Rooting (name comes from UNIX/Linux root login, for read write permission for anything under the root directory "/") has several advantages.

• Run root-only apps
• Add functionality such as reading/writing to a USB device on Nexus tablet and others.
• Overclock to make it run faster (and use battery faster)
• Remove pre-installed apps you don't need
• Take screenshots
• Take snapshot backups
• Install custom ROMS (version of the operating system)

Rooting tools:
z4root app:  toggle between rooted and non-rooted
SuperOneClick at shortfuse.org
Nexus Root Toolkit www.goo.gl/Z9dsT
Lifehacker's Rooting GUide www.goo.gl/VDuSO
XDA forum bit.ly/stTp

Custom ROMs
xda-developers.com
Installing custom ROMs
  Boot into recovery mode (usually by holding the volume down and power buttons)
  ...


Links:


last updated 12 Apr 2011