I am new to Android so my question might be noobish, but I wonder something.
How do you know the ROMs posted here on this forum or other internet sites (such as samfirmware.com) are safe and do not contain malware? I see many custom and allegedly stock ROMs posted, downloaded and used by people. Is it not possible that the posted ROMs might contain malware, which can access to your information on your phone?
Thank you.
No need for worry (I think). This is the biggest Android/WM developement forum, and the max info they will get is annonymous statistic that theu use for improvement. And read the comments is a good thing.
Sent for my X10 Mini Pro, running 2.3.7
If I helped, please press Thanks.
Felimenta thank you for your answer. It is true that if many people use a particular ROM and there is malware in it, then some people might realize that. However, there is still the chance that it might get unnoticed. Maybe the architecture of Android does not allow malware to be installed inside the ROMs. But I don't know that. Do you (or anyone else) know whether it is possible to include malware in the ROMs?
It is possible but unlikely. I would be more worried about apps, especially cracked apps. Most rom devs do this for their own enjoyment and want people using their roms over others. Putting malware in a rom would severely damage their reputations. I personally would never even try it, and i dont see the benefit of it there is nothing on a phone worth stealing imo. But i dont know much about that side of android.
Anyways point being i would worry about the apps you install not the roms. I would also suggest looking at a stock rom and seeing what files are included so if there are extra files in a rom you will notice them. And like he said xda is a VERY popular site for android dev with alot of awesome devs. i wouldnt hesitate using any roms here.
Related
When upgrading my OS to WM6, do I have to flash the Radio and other ROMs too? If yes, which ROMs would you recommend as being the most stable and functional?
Also, I downloaded a release from torrent, "Microsoft.Windows.Mobile.v6.0-OTG". Is there any way to tell whether this is Classic, Pro, or Standard without trying to install it?
Thanks in advance!
The worst thing you can do, is start messing with ROM images, unless you actually know what you have, and what to do with them.
Please read the stickies on this forum, there are the known latest ROM images, and links to the wiki for help.
Please read those first, as it will answer your questions.
As for the image you have downloaded, it's not simply an issue of pro, standard etc, it's what device it's intended for. The only version that will work on a Universal, is an image made for a Universal, and that will always be pro.
Basic common sense, when you are flashing an expensive piece of hardware, understand what you are doing, and don't mess with things of an unknown source.
mzalan said:
When upgrading my OS to WM6, do I have to flash the Radio and other ROMs too? If yes, which ROMs would you recommend as being the most stable and functional?
Also, I downloaded a release from torrent, "Microsoft.Windows.Mobile.v6.0-OTG". Is there any way to tell whether this is Classic, Pro, or Standard without trying to install it?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've tried most of the roms on this forum and the best release so far I have found is o2 xda exec version 02.02.02. As the most stable, i've taken a few cabs from other release to include in this. the only real problem with this release is the fact that there is a small memory leak but not a big one and a soft reset restores memory. (I only have to reset once a day and that seems to be good considering some of the reports from other roms. all programs work. However, if you want to use the new office you will need to extract the program files from the /windows directory and update this rom. (doe's have office but does not have support for new format .docx but by pasting the updated files in solves this. Other roms have problems recieing calls as i've experienced.
Best thing to do is flash several versions and then go back to the one you personally liked best and just take parts of each rom to make your own master rom.
Happy searching and good testing.
gsmknight
WHOA!!!
This would be the first installation that is not being done through ActiveSync for me!
"Basic common sense, when you are flashing an expensive piece of hardware, understand what you are doing, and don't mess with things of an unknown source." <- Damn Right! That's why I'm asking around rather than charge headfisrt into the fray, then charge back out 'cause something went very wrong...
I gathered what I have to do from other posts, I downloaded this WM6 package, which I would be happy to share through the FTP server, but I don't know if it is the right one, since it said nothing about the type of devices it was intended for.
As for making dissecting ROMs and assembling myself a "Master ROM", I don't eve know what a ROM-image looks like, let alone how to assemble one...
mzalan said:
I gathered what I have to do from other posts, I downloaded this WM6 package, which I would be happy to share through the FTP server, but I don't know if it is the right one, since it said nothing about the type of devices it was intended for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can say with 99.9% certainty, that the ROM images you find here, on this forum will be more reliable, and from as close to original sources as you can get.
