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Android Newb - ROM confusion

I'm very new to android dev, not new to dev in general, though.
I hear ROMs being talked about quite frequently, not sure if I'll get into it, can't seem to find an address of the specific issue:
- What is a ROM?
In the sense, is it the entire OS? Is it the OS + UI? Does it include local apps & contact storage? Like, obviously apps and contacts wouldn't be read-only, but typically ROM means PROM (or some variation (EPROM/EEPROM/FROM, whatever), so I take it with a grain of salt.
From what I gather it's the entire OS + UI, and that's all? But I'm not sure.
Also, is there ways to replace specific parts of the ROM? Ie. Say I want to make modifications to the thread scheduler but I don't want it to touch some of the reliant modules..is it possible to just drop in a new scheduler by overwriting part of the binary image? Or are these things whole-sale?
Reason simply being is I don't like the idea of some random ass ROM that somebody cooked up with god knows how much OS exp controlling everything, as it's a binary it's not like you can crack it open and diff it or anything...or there's no official forks or branches to look at, y'know? Do people just "trust" all these ROM modders/creators?
Sorry for the over-abundance of questions :-X

Oh my god it's already on page 7...bump...?

Take a look at cyanogen mod. It comes with the source which you can fork if you'd like.
Sent from my HTC Desire

ROM - its the entire visible OS that you tend to interact on your phone + the kernel (shipping just the ROM would be useless). Its pretty much every software that you need to get your work done on the phone. You may chose to install additional's but thats just accessorizing your phone. Its called ROM since once you install the OS image over the phone, the region of sd-card is generally marked read-only & you are not expected to make changes to it (concisely /system partition & also /data where the OS can do write operations but again, there are exceptions to this rule too in custom ROMs).
As for Custom ROMS, they are generally forked of the AOSP except for the little nuances the rom maker's add to them (mostly those changes are in form of theme, few apps here & there, icons, wallpapers). I think your question is more specific to custom kernel instead because thats the entity which help/harm your device.
For that, I would suggest you to pick a particular custom release (such as Netarchy, popular for Nexus S)
& read over their change-logs. The kernel devs generally do a great job of maintaining those logs precisely. The initial fork of their kernel too comes from AOSP to which they add specific features such
as ext4 fix a.k.a Turboboost, Voodoo color & sound enhancement, BLN & odd.
Hope I have allayed some of your fears regarding customs software.

Thanks.
Yeah, I just get nervous installing an OS/Kernel blindly.
Changing themes would be nice, and I'd like the ability to do so without dropping in a ROM that can potentially have changes made to the Kernel. I don't like the fact that the ROM encompasses EVERYTHING, therefore it's coupled to the fact that you need a different ROM regardless of what you change.
It should be modular enough that you can modify themes without flashing an entire OS onto it.
Also, what's the chances that if a ROM install fails, you can re-load it (ie. what are the chances of you bricking your phone)? I don't have time for that.

Next to none if you make a nandroid, which is a backup.
Sent from my myTouch 4G using XDA App

rockstarar said:
Next to none if you make a nandroid, which is a backup.
Sent from my myTouch 4G using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says that only works for the G1.

I completely forgot to ask, apps should stay, right?
I mean they're all in user land, shouldn't have anything to do with the ROM nor actual OS....right? (probably wrong... )

[Q] Simple Google ROM for GT3110

hello,
It may have been already posted, but i would like to put on my GT3110 a simple & stable ROM without any additional SAMSUNG layer or any other modification.
i've tested the ROM provided by default, very slow and too much stuff that i don't want in it.
i've then tested the CyanogenMod 10 nighlty build, but the Keyboard wasn't working even after having done the clean as recommended on the web.
i've then tested the ROM RomsWell but it contains the SAMSUNG layer.
i'm now using the Paranoid Android 2.51 but the paranoidSettings seems to modify the resolution of the tablet and icons are not positionned correctly when moving from landscape to portrait.
i don't forget how big the work done by all these people providing this for free mainly, but as this tablet is dedicated for a gift to someone not android addict nor interesting in changing ROMs regularly,
So i would like to implement a Google stock ROM with nothing more/less than what is provided by google. even if i loose some performances or other things.
can you tell me where i can find this for the GT3110?
thank you in advance

If you install a launcher like Nova Launcher Prime, you'll find much of the Samsung layer gone. Some of the Samsung apps are superior. Email, Contacts and Planner come to mind. I would call the system easy for unsophisticated users and reliable as well. There plenty of help and a real user manual.
I've been flashing roms for years now and decided to stay with a rooted SGT27. Custom roms, even AOSP aren't that easy to use and there are always bugs.

