Quote:
Originally Posted by 12paws
Hello- I'm new here ... this probably will seem like a dumb question but what does root mean for nc? What's the purpose of it? I've tried looking around but not sure where to look.
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"rooting" when used in reference to the NC can mean either, or both of these:
1 - Obtaining "root" access on the NC is like enabling administrator access on a Windows PC. This access enables you to install most regular andoid programs that you would find on any other android device (angry birds game, android kindle app, gmail app, including the actual android market).
Merely "rooting" doesn't have to change the default behavior of the NC, but many people often will install a different homescreen app.
With the release of B&N software update 1.2, which includes the ability to download and install apps from the B&N "app store", there will be less motivation for some to go through the rooting process. Although paying $4 (or whatever) for the angry birds game, when you could get it for free from the android market if you are rooted, will doubtless still motivate to root.
With version 1.1 of the B&N software (which was up until today what you would typically find on a NC), the process of rooting involves using a program on a windows machine to install a special program onto a micro-sdcard. The card is then put into the NC (when it is turned off) and then the NC is plugged into a computer (which will power on the NC). The NC is designed so that if there is an "operating system" on the SDcard, it will run that system instead of the default system. The special sdcard will make a few modifications to the NC and then reboot the NC. After rebooting, you will have "root" access.
2 - another meaning of "root" is when people run a DIFFERENT version of the Android operating system on the NC. These alternate versions of Android (like Gingerbread, Froyo, and Honecomb) will come with the "root" access described in step 1 already enabled.
there are methods of replacing the B&N software w/ the other version of android; or installing the other version of android to an sdcard and running it from there (w/o modifying the original version on main memory of the NC); or it is possible have 2 installations of the android (B&N and another one) on the main memory, and booting into them depending on certain keys held down when powering on.
for more information you can see here:
http://nookdevs.com/NookColor
or here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=864
there are many youtube videos that will walk you through the process.
Note that the method I mention in step 1 will be changing because the release of B&N's version 1.2 today. Presumably the methods used to root will be updated for 1.2 in a few days; but it is definitely easier if you are still on 1.1 for now ....