Related
I have just bought one for my dad, who needs my help quite frequently for basic functions. Is there an app out there, that I can use to see and control his screen. The only simple one I have come across is webkey, but that will only work for rooted tabs. Being remote, it is going to be a real challenge to root this, so just curious if anyone can point me to a good app for remotely managing the app. Thanks a lot.
try droid vnc server beta
seeky said:
try droid vnc server beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one also says 'It needs a rooted device'
remote access to unrooted Android devices
Unless the stock rom has remote access backed in then you will not be able to do this without a rooted device. We use Bomgar where we work and before Android and iOS we used to remote to windows phones all the time. Now the system file on these are more locked down on stock. If you search bomgar and ios you will see that Bomgar has a patition out there for users to sign. Right now only providers can use there software to rmote to devices. Maybe this will chamge in the future but it depends onthe rom and who is selling the device.
Being a techincal security guru, I like the more locked down phones, but it does come at a cost. As these roms and devices mature more, I'm sure a dev will figure out a way to do this without compromising the security of the device.
tave a look at this:
Removed ,hope he grabed it.
I think you might want to remove that link sharpish.
awww now my curiosity has the best of me lol
I posted this in another forum but I want to know what you guys here think about android security.
How worried are you all about security on the android platform? Don't you find it a little unnerving that anybody could upload and app to the android market and there is no verification of the app like on IOS platform. Anybody could write an app that looks legit but does devious things. All this along with there are very very few security applications and they are in the infant state. Don't you find it very dangerous? How do you try to maintain security on your android device? Don't download apps? Only download from known publishers? Or do you roll the dice and download anything? If you use a security app which one?
the_main_app said:
I posted this in another forum but I want to know what you guys here think about android security.
How worried are you all about security on the android platform? Don't you find it a little unnerving that anybody could upload and app to the android market and there is no verification of the app like on IOS platform. Anybody could write an app that looks legit but does devious things. All this along with there are very very few security applications and they are in the infant state. Don't you find it very dangerous? How do you try to maintain security on your android device? Don't download apps? Only download from known publishers? Or do you roll the dice and download anything? If you use a security app which one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are viruses for Android.....right ?
Besides , if you're smart enough you can check whether an app needs such permissions when installing , through the Mart or an .apk .
I don't like the way iOS works , they give too limited functionality .
Forever living in my Galaxy Ace using XDA App
the_main_app said:
I posted this in another forum but I want to know what you guys here think about android security.
How worried are you all about security on the android platform? Don't you find it a little unnerving that anybody could upload and app to the android market and there is no verification of the app like on IOS platform. Anybody could write an app that looks legit but does devious things. All this along with there are very very few security applications and they are in the infant state. Don't you find it very dangerous? How do you try to maintain security on your android device? Don't download apps? Only download from known publishers? Or do you roll the dice and download anything? If you use a security app which one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont use a security app, i use common sense.
a game doesn't need access to my contacts...
notepad app doesn't need access to my private information...
this is why android phones are for the power users and shouldn't be used by soccer moms and grandmas - because they have no clue what they are doing with these phones except for when a phone call or text message comes in... let them have the iphones.
but if you are tech savvy, and want to squeeze every bit of user capability out of your phone, a high end android phone is for you.
the people that are tech savvy also have the awareness because they treat their phone like a computer, and not a phone.
just my thoughts.
I think the best thing would be if android embraced that the user can choose which permissions to give to apps. I mean, an app may want to know your location, you denies it, and the app continnues happily without using that functionality, or quits saying its essantial.
cobraboy85 said:
i dont use a security app, i use common sense.
a game doesn't need access to my contacts...
notepad app doesn't need access to my private information...
this is why android phones are for the power users and shouldn't be used by soccer moms and grandmas - because they have no clue what they are doing with these phones except for when a phone call or text message comes in... let them have the iphones.
but if you are tech savvy, and want to squeeze every bit of user capability out of your phone, a high end android phone is for you.
the people that are tech savvy also have the awareness because they treat their phone like a computer, and not a phone.
just my thoughts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
very well put, unfortunately most dont think like this..
It is always a good habit to check the permissions an app needs before installation.I personally think that a system should be implemented in android market where all apps are erquested to give informaation on "Why they need certain permissions?".Certain apps do that.