This .....
king200 said:
If you install a launcher like Nova Launcher Prime, you'll find much of the Samsung layer gone. Some of the Samsung apps are superior. Email, Contacts and Planner come to mind. I would call the system easy for unsophisticated users and reliable as well. There plenty of help and a real user manual.
I've been flashing roms for years now and decided to stay with a rooted SGT27. Custom roms, even AOSP aren't that easy to use and there are always bugs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you (or the person its for ) isnt into modding Android, stick to stock. I use Apex launcher (Free) and to be honest they are all pretty much the same. Touchwiz isnt that bad and Samsung stock apps are really cool.
I would suggest updating it to JellyBean stock via Odin/Heimdall or just wait for the official update via Samsung.I personally use AOKP M1 but its a little confusing to set things up at first and needs tweaking.NOT noob friendly at all and takes time to work it out. ( but that's why I like it).
I would be careful giving "Root" access to inexperienced users as they may get themselves into trouble with it....Remember it gives them full access and control of the ROM. I would suggest a start up manager either way ,to stop all the junk starting up when you boot. Samsung loves bloat lol.
If you want pure Android, flash an AOSP no frills ROM.

jayce996 said:
hello,
It may have been already posted, but i would like to put on my GT3110 a simple & stable ROM without any additional SAMSUNG layer or any other modification.
i've tested the ROM provided by default, very slow and too much stuff that i don't want in it.
i've then tested the CyanogenMod 10 nighlty build, but the Keyboard wasn't working even after having done the clean as recommended on the web.
i've then tested the ROM RomsWell but it contains the SAMSUNG layer.
ican you tell me where i can find this for the GT3110?
thank you in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This does not exist, in fact it does not exist for any device. Stop dreaming of the mythical "clean" ROM that is 10x faster. There is a lot more to a functioning ROM than Google open source Android. There is no such thing as a pure AOSP ROM for any device because its takes Android + kernel + drivers + libs + apps + bootloader + etc. to have a functioning ROM. and everything except the base Android API is device and version specific.
The Samsung touchwiz launcher doesn't slow anything down and if you don't like the way it looks, as suggested above, install one of the good third party launchers and its not even used.
I find this tablet running the Samsung stock ICS to be very fast and clean, So one would wonder what are you doing to it to make it "slow" There's only a few Samsung apps included and unless you run them, they just sit there doing nothing. You can hide them if you don't want to see the icons.

thank you guys,
i'll try the JellyBean standard ROM as recommended and try another free launcher

Android custom ROM for security + minimal of Google?

Hi everyone,
can you recommend me some custom Android ROMs with focus on better security? Or isolate of dependence on Google?
Both of them together will be the best.
My phone is Samsung Galaxy S2.
Many thanks

dj.houba said:
Hi everyone,
can you recommend me some custom Android ROMs with focus on better security? Or isolate of dependence on Google?
Both of them together will be the best.
My phone is Samsung Galaxy S2.
Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cyanogen or GingerBread are some good ROMS for good security, as I know.

D-J Mutant said:
Cyanogen or GingerBread are some good ROMS for good security, as I know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, yes, I know about Cyanogen.
Oh you mean GingerBread from Google? This is exactly what I don't want. I want to separate from Google, coz we all know about NSA case. So I thought, there will be some developers, who will try to build some custom ROM and try to eliminate "Big brother" and focus mainly on security.

Omnirom is supposed to be security and privacy consious.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Well I'd suggest the cyanogenmod, but without the google apps. They're optional.

In the nexus 4 section there is an aokp that is patched so built in Google analytics are gone. There is a patch that can be applied to other ROMs.

