Android custom ROMS

[blinky]

Sorry if I have the terminology incorrect on this, but can someone explain how a custom ROM is different from the stock ROM you get when you purchase your device?

And am I correct in assuming that an Android ROM is just a background image and a collection of added apps specific to that ROM? For ex: T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, and other carriers have their own specific ROM designed and made by their own developers. Correct?

 

[snapper.fishes]

Nope.

The ROM contains all the essential software for the phone to work. It contains the drivers for the android OS to interface with the hardware, and it also contains the operating system itself. Carriers do not make the rom - they modify the rom provided by the manufacturer, which is the same as what most Custom Rom makers do, except the later goes a little further.

Without the rom, your phone won't even turn on.

 

[blinky]

Nope.

The ROM contains all the essential software for the phone to work. It contains the drivers for the android OS to interface with the hardware, and it also contains the operating system itself. Carriers do not make the rom - they modify the rom provided by the manufacturer, which is the same as what most Custom Rom makers do, except the later goes a little further.

Without the rom, your phone won't even turn on.

Oh. OK. So...
Android ROM = OS + drivers + some basic apps.
Is this correct?

And if I have a phone with a certain carrier's ROM on there that I didn't like, could I change to a different carrier's ROM?
For ex: if I have a phone with AT&T's ROM, could I change it to Verizon's ROM?

 

[baillou2]

Oh. OK. So...
Android ROM = OS + drivers + some basic apps.
Is this correct?

And if I have a phone with a certain carrier's ROM on there that I didn't like, could I change to a different carrier's ROM?
For ex: if I have a phone with AT&T's ROM, could I change it to Verizon's ROM?

Are you asking if you can unlock the phone? Or do you just want to switch ROM's? If the latter then I would recommend searching around the internet (xda-developers.com) for some nice custom ROM's that have nothing to do with any carrier. Ideally all the carrier's bloatware can be removed. This is ideal for optimal performance.

 

[Drhyde]

Oh. OK. So...
Android ROM = OS + drivers + some basic apps.
Is this correct?

And if I have a phone with a certain carrier's ROM on there that I didn't like, could I change to a different carrier's ROM?
For ex: if I have a phone with AT&T's ROM, could I change it to Verizon's ROM?

Are you saying you want the Sense UI? Other than some carrier specific apps (or for ATT restrictions on said apps), there's not any real reason to do so. If you looking for a more unique view of Android with some enhancements then a custom ROM might be something to try out.

Of course, you have to root your phone...

 

[blinky]

Well, I am new to all this so I am not really certain if my terminology is correct.

If I get a phone, then the ROM that is installed is specific to the carrier. Correct? For example, if I buy an Android phone from AT&T, then the ROM installed is specific to AT&T, correct? I just want to know if it is possible to change ROMS from one carrier to another. Unlocking is something I would also like to do, but that is much later on down the road.