what is a rom

[Ravenspine]

incoming noob question;
people keep using the term 'rom' and i was just wondering what that was. when i hear rom i keep thinking emulators for old game systems but i know that's not what they are referring to.
they say things like "installing custom roms"

thanks

 

[snapper.fishes]

Rom = firmware.

A bit like installing a custom version of Windows.... if such things exist at all.

 

[davidnmegan6907]

Think of it like...
Rom is car body
Kernel is engine
Theme is paint job

 

[dan330]

for android phones...
ROM is a new OS package.
some developer has taken the android OS and some other tweeks and mods...and themes.. and secret sause... mix together .. cooked to a perfect condition... packaged into a file so that you can flash it to your phone...

 

[reggjoo]

ROM(Read only memory), in computer terms. Could be a different definition for this application for cellphones though.

 

[EarlyMon]

This defines what a rom is and the terms around it - http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-all-things-root/129648-quick-intro-rooting-those-new-rooting.html