Custom roms, including Cyanogenmod, have a history of BAD security. Many rom developers end up introducing new vulnerabilities. In the past, some hardened Android builds existed, but I know of no current hardened roms.
I personally would stay away from custom roms, and stick to as close to AOSP as possible, signed with your own private keys. (and no Omnirom, AOKP, Cyanogenmod are NOT AOSP in any way shape or form.)

jcase said:
Custom roms, including Cyanogenmod, have a history of BAD security. Many rom developers end up introducing new vulnerabilities. In the past, some hardened Android builds existed, but I know of no current hardened roms.
I personally would stay away from custom roms, and stick to as close to AOSP as possible, signed with your own private keys. (and no Omnirom, AOKP, Cyanogenmod are NOT AOSP in any way shape or form.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that so , see from what u saying ,,, the ASOP is better then the other build rite
Sent From GT i9300

jcase said:
Custom roms, including Cyanogenmod, have a history of BAD security. Many rom developers end up introducing new vulnerabilities. In the past, some hardened Android builds existed, but I know of no current hardened roms.
I personally would stay away from custom roms, and stick to as close to AOSP as possible, signed with your own private keys. (and no Omnirom, AOKP, Cyanogenmod are NOT AOSP in any way shape or form.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you get your own private key and what does that do? Sorry, I have never heard of this, so I'm sure others are probably also wondering.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Thanks
Thanks, I was trying different ROMs, finally I chose PAC-MAN ROM without Google apps

Hello !
does it mean that any modded stock rom with GApps will be insecure ?
Thx

just youtube some galaxy s2 roms you'll find reviews on some good roms

JamieFL said:
How do you get your own private key and what does that do? Sorry, I have never heard of this, so I'm sure others are probably also wondering.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.kandroid.org/online-pdk/guide/release_keys.html
something like this
I think you can skip "make dist" part, just do a regular build as you would normally (CyanogenMod ==> brunch your_device
you can fine the need file under "out/target/product/hammerhead/obj/PACKAGING/target_files_intermediates/cm_hammerhead-target_files-")
for Cyanogenmod Nexus 5 for ex (hammerhead )
source build/envsetup.sh
brunch hammerhead
and you'll fine the target_files zip under
out/target/product/hammerhead/obj/PACKAGING/target_files_intermediates/
that the one you need to feed to build/tools/releasetools/sign_target_files_apks

There are some really exciting Android security projects out there... For instance, one awesome function a-la-Truecrypt involves full disk encryption with plausible deniability. You are able to give out a first-layer passphrase if you are coerced - yet a truly private volume remains secure and disguised within the apparent unused portion of the storage disk.
Yet it's unlikely that any of this is relevant to you, otherwise you wouldn't be asking this sort of thing. When it comes to security leaks, try to barricade off the paths of least resistance from the ground up. For instance, even all of that wouldn't do much good if you had forensic evidence of your phone config on your computer, a lockscreen that could be bypassed, a phone seized whilst still turned with encryptions keys remaining in RAM, etc. Also keep in mind all of the data you are sending out in the clear via your cloud storage, SMS/IM, WiFi, etc.
So in the end, just pick a ROM that runs smoothly and you enjoy. Whatever you end up deciding, make absolutely certain to:
- encrypt with strong passphrase (then use cryptfs app to create a shorter lock screen key)
- disable USB debugging
---------- Post added at 06:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:32 AM ----------
JamieFL said:
How do you get your own private key and what does that do? Sorry, I have never heard of this, so I'm sure others are probably also wondering.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This probably isn't exactly spot on, but here's a rough sysnopsis... When a ROM is built from source, the creator "signs" their creation (i.e. the ROM and the apps within). This way you can be sure that you're indeed getting an official ROM built by AOKP (or whomever) and not by some malicious 3rd party. Likewise, the Android OS uses signatures to ID which files are legitimate and given permission to run (i.e. official updates). However, there have been incidents with custom ROMs when this functionality has been exploited. This could allow an otherwise innocuous seeming app to deploy hidden malware and cloak itself as a legitimate app, gaining full rights to the phone.
A self-built ROM with your own private key is presumably safer against such an attack. I don't think most people would need to be concerned about this, but still something to keep in mind. Unfortunately jcase is spot on about custom ROMs almost always creating or exposing more vulnerabilities than stock. For instance, features like ADB or USB-OTG are often enabled by default. If that wasn't bad enough, in the event that your phone is ever lost/stolen/seized, having a custom recovery installed is pretty much handing over your identity with a bow wrapped on top. It makes it easy for anyone to bypass PIN/password/face/gesture-lock or dump off the entire disk image. Not to mention analysis can reveal your account passwords, WiFi keys, SMS, phone records, photos. Most of these vulnerabilities can be safeguarded against with careful consideration, but you certainly won't get there by default.

