What Is Rooting?
First, for the newbies, let me clarify what rooting is. Getting root or rooting your phone is the process of modifying the operating system on your device to grant you complete control over it.
This means you can overcome limitations that the carriers and manufacturers put on your phone, extend system functionality, and even upgrade it to a custom flavor of Android.
The name root comes from the Linux operating system world, where the most privileged user on the system (otherwise known as Administrator on Windows) is called root.
Now, I’d like to take a moment to dispel a common misconception and clarify one thing: rooting does *not* mean installing a custom ROM (a ROM is a modified, "aftermarket" OS).
Installing a ROM may require rooting first, but just rooting can be done in only a few minutes, keeping your stock OS otherwise completely intact.
Usually rooting is fairly simple – in most cases you can find several videos and articles on the web that explain how to do it on your specific phone model – just Google "YOURPHONEMODEL root".
Rooting is not something manufacturers or carriers approve of but they can’t really prevent it from happening because the rooting process usually exploits a vulnerability in the operating system code or device drivers and allows the "hacker" to upload a special program called "su" to the phone. This program, not present or requiring a password by default, is the one that provides root access to programs that request it.
Now an obligatory warning: rooting your phone does run the risk of potentially bricking it (i.e. your phone could become nonfunctional) – so do your homework before attempting anything, unless you’re a fan of $500 paper weights.
Benefits Of Rooting
Let’s check out some of the benefits of rooting your Android phone.
Full Control Over Android
You have access to alter any system files, use themes, change boot images, delete annoying stock apps, such as Sprint’s NFL Mobile live and Nascar Sprint Cup Mobile, and other various native applications that might drive you crazy (Footprints, Voice Dialer, etc).
There is plenty of information on the web on how to accomplish this. Here is one example with instructions and some apps you can remove safely.
Back Up The System
On most rooted Android devices, you can back up your entire system to an SD card, much in the same way you can image a hard drive. This is great if you’d like to try a new ROM, as you can back up your phone, wipe it completely, flash the new ROM, and if you don’t like it, you can just restore from your backup and your phone will be exactly how it was before you wiped it.
The easiest way to do this at the moment is by using ‘Rom Manager’ (easily installable from the Android Market), developed by famed Android developer Koush.
Rom Manager allows you to easily flash a custom recovery image which is what you will need in order to backup and restore your phone. The recovery image is a special program that can be booted into outside of the phone’s main operating system, sort of like the BIOS on a PC. By default, the recovery image on most Android phones only gives you a few options, mainly related to wiping the phone. Custom recovery images expand upon these options and usually include scripts that can do things like fix your file permissions, or allow you to flash custom ROM’s that the normal recovery image would otherwise reject.
Normally, flashing a custom recovery image requires some command line work, either on your PC, or on a terminal emulator directly on the phone, but Koush’s Rom Manager should automatically flash his custom recovery image (known as ClockworkMod Recovery) for you, provided you’re on one of the phones listed below.
In order to use Rom Manager, you’ll need to make sure you’re using one of the supported devices, and that it is already rooted. Here is the list, as of today:
HTC Droid Eris (CDMA), AKA: Verizon Droid Eris
HTC Hero (GSM)
HTC Hero (CDMA), AKA: Sprint Hero
HTC Dream, AKA: T-Mobile G1
HTC Passion, AKA: Google Nexus One
HTC Magic (Sapphire 32A)
HTC MyTouch/Ion (Sapphire 32B)
Motorola Droid/Milestone
Using Rom Manager is pretty simple. Download and install the application from the market, fire it up, and you’ll be prompted with a disclaimer. If you’re feeling brave, go ahead and hit continue. You’ll be prompted to allow the application superuser permissions during this process – make sure you allow it access.
The first thing you’ll need to do is flash the ClockworkMod recovery image that I mentioned earlier, which can be done right in the app (it’s the first option). Rom Manager should automatically find the latest version of the right image for your phone, download, and install it – the whole process is seamless.
After that is done, you can simply use the ‘Manage and Restore Backups’, and ‘Backup current ROM’ options to, well, backup your current ROM or restore from an existing backup. It’s that simple!
