Time to ask about "rooted"...

[Rollingbones]

I tried the search, but I don't think I know enough about it so I guess I'll my ignorance out there now... What does "rooted" mean and the differance between rooted and unrooted and maybewhat the advantaged is to doing it? Thanks...

[r-dubya]

"Rooted" means to be able to have, and the ability to, modify root files in your phones operating system. Think about it like a computer. If you could modify files that control windows 7, and mold them to what you wanted them to do, you would be "rooted".

Once rooted, devs (developers) can look at and change the code to devices and "hack" the phone if you will.

For the average person, just being rooted doesn't mean anything. But it allows developers the opportunity to manipulate code and develop "ROMS". And allows YOU the ability to install, or "flash" those ROMS. Think of a ROM as a modified version to the phones OS. Devs will write ROMS that compile all the cool hacks that other developers have found into one file, allowing you to install this file once rooted and exploit those hacks. These hacks range from the ability to use wifi tethering (allows your phone to act as a wireless hotspot) to over clocking your CPU (makes your phone run faster).

There are dozens of roms out there that you can chose from, all having their high and low points. Some developers have even ported over 2.1 versions from the Nexus. There is even an app out there that does all the rooting for you, which really makes it easier. To root yourself, you need a long and complex list of files and steps to accomplish the task. That app basically takes control of your phone, writes the "rooting program (if you will)" and installs that developers custom rom. This by FAR is the easiest way to root.

Once rooted however, the possibilities are endless. You can switch from rom to rom, or get into developing and write your own.

I hope that cleared it up for you...

[Sam]

well said dub.. thanks for the explanation

[r-dubya]

Any time Sam Just trying to help out a fellow droid owner, we were all there at one point

[misteruplink]

R-dubya that was an awesome explanation about rooting I've read ever... I used the sholes method to root 2 weeks ago and my droid is absolutely wonderful.

thanks J

[r-dubya]

R-dubya that was an awesome explanation about rooting I've read ever... I used the sholes method to root 2 weeks ago and my droid is absolutely wonderful.

thanks J

Thanks! I really tried to make it as thorough, yet understandable as possible.

[ShowTime]

I agree, very well said. I thought I did a decent job trying to explain it in a past thread, but your explanation put mine to shame.

[Rollingbones]

Thanks... that helps a lot. I kind of suspected it may have been something on that level. Anyway it's nice to know...

[pc747]

Video Guide - Rooting, Nandroid backups, Custom ROM's etc. THE EASY WAY!

check out that vid should answser your questions in a visual since

[cix chris]

What are the downsides?