Rooting and how to do it

What is rooting?

If you ever do a search on optimizing your Android device, you are bound to run into the term rooting. Rooting is the process by which you gain administrative access to your phone. Back when the iPhone was launched, hardcore techies quickly realized the true potential of the device and the limitations that Apple had sealed it with. What became Jailbreaking on the iPhone was quickly translated to other platforms as well, and when the world saw the first Android back in 2008, the term Rooting was born.

Benefits of rooting

Back in the day, rooting an Android phone used to be a very cumbersome process reserved only for the tech-savvy. But these days (with the popularity of Android on the rise) rooting almost any Android device has become as simple as downloading a program and clicking a button. Yep. It's that easy. So why would you want to root your phone? Here are a few reasons:

1. Gain full control over your system and tweak it to your liking (themes, edit core apps, alter system files etc.)
2. Improved Performance: You can speed up your Android device by relocating the cache thus allowing you to save phone memory and have a faster phone. You can also download applications from Google Play that will allow you to overclock your device (increase your processing speed).
3. Upgrade to the latest Android operating system: With many carriers holding back the updates to the latest Android operating system (currently Ice Cream Sandwich), rooting your device will give you the option to install any current and future OS’s by installing custom-tailored ROMs.

Disclaimer: Despite being a painless process, there are some risks to Rooting. The most notable risk is that you will void any warranty that you have on your device. Other than voiding your warranty, there isn’t that much risk involved. There have been some users that have run into problems like bricking your device, if a freak accident occurs while rooting. However you may be able to find the stock ROM for your device in which case you can reverse the rooting and make your phone stock again.

How to root your device?

There are many different applications available for free download that let you root your phone but we are going to go with Unlock Root. It is a tool that can successfully root and unlock not just one or a handful of Android devices from the same manufacturer but many from different manufacturers. You can view the list of devices that can be rooted here (Note: it is a long list). With Unlock Root, first time rooters don't have to worry about bricking their devices. Whether you have an entry level or a high end phone, Unlock Root most likely will be able to root and unlock it.

Instructions

1. Install the USB drivers for your device before you use Unlock Root. You can usually download the drivers from your device manufacturer’s website. 
2. Download the Unlock Root software.
3. Enable USB debugging mode on your device.
4. Connect your device to your PC using a USB cable.
5. Run the Unlock Root software. Wait for your handset to be automatically detected.
6. Choose your device from the list of devices.
7. Click the Root button to start the rooting process.
8. Wait for it to complete the installation, after which you’ll be greeted with a message saying your device has been successfully rooted.
9. After the rooting process, simply reboot your device for the changes to take effect.
10. Enjoy your rooted device.

Give it a shot and let us know how it went!