bowzerbird
Newbie
I don't have an S5 and I've never used Towelroot, but I'd say if in any doubt don't do it. McAfee might be flagging it because rooting does use security exploits to perform what it does.
If it's a Samsung S5, rooting voids the warranty. And yes it can do harm, if it doesn't work it can damage the phone's software, rendering it dead and bricked. Plus an expensive repair bill from Samsung to put it right, if they can.
You might want to have a read of our Samsung S5, All Things Root forum...
S5 - All Things Root - Android Forums
BTW I have rooted and customised my own phone, but it's an Oppo, where the manufacturer provides full support for rooting on their own forums, is completely safe, fully reversible, and they don't void the warranty.
Thanks Mike,
Ya know, think I'll take your advice. Always love to "tinker" with OS's and tweek things, this time, LEAVE WELL ENOUGH ALONE. The telly works fine, why bother right now. Obviously VSN & ATT know that folks are tweeking, rooting and in general HACKING the phone.
So, after 7/17/2014, they have put their "feets" down and until someone gets a safe root hack, I'll sit back and enjoy the phone as is.
Really wanted the AV software though but NOT the invasive "capturecam" of McAfee capturing me on the potty !! Really only got the Angry Bird shower curtain but that was ENUF!!!
The telly comes with a simple AV program [app] so I'll do with that for now.
Again, ya all have been most helpful and VERY INFORMATIVE. Never knew about the rooting but we all know about hacking and basically that's what it is. And VSN & ATT don't like us or those who go behind their backs.
I'm not a hacker anyway. Scary stuff and raises my ID theft hackles.
Again, THANK YOU ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THIS THREAD.
Been using forums since the 90's [ya know 1990's ] and have gained great knowledge!
BTW, love your reference to "BRICK" Could I throw it at the Verizon store nearest me?!!? Ho Ho Hee Hee LOL
Blessings to ya all,
Ellen