What is Android Rooting and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
What is rooting?
"Rooting" your device means obtaining the rights "super user" and permissions to your Android software. With these elevated user privileges, you gain the ability to load custom software (ROM), install custom themes, increase performance,
increase battery life and the ability to install software that would otherwise cost extra money (for example: WiFi tethering). Rooting is essentially "hacking" your Android device. In the world of iPhone, this would be the equivalent of "jailbreak" the phone.The term "root" comes from the Unix / Linux world and is used to describe a user who has "superuser" or permissions to all files and programs on the operating system software (operating system). The root user, as they have no privileges "superuser" can change or modify any software code on the device substantially. You see, the phone will provide manufacturer / operator privileges only "guests", with the purchase of the device. They do this for good reason ... They do not want to get in some parts of the software on the phone and screwing it up beyond repair. This makes it much easier for them to manage and update devices if not block everything. In this way, all users run the same unmodified version phone software. This makes it much easier for them to support the devices. However, for people in technology, only to have the privileges of "guests" on the device is very poor and it locks a lot of potentially useful features.
Advantages
1. Custom software (ROM)You may have heard of people Loading "ROM" on their devices. A "ROM" is the software that runs the device. It is kept in the "read only memory" device. There are many great custom ROM can make your Android device look and perform drastically different. For example, you could be stuck with old Android device that is locked to a previous version of the Android operating system and is not always one of the latest versions of Android. With a custom ROM, you can load the latest and greatest Android versions and bring that antiquated device up to par with some of the newer ones. There are lots of great ROM is available for many different phones and up to you to find one that best suits your needs. The best place I've found to find custom ROM for Android devices is that XDA developers forum. The XDA community is filled with smartphone enthusiasts and developers for the Android platform. Check them out and see if you find any ROM that suits your needs. [Link Here]
2. Custom ThemesThe themes are basically images that appear on your Android device. Roots in the device allows you to fully customize nearly all the graphics on your device. You can load custom themes that totally change the look of your device. Here are some examples:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=527
3. Kernel, speed and batteryThere are many ROMs and apps available for rooted devices that will dramatically enhance the performance (speed) and also extend the battery life of the custom device. Many developers adjust the kernels (layer of code that handles the communication between hardware and software) for added performance, battery life and more.
4. BasebandRooting the device provides the ability to update the basebands on your smartphone. The Baseband is what controls the radio in your device. With the upgrade to the latest basebands, has the potential to improve both the signal and the quality of your phone calls.
5. The latest versions of AndroidAs mentioned earlier, custom ROM can afford to upgrade to the latest version of the Android operating system before its official release. This is a great advantage for those who are tech savvy and want to keep abreast of the latest and greatest software updates before it reaches the general public. This is also useful if you have an outdated device that is no longer updated by the manufacturer.
6. Backing upThe ability to easily backup all your applications and data is a feature that is sorely missed on the stock build of Android devices. But if you root your device, backup everything on your device (for both applications and data) becomes a simple task. Titanium Backup is a must have application for those who have rooted their devices and wants to backup and restore their phones. [Market Link]
7. Unlock additional functionsFor the roots of your Android device, you also get the ability to unlock some features that your carrier may charge. One example is enabling free WiFi and USB connection, that many companies charge money. Now, I'm not suggesting you do this. But I wanted to let you know that you can do. However, the vehicle may be in the fact that you are using the device as an access point Wi-Fi and a way to pay for it. Then use this function at your own risk!
Disadvantages1. BrickingThe number one reason not to root your device is the possible risk of "brickwork" it. As mentioned above, "brickwork" device means screwing the phone software so badly that your phone is not working properly and you can not quite useless as a brick. You probably have to buy a new Android device since the manufacturer will void the warranty of the device after each attempt to rooting.
2. SecurityThere is an increased risk of unknowingly install malicious software on rooting an Android device. Root access circumvents the security restrictions that are put in place by the Android operating system. It really is not an effective way to tell exactly what the application intends to do with that power "superuser". You are putting a lot of trust in the hands of developers. In most cases, these applications are open source and the community can take a look at the source code for risk assessment. But, however, the risk is there. Fortunately, malicious software on rooted devices has not really been a problem so far. But I thought it was worth mentioning, as there may be a potential for the future. I recommend installing an antivirus and security applications just to be safe. Lookout Mobile Security seems to be one of the best available at this time. [Link Here]
3. I can Unroot my device if I change my mind?If you have to do research for the specific type of device. As mentioned earlier, the XDA Developer Forum is the best place to start. [Link Here]
4. How I can learn how to root your device?Unfortunately, there is no simple way to teach to the root of your Android device. Each device has a unique method for rooting and a little more research to do their part. As I said before, the best place to start would be the XDA Developer Forum. [Link Here]
Another option is to just Google your phone model and the root term (ex. "HTC EVO root"). Have fun and good luck to all! I hope you found this lesson on rooting to be helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Sharing is sexy
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