As an Android user, I bet that you've heard different terms related to Android. And one of those terms would be "Rooting".
1. "What is Rooting?"
Rooting, according to Wikipedia, is the process of allowing users of smartphones, tablets, and other devices running the Android mobile operating system to attain privileged control (known as "root access") within Android's sub-system.
Rooting is giving access/permission for the user to modify/replace system files, apps, and settings.
I could say that Rooting is for advanced users, but I think not. As long as you understand what you are doing and know the consequences to your Android phone, then you're good to go with Rooting.
"CONSEQUENCES WITH ROOTING?! WILL MY PHONE BREAK DOWN?! WILL MY FILES BE PERMANENTLY ERASED?!"
I think not. I have rooted numerous brands and models of phones and never did I encounter any break downs or permanent deletion of files because of rooting. As stated above, it is giving access/permission. But maybe it is just based on my experience. :) The only consequence I could think of with rooting is the warranty getting void. :(
2. "How do I root my Android phone?"
Before, there were numerous ways to Root an Android phone. There was one time that an executable file would be ran into your PC, connecting your phone to your PC, the phone would restart, and voila! You're rooted! But, it takes time.
But now, there are one-click rooting apps that would let you root your phone in less than a minute!
One of the available one-click rooting app (and the one that I have been using since I discovered it) is Framaroot.
Framaroot lets you install SuperSU and the SU Binary with one-click using the previously successfully created root exploits on different devices. Framaroot supports lots of devices available in the market and if yours is listed on the thread, then good for you! Some supported devices are named differently. Like in my case, I own a MyPhone Vortex. The MyPhone Vortex is listed down as Micromax Canvas 4 A210. Since they are the same units but are branded/named differently, the same process for the A210 can be used for the Vortex.
(Here's a link to Framaroot for further details and if you want to try it for yourself: http://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/framaroot/root-framaroot-one-click-apk-to-root-t2130276)
3. "What is SuperSU?"
SuperSU, according to its developer Chainfire, allows for advanced management of Superuser access rights for all the apps on your device that need root.
(I think I don't need to explain this a little more. :D)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.supersu&hl=en
4. "What are the advantages of Rooting?"
The advantages of Rooting that I could give are:
Giving access to apps that need root (Obvious answer)
More Customization: When an Android device gets rooted, some apps that needs root access can give you more customization than just choosing themes for your third-party launchers or changing wallpapers. One example would be GravityBox. GravityBox has one option which lets me choose how my status bar icons and Quick Settings panel would look like. Also, you could change your ROM (Running Operating Memory) to look and feel (internally) like other devices by getting rooted.
Convenience: Some rooted apps could give you convenience like tapping twice on the screen to wake up the phone, tapping twice on the status bar to sleep the phone, etc.
Performance: Performance gets better with some rooted apps. Some apps provide "overclocking", Deep Sleep, Debloating etc.
5. "Should I root my phone?"
Well, it's completely up to you. As I stated above, you could get your warranty void with rooting. But for me, I don't mind getting my warranty void. I enjoy rooting my phone and the things I could do with rooting. As of now, I maximize my 2000mAh battery by making it last 2-3 days when normally, it just lasts about 12 hours with moderate-heavy use. I change the appearance and performance of my phone by changing ROMs, and many more.
Rooting is fun. And there are endless possibilities once rooted. It will be up to you if you want to make your great device, to become the best device. :)
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