Root ROM Flashing

[alfick3]

So I'm curious, what is it that is being done when a ROM is flashed to a phone?

 

[jabbawest]

So I'm curious, what is it that is being done when a ROM is flashed to a phone?

ROM Read-only memory is where the operating system for your phone is located.
People smarter than you or I, will take the source code, once it has been released to the public, modify it and create a better or more configurable OS.
Look at the work being done here:
http://androidforums.com/optimus-m-all-things-root/335405-rom-gb-cmod7-beta.html
here:
http://androidforums.com/optimus-m-all-things-root/323247-rom-theme-sense-rom-optimus-m.html
and here:
http://androidforums.com/optimus-m-all-things-root/301073-rom-teamchickeneater-2-2-1-a.html
Those are just a few examples of how it's done and why open source coding is so awesome.
If you are familiar with Linux, then you know a little bit about open source operating systems. Android is based on Linux.

 

[alfick3]

ROM Read-only memory is where the operating system for your phone is located.
People smarter than you or I, will take the source code, once it has been released to the public, modify it and create a better or more configurable OS.
Look at the work being done here:
http://androidforums.com/optimus-m-all-things-root/335405-rom-gb-cmod7-beta.html
here:
http://androidforums.com/optimus-m-all-things-root/323247-rom-theme-sense-rom-optimus-m.html
and here:
http://androidforums.com/optimus-m-all-things-root/301073-rom-teamchickeneater-2-2-1-a.html
Those are just a few examples of how it's done and why open source coding is so awesome.
If you are familiar with Linux, then you know a little bit about open source operating systems. Android is based on Linux.

Thank you. Yes, I am familiar with the acronym ROM. I just wasn't familiar with exactly how it related here, to phones. So, if I'm understanding you rightly, when someone flashes a ROM to the phone, you could put something entirely different than was on originally? My Optimus M came with 2.2 and the standard LG and Metro stuff (bloatware). If I flash the phone, I can put an image on that is just like the stock image but without the LG and Metro stuff (with out the Facebook for LG, the MetroNavigator and so on).

I also have some knowledge of Linux, and understand the idea behind modifying the source code (I'm not a programmer so have no earthly idea how to modify it for myself).

My biggest question was the idea of flashing a new ROM. I wasn't sure if I had the correct idea in my head as to what it was. Again, thank you.

 

[jabbawest]

So, if I'm understanding you rightly, when someone flashes a ROM to the phone, you could put something entirely different than was on originally? My Optimus M came with 2.2 and the standard LG and Metro stuff (bloatware). If I flash the phone, I can put an image on that is just like the stock image but without the LG and Metro stuff (with out the Facebook for LG, the MetroNavigator and so on).

You got it, you're welcome and yes, the Metro bloat is gone once someone fashions a new ROM for the community. Partly because it will somewhat increase the internal storage but it's mostly done to cut the cord from service providers that feel it's there right to remind you who allowed you to buy the phone.
Beyond that, some ROMS will give you the chance to run an OS meant for higher end models which will give you more features than you had on the stock OS.
Feast your eyes on what you could be doing with you phone. This only scratches the surface as some ROM devs will put there own personal touches in the way of .apks that they have found useful.
CyanogenMod | Android Community Rom based on Gingerbread