What Does Rooting (orhaving Root Access) Mean?

[JEREURBIN]

Hi Everyone, My name is Jere (Pronounced like Jerry) or Jake if you prefer:

I have been browsing around the google play store for new & interesting Android Apps & have noted more & more references to Rooting Your Phone or " Must have Root Access". Can anyone tell me what this means and
1. do I want To do this to my phone
2. How is this done?
3. Is there special permission required by my carrier (Nex-Tech Wireless)?
4. Is it Legal?
Any Input would be greatly appreciated. I am a slow learner so please be patient with me.

PM me

I have just finished reading a couple of posts regarding "Rooting" and realize that in order for anyone to adequately respond to my questions, I need to furnish some specific information about my phone;

Wireless Provider: Nex-Tech Wirless
Phone: Samsung Galaxy Showcase

My phone: SCH-I500
Firmware Version: 2.3.5
Baseband Version : S:I500.04 K-E120
Kernel Version : 2.6.35.7
Build # : SCH-I500.E120
Hardware Version : I500.04

Well I think that's about all I can tell about the phone at this time. I hope that this will help someone knowlegeable in thi area to help me

Many Thanks

Jere

 

[AntimonyER]

Hello Jere! Welcome to AF!

Rooting is basically gaining superuser access to your phone. It allows you to gain access to areas of your phone restricted without the superuser access.

Here is an answer to each question:

1. Do you want to do it: Rooting allows you to run a few special apps that are very valuable, Titanium back-up is one, which allows you to back-up all your apps and system data, so if you ever have to do a factory reset, you can get your phone back to the way it was very quickly.

2. How do you do it: Most phones now have a very simple one click method for rooting your phone. If you check out the All Things Root section of your device here in the forums, Galaxy S - All Things Root - Android Forums You should find a guide on how to do it quickly and easily

3. Do you need special permission: Nope. Your carrier might work with the manufacturer to make rooting harder to do, but in the end it is your device, and they cannot dictate what you can and can't do to it.

4. Is it legal: Yep! Nothing illegal about rooting your phone. HOWEVER, most manufacturers consider it a voidable offense to your warranty. So just need to keep that in mind.

 

[DonB]

Welcome to the site, hope Ant answers your questions for you