CyanogenMod Benefits?

[undergrace]

Hi everyone,

I just rooted my phone yesterday and downloaded ROM Manager. I am a little iffy about installing CyanogenMod 6 on my phone (Droid 1 w/2.2 Froyo, now rooted). I can't seem to find out ... What are the features of Cyanogen that set it apart from Froyo??? I looked on CyanogenMods website under features and it is lacking a description. I don't care about wifi tethering(bc the wifi on my droid is not stable and doesn't work worth a **** anyway), mainly just customization and themes. Would it even be worth the hassle just for themes? I know that Cyanogen is a different firmware but I just can't find out what it does different from Froyo. Also I have read on several different forums that it has glitches such as when a call comes through the phone reboots and other bugs. Has anyone experienced any kind of bugs or is it smooth sailing?

Also, what the heck is a Kernel and would I need to install/flash one in addition to installing CyanogenMod?

A little confused...
Droidoll

 

[dkscudder]

Your kernel runs under your OS and gives it access to the hardware. You can read more here: Kernel (computing) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Every ROM comes with a kernel or it wouldn't start up, so you don't HAVE to flash one. Most people flash a custom kernel so they can over-clock their CPU above 800 Mhz. It can also let you read other file systems and connect to a VPN.

Cyanogen and other custom ROMS come without the Verizon bloat-ware and often have a bunch of different scripts that give you a great deal of control over how your phone looks and behaves. Some have more, some have less.

I agree that they often aren't documented well, but these ROMS are made by guys who are donating their spare time. I can't imagine wanting to write a lot of documentation in your spare time That would also take time away from the next version of their ROM. The best way to figure these things out is to just start doing it. Flash a ROM, play with it, and then flash another one. You'll figure out what you like and you can always go back to stock rooted or un-rooted if you like. If that doesn't sound like fun and you are pretty happy with how your phone works now, then leave it be.