Android Terminologies: Rooting, Linux Kernel, Recovery mode

Rooting (Android OS)

Rooting 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 often performed with the goal of overcoming limitations that carriers and hardware manufacturers put on some devices. Thus, rooting gives the ability (or permission) to alter or replace system applications and settings, run specialized apps that require administrator-level permissions, or perform other operations that are otherwise inaccessible to a normal Android user. On Android, rooting can also facilitate the complete removal and replacement of the device's operating system, usually with a more recent release of its current operating 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.

Advantages of rooting include the possibility for complete control over the look and feel of the device. As a superuser has access to the device's system files, all aspects of the operating system can be customized with the only real limitation being the level of coding expertise. Immediately expectable advantages of rooted devices include the following:

• Full theming 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.
• Full control of the CPU and kernel, which should only be adjusted by knowledgeable users.
• Full application control including the ability to backup, restore, or batch edit applications, or to remove bloatware that comes pre-loaded on many phones. 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.

Android Rooting: Pros

If you root your android smartphone, you will get the following features.

• It allows you to set up wireless tethering even though it has been disabled by default.
• You can easily access the whole file system.
• You can easily install the apps that requires root privileges.
• It helps you to flash the custom ROM in your device.
• It increase the tablet or phone’s performance.
• It will allow you to add the extra features to your device.
• It will provide an easy way for you to accept or deny the application permissions.

Apart from the above mentioned features, many apps allows you to automatically backup all your data’s when you root your device. For example: Some applications will let you to automatically backup all your data, block the advertisements completely, create secure connections to the internet and make your device a wireless hotspot.

Android Rooting: Cons

1. Voids the device warranty:
Once you root your device the first thing it will do is, void your device warranty. But don’t worry as you can unroot your device back by flashing the original backup ROM and reclaim the warranty.
2. Brick your device:
Whenever you root the device, you are taking the risk of bricking your phone. This is why everyone hesitates to root their phone. You can avoid this by following the right instructions and guidelines. You are not supposed to attempt the instructions unless you know what it does mean. Before trying to root the device ensure that the instructions are specifically for your phone model and manufacturer. Because it obviously vary for every devices.
3. Security risks:
The Android Rooting process may create security risks. It depends on what apps or services you are using on your device.

Prerequisites For Rooting:

1. Before starting to root your android phone, make sure that the source you are having is really worthy and specifically created for your device model. Better ask suggestion to the other via online. If others state that the tutorial works without errors, then you too try it in your device.
2. Before starting the rooting process, take backup all your data’s completely because after rooting you may lose your data’s. So, it is advisable to be on a safer side.
3. Once you backup your data’s, charge your device fully so that it never turned off in between the process.
4. Next ensure that the USB Debugging is ON in your device.
5. Most of the rooting methods require you to install some software on the computer. For that you need to install android SDK or some other software. So, follow the given instructions properly and install it correctly.

Linux kernel

The Linux kernel is a Unix-like computer operating system kernel. The Linux kernel is the most widely used operating system kernel in the world; the Linux operating system is based on it and deployed on both traditional computer systems, usually in the form of Linux distributions,^[8] and on embedded devices such as routers. The Android operating system for tablet computers and smartphones is also based atop the Linux kernel.

Kernel (operating system)

In computing, the kernel is a computer program that manages input/output requests from software, and translates them into data processing instructions for the central processing unit and other electronic components of a computer. The kernel is a fundamental part of a modern computer's operating system.

   

 

 

How to use recovery mode to fix your Android phone or tablet

How to boot into recovery mode on a Google Nexus device

If you have a device like the Nexus 5 or Nexus 7 running stock Android then these are the steps required to boot into Recovery mode:

1. Hold down the Power key and select Power off. If the touchscreen is unresponsive then you can simply keep holding down the Power key for several seconds until the device turns off.
2. Press and hold the Power key and the Volume down key. You should see the Android mascot on his back, a bunch of information about your device, and Start at the top right of the screen.
3. To navigate through the menu options you use the Volume up and Volume down keys. The Power key is used to make a selection. Press Volume down twice and you should see Recovery mode in red up at the top right, press the Power key to select it.
4. The white Google logo will pop up followed by the Android mascot on his back again with the words No command underneath.
5. Press and hold the Power key and the Volume up key for around three seconds and then let go of the Volume up key, but keep pressing Power.
6. You should see the Android system recovery options pop up at the top of the screen. Use the Volume keys to highlight the options and the Power key to select the one you want.

 http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/use-recovery-mode-android/