So I've Rooted My Phone....Now What?

Now that you all have an overview on rooting, it's time to dive a little deeper into what exactly you can, and should do after rooting. First off, there are a few key components to your phones software that you need to be aware of.

The four key software elements that control the functionality, performance, signals, and look and feel of your phone are the:

1.ROM
2. Kernel
3.Modem
4.UI

1. ROM
   
    ROM (Read-Only Memory) image files are the files that make up the barebones of the software in our phones, on cd's (CD-ROM's) .iso files, and old video game cartridges. The hardware simply reads the file, and displays whatever is in it. For learning purposes, I want you to think of ROM's as the skeleton of the software makeup of the phone.

2. Kernel
   
   Kernels are the components of an OS (Operating System) that serve as the bridge between applications and the software. It dictates how your phone handles information, and where it goes. The speed of processing, how much battery to use when requested to do something, all of this is determined by the Kernel. Whenever there are battery issues on your phone, it is usually the Kernel's fault for not handling something designed in the ROM well.  Boot Animations (the animation when you turn on the phone), and the Recovery (the special screen when booting up your phone that allows you to install all of these things, as well as make backups) are all Kernel related. Think of the Kernel as the brain of the software makeup of your phone.

3. Modem

    The Modem (to the surprise of many of you) determines how well your phone transmits and receives signals. Some modems may perform better receiving a gps signal or receive faster data speeds than others. Since your phone emits power while searching for signals, having a solid modem can prove to increase battery life by not wasting as much resources searching for gps, data, or wifi signals. Think of the Modem as the sensory parts of the software makeup of your phone.

4. UI
   
    The UI (User Interface) determines the look and feel of your phone. These are the skins, themes, and additional features of a phone. For Samsung phones, they come with a Touchwiz UI. For HTC phones, they come with a Sense UI. Nexus phones have no UI overlay on their ROMS, and are just pure Android. Think of the UI as the clothing of the software makeup of your phone.

So now that you understand the four different components that makeup the software of your phone, we can talk about how rooting your phone allows you to change each and every one.

   To attain the full benefits of rooting your phone, you're going to want to install modifications for one, or all of the items listed above. If you want a ROM that has no UI and has pure Android? You can have it. Hate the battery life on your phone and want to install a different kernel which can slow down your processor or handle resource allocation easier? Install it! Getting really crappy Wi-Fi reception? Install a new modem! Want to keep the features of a UI but want more customization? Install a ROM with that UI still baked in.
Want a Star Wars theme to your phone? Find one and install one! Rooting your phone extends the amount of customization you can do to your phone in these ways, and all you have to do is install them to have them take effect.

Some places to look for ROMs, themes, and modems are:

XDA-Developers - http://forum.xda-developers.com/
Android Central - http://forums.androidcentral.com/
Rootz Wiki - http://rootzwiki.com/index

Some important rules of thumb though!

1. NEVER install a ROM, Kernel, Modem, or Theme developed for another phone! This is a SURE FIRE way to brick your phone! (UNLESS approved by the developer)

2. ROM, Kernel, Modem, and Theme combinations don't always play nice together. Be creative when mixing and matching, but make plenty of backups (done in recovery) just in case some things don't work.

3. Kernels designed for a specific ROM type (I.e. Touchwiz ROMs) do not work on AOSP (Android Open Source Project) AOKP (Android Open Kang Project), CM (CyanogenMod) or any other Pure Android (No manufacturer UI) ROM. ONLY use Custom UI Kernels for ROMS with that UI. Double-check if you are unsure. This also goes for Themes.

I think that wraps that up for today! I'll make sure to add any updates I forgot. Have fun guys, be safe, and keep flashing!