android_mt6572_jiabo/lineage/wiki/pages/glossary.md
2025-09-05 16:56:03 +08:00

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Bootloader

  • A general term for a link in the boot-chain that is run each cold-boot which loads the kernel, OS, and related components.

Bootloop

  • A word indicating that the device never reaches the end of its boot phase and continually starts over
  • Useless when used in describing an error, since there are many points in time during a device boot where it might abort and start over, e.g.
    • At the vendor splash logo
    • Looping the LineageOS bootanimation (a green circle moving across a line on the screen) endlessly
    • Reaching the lock screen or setup screen but immediately restarting
    • etc.

Bricked

  • A device which cannot be recovered from a fatal failure by any means, leaving it in an unoperable state which is not recoverable by any means outside of OEM repair.
  • People often use this word in places where they just mean a Bootloop and their issue can be fixed using either button presses or readily available software tools

Custom ROM

  • A (self-)built Android version with changes on top of the AOSP (Android Open Source Project)

Degoogled

  • A term describing that an OS has no software parts from, or that attempt to connect to Google
  • LineageOS is not explicitly degoogled, we simply don't ship GApps due to licensing

Factory reset

  • Despite the name containing "factory", performing such a reset is returning the device into a state "without user modifications", not back to the Stock ROM

Firmware

  • Included in the Stock ROM - A layer of software required to allow the OS to interface with the hardware
  • Not the same as a Custom ROM or ROM in general but sometimes included in Custom ROM installation packages/instructions

GApps

  • Google Apps, usually consisting of the GMS (Google Mobile Services), the Play Store, and a varying amount of the native Apps made by Google (Dialer, Messenger, Calender, etc)
  • Google Apps are not preinstalled on LineageOS but can be installed during installation of LineageOS, please see your device's Install guide for more information.

OEM

  • Original Equipment Manufacturer, the one who sells and manages software on a give device (e.g. Samsung, Motorola, Google)

Root

  • People sometimes wrongfully use this when they mean Unlocking
  • Refers to being able to access and modify the contents of read-only partitions via apps or a shell (usually involving a "superuser" (su) binary)
  • Some apps "detect" root access on LineageOS (which does not come rooted!) when they actually mean "modified device"
  • LineageOS does not offer any rooting solution (despite adb root) and does not provide support to install any

Stock ROM

  • The variant of Android the vendor/OEM shipped on the device from the factory, this applies to OTA (over-the-air) updates issued by the OEM

Unlocked

  • There are two types of unlocking when discussing smartphones:
    • Carrier unlocking: You can use the device with SIM cards of any carrier
    • Bootloader unlocking: You can run unsigned operating systems/kernels. This is the type of unlock you need to install a Custom ROM
  • Some carriers allow for (or are obliged to do so by law) removing the SIM lock but still won't allow to unlocking the bootloader
  • Some OEMs don't allow unlocking the bootloader