From the Dark Side
by Tiny Ruisch
One thing about Android products is that they are easily recyclable. Years ago, whenever I’d buy a new Android phone or tablet, the first thing I would do is root it. Rooting is the process of allowing users running the Android mobile operating system to attain privileged control (known as root access) over various Android subsystems. Because Android uses the Linux kernel, rooting an Android device gives similar access to administrative (superuser) permissions. In layman’s terms, rooting gives you complete access to the file system. You are able to add, delete and modify any files on your device.
Rooting can be dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. If you change or delete the wrong file, you can “brick” your device and render it useless. Rooting can also be dangerous if you know what you’re doing. Sometimes, a moment of inattention and you’ve deleted the wrong file.
Years ago, the first thing I did to a new phone or tablet was root it. I quit doing this when the devices came with hardly any bloatware. I recently had to recall my old skills and do it again.
My wife exclusively uses a Samsung ten inch tablet for her online activities (which aren’t many). She recently upgraded to the latest model and I gained control of her old one. It is a Samsung Galaxy Tab E, about six years old, running Android 5.1 Lollipop. My plans are to use it mostly for playing “The Room” games and watching videos.
There are several Nougat ROMs (Operating Systems) that I could download and install. Instead I opted for installing TWRP (TeamWin Recovery Project). This app allows you to install new operating systems, freeze files so they cannot be used by the OS or delete files. One of the best features is that you can uninstall any application from your android device.
Although I could update to Android 6 or 7, I decided not to. For my uses, Android 5 is more than adequate. I may change my mind if I ever want to download an app that requires it. Instead, I deleted all of the Samsung programs. I also deleted many Google apps, such as Maps, Gmail, Cloud Print, etc.
This ended up being a good project while being stuck at home during the COVID-19 scare. The result is that I now have a six year old tablet that boots fast and runs smoothly. Additionally, I got the chance to hone some old skills that I haven’t used for a while. Although it wasn’t as easy as “riding a bicycle”, it was fun finding out that I could still do it.
Thanks for reading.