What's new
DroidForums.net | Android Forum & News

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Time to ask about "rooted"...

R

Rollingbones

Member
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...:icon_eek:
 
"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...
 
Last edited:
Question about rooting explained

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
 
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.
 
Downsides?

1) it breaks your phone's warranty (but you can put all the software back so nobody knows)

2) there is the possibility of bricking your phone by getting in too deep and doing something by mistake (very hard to do plus a tool was just released that lets you put your phone back to stock as long as it boots)

3) There is a possibility as people push the limits of cpu speed that you could do physical damage to your phone. We saw speeds go from the stock 550 mhz to 800 mhz to 1100 mhz (1.1ghz)and I think the latest is 1.25ghz. Eventually something is going to overheat if those numbers keep climbing.

4) you will spend hours and hours and days and days and weeks and weeks with a new hobby that will take precedence over every waking moment of your life.

Conclusion: Great opportunity to learn new things. The manual rooting path teach you some Linux skills. Chance of damage is minimal.
 
christim said:
Downsides?
4) you will spend hours and hours and days and days and weeks and weeks with a new hobby that will take precedence over every waking moment of your life.
Click to expand...

QFT! With the guys at AllDroid releasing updates once or twice a day, its impossible to keep up if you dont have a life. That being said, I have to go install BB 1.1, lol!
 
Good of place as any to ask...

I'm debating rooting, probably will get around to it eventually. As far as I can tell, the only real draw for me, at this point, is overclocking,

My question is, do you think the door to root will be shut for an extended period of time once 2.1 is released? Seems like the "geeks" will always find a backdoor to do it, but I realize this option will probably be off the table for at least a few days once 2.1 is released.
 
kodiak799 said:
Good of place as any to ask...

I'm debating rooting, probably will get around to it eventually. As far as I can tell, the only real draw for me, at this point, is overclocking,

My question is, do you think the door to root will be shut for an extended period of time once 2.1 is released? Seems like the "geeks" will always find a backdoor to do it, but I realize this option will probably be off the table for at least a few days once 2.1 is released.
Click to expand...
I was wondering the same thing.
 
kodiak799 said:
Good of place as any to ask...

I'm debating rooting, probably will get around to it eventually. As far as I can tell, the only real draw for me, at this point, is overclocking,

My question is, do you think the door to root will be shut for an extended period of time once 2.1 is released? Seems like the "geeks" will always find a backdoor to do it, but I realize this option will probably be off the table for at least a few days once 2.1 is released.
Click to expand...

It will be done, but it could be a while. I don't the Eris has been rooted yet. And the Nexus One has been rooted, but at this time there is now way back to stock (as I understand it). The latest batch of roms are so stable and fast and have so many great features, that I am not going to allow the OTA update for sure. I'll stick with "great" until they root 2.1 and have some good roms for it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
rooting
Replies
5
Views
3K
hedney3
H
G
Rooted Phone
Replies
11
Views
2K
pntr2001
P
S
Rooted... but not?
Replies
9
Views
2K
elensari
E
X
Convince me to Root
2
Replies
18
Views
11K
osyrus42
O
J
To root or not to stay un-rooted
2
Replies
15
Views
6K
dezymond
D
Back
Top