What exactly does a Jailbreak do???

[TC25]

Well, that's semantics. Even though there's always a way out of a JB incident, it takes some savvy to find it. It's certainly not for everyone.

Correct. Putting the phone in DFU mode and restoring it requires savvy.

 

[Bernard SG]

Correct. Putting the phone in DFU mode and restoring it requires savvy.

If only that solved everything...

 

[TC25]

If only that solved everything...

Other than hardware problems, what doesn't this solve?

 

[Bernard SG]

Other than hardware problems, what doesn't this solve?

Device not compatible with the iOS build it's supposed to work on when updating 'normally'

 

[maturola]

Cons: Can slow down system, can download malware

SO, SO, SO Soooooooooo WORNG!!!!

Jailbreaking can't do that..

Users do that after they are Jailbroken.....

 

[h1r0ll3r]

Basically JB'ing enables you to install third party apps on your dandy new iPhone. That plus all the custom mods/icons/widgets it also enables you to install. If done correctly, and not rushed, JB'ing shouldn't slow down your phone at all. Once JB'd, if you install a bunch of useless crap then, yes, it'll potentially bog down your phone, chew up battery life, etc. Usually it's the n00bs or much-to-eager semi-n00bs that run into all the problems and, thusly, is when you see oodles of threads popping up in the hacks section about their iPhones being "bricked".