by Chris Stubbs

Created on: December 30, 2009

Jailbreaking an iPhone is the same as installing a new operating system on your computer. Some Windows users install other operating systems such as Linux, to have access to what is called open source software. Linux based operating systems give access to communities that develop everything from games to productivity software for free. Programmers are only compensated with recognition, experience and the occasional donation.

The iPhone OS is also Linux based, and jailbreaking is a way to gain access to the open source communities and software. Because of the programmer’s motives, open source programs are generally safe if you stick to the officially recognized program repositories. Once jailbroken, the iPhone will have a new App arena called Cydia. Cydia is one program that provides automatic installation of programs found in the repositories. After scanning through an AppStore like directory, you can view software details and select one or more applications to install.

Jailbreaking is done by way of the phones DFU mode while linked to iTunes. This (done by holding both power and home buttons, and releasing only the power button when the device tries to come back on.) allows a program like QuickPwn to install the new OS onto the iPhone. Detailed instructions, about exactly what to do, are normally provided at websites that provide the automatic jailbreaking software. Never pay anyone for a jailbreaking package. It is always supposed to be free.

Although, jailbreaking is completely safe, you should always back up all of your data before you begin. Even if you, somehow, manage to disable your phone, you will always be able to restore your phone in iTunes or by repeating the jailbreaking process. Because the software is only managed by it's individual makers, you should also keep in mind that there are things that you might install that disable and require you to restore your phone.

Once jailbroken, your access to new features is mind boggling. You can now record videos, transfer files via Bluetooth, install templates, more, and all for free. There are even open source navigating programs. For a few bucks you can tether your phones Internet connection to your computer, or even turn it into a wireless modems. Qik allows you to stream videos live over the Internet, which practically turns your phone into a surveillance camera! My personal favorite is software called openSSH. With openSSH and another free program called WinSCP, for your computer, you have complete access to your phone's file system through Wi-Fi. You can then download your entire MP3 library without having to go through iTunes. Can you see why Apple would lead you to believe it's illegal?

To make a long story short, jailbreaking turns your iPhone or iPod Touch into a PC, with Linux, in your pocket. It easily doubles the value of your device. Oh, did I mention the iPhone on a big screen TV?

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