Rooting on Android is very similar to Jailbreaking on iPhone. After rooting, you get root access to the Android OS, and thereafter control everything. One would be able to download widgets and install utils that allow them to overclock their processor or install themes that dramatically change the appearance of their phone. What’s more is you can replace the OS with a custom one (provided by Cyanogen), which unlocks the features which were not possible before. e.g. Multitouch
Update: How to Root Droid X
How to Root Droid
Method 1: (For Geeks and Linux users only)
Mirror: http://rapidshare.com/files/318204448/d … t.zip.html
Mirror 2: http://www.4shared.com/file/168496608/8 … -root.html
Mirror 3: http://www.mediafire.com/?ydaqjmditjh
Mirror 4: http://www.multiupload.com/XYPZLK4K22
Step 1. Download the zip file (see mirrors in posts below)
Step 2. Rename to “update.zip” and copy to the SDCard
Step 3. Power off the DROID and power back on while holding the X key
Step 4. When you see a “/!\” symbol, press both vol+ and camera
Step 5. Use the onscreen menu to install update.zip
Step 6. Once installed you will be able to run “su” from your adb shell.
Method 2: Easy Guide: (for n00bs) on Windows
Droid Root.zip -same as above-
SDK
http://developer.android.com/sdk/download.html?v=android-sdk_r04-windows.zip
SU
http://www.magicandroidapps.com/su.zip
Step 1. Once all 3 are downloaded, extract them all into C:\Android
Step 2. Now, connect your Droid to your computer and Mount the SD Card through the phone (A dialogue will pop up on your phone asking to connect your SD Card. Click Mount)
Step3. Go to the C:\Android, rename the file droid-root.zip to update.zip. Then take update.zip and move it to the SD Card on your phone. Once done, unplug your phone and turn it off.
Step 4. On Phone’s keyboard, hold down the “X” key and power your phone. You will see the Motorola logo, followed by a graphic with an ! mark on it. At this time, let go of the “X” key and the power button. Now, Press and hold the Volume + key on the side of your phone, then press the camera button while holding the Volume + key.
Step 5. A menu would pop-up. Navigate to “update” using the D-pad, and click the middle button. Now wait for the process to finish.
Step 6. When it is done, your phone will power up again. Navigate to Settings->Applications->Development and check the USB Debugging checkbox and Connect your Droid to the Computer again.
Step 7. On Windows ->Run -> cmd. Now type the following, pressing Enter after each line:
cd c:\Android\tools adb push su /data/local adb shell su mount -o remount,rw -t yaffs2 /dev/block/mtdblock3 /system cd /system/bin mv su osu cat /data/local/su > su chmod 6755 su ls -l *su
(you should see the following)
-rwsr-sr-x root root 76200 2008-08-01 05:00 osu
-rwsr-sr-x root root 76200 2009-05-30 11:28 su
(now continue typing these following lines to finish)
Step 8. Now sync the device and reboot.
That’s all, enjoy your rooted Droid. What’s Next You can Tether Your Droid: How to Tether Motorola Droid
[via alldroid]