Totally and utterly confused non-noobie

[Guest prupert]

Hi

I have an Orange (UK) Hero and I regularly read this forum and others to learn more about the Android OS, the thing is, it seems most people assume that fellow readers are already well versed in the world of Android and know what most of the terms being used mean.

For example, I know my Hero is running Android 1.5, whilst it's build number is 2.73.xxxxx. I know it is possible to root an Android phone and to flash a custom ROM on to it, however, there seem to be loads of ROMS out there, one for each device. This is where I get totally confused, what ROMs should be installed and what shouldn't and what are all the different ROMs. I know it is down to personal choice what you end up installing, but I'd love to know what ROMs are generally most functional.

I have read good things about the MoDaCo ROM for the Hero (http://android.modaco.com/content/htc-hero-hero-modaco-com/292018/gsm-02-12-3-0-modaco-custom-rom-core-chinese-with-tck-featuring-wavesecure/) which says it is based on the 2.73.x release, but I am not sure what exactly this means. Is it still based on Android 1.5, just with lots of modifications and enhancements, so it is faster and more efficient but still also offers the Sense UI? Thus is it the safest ROM to install, in that it keeps the best that HTC offers, alongside resource efficiency and basic improvements?

If I wanted to update to the most recent version of Android (which I guess is 2.01, which seems widely available, since 2.1 is limited to the Droid/Nexus One at the mo) is this possible on a Hero, and if so, where would I go to find one? I have read about the CyanogenMod, though that is based on Android 1.6. Also, searching on XDA brings up loads of Hero ROMs based on Eclair (2.1) but most of them are very beta, with lots of problems (i.e. GPS, bluetooth etc not working). Why is this, is it because Android 2.1 sourcecode is not yet out, so people can't make custom ROMs, are the ones on the XDA forum based on leaked ROMs?

In addition, in all the tutorials about adding a custom ROM, I read about things like adb, RUU and goldcard, but I have never heard of any of these term. From what I have read, adb is some software that runs on Windows/Linux and somehow magically communicates with your Android Phone (via USB maybe), RUU I haven't a clue about and Goldcard is a special SD card that allows you to mess with your phone, based on the way it is partitioned/formatted, however, all these are just guesses.

Finally, I often read on the forums of people who are having problems installing a custom ROM. Is this down to user error, and not following instructions, or is this because it is mostly a 'cross your fingers and hope' process, that relies on luck for it to work, since phones can be in so many different conditions it is impossible to write down a set of instructions that are guaranteed to work even if the instructions are followed to the letter?

Thus, my main questions:

- is there anywhere I can go to read up on all the basics - like a Wiki, that explains all about the whole rooting/custom ROM thing that explains all the terms?

- does each device (Hero, Droid, G1) need its own custom ROM since they need specific drivers in order for the hardware on the phone to work (so unlike Linux, where all the 'drivers' are built in in general and work on most PC hardware)?

- is the MoDaCo ROM for Hero an optimised version of HTC's 1.5 Android ROM?

- is it/will it be possible to install an up-to-date version of Android on a Hero and what are the reasons this is not yet possible:

a) because Android 2.X is not yet OS? ;) because to get a ROM properly working on a Hero you need the correct drivers, which HTC custom code, so you have to wait till HTC release a newer ROM with a newer version of Android on it before the OS devs (like Paul) can work their magic?

- what is the likely chances of success of installing a custom ROM on a Hero providing you follow the instructions to the letter (i.e. what causes failure, user error or bad luck)?

- should I just wait till HTC release an official update for the Hero (I have read they are going to release a 2.1 ROM at least for the Hero on Sprint) and then wait till Paul or some other clever dude ports and optimises it for all Hero users (or is that not possible)?

Sorry for the incredibly lengthy post and all the questions, I am just so confused about all this and can't find a good single source where I can find answers. I'd be really grateful if someone could provide them.

FWIW, I am not a total computer noob here, I run my own Ubuntu server and code my own Bash scripts, I'm the guy all my friends and family come to when they have computer problems, so I know what root, su and the cli is, I just don't understand the specifics around Android and custom ROMs :)

THE END, you may now relax.....and now please click reply and hit me with some knowledge B)

(jeesus, I just posted this and it is loooong, I guess the likelihood of anyone bothering to read it, let alone answer it is null, damn...)