dj.houba said:
Thanks, yes, I know about Cyanogen.
Oh you mean GingerBread from Google? This is exactly what I don't want. I want to separate from Google, coz we all know about NSA case. So I thought, there will be some developers, who will try to build some custom ROM and try to eliminate "Big brother" and focus mainly on security.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way to eliminate the ability of a nation-state interfering in your data would be to not generate any. If they're watching you, then stopping them from watching you isn't going to be possible. So it's better to ensure that when they watch you appear innocent.
Granted, I'm not saying you shouldn't take any precautions. But to truly get away from their snooping you're probably better of without a phone.
fadedout said:
There are some really exciting Android security projects out there... For instance, one awesome function a-la-Truecrypt involves full disk encryption with plausible deniability. You are able to give out a first-layer passphrase if you are coerced - yet a truly private volume remains secure and disguised within the apparent unused portion of the storage disk.
Yet it's unlikely that any of this is relevant to you, otherwise you wouldn't be asking this sort of thing. When it comes to security leaks, try to barricade off the paths of least resistance from the ground up. For instance, even all of that wouldn't do much good if you had forensic evidence of your phone config on your computer, a lockscreen that could be bypassed, a phone seized whilst still turned with encryptions keys remaining in RAM, etc. Also keep in mind all of the data you are sending out in the clear via your cloud storage, SMS/IM, WiFi, etc.
So in the end, just pick a ROM that runs smoothly and you enjoy. Whatever you end up deciding, make absolutely certain to:
- encrypt with strong passphrase (then use cryptfs app to create a shorter lock screen key)
- disable USB debugging
---------- Post added at 06:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:32 AM ----------
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
:good: Excellent advice.

I still wonder if AOSP or any of the bigger custom ROMs without Gapps is truly Google free. I have been browsing the forums for a while on that question but cant really find a good answer. Google free meaning: it doesn't communicate in any way on any moment with Google.
Anyone who can verify that? Has there ever been a XDA'er who researched this? For some it seems an assumption and some think since Android is developed by Google they surely try to analyze even AOSP roms or derivatives.

Liberr said:
I still wonder if AOSP or any of the bigger custom ROMs without Gapps is truly Google free. I have been browsing the forums for a while on that question but cant really find a good answer. Google free meaning: it doesn't communicate in any way on any moment with Google.
Anyone who can verify that? Has there ever been a XDA'er who researched this? For some it seems an assumption and some think since Android is developed by Google they surely try to analyze even AOSP roms or derivatives.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It only sends version statistics to Google, and there's a build.prop setting that allegedly disables it (ro.config.nocheckin=1) -- haven't tried it because I'd rather show my pride in Gingerbread

smartymcfly said:
There is a patch that can be applied to other ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What and where is this patch?

I would think you could block all of Google's ip address's in your host file on any rom also.
You could edit the host file before flashing it.

Custom ROM with stock camera

Good morning. I am considering rooting my*phone*to enable me to get round the WhatsApp limitation of the incoming and outgoing media files filling up my internal memory. I am planning to use link2sd once rooted.
I am contemplating the idea of installing a custom ROM also. I have an Exynos Samsung S7 (SM-G930F).
One of the big features I use on my*phone*is the camera and from my reading so far I see that some of the custom ROMS do not utilise the camera hardware properly (AOSP or LOS based ROMS) and as such you end up with a lower quality camera than stock.*
Are there ROMS out there which still use the stock camera ? Are they easily identifiable from the list of ROMS in the ROMS section?*
Any guidance towards a stable ROM which still utilises the camera the same as the stock ROM would be much appreciated.*
Many thanks in advance.
Jimmy

