What does "rooting" your Droid mean?

[paulaSG]

I have seen references to rooted phones, rooting your Droid(2), but I have to admit I do not know what a rooted phone does differently from one that is not. Why would a regular user (not techie) want a rooted phone, etc? Please someone tell me. My main purpose of the Droid 2 is phone calls, then calendar, then internet capability, then a few games.

Thanks in advance. I just got my Droid 2 last week and am slowly learning it, and love it so far!

 

[SixStringTheory]

http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-hacks/632-what-root-means-stop-asking.html

 

[ragenrok]

rooting your phone gives you access to your phones system files and the ability to change them. For me I did this on my milestone to change the google navigation tracker so instead of going through my providers system it went right to google. Cut the time it takes my gps to lock on from 15 second to about 2 seconds.

It also lets you un-install and delete software/other crap that comes pre-installed on your phone that you dont want, and allows you to use certain programs.

 

[paulaSG]

Thanks Ragenrock

Thanks for your reply, I appreciate the time to explain...unlike the previous poster who said..."stop asking", or was that just being sarcastic on their part?

I geniunely am trying to learn all the ins and outs of the new Droid 2.

 

[paulaSG]

sorry SixString...

Thanks for sending the link....thought YOU were the one saying "stop asking"...lol

 

[dlwhtrose]

That was the title of a thread, not a remark directed to you. I also have a link in my signature that gives you explanations of a lot of terms you will see here on the forums.

However, I see that you have a Droid 2, I am not sure that the 2 is rooted yet. So its good that you are reading but please do not attempt to root your phone using the link in my signature as it is for the Droid 1. We have a really good Droid 2 section here on the forums that can answer a lot of your questions including rooting the Droid 2.

 

[Abe21599]

That was the title of a thread, not a remark directed to you. I also have a link in my signature that gives you explanations of a lot of terms you will see here on the forums.

However, I see that you have a Droid 2, I am not sure that the 2 is rooted yet. So its good that you are reading but please do not attempt to root your phone using the link in my signature as it is for the Droid 1. We have a really good Droid 2 section here on the forums that can answer a lot of your questions including rooting the Droid 2.

the Droid 2 has been rooted (as of yesterday). but like dlwhtrose said, dont use any of those methods to root - check out the Droid 2 hacks section for that.

also, my link 3 will explain everything that comes with rooting. again, this is for the Droid 1 so it might not all apply to the D2 yet. but its a well written guide that will explain it to you.

 

[SixStringTheory]

Thanks for sending the link....thought YOU were the one saying "stop asking"...lol

I may sometimes agree with the sentiment of the OP's title but I'm not that mean ;-p

just be glad I didn't give you a Let me google that for you

 

[mwhartman]

Here are a few links that may help

http://www.droidforums.net/forum/re...-dummies-guide-android-terminoligy-lingo.html
http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-hacks/11102-all-one-popular-threads-read-before-posting.html

Hope this is helpful.

Mike

 

[Pandemic187]

See this thread:

http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-2-rooted-help/74579-how-root-droid-2-a.html#post772019

But I must say, the rooting process is a bit hairy for DROID2 at the moment. If you're new to rooting, you may want to wait a while as there will probably be a simpler way to root it in the near future.

 

[paulaSG]

thanks for all replies

I appreciate the replies...and yes, I would certainly study and wait before I try anything like that. I am so new at these smart phones. I may not even need to do that, given I am more basic than that probably.

SixString...glad to know you are helpful!

The reason I posted first was I wasn't sure if it was something I was supposed to do right away or not. Now I know, it isn't a 'have to'.

 

[Dan_08]

I appreciate the replies...and yes, I would certainly study and wait before I try anything like that. I am so new at these smart phones. I may not even need to do that, given I am more basic than that probably.

SixString...glad to know you are helpful!

The reason I posted first was I wasn't sure if it was something I was supposed to do right away or not. Now I know, it isn't a 'have to'.

Oh it's a "have to"! J/k enjoy your stock D2 for a while, continue to visit the site and read/learn. Then when you're ready, take the plunge into rooting. Having a rooted phone with all the bells and whistles is like night and day. I waited about 4-5 months to root, I 'm glad I did becuase I felt like I got a brand new phone.

 

[bobby_v]

I appreciate the replies...and yes, I would certainly study and wait before I try anything like that. I am so new at these smart phones. I may not even need to do that, given I am more basic than that probably.

SixString...glad to know you are helpful!

The reason I posted first was I wasn't sure if it was something I was supposed to do right away or not. Now I know, it isn't a 'have to'.

Oh it's a "have to"! J/k enjoy your stock D2 for a while, continue to visit the site and read/learn. Then when you're ready, take the plunge into rooting. Having a rooted phone with all the bells and whistles is like night and day. I waited about 4-5 months to root, I 'm glad I did becuase I felt like I got a brand new phone.

I think I'm definitely going to give it a try tomorrow evening when I've got some spare time.

 

[mwhartman]

I appreciate the replies...and yes, I would certainly study and wait before I try anything like that. I am so new at these smart phones. I may not even need to do that, given I am more basic than that probably.

SixString...glad to know you are helpful!

The reason I posted first was I wasn't sure if it was something I was supposed to do right away or not. Now I know, it isn't a 'have to'.

Oh it's a "have to"! J/k enjoy your stock D2 for a while, continue to visit the site and read/learn. Then when you're ready, take the plunge into rooting. Having a rooted phone with all the bells and whistles is like night and day. I waited about 4-5 months to root, I 'm glad I did becuase I felt like I got a brand new phone.

I think I'm definitely going to give it a try tomorrow evening when I've got some spare time.

Read the links and take your time. If you have questions or problems the community will be here to assist.

Mike