Root [AT&T] Support: Kernel, Setcpu, LED notification

[neilfries]

I just rooted my Galaxy S3 (SGH-I747M Telus - Canada) and have started looking into getting a ROM for it. My only past experience with ROMs is using CM9 and 10 on my Captivate.

As I have been looking into ROMs I keep seeing things about kernels. Could someone explain or give me a link to explain what they do? From what I've seen it controls the speed that the processor in your phone runs. Does it do anything else? What are the risks and advantages of installing a custom kernel?

Would you recommend getting Setcpu to work with kernels? My only experience with overclocking is limited to changing the max frequency on my Captivate in CM10.

I also installed two apps to control my LED but they would only display red and blue notification LEDs even when set to display different colors. Is this because I am still running rooted stock?

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

 

[funkylogik]

hey. Just for the kernel question, i kinda see the kernal as what joins the operating system onto the raw hardware so yeah you can change the CPU speed and voltage, change audio output levels, change the charging current... thats about all ive altered..

When changing CPU speed/voltage, if you get it wrong, the phone could go into a boot-loop (it cuts out because cpu is too fast/slow, over/under volted, reboots, and so on.
I think most CPU control apps probably have like a "safety valve" so that if the phone shuts down because something is wrong, the values you set wont be applied when it reboots. The app i use (No Frills Cpu Control) certainly does :thumbup:

Light Flow works perfectly for me but i know it has always had problems on the north american s3s

 

[Theonesalmon]

Hey, a kernel is the software that directly interacts with the hardware of your phone. A rom is basically the Os. Most roms come with their own kernel (for example cm10 or aokp)
It's usually recommended to stick with the kernel the rom came with, but if you do want to change them about make sure you have a nandroid backup first.

Hope this helps
Cheers