HTC Inspire Questions

[Lions]

I just got an HTC Inspire, and the guy I got it from said it's unlocked. It says, though, that it's not rooted. So, here are some questions:

1. What does rooting your phone do for it, and how do I root my phone?

2. How do I install a new screen (this one is scratched up)?

3. Why did I install the gingerbread keyboard but it's not showing up?

I have more questions, but I just forgot most of them. But this is good for now! Anyone?

 

[Metroid Prime]

Hello and welcome to Android Forums, Lions.

Rooting your device gives you super user or administrative access to all the various parts of your device giving you full control over it allowing you to do much more with your device such as adding/removing the entire OS and installing a whole new one to give your device a whole new look and feel, remove bloatware apps, overclock/underclocking your device to make it faster or slower and much more!
Rooting does, however, come with risks such as the risk of bricking (breaking) your device, bootlooping and you void your warranty when you root your device.
I'm afraid I don't know how to put in a new screen sadly.
If you installed a keyboard you want to go to settings > language & keyboard > Gingerbread keyboard. Let me know if that helps.
Anymore questions you have please feel free to ask.