New to Rooting. What are ROMs, themes, etc?

[Jgonzo1299]

Hey. I wanna root, but Im trying to do as much homework as possible. I haven't rooted yet. I have instructions on how to via MAC. But before i do, i want to see what exactly i want to do once i root. Can anyone explain to me what a ROM is? and kernels, and themes? What do they do exactly and how to a flash (i have a MAC)? any recommendations?

I just want my phone to be as useful customizable and worry free as possible. and remove the bloatware.

I see the list of all these ROMs on the forum but they are just lists and don't give too much information. Maybe im not looking deep enough?

Thanks in advance!


EDIT: ALso what is CMV and ODIN and all that other stuff? Im very new.

 

[gunnermike53]

go here:
http://forum.androidcentral.com/ver...oms-hacks/55521-list-roms-kernels-themes.html

rom: the os, kinda like windows
kernel: tells the os how to use the hard ware
theme: changes look of os, like windows aero or windows clasic

 

[Jgonzo1299]

So ROM is replacing the android OS on my phone (aka 2.1 Eclair)?

 

[gunnermike53]

So ROM is replacing the android OS on my phone (aka 2.1 Eclair)?

sort of. all the roms you will flashed will be based on eclair. its just debloated de odexed. su permission. that kinda thing. its like when you buy a dell laptop, it comes loaded with a ton of crap that you will never use and slows you pc. then you format your hd and reinstall windows. now its a decent laptop. its not a different os, just a different version of the same os.