Root N00b root/ROM questions

[Sailing_Nut]

Looking at rooting and trying out new ROMs and I have a couple of questions.

I read the terminology page and watched the video on how to root using Revolutionary. Very cool that it can be done without wiping the phone. This leads me to one of my questions, can I then load a new ROM and not wipe my data? Will the new ROM pick up all of my installed applications and contacts, etc?

I looked at the list of ROMS that are available, but it doesn't give any information on what each ROM has that makes it different from the others. I went to the links for the ROMs but was not able to quickly determine any good information about them. Does there exist a sort of comparison between ROMs? If yes, where can it be found?

My last question is more confirming what I believe to be true. The sense UI is baked into (or not depending on the ROM) the ROM, correct?

Thanks for your time!

 

[Yeahha]

Looking at rooting and trying out new ROMs and I have a couple of questions.

That is what we are here for, welcome

I read the terminology page and watched the video on how to root using Revolutionary. Very cool that it can be done without wiping the phone. This leads me to one of my questions, can I then load a new ROM and not wipe my data? Will the new ROM pick up all of my installed applications and contacts, etc?

For your contacts those should be backed up with google. I think you can also back them up on your sim but I have never tried. For your user apps and data you should download titanium backup and buy the pro key, with that you can backup your apps and data to restore on the new rom, you should wipe your data every time you flash a new rom in general.

I looked at the list of ROMS that are available, but it doesn't give any information on what each ROM has that makes it different from the others. I went to the links for the ROMs but was not able to quickly determine any good information about them. Does there exist a sort of comparison between ROMs? If yes, where can it be found?

Not really, you can look at screen shots of the different roms but the best way IMO for starting out is flash one, work with it for a few days then try another, repeat this a few times and you will get a general feel of what each rom is like and what you like best. I suggest trying at least one AOSP and one Sense rom so you can decide what you like better.

My last question is more confirming what I believe to be true. The sense UI is baked into (or not depending on the ROM) the ROM, correct?

Yes, Sense roms have the Sense UI in them the ones that don't are from the Android Open Source Project or AOSP roms, I can't stress enough how I think everyone should try at least one AOSP rom even if they love Sense, just to be able to compare the two.

Thanks for your time!

No problem Sailing_Nut, if you have any other questions feel free to ask, and if you root the phone please let us know

 

[xeno2011]

You need to wipe data upon first installing a ROM on your phone. It is essential to getting the ROM to function properly. Otherwise, you may have a lot of force closes (FC's) and other problems. Some ROM's allow you to keep data when you are doing updates, but not an initial install. You'll need to back up your data on your computer (pics, ringtones) and contacts on Google. Make a backup of your entire system before installing anything (in Clockwork Mod or other recovery program).

There are basically three types of ROM's: Sense ROM's, AOSP (Android Open Source Project) ROM's, and OMGB (vanilla Android Gingerbread). I'm sure there are a few other variations to describe that others will chime in on.

I find that a lot of users are into BAMF Rom's (either Sense or AOSP) and DroidTh3ory ROM's (Sense and AOSP as well). Sense ROM's vary in the version of Sense that is being used (either 2.x or 3.x). I personally use ShiftS3ns3 by DroidTh3ory (DT), but many here use AOSP ROM's, either BAMF or DT.

Your best comparison is to read the forums. Perhaps someone with more experience with the ROM's would be willing to elaborate on the specifics of each ROM, but I don't have the experience to do so. I personally looked for a ROM that would allow me to use my phone bloat free, still access my favorite Sense elements, and have great battery life. If I were you, I would try a Sense ROM and an AOSP ROM and see which you like better.

Sense is baked into Sense ROM's, AOSP and OMGB are Sense-free. Good luck.

 

[Yeahha]

There are basically three types of ROM's: Sense ROM's, AOSP (Android Open Source Project) ROM's, and OMGB (vanilla Android Gingerbread). I'm sure there are a few other variations to describe that others will chime in on.

There are just 2 types of roms to choose from currently, Sense and AOSP. OMGB roms are AOSP roms, they are built from Google's source just like CM7 roms are.

 

[xeno2011]

There are just 2 types of roms to choose from currently, Sense and AOSP. OMGB roms are AOSP roms, they are built from Google's source just like CM7 roms are.

Thanks for that clarification. I've read several threads on vanilla OMGB ROM's, but didn't realize they were all related.

 

[Yeahha]

No problem. OMGB is the closest to source out of all the AOSP roms

 

[Tamasabian]

On the topic of noob questions, I have a couple.

Could someone simply explain to me how you know which of these RADIO'S to use at any given time? I am using a theory rom with the ".627 radio" they recommended but they also said you could use "MR2+ radio". I am unsure what the difference is between radios and how to know which to use for the best service. My phone service works great but my 4G is pretty slow compared to stock root. Any help would be appreciated.

Do you flash a radio from recovery just like you would flash a rom? Do you need to wipe anything when flashing a new radio? Does it matter when you flash a radio, before or after the rom?

Lastly I would like to ask for some opinions on the most stable rom's without SENSE. I do not like SENSE, I fell like it just bogs a phone down.

Thanks for any and all advice.