perform a "wipe 3x" in ClockWorkMod.

Example in ClockWorkMod it says "Wipe Data/Factory Reset"

-Is there a step by step guide on how to switch roms?

ROM Installation Handbook