An antivirus program is also useful in my opinion.I use Lookout antivirus,as i find it simple to use and does not slow down my phone.I tried avg but it slowed down my phone terribly.
hiitti said:
I think the best thing would be if android embraced that the user can choose which permissions to give to apps. I mean, an app may want to know your location, you denies it, and the app continnues happily without using that functionality, or quits saying its essantial.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But, as a matter of degree, this just what we wish. The fact may be far beyond our imagination. Sometimes, malware still run certain functionalities even you cancel it. It's worse that some apps run secretly in system. I'm a little scared about security issue based on my PC.
cobraboy85 said:
i dont use a security app, i use common sense.
a game doesn't need access to my contacts...
notepad app doesn't need access to my private information...
this is why android phones are for the power users and shouldn't be used by soccer moms and grandmas - because they have no clue what they are doing with these phones except for when a phone call or text message comes in... let them have the iphones.
but if you are tech savvy, and want to squeeze every bit of user capability out of your phone, a high end android phone is for you.
the people that are tech savvy also have the awareness because they treat their phone like a computer, and not a phone.
just my thoughts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But a game might ask for internet/network permissions which you would probably accept. How do you guard against this? How can you prevent a malicious app that asks for relavent permissions but abuses them?
I never take the time to study the permissions required when I download an app from the market.
I tend to avoid the low number of d'load apps..... partly as there is less feedback to judge.... and partly as any app thats worth the download will have high stars and many d'loads.
Works for me so far.
Netquins running in the background just in case...... but whose to say they dont upload my contacts for spamming?
Prof Peach said:
I never take the time to study the permissions required when I download an app from the market.
I tend to avoid the low number of d'load apps..... partly as there is less feedback to judge.... and partly as any app thats worth the download will have high stars and many d'loads.
Works for me so far.
Netquins running in the background just in case...... but whose to say they dont upload my contacts for spamming?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But what about new apps that may be legit? They won't have any reviews yet or stars. If everybody did the same as you it would never get reviews or stars? There's got to be a better way, don't you agree?
the_main_app said:
But a game might ask for internet/network permissions which you would probably accept. How do you guard against this? How can you prevent a malicious app that asks for relavent permissions but abuses them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the only question above that can't be answered by LBE Privacy Guard.
Someone mentioned a game that wants access to your contacts. What if you really want the game? You just don't allow it access to your contacts and then play it anyway.
Most apps ask for access to your IMEI (you'd be surprised how many!) With LBE they don't get it.
Antivirus software is all well and good, but it's not the same as on a PC where pattern matching can be used. AV software on Android basically opens the apk file and has a look round to see if anything looks suspicious. Other than that, there's nothing it can do to stop a clever developer bypassing it.
Seriously, if you have concerns then get LBE and start restricting permissions access on an app-by-app basis.
johncmolyneux said:
That's the only question above that can't be answered by LBE Privacy Guard.
Someone mentioned a game that wants access to your contacts. What if you really want the game? You just don't allow it access to your contacts and then play it anyway.
Most apps ask for access to your IMEI (you'd be surprised how many!) With LBE they don't get it.
Antivirus software is all well and good, but it's not the same as on a PC where pattern matching can be used. AV software on Android basically opens the apk file and has a look round to see if anything looks suspicious. Other than that, there's nothing it can do to stop a clever developer bypassing it.
Seriously, if you have concerns then get LBE and start restricting permissions access on an app-by-app basis.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this.
i was JUST about to say the same thing about the android "anti-virus" scam... not really a scam, but a false sense of security. as you said, not the same at ALL. people need to get out of the PC mindset with these phones. this is not windows, it's linux.
and i'm going to give LBE a shot. seems pretty legit.
for all of those running antivirus "software" on your phone, how many of you have actually run a virus scan and had it give a detailed description of a malicious "virus"....
Liking lookout
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
ummm, anyone ever heard of antiviruses (Kapersky, maybe?)? Or at least look up the app's access to things... If it accesses something you don't want it to access (or think the app doesn't need to access it), don't install it!
I know out-of-the-box Androids aren't so vunerable to viruses, compared to rooted ones... So...?
First look up the developer of the app, then if you trust him, install, if you never heard of him, google it (or look at the comments at where you're downloading from), and if you had experience with the developer before (and if the experience is bad, like trojans, etc.), don't install!
(I don't understand half of what I'm typing XD...Don't blame me for misspellings, please )
Cant say I can rave or not when it comes to the anti virus apps.
Have used Lookout in the past and currently using netquin.... neither of which ever flagged up a virus, malware or whatever.
Its nice to think its running in the background but dont know whether it will do anything if its needed.
I was tempted to download a load of apps in a zip file but 20 secs in my Avast siad there was a virus. I'd like to think the market would have its own precautions but having searched the site, cant see any mention of its security for the apps we download.
Its a different thing altogether but we cant take the fact that its the market and relax...... the worst virus my laptop ever had came in an update from Microsoft...... and another directly from google tools.
Kapersky for Android then? You can pick up free full non-trial versions on the web...
About the Market - yes, that's true. You'd expect them to check if apps are infected or at least leave a bot to do it...
Sorta lame...
The best security is the brain.akp just like brain.exe is on windows - best thing it's free, godgiven and everyone got a copy
Zeze21 said:
The best security is the brain.akp just like brain.exe is on windows - best thing it's free, godgiven and everyone got a copy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah but not everyone got the full version. A few of my friends got a corrupted exe and then this girl I know got the 30 day trial
not that good
Prawesome said:
It is always a good habit to check the permissions an app needs before installation.I personally think that a system should be implemented in android market where all apps are erquested to give informaation on "Why they need certain permissions?".Certain apps do that.
An antivirus program is also useful in my opinion.I use Lookout antivirus,as i find it simple to use and does not slow down my phone.I tried avg but it slowed down my phone terribly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both Lookout and AVG, neither has stopped my phone from getting up to 10 junk downloads, you have won an ipad, iphone etc., a day, not sms or email, I have to have every form of external contact turned off, the moment I get wifi or mobile access it starts downloading spam.
If anyone knows of a way to stop it I would appreciate the feedback
Moved to proper section
Hello,
I have been reading many threads about rooting and sideloading and a bit confused.
I am assuming that rooting will void the warranty. Is this correct?.
Now if I sideload apps, could a software update remove the ability to sideload and remove any previous programs installed?.
Any other advantages to rooting other than having access to the full market?.
Thanks
Polar99.
Additional Question about Android Market
I would like to piggyback on this thread as I too am considering rooting my Nook to gain access to the Android Market. However, I'm reluctant to take this step as it voids the warranty, and I would only be willing to do so if I'm guaranteed access to the market.
This is my first Android-based device, so I have no other access to the market. When I try to download apps from the market webpage right now (no root) it says: "There are no Android phones associated with this account. Please sign in with a different account." So, here's my question:
If I root my Nook and browse the market using the app, will it automatically detect that I have an android device and allow me to download apps, or will I still have to "link" a device to the account? If I would have to link a device, is there a way to link the rooted Nook, or do I need another, legitimate android-based device (phone, etc.) in order to create an account. Or, for a 3rd option, is there a workaround to the linking requirement?
Thank you in advance for the replies! And, to help the original poster despite my very noob-ish status on this forum, I believe that rooting DOES void the warranty.
Shaftakovich said:
I would only be willing to do so if I'm guaranteed access to the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Noone here will give you a guarantee!
We can only provide empiric data, and so far that says you will most probably (pretty close to certainty) be able to access the Android Market if you root your device following the directions given.
Thanks for the heads-up! I realize that nothing is a guarantee in this sort of situation, but I just want to make sure that I would *most likely* be able to access the market without access to some other android device.
Shaftakovich said:
Thanks for the heads-up! I realize that nothing is a guarantee in this sort of situation, but I just want to make sure that I would *most likely* be able to access the market without access to some other android device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed! I am a Mac user and followed the instructions in the Mac thread and it worked first time, without any major problems. First time I rooted (done it a couple of times because I have fiddled beyond my level of comprehension so I have needed a factory reset) it worked perfectly! It will root your tablet and give you access to Android Market.
Good luck and let us know how it works out for you! IF you run in to trouble you can always post, people here are generally friendly if your question is humble (as in "not demanding")
One More Question
For anyone that might know: should I wait until I get my SD card before rooting the Nook, or is it okay to do it without one installed? (Or maybe it makes no difference - I don't know )
polar99 said:
Hello,
Any other advantages to rooting other than having access to the full market?.
Polar99.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too would love to hear some opinions on root over simply sideloading. I've been sideloading and been pretty happy, and wondering the benefits of rooting beyond acess to market. I'm not the most techy guy, and sideloading is working pretty well.
My dad has been side-loading on his Nook Tablet for a bit now. It wasn't difficult for him to get started when I directed him to the threads on xda. He installed the Amazon Market without issue and is enjoying purchasing apps and the benefits of the "Free App of the Day". He is using SlideMe instead of Google's official Android Market. He loves the ability to switch between the Nook's stock interface and his Go Launcher setup. He even has most of the Google Apps running (excluding the Market and a couple others).
All this without root.
What root gets you at this point is primarily the ability to tinker with system files and to get some items items working, such as the Google Market, that might not work otherwise. It will also allow you to do backups of all your apps using Titanium Backup or similar apps which is great. If, however, you can live without that, side-loading is a great way to avoid getting worried about "voiding your warranty".
That said, Indirect now has a one-click un-root on the market that will take your Nook Tablet back to stock and B&N will be none the wiser in the event you want to send yours back.
Shaftakovich said:
I would like to piggyback on this thread as I too am considering rooting my Nook to gain access to the Android Market. However, I'm reluctant to take this step as it voids the warranty, and I would only be willing to do so if I'm guaranteed access to the market.
This is my first Android-based device, so I have no other access to the market. When I try to download apps from the market webpage right now (no root) it says: "There are no Android phones associated with this account. Please sign in with a different account." So, here's my question:
If I root my Nook and browse the market using the app, will it automatically detect that I have an android device and allow me to download apps, or will I still have to "link" a device to the account? If I would have to link a device, is there a way to link the rooted Nook, or do I need another, legitimate android-based device (phone, etc.) in order to create an account. Or, for a 3rd option, is there a workaround to the linking requirement?
Thank you in advance for the replies! And, to help the original poster despite my very noob-ish status on this forum, I believe that rooting DOES void the warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Double piggy-backing....
I have just rooted my Nook Tablet successfully, but not get the same message as you're getting...basically that I don't have any android device associated with my Google Account...
How can I associate the Nook Tablet to the Android Market????
Thanks!,
Gizmo
PlacidCat said:
My dad has been side-loading on his Nook Tablet for a bit now. It wasn't difficult for him to get started when I directed him to the threads on xda. He installed the Amazon Market without issue and is enjoying purchasing apps and the benefits of the "Free App of the Day". He is using SlideMe instead of Google's official Android Market. He loves the ability to switch between the Nook's stock interface and his Go Launcher setup. He even has most of the Google Apps running (excluding the Market and a couple others).
All this without root.
What root gets you at this point is primarily the ability to tinker with system files and to get some items items working, such as the Google Market, that might not work otherwise. It will also allow you to do backups of all your apps using Titanium Backup or similar apps which is great. If, however, you can live without that, side-loading is a great way to avoid getting worried about "voiding your warranty".
That said, Indirect now has a one-click un-root on the market that will take your Nook Tablet back to stock and B&N will be none the wiser in the event you want to send yours back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It isn't on the market yet because we would have to remove the paypal donation link. :| Wondering what to do because of it. I don't want to force people to donate to me, but I don't want to be completely left without a viable way to have some kind of cash flow.
Indirect said:
It isn't on the market yet because we would have to remove the paypal donation link. :| Wondering what to do because of it. I don't want to force people to donate to me, but I don't want to be completely left without a viable way to have some kind of cash flow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whoops, sorry about that! I thought I had read a post about it being available but I most likely mis-read it in my excitement.
In any case, un-root is possible and makes rooting simply a choice of whether or not you want to do some additional tinkering, not whether or not you are afraid of the B&N wolf.
>It isn't on the market yet because we would have to remove the paypal donation link.
I wouldn't bother putting it on the Market. Peeps who know enough to root would already be here on XDA, and those who don't know, wouldn't have Market in the first place.
And not to dampen your enthusiasm.. while there may be enough in donations to get a small pizza, calling it a "cash flow" would be a bit optimistic. Your audience size is small, and their purse string is even smaller. Dean Gibson can probably tell you something about that. Just FYI.
I have a bit of a unique situation in that I work at B&N, who have no problem with employees rooting beyond the usual warranty void. Even with one-click unroot, my store woild know it was rooted, meaning to file a claim I'd most likely have to do it behind my store's back, and that sort of thing has a tendency to come back and bite you on the ass.
That said, is there an emulator on a rooted tab that would display the default NT ui?
What software diags do B&N techs use to service NTs? Can you provide a copy?
Hi there. I just got my first smartphone a couple weeks ago and I'm loving it. Samsung Galaxy SII i777 with gingerbread. I was talking with my friend today and he told me about this site and how amazing it is so I decided to check it out! However I'm incredibly lost. I see all the posts about how to root your phone and everything that says HOW TO, but I couldn't find any "WHAT IS" threads (surprisingly not in the stickies).
So could someone do a noob a favor and explain what all these different things are? Like rooting, kernel, etc. I dont plan on using anything other than the default gingerbread/ICS any time soon, but my friend told me there are tons of good benefits behind the scenes from kernels, namely getting double the battery life I'm getting now, so I definitely want to start looking into all that -- I just need to get a foundation on what's what.
Thanks in advance for the help
Read the design section from this wikipedia article about the Android operating system for an explanation of of what the kernel is
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_(operating_system)#section_2
Here is an explanation of rooting and Android phone
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooting_(Android_OS)
For basic definitions of terms like this google and wikipedia are great resources, as well as the stickies posted in these forums.
Now once your learn some about this things after looking and reading you will then be able to ask more specific questions which people here are very helpful with.