At Android Police, we always encourage supporting developers, so please check out Rom Manager Premium if you enjoyed the free version!
Save Space On Your Phone
Move cache data to SD card
Moving cache data makes for a speedy system. Rooting allows you to save things like browser cache to your SD card to free up space. Its not too complicated a process, but does take a bit of skill. XDA Developer’s have instructions posted on their forum if you want to tackle the task, it is definitely worth it.
Move installed applications to SD card
Moving and storing apps on internal memory can significantly slow your device down. If you root, you can avoid that completely.
The easiest way to move applications to your SD card would be to flash a custom ROM that just does it for you (using an app called Apps2SD) – Cyanogen ROM is always a good choice.
Wow ! I'm more than confused now. I've been reading in this forum for 3 months now. And still consider my self a newbie. I don't think this post will help out some noobs like me. Sorry I had to say.
Sent from my LG-P500h using XDA App
Excellent post. Very helpful to a n00b like me. Thanks a lot.
Sent from my LG-P500 using Tapatalk
@marty.....this post s for the beginners those who dono abt the concept of rooting and it may be helping to them....not for u...thanks for reading my post
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA App
Sorry, but I never flashed a rom before reading your post. Just did it 3 days ago And from reading a lot of posts, rom manager can go wrong installing clockworkmod. I don't know why. So as a beginner, I don't think going this way to instal a recovery was a good idea. But that's my point of view.
I bricked my first O1 with KDZ for downgrading. And surprise...the post I red was not complete and bricked my phone with is method.
All I want from this is to make sure people read more before trying anything considered easy for others. From reading a lot, I never had any problem since and know exactly what I'm doing.
peace...
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA App
I'm welcoming your good thought from saving others from bricking their phone.....i just wanted to share some info about the concept of rooting for the new users and wanted them to know wat the android is capable of doing.......cheers up man.............
Sent from my LG-P500 using XDA App
U're right.
i bricked my phone last night . thanks to ROM MANAGER
but u can always recovery ur phone.. I wrote a short guide -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1102694
I'm a NOOB too
Actually, I recommend people rooting and take the advantages on low-ended phones, such as our O1.
because the performance offered, is really really bad and we need a better tweak of a low-priced phone.
if you are satisfied with a high-ended phone, remember, DONT ROOT IT!
I dnt agree mate. I believe that rooting and installing custom roms are for further improving the performance of high-ended phones.. my bro owns xperia x10i.. but the default firmware literally sucks. This is why high ended phones need rooting too
Also, now a days, rooting and flashing are highly fashionable things in the android phone world. In this android fashion shows like Google I/O, We need our phones to walk the ramp in a new sexy dress frequently. So body building (performance boost) and makeover (a new rom/theme) is the need of the hour nowadays.
So be ready to walk the ramp. Start bodybuilding, do a makeover and be called a hunk.
Otherwise remain feminine.
Sent from my LG-P500 using Tapatalk
lekhwani said:
Also, now a days, rooting and flashing are highly fashionable things in the android phone world. In this android fashion shows like Google I/O, We need our phones to walk the ramp in a new sexy dress frequently. So body building (performance boost) and makeover (a new rom/theme) is the need of the hour nowadays.
So be ready to walk the ramp. Start bodybuilding, do a makeover and be called a hunk.
Otherwise remain feminine.
Sent from my LG-P500 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah abs true mate
Personally, I've never felt prettier.
shankesh said:
What Is Rooting?
First, for the newbies, let me clarify what rooting is. Getting root or rooting your phone is the process of modifying the operating system on your device to grant you complete control over it.
This means you can overcome limitations that the carriers and manufacturers put on your phone, extend system functionality, and even upgrade it to a custom flavor of Android.
The name root comes from the Linux operating system world, where the most privileged user on the system (otherwise known as Administrator on Windows) is called root.
Now, I’d like to take a moment to dispel a common misconception and clarify one thing: rooting does *not* mean installing a custom ROM (a ROM is a modified, "aftermarket" OS).
Installing a ROM may require rooting first, but just rooting can be done in only a few minutes, keeping your stock OS otherwise completely intact.
