what is root?

[feverw0w]

what is root? i'm guessing it's the highest level of access on the phone but what can i do with it?

[DrDoom]

AHHH!!! NOOB ALERT!! [runs for the hills]

Okay, but seriously, it allows complete control over your phone if you know how to manipulate that kind of power... Muwahahahaha.... Okay, but seriously(!), one can write all sorts of Linux based applications since the phone's OS is based on the best operating system out there, ...Linux. But it can just as easily brick your phone if you know nothing about it.

If you are not familiar with Linux then I would recommend setting up an unused (and perhaps old) computer to run Linux and then marvel at how incredibly well it runs. Oh yeah, and it's free! Linux is the standard for most non-PC based computers like Apple* (LOL), servers, and handhelds. If you like computers then you'll Like Linux

* Technically Apple is a PC (Personal Computer) but I can no longer say Intel based computers because Apple is now using them. I can say Intel based because they were the first before AMD came along. This is how us old people often distinguish between the two computers without having to go into too much detail like I just did.

[GasBot]

If you don't know what root is, you don't need it.

[inportb]

Root is the ability to have lots of fun and seriously brick your device ;p

[DrDoom]

Root is the ability to have lots of fun and seriously brick your device ;p

...try not to mix the two Xen or KVM anyone?

[G-won]

AHHH!!! NOOB ALERT!! [runs for the hills]

If you are not familiar with Linux then I would recommend setting up an unused (and perhaps old) computer to run Linux and then marvel at how incredibly well it runs. Oh yeah, and it's free! Linux is the standard for most non-PC based computers like Apple* (LOL), servers, and handhelds. If you like computers then you'll Like Linux

* Technically Apple is a PC (Personal Computer) but I can no longer say Intel based computers because Apple is now using them. I can say Intel based because they were the first before AMD came along. This is how us old people often distinguish between the two computers without having to go into too much detail like I just did.

Actually to clarify, Apple OSX isn't exactly based on Linux, but based on UNIX which while being similar to Linux... isn't the same.

[DrDoom]

Hahaha! Thank you G-won. I saw that one creeping up on me

[rynosaur]

All you anti-rooties need to do your homeworkz. Would you advise Windoze users to deny themselves Administrator access to XP/Vista? Maybe have Best Buy come over every time a device driver needs to updated?

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=442480

[GasBot]

All you anti-rooties need to do your homeworkz. Would you advise Windoze users to deny themselves Administrator access to XP/Vista? Maybe have Best Buy come over every time a device driver needs to updated?

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=442480

Actually yes, in a great deal of cases, people are too stupid to be trusted with full access to their own computers. I've dealt with more end users than you can believe and I've come to the conclusion that you only give a user what they can handle. Any more and they hang themselves.

[rynosaur]

Actually yes, in a great deal of cases, people are too stupid to be trusted with full access to their own computers. I've dealt with more end users than you can believe and I've come to the conclusion that you only give a user what they can handle. Any more and they hang themselves.

Hmmm. You have a point that is obviously based on experience, but I've learned a lot of what I know by trial and error. I F-up and keep trying; live and learn. Given the available Tmo RC29 nbh, I just don't see the point of threatening brick-ation. Many more users are going to kill their G1s dropping it in the toilet than with any software foobar. Disabling their G1s temporarily is another matter, but RTFM solves that problem nicely.