Tech Question

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Paleo Retiree

Paleo Retiree writes:

Is “rooting” a device the same as “jailbreaking” it? What are the advantages of doing either thing? And why would a gadget’s manufacturer NOT want you to monkey with your gadget in these ways?

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About Paleo Retiree

Onetime media flunky and movie buff and very glad to have left that mess behind. Formerly Michael Blowhard of the cultureblog 2Blowhards.com. Now a rootless parasite and bon vivant on a quest to find the perfectly-crafted artisanal cocktail.
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6 Responses to Tech Question

  1. Blowhard, Esq.'s avatar Blowhard, Esq. says:
    August 7, 2012 at 8:42 pm

    Apple is notorious for exercising tight control over their devices because Jobs thought he knew what people wanted more than they did. Plus, closed systems means you have to use their customer service, buy replacement parts from them, etc. The MAKE Magazine/Linux/open source/hacker community stands in stark contrast: http://makezine.com/04/ownyourown/

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  2. Paleo Retiree's avatar Paleo Retiree says:
    August 7, 2012 at 8:54 pm

    Thanks. I’m feeling semi fed-up with Apple these days, in fact. Gimme some cloud storage and a Chromebook. But still: what does “rooting” mean”? And how about “jailbreaking”? And what does either/both accomplish that’s desirable?

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    • Blowhard, Esq.'s avatar Blowhard, Esq. says:
      August 7, 2012 at 9:11 pm

      “Rooting” gives the user “root access” or administrator-level access to a device for the purpose of tweaking settings or installing other apps. The ability to “root” is usually built into the device, although it’s hidden. “Jailbreaking,” by contrast, is done for much the same reason (e.g. installing an app Apple hasn’t approved), but it’s NOT built-in to the device.

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  4. Glynn Marshes's avatar Glynn Marshes says:
    August 7, 2012 at 10:26 pm

    Tight control over their devices. Over your data . . . not so much. http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/08/apple-amazon-mat-honan-hacking/all/

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