What is rooting?
Rooting is the process of allowing users of smartphones, Tablet and other devices running the Android mobile operating system to attain privileged control (known as "root access") within Android's sub-system.
As Android derives from the Linux kernel, rooting an Android device gives similar access administrative permissions as on Linux or any other Unix-like operating system such as FreeBSD or OS X.
Android is a Opensource Software but the one shipped with your Smart Phone is not in its purest form, Its a custom flavor. Every manufacturer has their own User Interface like HTC has HTC Sense and Samsung has TouchWiz. They also ship it with default Apps which cannot be removed or disabled without root permissions. These unwanted default Apps are called “Bloatwares”.
Install Custom ROM’s : If you are not satisfied with default Stock Android, then by rooting you can install Custom ROM’s. These roms come with many flavors and they carry much more features than what comes preloaded on the device. They enhance your phone’s looks and provide increase in performance and even battery life. Custom ROM’s can also make your Phone faster and lightweight.
What are custom ROMs
Custom versions of Android, known as custom ROMs, allow additional levels of control on a rooted device. As Android is open source, anyone with the proper skills can create their own customized version. These versions are often more feature-rich, more efficient, and better looking that standard OEM versions, which can be restrictive.
Few popular custom ROM’s are
CyanogenMod
Paranoid Android
AOKP
Liquid Smooth
Jelly BAM
SlimBean
ADVANTAGES-
Advantages of rooting include the possibility for complete control over the look and feel of the device. Immediately respectable advantages of rooted devices include the following:
1. Full themeing capabilities, meaning that everything can be changed and themed from the color of the battery indicator, to the look of the dialer or contact list, to the video that plays while the device boots up.
2.Full control of the CPU and kernel, which should only be adjusted by knowledgeable users.
3.Full application control including the ability to backup, restore, or batch edit applications, or to remove bloatware that comes pre-loaded on many phones.
4.These features become available with the use of root applications such as Rom Toolbox or Titanium Backup which are among the most popular root applications.
5.Processes can be automated on the device through the use of applications such as Tasker. Tasker allows the user to set triggers based on time, date, manual switches like widgets or buttons, GPS coordinates, voice commands, cell tower connectivity, plugins, applications, and many more.
These triggers can be used to automate everything from volume and connectivity, to power settings on a device and can even be used to automatically interact with other smart devices, including a TV set, console, or smart home lighting.
Disadvantages of Rooting
1. Rooting may void your phone warranty: After rooting if you get any hardware or software problem you can not claim your warranty. Some manufacturers won’t give support if they find you rooted the device.
2.Bricking your phone: To brick your phone is to break it during flashing or other acts. There is always a small risk with flashing, and if your phone becomes unable to function it can mess up the phone’s software so badly that it won’t work any more and your phone will be as useless as a brick.
3.Security Concerns: Rooted android devices are at high risk of getting infected with malware and other security threats. If you unknowingly gave root permission to malware then your entire private details are at risk and it may also harm your phone.
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