Rooting and flashing roms, kernals, etc are two distinctly different things. You can root only, and it will give you the ability to uninstall and install any programs which may have been restricted by the carrier or manufacturer before. it will unlock any of the capabilities that may have been blocked, like tethering to use your phone as a wireless access point. I know it can be confusing, im in the same boat as you- doing as much research as i can before attempting the root so i can try to avoid a brick!