Why root?

[Cuncha]

Firstly, I apologise, as I realise this question is probably asked quite a lot. I did do a quick search, but couldn't find a thread about it.

But basically, I had an IPhone 3GS, which I jailbreaked, and I loved. But the time come for a new phone and I went for the S2. I've seen a lot of talk about rooting, and I just wondered what the upside to this is.

I'd assume it's customisation of the visuals of the phone, but is there anything else that makes rooting a worthwhile idea. If there is a guide, or an explanation of rooting and essentially what its for, I apologise and would love for you to point me in the right direction

Thanks

In Summary: New to Android. Don't really know the benefits of rooting. Please explain

 

[ironass]

Firstly, I apologise, as I realise this question is probably asked quite a lot. I did do a quick search, but couldn't find a thread about it.

But basically, I had an IPhone 3GS, which I jailbreaked, and I loved. But the time come for a new phone and I went for the S2. I've seen a lot of talk about rooting, and I just wondered what the upside to this is.

I'd assume it's customisation of the visuals of the phone, but is there anything else that makes rooting a worthwhile idea. If there is a guide, or an explanation of rooting and essentially what its for, I apologise and would love for you to point me in the right direction

Thanks

In Summary: New to Android. Don't really know the benefits of rooting. Please explain

Found this thread on the subject for you that will explain the benefits, and drawbacks, of rooting.

http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s2-international/420018-why-root-sg2.html

Hope this helps.

 

[Kie]

I rooted purely for the purpose of installing a custom rom, which provided the following awesome tweaks:

1. Disabled camera sounds (you can do it manually but still need root)
2. Disabled 'fully-charged' notification at 3am
3. MUCH better battery life
4. Backup tools
5. The custom boot logo of the Android destroying the Apple logo

Edit: 6. To upgrade from GB 2.3.3 to 2.3.5, which fixes the overheating issue (but you don't have to root for that).

On the topic, I'm guessing an american coined the term root for Android devices, but I don't think they knew that root means to have sex in Australia (and probably other countries). Hence, to root a phone, always sounds like some kind of weird technology sex act. Also, it may damage your touchscreen

 

[Hawker]

root is not a term given to Andoid.
Android is a LINUX system, which itself was derived UNIX.
"root" was the original "super user" (or su) UNIX login.
This would give you a "#" instead of a "$" prompt and allow you access to each and every part of your hard drive.

It originated from AT&T/Bell, so yes, it IS an american term!

 

[Sydney99]

On the topic, I'm guessing an american coined the term root for Android devices, but I don't think they knew that root means to have sex in Australia (and probably other countries). Hence, to root a phone, always sounds like some kind of weird technology sex act. Also, it may damage your touchscreen

typical aussie. but i guess things get a bit quiet and lonely in the bush......

bad luck yesturday btw.