Jimmymcma said:
Good morning. I am considering rooting my*phone*to enable me to get round the WhatsApp limitation of the incoming and outgoing media files filling up my internal memory. I am planning to use link2sd once rooted.
I am contemplating the idea of installing a custom ROM also. I have an Exynos Samsung S7 (SM-G930F).
One of the big features I use on my*phone*is the camera and from my reading so far I see that some of the custom ROMS do not utilise the camera hardware properly (AOSP or LOS based ROMS) and as such you end up with a lower quality camera than stock.*
Are there ROMS out there which still use the stock camera ? Are they easily identifiable from the list of ROMS in the ROMS section?*
Any guidance towards a stable ROM which still utilises the camera the same as the stock ROM would be much appreciated.*
Many thanks in advance.
Jimmy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi @Jimmymcma,
All the custom ROMs out there that are not Touchwiz-based don't use the stock camera (and the stock camera can't be installed on them). So, by using ROMs such as Lineage OS, Resurrection Remix OS, crDroid, AOSP and so on, you will get lower quality than on Touchwiz-based ROMs such as SuperMan-ROM, BatMan-ROM, IronMan-ROM.
I would recommend using SuperMan-ROM, which is very stable, as good battery life and affords many additional features. It is very good ROM known by almost all the s7 owners here.
The camera is the same as stock. But if you want to push it a bit further, you can use this great app: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/themes/zero-camera-mod-v1-0-increased-bitrates-t3439176. It will give he ability to increase bitrate, video fps, jpeg quality for images, custom shutter speed in pro mode etc...

cgirerd said:
Hi @Jimmymcma,
All the custom ROMs out there that are not Touchwiz-based don't use the stock camera (and the stock camera can't be installed on them). So, by using ROMs such as Lineage OS, Resurrection Remix OS, crDroid, AOSP and so on, you will get lower quality than on Touchwiz-based ROMs such as SuperMan-ROM, BatMan-ROM, IronMan-ROM.
I would recommend using SuperMan-ROM, which is very stable, as good battery life and affords many additional features. It is very good ROM known by almost all the s7 owners here.
The camera is the same as stock. But if you want to push it a bit further, you can use this great app: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/themes/zero-camera-mod-v1-0-increased-bitrates-t3439176. It will give he ability to increase bitrate, video fps, jpeg quality for images, custom shutter speed in pro mode etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi cgirerd,
Thank you very much for the comprehensive response. Much appreciated. I think I will try the Superman ROM you suggested.
Thanks again mate

The other thing you can do is enable adoptable storage with a fast SD card. This will allow you to combine internal and external storage together and will be used as one total pool.

Hi,
as I wrote in https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/help/s7-stock-camera-t3597437/post77588759#post77588759
nickma said:
tried to install the stock camera and it strongly depends on proprietary samsung features.
First thing failing is a missing com.samsung.android.util.SemLog library. I injected a SemLog Mockup just do observe that there are other (possibly a lot more) shared library dependencies.
If anyone is interested in developing this thing together; Feel free to contact me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Using an external camera as default for all apps: Is a custom ROM the only solution?

Hi folks
I'd like to use a USB camera for Skype on my tablet. Searching as much as I could keep leading to apps that simply allow me to take a video feed from the external camera, but not send it to another app.
There seems to be some functionality added in Android 9 with the hardware abstraction layer of both external and internal cameras becoming similar, but I don't understand what to make of that for my requirement. Link: source.android.com/devices/camera/external-usb-cameras
I've come to the conclusion that this has to do with the firmware and I'll have to edit the source. (Please correct me if I'm wrong)
How do I find the parameter to change in the source of a compatible ROM? (Probably quite a noob question for ROM devs, but bear with me please)
Instead of flashing an entire ROM, is there a way a patch or similar can be flashed through ADB?
If you have any other creative ideas, I'm all ears. Ideally, I would like it to work for Android 6 and above. But 9+ is ok as well.
Thanks

iamgvj said:
Hi folks
I'd like to use a USB camera for Skype on my tablet. Searching as much as I could keep leading to apps that simply allow me to take a video feed from the external camera, but not send it to another app.
There seems to be some functionality added in Android 9 with the hardware abstraction layer of both external and internal cameras becoming similar, but I don't understand what to make of that for my requirement. Link: source.android.com/devices/camera/external-usb-cameras
I've come to the conclusion that this has to do with the firmware and I'll have to edit the source. (Please correct me if I'm wrong)
How do I find the parameter to change in the source of a compatible ROM? (Probably quite a noob question for ROM devs, but bear with me please)
Instead of flashing an entire ROM, is there a way a patch or similar can be flashed through ADB?
If you have any other creative ideas, I'm all ears. Ideally, I would like it to work for Android 6 and above. But 9+ is ok as well.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A ROM may not be necessary, but, you will probably require at least rooting the device in order to implement whatever modifications are needed, if it can even be done.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk