Database Users

Checking for updates (way I do it)

I thought it was common sense, but my buddy with a G1 was like "I didn't know you could do that!?"
OK... so... Go to MarketPlace, Menu key--My Downloads.... if it says installed, you're all good. If it says Install and is a program you HAVE installed? Click it. Will overwrite the old version automatically.

That is one way.... but a new app on the market it makes it one step easier. Install aTrackDog... I used the way you described before this came out... it makes your life soo much easier.

neoobs said:
That is one way.... but a new app on the market it makes it one step easier. Install aTrackDog... I used the way you described before this came out... it makes your life soo much easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, have heard it doesn't update that fast?

There are some reasons not to use aTrack Dog. I'm manually updating my apps for now. Maybe Google will refine the Market app with an update feature later.

jashsu said:
There are some reasons not to use aTrack Dog. I'm manually updating my apps for now. Maybe Google will refine the Market app with an update feature later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh wow.. thanks! That's even worse!

Some apps (Twitdroid is a good example) alerts you if there's a new update; and most apps have contact details for the developer, so maybe drop them an email and ask for some auto update code to be added into your favourite apps? Bummer though, you still have to go into the market to update them.

jashsu said:
There are some reasons not to use aTrack Dog. I'm manually updating my apps for now. Maybe Google will refine the Market app with an update feature later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point but then again... I personally want to know about others beta's, I think aTrackDog should do something thou... make it so all apps are defaulted to not update.
Either way I don't see any real reasons to not use it except that you should know it may show a beta version. The updates are fast usually everytime I open it there is at least one program on there.

neoobs said:
Either way I don't see any real reasons to not use it except that you should know it may show a beta version. The updates are fast usually everytime I open it there is at least one program on there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, I suppose it is a matter of personal preference. Since I only have a half dozen apps installed on my G1, it's rather trivial to just check the download list. I balance that against having yet another app installed, not to mention having my app installation habits data-mined by aTrackdog.

neoobs said:
Good point but then again... I personally want to know about others beta's, I think aTrackDog should do something thou... make it so all apps are defaulted to not update.
Either way I don't see any real reasons to not use it except that you should know it may show a beta version. The updates are fast usually everytime I open it there is at least one program on there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not a developer but can see a potential for an exploit on this maybe? Sending out info isn't ever really a good idea. Even if it's set to only send out this and that data, I have seen exploits take advantage of less.

Both valid points, but then again look at the stuff I can't uninstall LOL that can send out just as much info. Everything is a risk, and honestly maybe application mining my G1 is a good thing, might lead to more big name developers wasting money to make quality apps for cheap/free. Never know might make MS want to make an office suite... or better yet... openoffice doing it.

neoobs said:
Both valid points, but then again look at the stuff I can't uninstall LOL that can send out just as much info. Everything is a risk, and honestly maybe application mining my G1 is a good thing, might lead to more big name developers wasting money to make quality apps for cheap/free. Never know might make MS want to make an office suite... or better yet... openoffice doing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I wouldn't really hold my breath on OpenOffice for Android. Aside from the fact that most desktop apps have to be completely retooled to function in a mobile context, i'm sure Sun isn't too happy about Google brewing up Dalvik based on Java (which quite directly competes with J2ME). Dataviz is already working on an Android version of DocsToGo.
Of course if Google were to put more of their engineers on Android/mobile development, maybe we could see Google Docs for Android. Let's hope those Christmas Bonus Dreams lead to more apps Googlers make in their 20%.

aTrackDog work nice

jashsu said:
Yeah I wouldn't really hold my breath on OpenOffice for Android. Aside from the fact that most desktop apps have to be completely retooled to function in a mobile context, i'm sure Sun isn't too happy about Google brewing up Dalvik based on Java (which quite directly competes with J2ME). Dataviz is already working on an Android version of DocsToGo.
Of course if Google were to put more of their engineers on Android/mobile development, maybe we could see Google Docs for Android. Let's hope those Christmas Bonus Dreams lead to more apps Googlers make in their 20%.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't openoffice made publically? (not the source but the actual development is by the general public) wouldn't that mean if enough got an android they could do it? LOL
And I bust up over the G1 for all Google employees. But then again that article made it sound like every employee normally gets 20,000 for Christmas *cough*bull*cough* I bet only the high ups got anywhere close to that and probably the lowers got 100 dollars and maybe some free software or something.

neoobs said:
Isn't openoffice made publically? (not the source but the actual development is by the general public) wouldn't that mean if enough got an android they could do it? LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually it is an open source project. However project leaders have very broad discretion to guide the direction a project takes. A good example would be the Android Open Source Project.
And I bust up over the G1 for all Google employees. But then again that article made it sound like every employee normally gets 20,000 for Christmas *cough*bull*cough* I bet only the high ups got anywhere close to that and probably the lowers got 100 dollars and maybe some free software or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah the average Googler received a $1000 holiday bonus last year.

wow 1000 dollar bonus... that is really good... but I understand why that is cut in half this year especially with the way the economy is.

Your thoughts on Android App Inventor?

I recently found out (thanks to Cyanogen's Twitter) about Google's Android App Inventor and wanted to see what everyone thought about it? I think it's great in that more apps would theoretically be released, though of questionable quality. But also I'm wondering about the value of development using code, would this become more valuable as a result of laziness on the part of some developers? Or would its value decrease since it's easier to make an application now? I haven't actually used the program yet since I want to gain a firm grasp on actual coding but these questions were in the back of my mind since the invention of things other WYSIWYG eg Web Development.

I'm thinking this is a good thing, you can make apps on the go, for practically anything. It will continually get better, unless it crashes and burns because it floods the market and similar with ultra-****ty programs.
Later on Google will probably release some sort of testing program to run it through the hoops to see if it's good enough, or something like that.
Remember, it's still in beta

great great great, it means idiots like me will be able to solve some of our own niche needs*, that have as yet not be done.
*a special farty sound.

I'm disappointed it's not available for download now. I was all excited reading about it and then realised it's not even out yet.
It can only be a good thing and the app market can easily be changed to filter out the inevitable rubbish it will partly create. However a lot of useful and ingenious apps will also be created that wouldn't have been (like the one I will make).

I'm looking forward to it, there's a few things I want to make that aren't in the marketplace. Just wondering what sort of functionality we will be allowed, if I can make my own task manager/battery monitor widgets for example.

I like the idea too.
Hopefully this doesn't lead to a glutton of bad apps on the market!

Depending on how functional it is, we might never need the market ever again. Half an hour making your own app vs half an hour searching the market and trying half a dozen bloated ad-ridden apps.

Morghus said:
I'm thinking this is a good thing, you can make apps on the go, for practically anything. It will continually get better, unless it crashes and burns because it floods the market and similar with ultra-****ty programs.
Later on Google will probably release some sort of testing program to run it through the hoops to see if it's good enough, or something like that.
Remember, it's still in beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But its already pretty powerful... and bound to get better.
jimlad said:
great great great, it means idiots like me will be able to solve some of our own niche needs*, that have as yet not be done.
*a special farty sound.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah... But who knows, Maybe that TINY niche need is something else that someone might want to use and then that ends up bing a profitable app. Not because It makes a ton of dough, but because it was so quick and easy to make.
Biffy said:
I'm disappointed it's not available for download now. I was all excited reading about it and then realised it's not even out yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im using it right now.If you read the actual website... there are links to all the tools and how to use them.
saj222 said:
I like the idea too.
Hopefully this doesn't lead to a glutton of bad apps on the market!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is always a potential. With ease of programming comes more apps, and with more apps comes more Bad apps. But if this helps one person make one useful app, its done its job.
I really hope to get good with this, and maybe have alot of community support here... this could very wellbe a powerful tool for noob developers.

IDK though, I wouldn't think anything could ever replace actually typing out code as opposed to using blocks which is what it seems like App Inventor does.

rawdikrik said:
Im using it right now.If you read the actual website... there are links to all the tools and how to use them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you be a bit more specific on how you got the final 'my projects' section working?
i have installed everything.. and the final stage it requests my details (which i had previously filled in)

rawdikrik said:
Im using it right now.If you read the actual website... there are links to all the tools and how to use them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I login I get: "We will be granting access to App Inventor for Android over the coming weeks. Fill out this form (only your Gmail address is required) and we’ll have you building apps soon! While you are waiting feel free to read more about App Inventor and learn how it works."
Have been all over the http://appinventor.googlelabs.com/about/ website and can't find any links to download or use tools. Am in the UK so maybe that is the problem.

Same here with me. Maybe they need to verify our info and then give us the links to download

Biffy said:
When I login I get: "We will be granting access to App Inventor for Android over the coming weeks. Fill out this form (only your Gmail address is required) and we’ll have you building apps soon! While you are waiting feel free to read more about App Inventor and learn how it works."
Have been all over the http://appinventor.googlelabs.com/about/ website and can't find any links to download or use tools. Am in the UK so maybe that is the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its in beta right now, so like most great Google things in their infancy it is invite only.
App inventor looks wicked, reminds me of Visual Basic only useful since it works on platforms besides Windows >

I think this is a progressive idea!
But hope the market stays as clean as possible with QA Apps!

I made a simple app (send an SMS).
- Made it using the app inventor : Apk file takes 1MB and once installed, the apps takes 3.5MB of space!!! (whitch cannot be moved to SD, even with Froyo)
- I made the same app "the normal way" with the android sdk and eclipse : the apk file takes 13KB and the installed app takes 20KB

I heard that when its released, all the apps will not be put on the market right away... in the future... maybe, but that'll prob be after Google makes a filter as to which apps can be put on the market. Not to mention, the Google $25 market upload fee will still apply, so even if Google doesn't filter, it won't completely flood the market.
Sent from my Eris using XDA App

djeanhimself said:
I made a simple app (send an SMS).
- Made it using the app inventor : Apk file takes 1MB and once installed, the apps takes 3.5MB of space!!! (whitch cannot be moved to SD, even with Froyo)
- I made the same app "the normal way" with the android sdk and eclipse : the apk file takes 13KB and the installed app takes 20KB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose it's to be expected. As with all tools of this type, you get ease and speed when developing but you also get a huge runtime when compiling.
Dragos

Aint normal IMO...
The compiler knows which objects it has to take in account when building the package.
I mean it's not a big deal to include only what is necessary...
Anyway, that size problem (added to some interface bugs i encountered) makes me believe that this project is far from being usable.
By now, the only use I'd make would be prototyping views on it.

It's in BETA for a reason.

[Q] Antivirus Software

Anyone using any that's good? I was using lookout, but I found it obtrusive and I want something worthwhile.

IlPapu said:
Anyone using any that's good? I was using lookout, but I found it obtrusive and I want something worthwhile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being these phones are Linux based most "virus" that are downloaded and installed (with user permission i remind you) are mal-ware.
There is no real reason to need one.
Just make sure you know where the apps are coming from and you shouldn't have a problem.

neidlinger said:
Being these phones are Linux based most "virus" that are downloaded and installed (with user permission i remind you) are mal-ware.
There is no real reason to need one.
Just make sure you know where the apps are coming from and you shouldn't have a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I stated in AC/AF forum. You have to understand the biggest threat *nix based system faces comes from the user itself who are danger to the system as they don't understand it. Now by default how the permission base structure was setup was designed to limit the access from rouge script or execute shell which was place remotely. For it to happen it didn't magically came on the local host it was done with the permission of the user unknowingly as they basically gave the rights away. This is why we say to new users not to run under usr root as even sufficient @wheel access they can do damage.
So when you download app specially you know who and you know where becareful make sure you read the permission that you grant the apps as it can connect, update, upload contents. Far as this thread goes its useless as virus scanner just waste resource which can be overcome with little caution or avoided totally with common sense.

You dont really have to worry about antivirus with android aslong as you dont let everything under the sun have its way with superuser. Theres not much that can go wrong past wipeing your contacts or something but thats a quick refresh on sync and there back. Really all u need is a good device finder something that can help you recover a stolen device or what ever. I use Mobile Defence and its almost out of beta so should be available on the market soon.

SoltyPK said:
You dont really have to worry about antivirus with android aslong as you dont let everything under the sun have its way with superuser. Theres not much that can go wrong past wipeing your contacts or something but thats a quick refresh on sync and there back. Really all u need is a good device finder something that can help you recover a stolen device or what ever. I use Mobile Defence and its almost out of beta so should be available on the market soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you even know what your talking about? Wiping contacts? Where did you get that from? That's least of the worst fear far as you know it can dail in some 900 number and charge you whatever money they want. They can even data mine and steal other info but antivirus wont help you only way you can be safe is follow common sense and not giving permission to things that's suspicious and asking for access to things it has no need for access to.
Sent from my HTC Glacier

SoltyPK said:
You dont really have to worry about antivirus with android....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I beg to differ. Just using one news source .. and articles from the last 30 days, I found the following Andriod malware news stories:
Infected Androids Run Up Big Texting Bills
Mobile Spyware Conferences Into Your Calls
New Android Malware Robs Bandwidth For Fake Searches
Security Warning Over Web-Based Android Market
Android isn't Windows, but it is susceptible to attack. It is a growing market (300,000+ phones activated daily), filled with non-technical, clueless users, as well.

Here's one more, from another news source, from yesterday. Fifty apps. Five-Zero. In Android Market:
Google Removes More Malware from Android Market

The only alternative app market I've ever seen is appbrain, and that re-routes you to the standard market. Why would you use something other than the android market? Outside of pirated apps, it seems pretty pointless. Am I missing something?

