Not to sound stupid, but what is rooting?

[commandoman]

Hey guys and gals, very informative forum!! Just a question I have. New to smart phones (just left the ol flip phone behind!!!)

What benefit does rooting do and why should I do it? If it allows better battery life and faster apps, great, just wondering, since I don't know.

Thanks Don

 

[NeilthePilot]

Rooting allows you to access the operating system substructure. It allows you to remove programs you wouldn't normally be able to remove (Verizons Bloatware) that hogs the memory and slows your phone. It also allows apps to access functions that they would normally be block from accessing. To root or not is a personal question. There is always the risk of ruining your phone.