A file downloaded from torrent, that you don't know the source of, that you have no idea about is not going to be something any sane person would use.
Delete it, and use the images you find here.
AlanJC said:
I can say with 99.9% certainty, that the ROM images you find here, on this forum will be more reliable, and from as close to original sources as you can get.
A file downloaded from torrent, that you don't know the source of, that you have no idea about is not going to be something any sane person would use.
Delete it, and use the images you find here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree, roms from here are more reliable. Not had one fail whilst flashing. Had a few with obvious bugs but these are getting solved all the time by our moderators and senior members. And then getting reposted for our consumption and input (plus contribution where we can)
gsmknight
Never Never use ROMs found somewhere else unless you are sure.
Use those are found here, it is safer.
CWKJ said:
Never Never use ROMs found somewhere else unless you are sure.
Use those are found here, it is safer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sage advice
Better yet:
If you care about your warranty - only use the manufacturer's ROMs...
You are right about the warranty.
TehPenguin said:
...One device left to convert to Linux... then I'm M$ free!...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Waiting to convert your Uni to Linux?
Stupid question: What is the difference between a T-Mobile ROM and eg. Commander Ivan's ROM, besides the themes? If I flash Ivan's ROM, I'll still be able to use T-mobile carriers without any ill effects, right?
And where can I find a tutorial that will help me in cooking my own ROMs? I've been searching everywhere, and still haven't found one(maybe just trying the wrong strings... ), and it's very frustrating to see a lot of cabs, and not knowing what each of them does, or even if I inject a new cab, how to get it to install, and where to get cabs, and stuff like that... .
If I flash WM6, do I need to flash Radio ROM as well? Or is it incorporated into the cooked package with which I update my Univ?
I know I'm a noob, but please help...This is my first time, and I hope I won't damage my device. And I really want to try a WM6 that has Office and Messenger incorporated...
Hello all,
Just recently purchased an HTC Fuze with AT&T.
Being familiar with flashing firmwares and ROMs on several devices I understand that it IS a trial and error method of seeing which one you prefer or suits your needs best. However, I think I need more basic understanding of them to help me decide what I'm even looking at.
- What was the initial purpose for people developing ROMs? Just for aesthetic purposes, to change the look of the phone?
- What are the benefits to be gained in battery power and operation of TouchFlo?
- Again, I understand that everyone has different tastes and will therefore loike different ROMs but what differentiates them? Is one considered better built than others? More features, less glitches, crashing, etc?
- Clearly, it must be possible to somehow find a list of all apps that can be added and add just the things you want by yourself?
Finally, is there one good tutorial that explains EVERY step from beginning to end? As always with these kinds of things, there are lots of instructions lying around but most of them speak to people who already know all the jargon and terms. Or they refer to apps as though you know what they're talking about. "noob tutorial" doesn't mean anything if it's not easy to use for someone who's never applied a ROM.
Thanks a lot guys, being new here, I'd really appreciate any help you might offer.
Hey guys,
I got a mytouch yesterday and LOVE it...but I already have the itch to mod it.
I came over from a HTC Herald (well a T-Mobile Wing), so I have some experience in this kind of thing....but it seems "rooting" android is a bit (a lot) more technical and difficult. By the end flashing the Wing was a 5 minute job...now I'm reading this forum and have no idea where to start.
So..........some questions, if you don't mind.
1- What is the advantage of rooting the phone? Obviously it allows you to access system files and stuff...but what's out there right now? How are these ROMs different than the stock stuff? I've heard a bit about multitouch...is that true? What else?
2- If I do root the phone, I assume it clears everything off (including my apps I downloaded)? Is there an easy way to back this thing up? And after the process is complete, is there an easy way to redownload all of the apps, or will I have to write them down somewhere to get again?
3- Whenever donut comes out....what happens then? Are the roms usually updated with the new stuff, or might there be issues? Or are the roms so far ahead that donut will be meaningless?
I think I had another question but I'm forgetting it now...anyway, this is a start.