However general basic questions about terms and definitions like this post will sometimes generate some not so friendly responses here.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA Premium HD app
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1511999
I looked through the sticky before posting, and the wikipedia links don't answer my question. I just want to know what exactly a kernel is, the different benefits of rooting your phone, etc. Any BASIC (not overly detailed) stuff people should known when first starting to do this stuff
The FAQ had "what is rooting?" and that was it..
http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/distm/allwhy_should_i_root_here_is_why/
http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/dctbb/okay_so_you_rooted_this_is_what/
Will add more as I find them.
ScelestusAnimus said:
I looked through the sticky before posting, and the wikipedia links don't answer my question. I just want to know what exactly a kernel is, the different benefits of rooting your phone, etc. Any BASIC (not overly detailed) stuff people should known when first starting to do this stuff
The FAQ had "what is rooting?" and that was it..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The BASIC stuff you should know when starting "to do this stuff" is don't skip the details they are important and they will help keep you from making big mistakes.
The main reason/benefit that drives most average people to root their phones is to get direct access control over the /system partition and the applications installed there - to have more control over the "system apps". This allows them to debloat their device and to directly back up system apps (i.e. Titanium Backup).
Though there is allot more available to them and many different things that different people do with root. Once you have root access as the term root suggests, root gives you access to the very root partition "/" and everything below it (this means that root privileges gives you access to everything on your phone). It allows you access to troubleshooting, tweaking and theming that you would not otherwise be able to do.
Just remember the saying "with great knowledge comes great responsibly". Because once you have root access, you can then give applications that same root access - and that will allow that app free run through everything on your phone, as well as any and all accounts you have sync'd to your phone. So be careful to be stingy with what apps you allow root privileges, because if you allow a rogue or pirate app such control it could do quite allot of damage and steal quite allot from you before you ever know what happened.
As to exactly what the kernel is (summarizing part of the Wikipedia article says because it does tell you exactly what the kernel is) - the android kernel is the core of the android operating system (just like the Linux kernel is the core of the Linux OS as the android kernel is built directly from the Linux kernel). The kernel is the part of the OS that allows the user input and application inputs to interface with the hardware - it is the drivers and communication translation between the user controls/applications and the hardware it operates on.
Hello, I'm new to this forum, but, I have been in other forums relating to hacking 'mobile' devices. Previously, I was part of a number of different iOS forums, so, I know about jailbreaking, and troubleshooting problems on the iOS platform. I'll also share my few thoughts on Android, and my experience on Jelly Bean so far within this, embarrassingly long, post.
However, with Google's announcement of the Nexus 7, I was impressed by Android, and I was thoroughly impressed that it had finally sorted out the lagging problems. (I had used Android tablets, but they never appealed to me due to the lag which each one experienced. Jelly Bean, and, in particular, 'Project Butter', has remedied this issue - I have experienced no lag on my Nexus 7 since I received it a week ago.) And so, I pre-ordered the Nexus 7 - deciding against purchasing, a much more expensive, but, I believed, an excellent tablet, the iPad.
iOS, also, was beginning to become less interesting to use - sure, the iPad may have a larger scale of the iOS mobile operating system, but it remained largely the same. Same interface (although on a, admittedly, much better screen) same apps, same freedom - without the jailbreak. The new iPad (as advertised and sold by Apple), I thought, also did not do an excellent job on improving it's predecessor. Sure, an improved screen, and processor to power the screen - but is that worth it? (Considering another one will, inevitably, be released within a year.)
Tegra 3 was making strides. Although, one thing that saddens me about Android, and is something which definitely hinders it's ability to overthrow iOS - is the fragmentation present on the operating system. I'm not sure which apps are compatible with my Nexus 7, and which ones are not. (On a side not, piracy is also another factor which slows the progress of Android, and is perhaps a reason why some apps are exclusive to iOS in the first place - I'm looking at you Epic Games! Android certainly has the power and graphical capabilities to run the game, but Epic, like all companies must, are interested primarily on their profits. Again, fragmentation plays its part!)
Although, shifting to different mobile operating systems is rather difficult - especially since I am intrigued by modifications, and altering devices to make them fulfil my needs. On iOS, it was quite simple: There was only one thing to do - jailbreak. A process, which in itself, was extremely simple (for the most part.) It appears there are also much more iOS specialists on YouTube, who post easy to follow tutorials. Also, since iOS is a 'closed' platform, I was not concerned by viruses, and I knew what I could, and could not do.
Android, however, is open - and this, paradoxically, limits myself. There are so many modifications, I do not know which ones are good, which ones are bad, and which ones could result in bricking my, now beloved, Nexus 7. I don't want to completely mess up my device, or install random rubbish which only makes it slower. I have, almost literally, no clue on where to start. Sure, I've downloaded a few basic apps from Google Play - TegraZone - but who cannot do that without assistance?
