can someone explain kernals to me?

[tempest111]

I'm somewhat confused about kernels. I'd appreciate some insight as just what they do. Which one is best for improved battery, how I install them, links, etc. Thanks

 

[Jerzyiroc]

Basically the kernel is what does all the juicy stuff. It's the link between the hardware and operating software.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(computing)

 

[tempest111]

So is the install just like with a Rom? Which is best for battery? Anything I should take careful note of? Perhaps a link to a step by step guide?

 

[DaveNagy]

I'm just a newb, but here's a few fun kernel facts that I've gathered:

• ROMs all include a kernel. So, when you flash a ROM, you will be flashing a kernel at the same time.
• You can install a different kernel "on top" of a ROM, replacing the kernel that came with the ROM.
• Not all kernels are compatible with all ROMs, so read carefully, and then read some more.
• It's really impossible to state which one "is best". Some are faster, some are more feature rich, some are more stable, some only work with certain ROMs, ROMs which you may or may not be interested in.

 

[b0ricua]

I'm just a newb, but here's a few fun kernel facts that I've gathered:

• ROMs all include a kernel. So, when you flash a ROM, you will be flashing a kernel at the same time.
• You can install a different kernel "on top" of a ROM, replacing the kernel that came with the ROM.
• Not all kernels are compatible with all ROMs, so read carefully, and then read some more.
• It's really impossible to state which one "is best". Some are faster, some are more feature rich, some are more stable, some only work with certain ROMs, ROMs which you may or may not be interested in.

Great summary, Dave! You're no newb

 

[tempest111]

Thanks for the tips. I use fresh 3.2. Any suggestions on a compatible kernal?

 

[b0ricua]

Thanks for the tips. I use fresh 3.2. Any suggestions on a compatible kernal?

I believe that flipz uses the stock HTC kernel from the unreleased 3.28 OTA. Supposedly great battery life, but it doesn't have the FPS cap removed. I would recommend looking at all the different kernels at the XDA forum, and doing a search to see if its compatible with your ROM and if it is showing great results.

 

[voodootrip]

to piggyback on this, I had a question. Is there a way to uninstall a kernel or do you have to reflash rom (seems like that is the case considering the kernel integrates itself with your rom) and also how to tell what kernel you are on. I am assuming that it is the one in the about phone menu. Currently on CM6rc2

 

[Yourdogsdead]

to piggyback on this, I had a question. Is there a way to uninstall a kernel or do you have to reflash rom (seems like that is the case considering the kernel integrates itself with your rom) and also how to tell what kernel you are on. I am assuming that it is the one in the about phone menu. Currently on CM6rc2

You can flash a kernel over a previous one. There is no way to uninstall a Kernal per se.

 

[voodootrip]

If you install a new kernel over a old one will it cause any type of conflict between them?

 

[b0ricua]

If you install a new kernel over a old one will it cause any type of conflict between them?

No it will not.

 

[Yourdogsdead]

Just be careful with what Kernel you flash. Some ROM's don't play nice with some Kernels.

 

[marko358]

More noobitude:

I've been used Baked Snack since I first rooted and love it. I wanted to give king kernel #9 a shot so let me get this straight....

First backup apps & data with titanium.
Next do a nandroid backup of the system.
Wipe and reflash the ROM.
Sign up to the Market again so that I can grab titanium.
Perform a restore of apps & data with titanium.
Flash the #9 kernel.
Reboot.

All of this takes well over an hour to do. Am I doing too much? Is there a short cut to this? Seem like a huge hassle just to try a new kernel.

 

[aznmode]

More noobitude:

I've been used Baked Snack since I first rooted and love it. I wanted to give king kernel #9 a shot so let me get this straight....

First backup apps & data with titanium.
Next do a nandroid backup of the system.
Wipe and reflash the ROM.
Sign up to the Market again so that I can grab titanium.
Perform a restore of apps & data with titanium.
Flash the #9 kernel.
Reboot.

All of this takes well over an hour to do. Am I doing too much? Is there a short cut to this? Seem like a huge hassle just to try a new kernel.

I've updated kernel before without reflashing rom on the phone. I'm using baked as well and love it. Tried King #8 and ended up going back.

 

[KSmithInNY]

If you flash a kernel and see some major lag or issues that you don't think are native to the ROM or kernel, before you retry flashing the entire ROM you can go back to recovery and wipe cache and dalvik cache and reflash only the kernel to see if this helps.

 

[DaveNagy]

If you install a new kernel over a old one will it cause any type of conflict between them?

Conflict between the old kernel and the new kernel? I would say no, because the old kernel will no longer exist after the new one has been installed.

Could there be a conflict between the old ROM and the new kernel? Oh, God yes. You need to check compatibility.

 

[devgrp]

good to know