And I apologize in advance for whatever info is already out on these topics. I read much of this forum, and it's tough, because there are so many posts regarding this stuff, it's difficult to sort out the good information.
mikeybags said:
Hey guys,
I got a mytouch yesterday and LOVE it...but I already have the itch to mod it.
I came over from a HTC Herald (well a T-Mobile Wing), so I have some experience in this kind of thing....but it seems "rooting" android is a bit (a lot) more technical and difficult. By the end flashing the Wing was a 5 minute job...now I'm reading this forum and have no idea where to start.
So..........some questions, if you don't mind.
1- What is the advantage of rooting the phone? Obviously it allows you to access system files and stuff...but what's out there right now? How are these ROMs different than the stock stuff? I've heard a bit about multitouch...is that true? What else?
2- If I do root the phone, I assume it clears everything off (including my apps I downloaded)? Is there an easy way to back this thing up? And after the process is complete, is there an easy way to redownload all of the apps, or will I have to write them down somewhere to get again?
3- Whenever donut comes out....what happens then? Are the roms usually updated with the new stuff, or might there be issues? Or are the roms so far ahead that donut will be meaningless?
I think I had another question but I'm forgetting it now...anyway, this is a start.
And I apologize in advance for whatever info is already out on these topics. I read much of this forum, and it's tough, because there are so many posts regarding this stuff, it's difficult to sort out the good information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1 there are many benefits that the average user typically wouldn't need... but, the best off the top of my head are of course installing cooked ROMs, having the ability to make system changes as you see fit, access to tethering applications, access to apk's that allow things like multitouch an array of programs built into your phone... the list really does go on... each ROM has its own elements; some are faster, some include multitouch in a lot of programs, some are based on the GUI known as Rosie developed by HTC (which is probably by far the most wanted implementation by newbie root users), the ROMs differ with each chef, so theres really no nailing it on the head
2 typically, any of the recovery images that are loaded onto your ROM when you're going through the root process will allow you to reload a nandroid backup... search up on nandroid and this will give you all the answers you need to know about system and program backup
3 roms being updated just really depends on the community and the chef of that ROM... when parts of donut were released, most of the chefs on this site started to implement them immediatley into their ROM's for the public... if you want true support from your chef of your specific ROM, then donate, simple as that... its their time they're putting in, so give them compensation as you see fit
Thanks for the response. Donating is definitely key, these guys deserve to be compensated for what they do, even if it is just for hobby. That goes without question.
Do the ROMs speed the phone up or smooth anything out at all? Not that I've had much issue with that, but coming from a wing I'm a bit paranoid about that.
PS....the fact that programs don't "Close" when you exit them is odd. I got a task killer but it's still crazy that I have to go into that to close everything. Probably my only complaint with android so far.
been lurking here for a while and own both a G1 and Magic on Att in the states. want to say thanks to everyone for all the hard work.
just wondering if there is or could be a thread that is just composed of links for Rom's. it would be a simple/dedicated way to see what is out, updated and works with your phone. no posts or comments, just author and their work.
with so many Rom's, Recovery's, Kernel's and updates, its hard to keep track of what works with 32A/32B and what is the latest out. I know the threads list what model they are for (32A/32B) but still some work with both and only list one.
if this exists, please let me know. thanks again.
techboydino said:
been lurking here for a while and own both a G1 and Magic on Att in the states. want to say thanks to everyone for all the hard work.
just wondering if there is or could be a thread that is just composed of links for Rom's. it would be a simple/dedicated way to see what is out, updated and works with your phone. no posts or comments, just author and their work.
with so many Rom's, Recovery's, Kernel's and updates, its hard to keep track of what works with 32A/32B and what is the latest out. I know the threads list what model they are for (32A/32B) but still some work with both and only list one.
if this exists, please let me know. thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you come here often enough it should be pretty easy to spot what's new and what's not.
And it is pretty nice for most authors to include the date updated in the subject line now.
