what is root?

[ludovit8]

hi,

I installed to my phone HTC Desire HD app HiSurfing.

It warn me "no root access" so I can not save some settings... What should I do ?

I have installed in somewhere on my SD card (automatic process), so What should I change now :-)

thx for answer :-)

[dionysis]

Seriously guys.. all you that have the knowledge instead of just making unrelated comments and kicking people away, why dont you simply answer to what is root to people that have the curiosity and the will to learn?

What if they f**k it up? It is their problem, their choice!

Personally I know just little thinks on Linux and what is root or how it works, and that is because I found people that wanted to help and share information and knowledge.

If you just find this questions silly and extremely lower level than you, DO NOT ANSWER. Hopefully there will be people willing to help.

That said, for people that what to know that root is http://www.linfo.org/root.html .

[windstrings]

Think of "getting to the root of the matter".

Most programs.... windows, or any OS for that matter have a regular user interface, and hidden controls to prevent users from totally screwing up the Operating system due to tinkering without knowledge.

Think of driving your car.. you may have a few guages, but no access to the calibration of the computer settings and hidden menus to change root fundamental operating systems.... this prevents novices from screwing things up.

Some programs which may give more liberal control will require "root access".. meaning the Operating System has been altered so that protections are removed allowing the front door to the house to be unlocked.

This is good is you know what your doing, but bad if you don't.

With a few rare exceptions, most apps will always work without root... changing processor speeds, thresholds, and such will usually require root.

Root opens up the proverbial can of worms... you can really get over your head quick if you tend to jump in the water without checking for rocks first.

If your cautious and do your homework, root can be a blessing.

I recommend reading a week or so on the subject before you consider such a jump.
If you get to where the terminology is not completely over your head, then you may want to jump in as some things you will never learn until you just do it!

I would first learn how to undo and/or backup your whole system and how to retrieve it back before you entertain the idea of rooting and tinkering.

You may have read before "if you have to ask what root is... don't do it!!!".
This simply means its not to be taken lightly and there is a lot to learn.

[Inman]

in fact i don't know either
but you can find some useful information at http://blog.mobosquare.com

[benthomasg1]

I love having root it is not something for everyone but i do love it

[micheljams]

Root is the default user ID or account that has access to all commands and files on Linux or Unix operating systems. Also known as root.