Usually rooting is fairly simple – in most cases you can find several videos and articles on the web that explain how to do it on your specific phone model – just Google "YOURPHONEMODEL root".
Rooting is not something manufacturers or carriers approve of but they can’t really prevent it from happening because the rooting process usually exploits a vulnerability in the operating system code or device drivers and allows the "hacker" to upload a special program called "su" to the phone. This program, not present or requiring a password by default, is the one that provides root access to programs that request it.
Now an obligatory warning: rooting your phone does run the risk of potentially bricking it (i.e. your phone could become nonfunctional) – so do your homework before attempting anything, unless you’re a fan of $500 paper weights.
Benefits Of Rooting
Let’s check out some of the benefits of rooting your Android phone.
Full Control Over Android
You have access to alter any system files, use themes, change boot images, delete annoying stock apps, such as Sprint’s NFL Mobile live and Nascar Sprint Cup Mobile, and other various native applications that might drive you crazy (Footprints, Voice Dialer, etc).
There is plenty of information on the web on how to accomplish this. Here is one example with instructions and some apps you can remove safely.
Back Up The System
On most rooted Android devices, you can back up your entire system to an SD card, much in the same way you can image a hard drive. This is great if you’d like to try a new ROM, as you can back up your phone, wipe it completely, flash the new ROM, and if you don’t like it, you can just restore from your backup and your phone will be exactly how it was before you wiped it.
The easiest way to do this at the moment is by using ‘Rom Manager’ (easily installable from the Android Market), developed by famed Android developer Koush.
Rom Manager allows you to easily flash a custom recovery image which is what you will need in order to backup and restore your phone. The recovery image is a special program that can be booted into outside of the phone’s main operating system, sort of like the BIOS on a PC. By default, the recovery image on most Android phones only gives you a few options, mainly related to wiping the phone. Custom recovery images expand upon these options and usually include scripts that can do things like fix your file permissions, or allow you to flash custom ROM’s that the normal recovery image would otherwise reject.
Normally, flashing a custom recovery image requires some command line work, either on your PC, or on a terminal emulator directly on the phone, but Koush’s Rom Manager should automatically flash his custom recovery image (known as ClockworkMod Recovery) for you, provided you’re on one of the phones listed below.
In order to use Rom Manager, you’ll need to make sure you’re using one of the supported devices, and that it is already rooted. Here is the list, as of today:
HTC Droid Eris (CDMA), AKA: Verizon Droid Eris
HTC Hero (GSM)
HTC Hero (CDMA), AKA: Sprint Hero
HTC Dream, AKA: T-Mobile G1
HTC Passion, AKA: Google Nexus One
HTC Magic (Sapphire 32A)
HTC MyTouch/Ion (Sapphire 32B)
Motorola Droid/Milestone
Using Rom Manager is pretty simple. Download and install the application from the market, fire it up, and you’ll be prompted with a disclaimer. If you’re feeling brave, go ahead and hit continue. You’ll be prompted to allow the application superuser permissions during this process – make sure you allow it access.
The first thing you’ll need to do is flash the ClockworkMod recovery image that I mentioned earlier, which can be done right in the app (it’s the first option). Rom Manager should automatically find the latest version of the right image for your phone, download, and install it – the whole process is seamless.
After that is done, you can simply use the ‘Manage and Restore Backups’, and ‘Backup current ROM’ options to, well, backup your current ROM or restore from an existing backup. It’s that simple!
At Android Police, we always encourage supporting developers, so please check out Rom Manager Premium if you enjoyed the free version!
Save Space On Your Phone
Move cache data to SD card
Moving cache data makes for a speedy system. Rooting allows you to save things like browser cache to your SD card to free up space. Its not too complicated a process, but does take a bit of skill. XDA Developer’s have instructions posted on their forum if you want to tackle the task, it is definitely worth it.
Move installed applications to SD card
Moving and storing apps on internal memory can significantly slow your device down. If you root, you can avoid that completely.
The easiest way to move applications to your SD card would be to flash a custom ROM that just does it for you (using an app called Apps2SD) – Cyanogen ROM is always a good choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are using copy/paste method, at least please:
1) Post link of source text (http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/0...top-5-benefits-of-rooting-your-android-phone/)
2) Do some formating for better reading
3) It should be normal ask for approve before posting
You are lucky men, that ROM manager works now, because it is not so long, that it didn't work. In past it completely screw up our device. Now it working fine, because it have proper custom ROM loaded into it.
