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Root Novatek and Kernals?

Rocklee99

Newbie
Jul 12, 2010
36
0
Quickie overview.

Kernel: it's basically the low-level core part of the operating system that handles processor queuing, drivers, hardware-layer-stuff, etc. It does the grunt work, if you will. You can often combine a different kernel than what your ROM came with. See this wiki link for more info, if you're curious:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(computing)

ROM/OS: This is the higher level part of the OS: userspace, packages, applications, etc.

Fresh: It does disable perflocks, so over/underclocking is a go. I think all custom ROMs do this. Downsides, you void your warranty by rooting (assuming they even check or can check if you have to turn your phone in for service). You can't do OTA system updates, but can grab new PRL lists and the like. Um. *scratches head* Outside of that, I don't think there IS a downside to flashing Fresh. I run it and enjoy it. Oh, you'll loose your applications during a wipe after the first install of Fresh and have to reinstall them.

You'll need to have a full root (not just unrevoked) to flash any ROMs/radios/kernel. Check here or the XDA forums (forum.xda-developers.com) for the EVO/Supersonic for rooting guides.

EDIT: Another note. A lot of custom kernels focus heavily on either increasing performance or removing the FPS lock on the Evo (as is the case of the link you posted). I run a custom kernel that removes the FPS lock, and it does make some things (notably 2D action games, though also some scrolling) noticably smoother.
 
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Quickie overview.

Kernel: it's basically the low-level core part of the operating system that handles processor queuing, drivers, hardware-layer-stuff, etc. It does the grunt work, if you will. You can often combine a different kernel than what your ROM came with. See this wiki link for more info, if you're curious:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(computing)

ROM/OS: This is the higher level part of the OS: userspace, packages, applications, etc.

Fresh: It does disable perflocks, so over/underclocking is a go. I think all custom ROMs do this. Downsides, you void your warranty by rooting (assuming they even check or can check if you have to turn your phone in for service). You can't do OTA system updates, but can grab new PRL lists and the like. Um. *scratches head* Outside of that, I don't think there IS a downside to flashing Fresh. I run it and enjoy it. Oh, you'll loose your applications during a wipe after the first install of Fresh and have to reinstall them.

You'll need to have a full root (not just unrevoked) to flash any ROMs/radios/kernel. Check here or the XDA forums (forum.xda-developers.com) for the EVO/Supersonic for rooting guides.

EDIT: Another note. A lot of custom kernels focus heavily on either increasing performance or removing the FPS lock on the Evo (as is the case of the link you posted). I run a custom kernel that removes the FPS lock, and it does make some things (notably 2D action games, though also some scrolling) noticably smoother.

I may be wrong but I don't think the ROM itself disables the perflock. This is handled by the kernal so if you have a stock HTC kernal then you won't be able to set cpu scaling unless you disable it through setCPU everytime you reboot. However, I believe that all modified kernals come with the perflock disabled...
 
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I may be wrong but I don't think the ROM itself disables the perflock. This is handled by the kernal so if you have a stock HTC kernal then you won't be able to set cpu scaling unless you disable it through setCPU everytime you reboot. However, I believe that all modified kernals come with the perflock disabled...

You're right. It's Kernel level, not ROM level. For some reason I thought it was just a conf file toggle or something. *No* idea where I got that from :p
 
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A ROM can (and usually does) contain the kernel.

A kernel can be standalone and flashed over the kernel of your existing ROM.

Yes, perflock is in the kernel, but if you get a ROM with a modified kernel, you're golden. Or, you can do what I did. Flash a stock ROM, then flash a custom kernel of your choice. This gives you the FPS fix but you can have a stock GUI.
 
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