Root ROOT, ROM, Tether and PALM

[erenkoff]

I am still waiting for my SGT 10.1 32GB to arrive in the mail and I am TOTALLY new to TABs and Android.
Can someone please explain these terms that are being used very casually in these forums (by those in the know).
ROOT
ROM
Tether
Also, I have an old PALM device and I want to know if there is any way to transfer data (contacts, notes, etc) from the PALM or the PALM desktop to my new 10.1 (when I get it).

 

[Buddha64]

http://www.androidcentral.com/dictionary

Root: A method of unlocking the Android operating system to allow deeper programs deeper access than is allowed out of the box.
ROM: Literally, "Read Only Memory." In Android, it's what you load for a major software update. "Custom ROMs" are just that -- developed outside control of a manufacturer or carrier.
Tethering: The act of using your smartphone's data to provide Internet access to another device, such as a laptop. Can be done wirelessly, or via a USB cable.

 

[erenkoff]

Thanks. So if I ROOT the tablet then I will have root level access to the device, but it will not actually change the OS. That will give me greater controll over the device, allow access to options not generally available. If I add a new ROM I am replacing the Android OS, or just parts of it?

 

[Buddha64]

"Yes" to your first statement. Root is useful with the right tools so you can delete, "freeze," rename or remove apps you do not want running. For example, I have removed the Samsung keyboard because it sucks. Same with Gmail. I can put them back on if I want.

Also, beware... rooting usually voids your warranty. So if you make an unrecoverable mistake putting on a ROM, or your Tab needs repair, you will be on your own.

"That depends" to you second. On some android devices you can replace radios, kernels, themes, etc. any or all in combination. I have Task650's ROM, which uses pershoot's 2.6.36.4 kernal on my Tab, but use the stock theme. Some ROMs only work with some kernals.

Go visit Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, 10.1v - xda-developers. This is the Samsung Tab development site for more interaction with developers of ROMs, themes and kernals.

 

[Buddha64]

I might add that your ROM needs to match your Tab. I have the Wifi only Tab, and so the ROM I mentioned is for Wifi-only device.

 

[erenkoff]

Ok...so I'm getting a clearer picture of what this is all about. If I ROOT my tab but do not add/change any ROMs will that void my warranty? Will I still be able to download manufacturer provided updates? Gaining further access to the device seems ok with me but changing the SW/ROM (if it voids my warranty on a device which quite frankly is NOT cheap) might not be the way that I want to go.

 

[Buddha64]

If I ROOT my tab but do not add/change any ROMs will that void my warranty?

Rooting voids the warranty. Samsung

What's not covered
(f) defects or damage from improper testing, operation, maintenance, installation, service, or adjustment not furnished or approved by SAMSUNG;

(If you're not in the US, then you might want to check the Samsung site in your country.)

Is there any tell-tale evidence of rooting left behind if you un-root the Tab? I am not sure. Someone smarter than I might know.

Will I still be able to download manufacturer provided updates?

I was able to apply an update after I was rooted and still on the stock ROM. It un-rooted the Tab and replaced all those programs I removed, which was no problem since I had all the files to re-root it.

Also, going back to the Samsung stock ROM, and stock recovery is possible. There are links to stock ROMs, recovery, and instructions here and on XDA. Again, I do not know if rooting/changing ROMs, and then going back to stock leaves any evidence behind.

Gaining further access to the device seems ok with me but changing the SW/ROM (if it voids my warranty on a device which quite frankly is NOT cheap) might not be the way that I want to go.

One drawback of the Tab is the screen sensitivity. The Tab is basically useless as a writing tablet because of this issue. Un-rooted you cannot do anything about it. Rooted, you can add an app called TouchscreenTune which allows you to adjust some parameters of the screen making it much better.

It is a matter of risk/reward. What is the risk of the Tab needing repair versus what is the reward of rooting.

As an electrical engineer, I can tell you "infant mortality" of components is your biggest concern. So my suggestion would be to do nothing to the Tab for a couple of months. See if it functions as you want. Give it some time to see if there are any problems with it. Get to know your device.