Ok. So as the title says I'm new to rooting. The Eris is my first smartphone, and I think it's great aside from a few complaints (namely the slow-ish processor). I've read through a lot of the how-to guides specifically for Eris rooting but I find myself getting lost in the terminology, and also finding conflicting answers to some questions. So I'm wondering if someone more knowledgeable of these things than I (or at least someone who has already done what I'm trying to) could assist and give me some clear cut answers before I attempt to root.
But first, some info from my phone. I'm not sure exactly what all is pertinent here, but more info is better than not enough.
Firmware Version: 2.1 (this is the official software, I downloaded it in the Verizon store the day I got the phone, clearly a mistake)
Baseband Version: 2.42.01.04.27
Kernel Version: 2.6.29-ba03cb9a, htc-kenel@and18-2 #1
Build Number: 2.37.605.4 CL185970 release-keys
Software Number: 2.37.605.4
Browser Version: Webkit 3.1
PRI Version: 2.11_002
PRL Version: 51920
ERI Version: 5
The phone is completely official software. I haven't attempted to root or use anything leaked, cracked, ROMs, flash anything, etc. So here are my questions:
1. From what I understand is it not currently possible to root an Eris that has the official 2.1 software. You must revert to 1.5 or 1.6 to root to a cracked 2.1. Is there currently any safe way to downgrade official 2.1 to stock 1.5 on an Eris? (Basically, getting it back to an out-of-box state to make it possible to root
2. Once rooted, where should I go from there? My main goal in rooting is to overclock the processor and hopefully squeeze some more juice from the somewhat sluggish processor.
3. What exactly is a ROM, and for God's sake what does it mean when you Flash one?
Thanks for any help in advance, and sorry if these things are answered elsewhere. I've poured over pages and pages of stuff related to this but can't seem to find answers to this problem, if they do indeed exist. Normally, I'm fairly technologically competent, but I'm just not too familiar with Linux based systems and this is eluding me.
Be gentle. Thanks again.
But first, some info from my phone. I'm not sure exactly what all is pertinent here, but more info is better than not enough.
Firmware Version: 2.1 (this is the official software, I downloaded it in the Verizon store the day I got the phone, clearly a mistake)
Baseband Version: 2.42.01.04.27
Kernel Version: 2.6.29-ba03cb9a, htc-kenel@and18-2 #1
Build Number: 2.37.605.4 CL185970 release-keys
Software Number: 2.37.605.4
Browser Version: Webkit 3.1
PRI Version: 2.11_002
PRL Version: 51920
ERI Version: 5
The phone is completely official software. I haven't attempted to root or use anything leaked, cracked, ROMs, flash anything, etc. So here are my questions:
1. From what I understand is it not currently possible to root an Eris that has the official 2.1 software. You must revert to 1.5 or 1.6 to root to a cracked 2.1. Is there currently any safe way to downgrade official 2.1 to stock 1.5 on an Eris? (Basically, getting it back to an out-of-box state to make it possible to root
2. Once rooted, where should I go from there? My main goal in rooting is to overclock the processor and hopefully squeeze some more juice from the somewhat sluggish processor.
3. What exactly is a ROM, and for God's sake what does it mean when you Flash one?
Thanks for any help in advance, and sorry if these things are answered elsewhere. I've poured over pages and pages of stuff related to this but can't seem to find answers to this problem, if they do indeed exist. Normally, I'm fairly technologically competent, but I'm just not too familiar with Linux based systems and this is eluding me.
Be gentle. Thanks again.