I want to install more widgets, that amaze me, and also applications which will prove useful. (For example, a file managing app, a torrent app (no piracy! ), and other cool things.) I also, though, require a reliable anti-virus. Having previously used iOS for a number of years, I was not subject to any viruses, and, indeed, I did not have to worry about viruses - there are very few, if any, viruses on iOS. Android, though, is much more open to viruses. I need to ensure that I do not succumb to one.
However, what I am most interested in is the 'rooting' process, and the benefits which can derive from it. What extra things can I achieve by rooting my Nexus 7? What applications should I install to supplement the rooted device? (I have read of ClockWork(?)Mod, but I have not really ventured that far into applications which take advantage of rooting, since a lot of the information mentioned appears to me as gibberish, due to my noobishness .) And, perhaps most importantly, if something were to go tragically wrong - how would I recover the device. (Again, I'll make a reference to iOS, since, it is an operating system I am familiar with - you could simply restore the device through iTunes - what is Android's alternative?)
So, can you assist me in getting accustomed to the Android operating system by providing your recommended apps, and also useful tutorials which I can use to develop my understanding? I literally have no clue what half of the things in the Android section of this forum talk about - they included an abundance of vocabulary which, evidently, you need relative experience to understand. I also need require some Android experts - involved in perhaps development - to follow on Twitter!
Thanks for reading through my essay! Please, help a noob get started! I would appreciate all forms of feedback!
Note: I have downloaded the Android SDK (Although, not installed it, as of the time of writing.), and I have also got the factory image for the Nexus 7. I achieved this by briefly viewing a YouTube video. There do not appear to be that many, though. The XDA YouTube channel generally covers the news aspect of all things related to Android.
The greatest bit of advice I can give is to start here - Nexus 7 - and read read read!
There's no backup and restoring the entire system without root. When you do you can install a custom recovery. Note there is always a stock recovery that is far limited compared to recoveries such as CWM.
Android really doesn't have problems with viruses. Seriously. The only reason why it appears so is because idiots sideload apps from shady sites that contain viruses, but on iOS there is no sideloading without jailbreak.
For a file managing app, you can use Explorer (my preferance), ES File Explorer, or Astro.
Widgets are really personal preferance, I keep a music widget to quickly play music, a calendar widget, weather widget. You might want a news widget like Flipboard.
Rooting gives you full access to your device. It allows performance gains like overclocking, battery saving with underclocking. Like I said before, it opens to ability to backup/restore entire systems and individual apps with Titanium Backup. You can install customs ROMs, delete system apps (usually bloatware), remap the physical keys, use Tasker for automated tasking (pretty awesome btw). You can also edit system files, such as notification tones, ringtones, bootanimation, etc.
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Konflict1471 said:
Hello, I'm new to this forum, but, I have been in other forums relating to hacking 'mobile' devices. Previously, I was part of a number of different iOS forums, so, I know about jailbreaking, and troubleshooting problems on the iOS platform. I'll also share my few thoughts on Android, and my experience on Jelly Bean so far within this, embarrassingly long, post.
However, with Google's announcement of the Nexus 7, I was impressed by Android, and I was thoroughly impressed that it had finally sorted out the lagging problems. (I had used Android tablets, but they never appealed to me due to the lag which each one experienced. Jelly Bean, and, in particular, 'Project Butter', has remedied this issue - I have experienced no lag on my Nexus 7 since I received it a week ago.) And so, I pre-ordered the Nexus 7 - deciding against purchasing, a much more expensive, but, I believed, an excellent tablet, the iPad.
iOS, also, was beginning to become less interesting to use - sure, the iPad may have a larger scale of the iOS mobile operating system, but it remained largely the same. Same interface (although on a, admittedly, much better screen) same apps, same freedom - without the jailbreak. The new iPad (as advertised and sold by Apple), I thought, also did not do an excellent job on improving it's predecessor. Sure, an improved screen, and processor to power the screen - but is that worth it? (Considering another one will, inevitably, be released within a year.)
Tegra 3 was making strides. Although, one thing that saddens me about Android, and is something which definitely hinders it's ability to overthrow iOS - is the fragmentation present on the operating system. I'm not sure which apps are compatible with my Nexus 7, and which ones are not. (On a side not, piracy is also another factor which slows the progress of Android, and is perhaps a reason why some apps are exclusive to iOS in the first place - I'm looking at you Epic Games! Android certainly has the power and graphical capabilities to run the game, but Epic, like all companies must, are interested primarily on their profits. Again, fragmentation plays its part!)
