What is a "ROM"?

[DonSchaeffer]

What is a "Rom" for android? On a PC, a "rom" is read only memory hard wired on a chip. You can't download that can you?

 

[vampirefo.]

What is a "Rom" for android? On a PC, a "rom" is read only memory hard wired on a chip. You can't download that can you?

It's an OS, operating system.

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Android Tablet

 

[edap]

• 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.

Credit Android Tablet Q&A > Sticky: Android Dictionary

 

[Spider]

As pointed out by edap, you can find the definition of "ROM" and many other terms in the Android Dictionary: http://www.androidtablets.net/forum/android-tablet-q/16642-android-dictionary.html

 

[vampirefo.]

http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/63820/android-rom
It's an OS, one can use a Rom to upgrade or downgrade or just to return to stock.

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Android Tablet

 

[DonSchaeffer]

OK, how does one get a ROM?

 

[WVUTampaAlum]

Why don't post what you want to rom.

 

[vampirefo.]

OK, how does one get a ROM?

By typing the name of the tablet and the word rom in google.

example

Coby 9742 Rom

If a Rom exists it will be listed.

 

[edap]

Be sure to always keep in mind that there are two distinct types of ROM.
A stock ROM is the version of the device's operating system that comes with your device when you buy it.
A custom ROM is a fully standalone version of the OS, including the kernel (which makes everything run), apps, services, etc - everything you need to operate the device, except that it's customized by someone in some way.
So what does the "customized" part mean? Since Android is open source, developers are free to take stock ROMs, modify them, strip them of garbage, optimize them, add things, and pretty much do whatever their imagination and skills allow. In other words, a custom ROM is a modified "aftermarket" OS.
Please be mindful of the fact that there can be downfalls to the use of custom ROMS.

 

[DonSchaeffer]

Thanks as always. You always answer my questions.