Thanks.
damn good !
Hi ! appreciate a lot your post and this helps me so well migrating from wm to android using now my wildfire !!!
shankesh said:
What Is Rooting?
First, for the newbies, let me clarify what rooting is. Getting root or rooting your phone is the process of modifying the operating system on your device to grant you complete control over it.
This means you can overcome limitations that the carriers and manufacturers put on your phone, extend system functionality, and even upgrade it to a custom flavor of Android.
The name root comes from the Linux operating system world, where the most privileged user on the system (otherwise known as Administrator on Windows) is called root.
Now, I’d like to take a moment to dispel a common misconception and clarify one thing: rooting does *not* mean installing a custom ROM (a ROM is a modified, "aftermarket" OS).
Installing a ROM may require rooting first, but just rooting can be done in only a few minutes, keeping your stock OS otherwise completely intact.
Usually rooting is fairly simple – in most cases you can find several videos and articles on the web that explain how to do it on your specific phone model – just Google "YOURPHONEMODEL root".
Rooting is not something manufacturers or carriers approve of but they can’t really prevent it from happening because the rooting process usually exploits a vulnerability in the operating system code or device drivers and allows the "hacker" to upload a special program called "su" to the phone. This program, not present or requiring a password by default, is the one that provides root access to programs that request it.
Now an obligatory warning: rooting your phone does run the risk of potentially bricking it (i.e. your phone could become nonfunctional) – so do your homework before attempting anything, unless you’re a fan of $500 paper weights.
Benefits Of Rooting
Let’s check out some of the benefits of rooting your Android phone.
Full Control Over Android
You have access to alter any system files, use themes, change boot images, delete annoying stock apps, such as Sprint’s NFL Mobile live and Nascar Sprint Cup Mobile, and other various native applications that might drive you crazy (Footprints, Voice Dialer, etc).
There is plenty of information on the web on how to accomplish this. Here is one example with instructions and some apps you can remove safely.
Back Up The System
On most rooted Android devices, you can back up your entire system to an SD card, much in the same way you can image a hard drive. This is great if you’d like to try a new ROM, as you can back up your phone, wipe it completely, flash the new ROM, and if you don’t like it, you can just restore from your backup and your phone will be exactly how it was before you wiped it.
The easiest way to do this at the moment is by using ‘Rom Manager’ (easily installable from the Android Market), developed by famed Android developer Koush.
Rom Manager allows you to easily flash a custom recovery image which is what you will need in order to backup and restore your phone. The recovery image is a special program that can be booted into outside of the phone’s main operating system, sort of like the BIOS on a PC. By default, the recovery image on most Android phones only gives you a few options, mainly related to wiping the phone. Custom recovery images expand upon these options and usually include scripts that can do things like fix your file permissions, or allow you to flash custom ROM’s that the normal recovery image would otherwise reject.
Normally, flashing a custom recovery image requires some command line work, either on your PC, or on a terminal emulator directly on the phone, but Koush’s Rom Manager should automatically flash his custom recovery image (known as ClockworkMod Recovery) for you, provided you’re on one of the phones listed below.
In order to use Rom Manager, you’ll need to make sure you’re using one of the supported devices, and that it is already rooted. Here is the list, as of today:
HTC Droid Eris (CDMA), AKA: Verizon Droid Eris
HTC Hero (GSM)
HTC Hero (CDMA), AKA: Sprint Hero
HTC Dream, AKA: T-Mobile G1
HTC Passion, AKA: Google Nexus One
HTC Magic (Sapphire 32A)
HTC MyTouch/Ion (Sapphire 32B)
Motorola Droid/Milestone
Using Rom Manager is pretty simple. Download and install the application from the market, fire it up, and you’ll be prompted with a disclaimer. If you’re feeling brave, go ahead and hit continue. You’ll be prompted to allow the application superuser permissions during this process – make sure you allow it access.
