Android equivalent of jailbreak?

I’ve been using an iphone/ipod for a few years and thinking of getting a new android tablet, possible a Galaxy Tab 2 or a Nexus 7. I know for apple devices you can jailbreak them and install Cydia and Installous. Is there an Android equivalent of a jailbreak where I can get apps/tweaks/skins from? I don’t really quite know what its called so I have a hard time searching google.
If so, can someone link me some guides or sites where I can find the info? Thanks!
Answer #1
You Root Android devices
Just do a search for how to root Android
Here is one search  https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=how+to+root+Android&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-gb:IE-SearchBox&ie=&oe=&redir_esc=&ei=cO_OUKWgDOPT0QW9_IHoAg