What does "jailbreaking" an ipod touch do?

What is jailbreaking an ipod touch?

• i just got one today, and i didn't yet create an account tobuy apps...what is jailbreaking? what does it do? will it ruin my ipod touch?

• Answer:

  Jailbreaking is the process where you can install applications on your iPod touch not approved by Apple, and therefore not in the app store. A common process is usually done by adding another app store (much like going to K-Mart instead of Target) on the screen and using that in addition to the standard store. At least in the US, Jailbreaking is legal since August 2010, but even though it is legal, it does not mean that Apple is required to support a warranty. If you bought your iPod Touch yesterday, and jailbroke it the next day, you technically voided your warranty. If something goes wrong during the process, and you take it to Apple, you're are SOL. Essentially, you are writing additions into the OS to support apps in other stores. Also, jailbreaking leads to potential security issues. A long time ago, iPhones had a Rick Ashley wall paper, and while I'm sure that would have been an joy for the teenage girls in the 80's, it wasn't amusing in today's line especially when the wallpaper wasn't changed by the user. This only happened to jail broken iPhones. If none of this scared you, and you want to jail break, your best bet is to use http://jailbreakme.com on your iPod's Safari browser. And keep in mind the risks and benefits of the action before hand. If the process gets bricked (your iPod doesn't respond at all), you have a $200+ paperweight.