nateccnn
iPF Noob
A kernel is hard to explain if you have to ask. Basically, a computing device has "Layers". The foundation layer is the hardware. The top layer is the user interface of the operating system or the application layer if an app is open. In between you have other layers, one of which is a kernel that lays somewhere between the hardware and the operating system, before the drivers layer. Hardware loads, then the kernel, then the drivers, then the OS. That is what you are waiting on when you boot a computer.
So the kernel provides the information that the OS uses to drive the hardware. Things like, how fast can the CPU run (clock speed) are controlled by the kernel. Also, on the droid, the ability toi use the wifi radio chip is controleld by the kernel.
A custom kernel will unlock things that the stock phone was not suppose to do. The manaufacturer will not provide support for these things but it will not void any warranty...they just won't help you if it breaks it. I use a kernel built by P3Droid (search for pete or p3droid kernels on Droidfourms.net) that allows for over clocking and wireless tether. Pete modified the stock kernel to allow those items..he did not build it from scratch. Some phones allow the use of a low voltage kernel while others puke on them. Its a trial and error process to see if yours can benefit from a low voltage kernel. The advantage is a slightly longer battery life and cooler processor temps. But the benefitis is not worth the constant locking and rebooting if your phone won't handle it. I use a standard voltage kernel with a OC speed of 1 ghz with 7 slots (slots means how many different clock speeds will it support, 250 through 1000 mhz).
Any more information needed, search for it on Droidforums.net. Lots of noob posts asking the same questions.
Nate (I use the same screen name and user id on that forum so you'll find me there next)
So the kernel provides the information that the OS uses to drive the hardware. Things like, how fast can the CPU run (clock speed) are controlled by the kernel. Also, on the droid, the ability toi use the wifi radio chip is controleld by the kernel.
A custom kernel will unlock things that the stock phone was not suppose to do. The manaufacturer will not provide support for these things but it will not void any warranty...they just won't help you if it breaks it. I use a kernel built by P3Droid (search for pete or p3droid kernels on Droidfourms.net) that allows for over clocking and wireless tether. Pete modified the stock kernel to allow those items..he did not build it from scratch. Some phones allow the use of a low voltage kernel while others puke on them. Its a trial and error process to see if yours can benefit from a low voltage kernel. The advantage is a slightly longer battery life and cooler processor temps. But the benefitis is not worth the constant locking and rebooting if your phone won't handle it. I use a standard voltage kernel with a OC speed of 1 ghz with 7 slots (slots means how many different clock speeds will it support, 250 through 1000 mhz).
Any more information needed, search for it on Droidforums.net. Lots of noob posts asking the same questions.
Nate (I use the same screen name and user id on that forum so you'll find me there next)