The first thing you’ll need to do is flash the ClockworkMod recovery image that I mentioned earlier, which can be done right in the app (it’s the first option). Rom Manager should automatically find the latest version of the right image for your phone, download, and install it – the whole process is seamless.
After that is done, you can simply use the ‘Manage and Restore Backups’, and ‘Backup current ROM’ options to, well, backup your current ROM or restore from an existing backup. It’s that simple!
At Android Police, we always encourage supporting developers, so please check out Rom Manager Premium if you enjoyed the free version!
Save Space On Your Phone
Move cache data to SD card
Moving cache data makes for a speedy system. Rooting allows you to save things like browser cache to your SD card to free up space. Its not too complicated a process, but does take a bit of skill. XDA Developer’s have instructions posted on their forum if you want to tackle the task, it is definitely worth it.
Move installed applications to SD card
Moving and storing apps on internal memory can significantly slow your device down. If you root, you can avoid that completely.
The easiest way to move applications to your SD card would be to flash a custom ROM that just does it for you (using an app called Apps2SD) – Cyanogen ROM is always a good choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow gr8 post for ultra noob...I boted ur thread
Hi, everyone. I'm new, and i just realize "rooting" will speed up my phone.
I'm totally newbie, i need a tutorial which have more details and attached file for me to help me out.
my phone is I9000M.
And the other question is: what is the definition of ROM, FLASH, ROOT?
mwhin said:
Hi, everyone. I'm new, and i just realize "rooting" will speed up my phone.
I'm totally newbie, i need a tutorial which have more details and attached file for me to help me out.
my phone is I9000M.
And the other question is: what is the definition of ROM, FLASH, ROOT?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting
Rooting is the method in which the user gains 'root access'. Root access is a linux term and is used to define the abilities of the super user account, akin to the 'administrator' account in Windows. This account can modify and change anything on the OS it resides. So when your phone is 'rooted' it is not broken, you are merely in complete control of your phones OS, cool huh?
But what does this mean? Most people don't even realise they aren't in complete control. Well there are a few benefits to having a rooted phone, but there are two big ones. Custom ROMs, and apps.
Firstly, apps. Because you are now in complete control, you can grant apps super user access that require them to work. Such as taking a screen shot of your phone, taking a comprehensive backup of your important data, using the flash as torch light or enjoying an ad-free Android!
Custom ROMs
Firstly what is a Custom ROM? Well a ROM, is actually a colloquial shortened version of 'ROM Image' which in turn is short for 'Read Only Memory Image', and dates back to the cartridge gaming days. Remember slotting that thing into your sega mega drive? or your N64? Anyway, back on track, it's basically an entire OS in a file called an image. So a 'ROM' is a file with an OS in it. Now a 'Custom ROM' is a ROM that has been customised, simple enough, yes? Nearly every device comes with a 'custom' ROM on it, bar two phones so far, the Nexus One and the Nexus S. They are the 'pure' androids so to speak.
So for every phone, there is a ROM preinstalled, this is the ROM the manufacturer has usually developed for that specific handset, or a range of handsets. These preinstalled ROMs usually include a lot of junk called 'bloatware', essentially just apps and links that can't be deleted that you may or may not want. You don't get a choice! The beauty of custom ROMs is you can delete and add anything you like to them!
FLASH
Flashing is the method you use to put a Custom ROM on a phone. Flashable packages are zip files that can be installed by Flashing using a tool like ClockWorkMod.
Let me point you in this direction for your i9000 - http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=748
Goodluck!
Is there any site or source on the web that provides downloads of old versions of Android Market apps? This would be for apps that are now updated or no longer available on the Market? I am looking for a site similar to "OldVersion.com" which has some old/classic PC software (but this would be something for android apps instead)?
Thanks if anyone knows of a source or sites.
CustomShortcut gone?
The app that I am looking for in the above post was a free one called CustomShortcut APK. I now have it on one of my two phones (the other phone had it but was lost and replaced). I have tried looking for a developer page for this app but no luck as everything seems to point back to android market as the source link for download.
Does anyone know of a way or source for me to get this APK back on my other phone? Is there a way to copy it from one phone to the other? I am assuming that it was removed from the market because it may not be compatible with ICS but I am not running ICS. The application was made by appli.club.
