system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: what is jail breaking?

What does it mean to jail break a phone and what are the benefits and risks?
gpt
Most phones are made so that they only run programs that the phone maker will let you. Jailbreaking (to break the phone out of its jail) is the act of hacking the phone so that you can run whatever programs you want on it.


A few benefits:

* Can run whatever you like.

* Can add features, remove Carrier IQ, and tweak whatever settings you like.

* Can access the files and folders you otherwise couldn't.


A few risks:

* Can get viruses if you're not careful.

* Can brick (ruin) your phone if you do it wrong.

* May void your warranty or prevent you from using your phone with the official tools and/or store.