Edited January 6, 2010 by prupert

[Guest blackcoffee85]

Firstly, read the guide at http://android.modaco.com/content/htc-hero...e-how-to-guide/ which explains all the steps in sequence.

MoDaCo is a modified version of the HTC rom so your assumptions are correct. Each device needs a specific ROM, so don't use a Dream ROM on a Hero. The Hero 1.6/2.x ROMs are not as good quality because they're not based on an official ROM. When the official 2.1 ROM comes out, you can expect MoDaCo 4.0 to be released shortly. You can install the current version and update it later.

adb is part of the android SDK, a tool for communicating with the phone. It allows you to quickly get a shell for the device.

Finally, I have an Orange hero as you did, so you'll need to use a goldcard to install (downgrade to) an older official ROM. Then your phone can install a custom recovery image, required to install the new ROM.

[Guest prupert]

Cool, that's my questions answered, thanks loads.

I had come across that how to you posted, but it was still using some terms I was finding confusing, but your answers have cleared most of them up.

I think I will wait till the MoDaCo version for 2.1 comes out, which I guess might be sometime after July, since I read that Hero 2.1 is due first half of 2010. That way I should be totally sick of HTC's own ROM to be willing to risk bricking it to try to get a 2.1 on it (based on my previous experience with Orange and Nokia's Symbian on the N73/N82, I very much doubt Orange will bother releasing a 2.1 upgrade for the Hero here in the UK (the gits)).

[Guest munkimatt]

Cool, that's my questions answered, thanks loads.

I had come across that how to you posted, but it was still using some terms I was finding confusing, but your answers have cleared most of them up.

I think I will wait till the MoDaCo version for 2.1 comes out, which I guess might be sometime after July, since I read that Hero 2.1 is due first half of 2010. That way I should be totally sick of HTC's own ROM to be willing to risk bricking it to try to get a 2.1 on it (based on my previous experience with Orange and Nokia's Symbian on the N73/N82, I very much doubt Orange will bother releasing a 2.1 upgrade for the Hero here in the UK (the gits)).

Your chance of actually bricking the Hero seems to be tiny. The recovery image makes a lovely little back up which you can reflash if there is any issue. I completely recommend using the Modaco ROM, it's fantastic. Like a different phone, seriously.

[Guest prupert]

Your chance of actually bricking the Hero seems to be tiny. The recovery image makes a lovely little back up which you can reflash if there is any issue. I completely recommend using the Modaco ROM, it's fantastic. Like a different phone, seriously.

Ok dokes, I shall look into it more, and try it out.....

[Guest prupert]

One final question, if you flash the MoDaCo ROM, can you still access, install and use apps you have bought on the MarketPlace prior to flashing? Can you use the MarketPlace at all?

[Guest kendon]

One final question, if you flash the MoDaCo ROM, can you still access, install and use apps you have bought on the MarketPlace prior to flashing? Can you use the MarketPlace at all?

usually yes. issues have been reported, my suggestion would be to wait for mcr3.1, with that you should be on the safe side.

[Guest prupert]

usually yes. issues have been reported, my suggestion would be to wait for mcr3.1, with that you should be on the safe side.

Ok dokey, waiting. Cheers for the info. Wouldn't wanna loose CoPilot (although it was better on my Symbian anyway - no Bluetooth serial connection in Android = no external GPS unit = GRR).

[Guest starfarer]

Hi

I have an Orange (UK) Hero and I regularly read this forum and others to learn more about the Android OS, the thing is, it seems most people assume that fellow readers are already well versed in the world of Android and know what most of the terms being used mean.

well if you got time then here's all that you will ever need to learn about Android http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=519523. Start with In the beginning.....then:

2) HTC dream overview. Scroll down for Glossary.

3)ADB for dummies

By this time probably you will feel more confident and be thinking...let's do it!

Check back Ptruman's thread on How to....Only thing is as you got Orange Hero, you need to downgrade first ie Gold card method.

About ROMs based on 2.0/2.01, discussions here http://android.modaco.com/content/htc-hero...-are-you-using/ .

[Guest prupert]

well if you got time then here's all that you will ever need to learn about Android http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=519523. Start with In the beginning.....then:

2) HTC dream overview. Scroll down for Glossary.

3)ADB for dummies

Excellent, this is just the thread I was looking for, thanks loads.