Are you rooted? If so use root explorer to look for the .apk in the /system/app folder and copy or email it to the other phone and install it.
85gallon said:
Are you rooted? If so use root explorer to look for the .apk in the /system/app folder and copy or email it to the other phone and install it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No sadly I am not rooted. Is that how this could be done? I have an HTC phone (Sensation) and I like my "sense" gui. Don't want to wipe it out by rooting (that is what would happen, right?) If access to the apk is possible with rooting, then I guess my question would be, does anyone else here have CustomCut on their rooted phone? (Or possibly know of any website that would have those apk's available for download). I would be willing to pay if someone would take the time to send me a replacement copy.
just google for any app you want like this:
"title" "versionnumber" "apk" "download"
for example:
android market 2.9 apk download
mojosingle said:
No sadly I am not rooted. Is that how this could be done? I have an HTC phone (Sensation) and I like my "sense" gui. Don't want to wipe it out by rooting (that is what would happen, right?) If access to the apk is possible with rooting, then I guess my question would be, does anyone else here have CustomCut on their rooted phone? (Or possibly know of any website that would have those apk's available for download). I would be willing to pay if someone would take the time to send me a replacement copy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting will not wipe out your phone or change it other than giving you super user privileges. That way you will have access to get to the system apps folder.
I notice apktop keeps old versions around. But part of the reason I like Titanium backup is because I have a fail safe if a new update to an app is bad, as I can just restore from the last backup the older version.
85gallon said:
Rooting will not wipe out your phone or change it other than giving you super user privileges. That way you will have access to get to the system apps folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I am not really too concerned about it wiping out my phone, but I thought I had read many posts here talking about once you root your phone the native skin from the manufacturer is eliminated (for HTC that would be the "Sense" user interface). Can you please confirm? Is this not true? HTC Sense will remain exactly the same after rooting my phone?
The other thing that has made me cautious is that my phone runs perfectly now and I see so many threads on the xda boards here and over at various android forums that start off with "My ____ app is not working right since I rooted...." Just a little daunting for a newbie like myself.
spunker88 said:
I notice apktop keeps old versions around. But part of the reason I like Titanium backup is because I have a fail safe if a new update to an app is bad, as I can just restore from the last backup the older version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for the site suggestion. I have been trying to search for the CustomShortcut APK over there but no luck ...so far (the site search is not that easy to use). I have even tried to seach the site externally using google but, unfortunately, still no luck.
Wait for someone else to confirm on the htc, but nothing changed on my droidx. I just had superuser privs. All of the "this app quit working" is when people flash custom roms. You don't do that when you just root. But you have to be rooted in order to do things like that. Lol.
Rooting gives you the power to do that if you want to.
When I rooted my droidx, I did it just so I could have the power to do other things if I wanted. I am still on factory rom. But I am able to get to parts of the phone that are off limits if I wasnt rooted. I made it where I could tether, later I got rid of bloatware, etc.
85gallon said:
Wait for someone else to confirm on the htc, but nothing changed on my droidx. I just had superuser privs. All of the "this app quit working" is when people flash custom roms. You don't do that when you just root. But you have to be rooted in order to do things like that. Lol.
Rooting gives you the power to do that if you want to.
When I rooted my droidx, I did it just so I could have the power to do other things if I wanted. I am still on factory rom. But I am able to get to parts of the phone that are off limits if I wasnt rooted. I made it where I could tether, later I got rid of bloatware, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks once again for the reply. Now that you mention it, I remember reading the terminology "flashed" rom and thought they were similar or the same thing as rooting. One other question, once a phone is in a rooted state, if I was to go in and copy the APK for my replacement phone and put it on there could I then "unroot" lol ...sorry if this is not a word... so that my phone was no longer open? I had read somewhere (perhaps I heard it on a TWIT or Android podcast) that when your phone is in root state that anyone (ie: potentially bad software) has easier access to your phone's vunerable areas.