Although, shifting to different mobile operating systems is rather difficult - especially since I am intrigued by modifications, and altering devices to make them fulfil my needs. On iOS, it was quite simple: There was only one thing to do - jailbreak. A process, which in itself, was extremely simple (for the most part.) It appears there are also much more iOS specialists on YouTube, who post easy to follow tutorials. Also, since iOS is a 'closed' platform, I was not concerned by viruses, and I knew what I could, and could not do.
Android, however, is open - and this, paradoxically, limits myself. There are so many modifications, I do not know which ones are good, which ones are bad, and which ones could result in bricking my, now beloved, Nexus 7. I don't want to completely mess up my device, or install random rubbish which only makes it slower. I have, almost literally, no clue on where to start. Sure, I've downloaded a few basic apps from Google Play - TegraZone - but who cannot do that without assistance?
I want to install more widgets, that amaze me, and also applications which will prove useful. (For example, a file managing app, a torrent app (no piracy! ), and other cool things.) I also, though, require a reliable anti-virus. Having previously used iOS for a number of years, I was not subject to any viruses, and, indeed, I did not have to worry about viruses - there are very few, if any, viruses on iOS. Android, though, is much more open to viruses. I need to ensure that I do not succumb to one.
However, what I am most interested in is the 'rooting' process, and the benefits which can derive from it. What extra things can I achieve by rooting my Nexus 7? What applications should I install to supplement the rooted device? (I have read of ClockWork(?)Mod, but I have not really ventured that far into applications which take advantage of rooting, since a lot of the information mentioned appears to me as gibberish, due to my noobishness .) And, perhaps most importantly, if something were to go tragically wrong - how would I recover the device. (Again, I'll make a reference to iOS, since, it is an operating system I am familiar with - you could simply restore the device through iTunes - what is Android's alternative?)
So, can you assist me in getting accustomed to the Android operating system by providing your recommended apps, and also useful tutorials which I can use to develop my understanding? I literally have no clue what half of the things in the Android section of this forum talk about - they included an abundance of vocabulary which, evidently, you need relative experience to understand. I also need require some Android experts - involved in perhaps development - to follow on Twitter!
Thanks for reading through my essay! Please, help a noob get started! I would appreciate all forms of feedback!
Note: I have downloaded the Android SDK (Although, not installed it, as of the time of writing.), and I have also got the factory image for the Nexus 7. I achieved this by briefly viewing a YouTube video. There do not appear to be that many, though. The XDA YouTube channel generally covers the news aspect of all things related to Android.
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Welcome to Android!
I think you'll enjoy it
Ok on to your questions:
These are gonna be out of order
Reliable anti-virus: Trend Micro Mobile Security (worth the $10 )
Benefits of CWM: Backups, restores, custom ROM flashing
Benefits of rooting: custom ROMs, access to system files
Some apps to get started: Angry birds , Rom Manager, BatteryCalibration, ES File Manager, imo
Android's alternative to iTunes' restore is CWM. It's not official but its tons better then iTunes. You do it from the device and its a full, complete restore.
Ask again if I didn't answer something
Very long post BUT a few things to think about.
I have never used a antivirus software and really they are pointless just look at the apps before you download them read the comments and look at the permissions the app uses and think "does that fart noise app need to be able to send texts" of cause the answer is no so don't install it.
Other fractures can be useful like phone tracking but there are better apps that are free for this like prey.
If you root you will have full control of your filesystem much like su on Linux if you have ever used this. You could for example with root use my project to run Linux distros like Ubuntu. The nexus 7 due to being under googles power is very easy to unlock and root and if you mess something up easy to restore a backup. There are other great apps to like being able to back up apps and there data.
Just a few points and if you have more questions feel free to pm me
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AVG or Avast antivirus are the best.
Solid Explorer is the best file explorer.
UCCW is the most customizable widget.
Taptu or Pulse are the best news readers.
Pocket.
Tapatalk forum.
MX player is the best video player.
Dropbox is by far the best cloud storage.
Photoshop.
PowerAMP is the best Music Player.
I would say that you don't need to root a Nexus Device. You got the latest OS and will always have.
The only reason you would wanna root is for some root apps.
Like Titanium Backup, AdBlocker and ROM Toolbox.
CWM is only necessary if you want to flash a custom ROM and you don't need to because you already have AOSP Jelly BEAN.
Thanks for all of the responses! And apologies for the long post! xD
I'll look through the Nexus 7 forums as XperienceD mentioned.
And by ClockWordMod - is that actually ROM Manager? I'm confused, and this is probably the most noobish question you'll get. xD
Since I don't really want to root my Nexus 7 (currently, that is) - then I would not really need to back up the data, since, there will be no risk. I'm not really concerned about overclocking my device - it's quite fast as it is. However, battery saving is quite tempting. Although, I don't see it as a reason alone to root my Nexus. And, as it is stock Google - there is no unnecessary bloat ware attached to the device.