As a noob, I'd have to say something like this would be useful if anyone has the time to make it. I'm sure over the next couple of weeks I'll be familiar enough to have a clue about what's available here but it's very slow going sifting through pages upon pages of comments. I've also noticed every Hero ROM has someone saying "this is absolutely the fastest Hero ROM here, thanks!" It would be nice to read something more definite about which ROM really is considered the quickest, which has the fewest bugs, etc. I'm sure that might take a lot of work, though. Either way, many thanks to everyone here for developing these items and letting us play with them.
karnovaran said:
As a noob, I'd have to say something like this would be useful if anyone has the time to make it. I'm sure over the next couple of weeks I'll be familiar enough to have a clue about what's available here but it's very slow going sifting through pages upon pages of comments. I've also noticed every Hero ROM has someone saying "this is absolutely the fastest Hero ROM here, thanks!" It would be nice to read something more definite about which ROM really is considered the quickest, which has the fewest bugs, etc. I'm sure that might take a lot of work, though. Either way, many thanks to everyone here for developing these items and letting us play with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 lol
I think it'll be too much work to test it that way since you would need to wipe, flash, and test it for a substantial amount of time to find out how buggy/fast a rom is. And if multiple people do it, it will be hard to compare the results. The rom will probably be updated before the first test is even complete making the result somewhat pointless.
lifeflayer said:
+1 lol
I think it'll be too much work to test it that way since you would need to wipe, flash, and test it for a substantial amount of time to find out how buggy/fast a rom is. And if multiple people do it, it will be hard to compare the results. The rom will probably be updated before the first test is even complete making the result somewhat pointless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not only that.. The most fast ROM nowadays (in my opinion) is the one with less features and with more issues to solve (I wonder why ) ...
i would like to see this
32A
.....Hero Roms
.....Stock Roms
.....Ported G1 Roms
32b
.....Hero Roms
.....Stock Roms
.....Ported G1 Roms
Prehaps thats just me and my OCD
I am starting up a new site and I would really like to see what people opinions are of it.
I have been talking to a few developers and users on here about it and there seems to be some interest.
It basically organizes Recent Rom releases from XDA by Make, Model, Dev, OS, etc. I feel like it would be a quicker way for users to see whats new with there phones.
It still uses the Developers links, info, images, Donation code, links back to XDA threads ,etc.
I am willing to put the time in to make it great if there is a need for it.
So let me know!
http://romwatcher.com
Seems like it could prove to be helpful. Go for it.
Its sounds very nice idea.. I visited ur site and i founded it very promising.!!!
nice job...
Sent from my GT-I9001 using xda app-developers app
As most developers host their own roms on private servers to watch and control downloads many will not be willing to allow their work to be posted in a place where they have no control. Think about it for a min. If a dev releases a rom with a major bug like bricking a device they can pull it. This has been tried many times already and has never gone anywhere.
People flash roms like it is something cool to do without thinking about what could happen. Flashing an Expermental OS to a $500 device is not something to be done for fun with no understanding of what they are doing.
I understand what your saying. The site still uses all the Download links the devs provided so if they pull the download it will just be a deadlink. But yeah the management of actually pulling the ROM from the site would be a hassle. Plus judging from the results of this thread there doesn't seem to be that much interest in the idea. haha
zelendel said:
As most developers host their own roms on private servers to watch and control downloads many will not be willing to allow their work to be posted in a place where they have no control. Think about it for a min. If a dev releases a rom with a major bug like bricking a device they can pull it. This has been tried many times already and has never gone anywhere.
People flash roms like it is something cool to do without thinking about what could happen. Flashing an Expermental OS to a $500 device is not something to be done for fun with no understanding of what they are doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems to be useful. Many users try to get stable ROM's for their mobiles.
I would suggest to add "stable" and "experimental" ROM's category tab in the site for each mobile you provide.
Also get permission from the developers before posting their download links on your site!
Good Luck with your site!:good:
The Stable/experimental attribute is a good idea. I have been contacting developers asking permission and so far no one has had a problem with anything :fingers-crossed:
Thanks!
shashivydyula said:
Seems to be useful. Many users try to get stable ROM's for their mobiles.
I would suggest to add "stable" and "experimental" ROM's category tab in the site for each mobile you provide.
Also get permission from the developers before posting their download links on your site!
Good Luck with your site!:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This project was on the back burner for a little while but I have starting working on it again. I added the ability for anyone to add a rom.
I will keep you guys posted.
As always any feedback is appreciated!