Rooting, unlocking - basic question

[TheFettster]

Hi all. Sorry for yet-another-noob-question. I've googled around and seen some posts here, but I'm still not quite sure about this. I want to remove some bloatware from my Droid 2 (Verizon) and friend's Indulge (MetroPCS) which do not work (the one that covers 1/3 of the screen telling me to unplug my perfectly-good charger), and crap that's always running that I never use (and task killers can't seem to keep dead).

So I think I need to root these phones. Can I root, uninstall bloatware, then un-root? I'm a bit worried about leaving them rooted, isn't that a security risk?

If I do this, is my warranty still voided? Can I restore to factory condition if I need to bring it in for some reason?

Is rooting the same as unlocking? I have Verizon, but when I travel, I can't use another country's SIMM card, so it' useless (GLOBAL my butt!)

Dating me: I thought ROM was read-only-memory, as in a firmware chip. Rooting allows me to install different ROMs. I assume that's some sorta ISO image of a firmware???

What are the dangers that I can 'brick' these devices? If bricked, I assume there is no return from that, except to get a new phone (I've already replaced mine once this year, so I don't really want to risk it if it's likely to brick).

 

[Paul627g]

Depending on the method used to root the device, some devices have a "temp root" that allows you to remove bloatware and such and they will only stay rooted until you reboot the device...

Then other devices there is the only option of full root which once its rooted that's it until you use a restore to factory stock option/method which will undo any bloat removal/custom ROMs, etc.. and return it to factory form.

There is always a chance of a brick, but if you follow the guides and how to's and ask questions the chances are minimal. Basically the risk you take to essentially take control of your device and make it the way YOU want it, not how the carrier/manufacture wants you to enjoy it.

As far as using out of country if rooted & running a custom ROM by having to swap out SIM cards, I haven't heard of problems but I'm not an expert in that area of discussion.

Last, if need be warranty work/repair/replacement, etc. yes you would have to restore to factory stock in order to meet warranty terms with carriers of modifications to your device.

Hope that helps answer most of your questions.

 

[TheFettster]

Thanks. Can you recommend solid instructions for Droid2 Global and Samsung Indulge? I've seen cautionary warnings on both but they may have been old posts or by novices. Do I need to install the Android SDK et al to start this process (tethered to a PC), or can it be done via an app or something?