Root Complete Noob trying to undrestand rooting

[RTAdams89]

I am somewhat interested in overclocking my Droid and also being able to use root-only apps. I am currently running stock 2.1 firmware. I see there are multiple different customized firmwares that enable root. But are there any firmwares that are exactly the same as the stock 2.01 or 2.1 firmware, except for being rooted? I'm I completely misunderstanding what rooting means?

 

[Flahusky]

Read the stickys young grasshopper
Yes there are 'rooted' 'stock' roms available.

 

[bdal1]

All root means is that you (root only applications) will be able to access su (super user) permissions on your phone. Dont let anyone fool you, its not rocket science. It will just be an icon (or app) on your phone that regulates these permissions.
The first thing most people do after obtaining root is installing a recovery (like clockwork or sp recovery) and then getting comfortable with nandroid backups.
Once you know how to nandroid, it's virtually impossible to brick because you can always restore back to a working state.

Search away, theres tons of info. Some stuff might be out dated, so try the most recent procedures first.