Help on installing first ROM

[cannon11]

So I've just rooted my phone. And it seems like for 50% of root features that you need a custom rom to use them, or am I wrong? One feature in particular that seems to need a custom rom is overclocking. If I am wrong please correct me as I am new to rooting and installing roms.
Anyway, I have a sprint galaxy nexus.
I also have the app ROM MANAGER
It seems like I need to install a custom rom to my sd card and then rom manager will install it.
I'm trying to find a good rom to download, but its kind of confusing. Also, am I just downloading a zip file and dragging and dropping it into my galaxy nexus directory thing on my computer? (I have a mac)
Can anyone recommend a good ROM thats fairly easy to use for my galaxy nexus that a beginner like me wouldn't have trouble downloading? And could you provide a link to download it and how to install it onto my sd card?

thanks guys, I just need a bit of help getting started then I should be set.

 

[lunatic59]

Run, don't walk away from ROM Manager and Samsung phones. They do not play nice together and it will bork your bootloader.

As for a rom, I would guess the best place to start is a simple, basic well supported ROM like CyanogenMod. The SG Nexus cam in two flavors. One for Sprint/Verizon (CDMA) and one for AT&T/T-Mobile (GSM). Which version do you have?

 

[cannon11]

Run, don't walk away from ROM Manager and Samsung phones. They do not play nice together and it will bork your bootloader.

As for a rom, I would guess the best place to start is a simple, basic well supported ROM like CyanogenMod. The SG Nexus cam in two flavors. One for Sprint/Verizon (CDMA) and one for AT&T/T-Mobile (GSM). Which version do you have?

I have sprint. Could you give me a link to download a stable cyanogen mod rom for my phone and instructions on how to use it if possible?

 

[lunatic59]

Here's the link for the Stable Sprint versions.

CyanogenMod Downloads

Installing the rom is simple.

Download the file. Copy it to the /sdcard folder on your phone.

Then boot into recovery mode like this ...

Now, because you are changing ROM's always do this ...

1. Clear cache
2. Advanced>Clear Dalvik Ccache
3. Factory Data Reset
4. Install from SD card

It's #4 that you then scroll to the CyanogenMod.zip file (do not unzip it) and select install.

5. Flash gapps (I think ... not sure if CynaogenMod comes with the Google apps)

 

[funkylogik]

Can i just add that you can just use the phone's browser to download the rom if you want.
Also, to overclock you just need a custom kernel, not a whole rom.
A good way to customise a Nexus (most rooted phones actually) is with Xposed Framework.
CyanogenMod 11 is really smooth and stable though so its a good first rom.
Do you know if CM's gnex kernel is overclockable Lunatic mate?

Oh yeah, before doing the wipes, make a nandroid backup in recovery!

 

[cannon11]

thank you, lunatic, I will definitely try this, and I'll let you know if I have any trouble along the way. Thanks again

 

[cannon11]

And just one thing to add before I actually install the rom: Do alot of rooting features require a custom ROM? Or can you do most root stuff without a rom, just being rooted?

 

[lunatic59]

And just one thing to add before I actually install the rom: Do alot of rooting features require a custom ROM? Or can you do most root stuff without a rom, just being rooted?

Most of the root options are handled by elevating an app to have root perissions. This doesn't need a rom, just SuperSU. However, if you want to overclock, you will need a custom kernel, which is usually part of the rom.

 

[boathead]

OP, i'm not seeing where you say you have a custom recovery installed????? you need that.

i'm assuming you didn't go to the xda link i gave you in your other thread. you should. nexus root toolkit will do most of the work for you in a way that is fail safe. it will unlock your bootloader and install a custom recovery.

edit: never mind. i think you have twrp installed.