mojosingle said:
Thanks once again for the reply. Now that you mention it, I remember reading the terminology "flashed" rom and thought they were similar or the same thing as rooting. One other question, once a phone is in a rooted state, if I was to go in and copy the APK for my replacement phone and put it on there could I then "unroot" lol ...sorry if this is not a word... so that my phone was no longer open? I had read somewhere (perhaps I heard it on a TWIT or Android podcast) that when your phone is in root state that anyone (ie: potentially bad software) has easier access to your phone's vunerable areas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes you can unroot. As for easy access after you are rooted to vulnerable areas, they can only get access if you let them. If an app wants super user privileges, you will get a pop up from su(the super user apk) telling you that some app is wanting privileges. You can grant or deny access. The only things on my phone that have ever given me a pop up are things that i downloaded and know need su access. Wifi tether, root explorer, adfree, etc.
I have found a site that keeps older version of an android app. It's called Android Drawer.
Hope it helps
Folks,
I just got a Galaxy Note 1717 the other day and i'm still learning. I'll probably root it once ICS comes out for it on AT&T, but i'm still a bit confused about what that *means*. The threads i've read on it here and there seem to make some assumptions that as a linux user i'm not making properly.
When you root an android phone what actually happens?
If i root an android phone does that mean:
a) I've allowed acess to the root user by either changing the sudo rules or setting home to /root instead of /bin/false or /bin/nologin?
b) when i'm using the phone i'm doing so as the root user instead of [whatver user i am when it's not rooted. I don't know what name user 1000 has becuase i can't find the passwd file and probably wouldn't have the rights to it even if i could]
or is it some other thing that's actually happening when you root a phone?
As a Gentoo linux user i find this a bit confusing, even if it is a linux/gnu based system.
A) would mean that various programs are able to acces the root user when they need to.
b) would mean that i'm essencially logged in as root all the time, which in the linux word is a THOU-SHALT-NOT.
Thanks,
Bearcat
From a practical point of view, when you root, you are able to give some apps superuser permissions.
Now this means
Apps like Titanium backup can remove vendor installed apps, which is otherwise not possible.
Phone locator kind of apps can turn on and turn off GPS radio. You do not have to manually enable it.
From a linux users perspective, you can fire up terminal and do a rm -rf / . But do not do that!
Thanks.
So, to clarify: if i root my Note and then fire up mxplayer and watch a movie ,then fire up pageonce to look at my bank accounts, does that mean that i've just done both of those things as the root user?
Here's a more technical explanation of how root works that answers some of your questions:
http://cjix.info/blog/misc/how-rooting-works-a-technical-explanation-of-the-android-rooting-process/
Quick answer to your question - no. things are only run as a su if they need to, or rather, if the app has some functions that need it. Eg - titaniums access to /system needs root access, so the app fires up with su permissions. Only apps that need root access get it, and you have to allow the app the access.
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Thanks for the link jr67, i'l read that over.
New Ion? thanks for the clarification. I understand it more now, and think i'll root my phone after ICS comes out for AT&T on the note.
Its very worth it, if even only for titanium. First thing you should do is backup everything.
Ooh and the paid version is the single most worth it app ever. Many apps ive paid for and havent touched really, TB's paid differences you use every time.
Edit - titanium, root explorer and wifi kill are the only apps I have that use root access. Just fyi
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Wow! Titanum back up looks fantastic! Granted, i don't know what all the terms mean (dalvik? Isn't that a Dr. Who thing? :") ). I grabbed ES File explorer but Root Explorer looks even better.
Side question: Is there any such thing as updating a rom once i have one installed, or do i have to backup, re-flash and restore with each update that comes out for a particular rom?
Android is programmed in Java. since Java cannot be run, but needs a virtual machine, we use the dalvik vm. When you install cwm, you will have the option to clear it, and you probably should, depending.
As for updates, it all depends on what the dev tells you to do. Example: cm9 nightlies only require cache and dalvik wipes, however the roms I run usually require a full wipe. It can suck, but there are ways to make it better.
Look into the advanced restore function of cwm. I've never used it, but I know done swear by it
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Thanks. I don't know what cwm is (at least anything more than it's some sort of rom). I'l look it up.
It replaces the stock recovery, and allows the user to interact with it. i think its hosted at clockworkmod.com as well
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