And I can't get viruses while browsing through the internet?
I always thought that was the case, which is why I was looking for an anti-virus application.
Also, for UCCW - do I need to install a custom launcher of some sort? Is it really possible to add a widget, that appears complicated, simply through the Google Play market?
And finally, while installing ES File Explorer - I noticed that it had permission to remove shortcuts without user intervention. Is this the sort of permission I should be checking for on other applications? Since people on this forum recommended the app, I didn't really have any doubts of whether it was legit.3.
Also, how you I get toggles back on the notification bar? On iOS (sorry for the repeated mentioning of the scum ) - I had SBSettings, which was similar to the notifications available on Android. How would I add the toggles back?
Konflict1471 said:
Thanks for all of the responses! And apologies for the long post! xD
I'll look through the Nexus 7 forums as XperienceD mentioned.
And by ClockWordMod - is that actually ROM Manager? I'm confused, and this is probably the most noobish question you'll get. xD
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It is a custom recovery which lets you backup your ROM, flash new ROMs and make other changes to your device (so in a way use it is a ROM manager)
Konflict1471 said:
Since I don't really want to root my Nexus 7 (currently, that is) - then I would not really need to back up the data, since, there will be no risk. I'm not really concerned about overclocking my device - it's quite fast as it is. However, battery saving is quite tempting. Although, I don't see it as a reason alone to root my Nexus. And, as it is stock Google - there is no unnecessary bloat ware attached to the device.
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This is true if you have a nexus device the need for root is far less, and the fact that alot of apps that used to need root have become features in new versions of android, back in the days of 1.5/6 you needed root to pretty much do anything good
Konflict1471 said:
And I can't get viruses while browsing through the internet?
I always thought that was the case, which is why I was looking for an anti-virus application.
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Sure you might get windows viruses but in no way will they beable to run on your device let aloan harm it. The only way anything evil can be done is if you install the app (and in alot of cases give it root) so check those permissions!
anti-virus apps are the biggest scam (well paid one anyway) all they can really do is check a database of known bad apps and check it its there, other than that they do nothing. They are a trick from all the Windows users coming to android after having it hammered into them that you need anti-virus
Konflict1471 said:
Also, for UCCW - do I need to install a custom launcher of some sort? Is it really possible to add a widget, that appears complicated, simply through the Google Play market?
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Nope just add the widget to your home creen, in the app launcher press the widget button and then long press on the widget you want and drag it to the home screen you want, many apps include widgets so will be installed with the app as part of it (e.g twitter) while other 'apps' are just widgets
Konflict1471 said:
And finally, while installing ES File Explorer - I noticed that it had permission to remove shortcuts without user intervention. Is this the sort of permission I should be checking for on other applications? Since people on this forum recommended the app, I didn't really have any doubts of whether it was legit.3.
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There is likely a good reason for this (And with alot of apps if there is a odd permissions it will say in the apps description why its needed) but yes its the kind of thing you have to stop and think about
Konflict1471 said:
Also, how you I get toggles back on the notification bar? On iOS (sorry for the repeated mentioning of the scum ) - I had SBSettings, which was similar to the notifications available on Android. How would I add the toggles back?
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to add toggles you would either need to use a custom ROM, or download a app that will do it like this one https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.j4velin.notificationToggle&hl=en
Thanks very much for your detailed and extremely helpful reply!
I'll just do what you recommended! The Notification Toggle is an extremely impressive app, I must admit.
Since there is no point downloading a paid antivirus, should I download Avast Anti-virus (since it's free), just for precautionary measures?
Konflict1471 said:
Thanks very much for your detailed and extremely helpful reply!
I'll just do what you recommended! The Notification Toggle is an extremely impressive app, I must admit.
Since there is no point downloading a paid antivirus, should I download Avast Anti-virus (since it's free), just for precautionary measures?
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Well its not going to hurt and would at least prevent an app thats bad be installed if you missed it. And like I said some do have some nice other features just the "anit-virus" side of it is rather pointless
There is a huge thread with skins for UCCW.
And Power Widgets or Notification Toggles are the best Notification Drawer toggle apps.
NT has customizable icons.
If you want weather too there's some new app called Deluxe Notification Bar which shows weather and toggles.
Look in the Nexus 7 forums for no-root battery saving advice.
And if you do not want battery drain don't use Anti-virus.
I've never had any virus problems.
If you're unrooted they can't really mess with your phone.
Just stay away from creepy apps, Chinese apps (no racist), piracied apps and apps from other than Play Store and XDA.
And never play ad-supported games.
Buy ad-free versions or play offline if you don't want battery drain.
Also SwiftKey is a MUST, if you're not happy with Jelly Bean keyboard.