Well thats the beauty of open community even if anything does show up it is quickly identified and users blow the whistle on it. Other than that you need walgarden based market like Apple's App Store which takes time and forever to post as this is fine as is. This is why user recommendation is important and mostly everyone use similar.
Far as virus thing goes its pure void I mean if it was identified then the source wouldn't be available in first place. You DON'T need anything as thats what they want you to think as they pray on your fear to buy these BS app which you don't even need with little caution you can be safe.

^^^^ lol Blackshelf is never wrong
.. at least that's what he thinks... ARROGANT
sent from my rooted mytouch 4g

surfnhawaii808 said:
^^^^ lol Blackshelf is never wrong
.. at least that's what he thinks... ARROGANT
sent from my rooted mytouch 4g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So why don't you prove me wrong here? are you actually trying to debate this? Last time I checked I was the one behind *nix system for past 12+ years. Thats like driving your car with your eyes closed and when you get in accident you blame the car, no you only have yourself to blame. As this same concept apply for system. Fine lets drop this subject ill let you prove your own point so did you ever find the docs about your "VICC 4G Sim Card"? How did that go for ya? how do I get one? will you sell me one for $9.99? lol

So since I don't need antivirus, and mal-ware is all I am looking for, what then is the best methods for telling if an App is laced with mal-ware? I am very careful in what I grant SU access and look at the permission before I install. I usually install from the app market. Any other helpful hints?

Well when you need something as the community for recommendations on which app would be appropriate for your need I mean if you Google it you will find answer as I'm sure someone asked, this way based on top pick what everyone use you can get.
Second is be cautious and what I mean by that is look for abnormalities like the app is asking for permission which wouldn't have news for to function.
Third is the most important part to where you get it ask you can reduce the risk by downloading from app market and not downloading from 3rd party of by pirated *.apk's as you wont know where it came from or what it contained.
If you follow these simple methods you can reduce the risk factor by large margin, now I am no fool I know you still can get it even after this but this way it wont be long before someone blow the whistle on it and app gets pulled from the market. This is just common sense you should follow.
Sent from my HTC Glacier

Antivirus software?
The most widely used free anti-virus software is AVG from Grisoft which makes money by selling virus protection to small businesses. To promote this, it offers domestic users a very professional free version which allows regular updates.

Do I need antivirus software for my Galaxy Note?

New to smartphones, I was just wondering do I need an antivirus for my Galaxy Note? And if the answer is yes, what do you guys recommend?

All you need to know about this subject is right here.
Regards,
Dave

foxmeister said:
All you need to know about this subject is right here.
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly the article I read that made me ask the question
Since it came from google, the manufacturer of android, I think they would try to protect the integrity of their product, so I am not sure....

Checkout these articles: http://www.neowin.net/news/free-android-anti-virus-products-virtually-useless - http://www.neowin.net/news/wp7-avg-antivirus-app-is-possibly-spyware
I personally feel Google trying to do their down things does allow malware to get in once a while and need to improve Android security. I am more worried with the privacy issue (Carrier IQ). I still feel there is a level of openness with Android, its not entire open source, but at least you can see something unlike some competing mobile os.
Personally I use AdFree (which does more than block ads since it block malware sites from loading, it basically adds IP blocklist to your /etc/hosts file, which you can also do manually) and LBE Privacy Guard (which seems to be a great concept allowing to deny permissions of apps, my only concern of it is being closed source, there is a big thread about it).

having an antivirus is useful. a few months ago my motorola atrix was having a bug where the screen would only light up when i first turned it on. if i locked it and then tried to unlock it, the screen would work, but the backlight wouldnt work.
i grabbed dr. web light, not expecting it to really do anything. ended up finding malware, and after removing the malware, screen backlight started working properly again.
on a phone like the galaxy note, theres more than enough processing power to run a background virus scanner without running out of puff, so i say, why not?

The answer to this question is really quite simple, it depends on this:
Do you carefully watch the permissions of apps you are about to install?
If your answer is: "yes, I carefully watch the permissions and don't install apps such as tetris which wants access to sms" then you can quite safely go without any anti malware software.
If your answer on the other hand is: "no, I just install interesting apps and quickly click through the permission page to start the download" then yes, you might benefit of software to protect your device.
The beauty of Android is that whatever app you are about to install INCLUDING malware states clearly what part of your device it is going to access. If people don't bother reading the permissions then a big part of fault is on them also. However this isn't really too well explained, especially for new users, so I assume a majority of users don't really understand WHY the permissions are shown before downloading an app. This is something Google could improve on in my opinion.
And lastly, the fact that apps coming to Apples app store are screened doesn't make it any more secure than Android. It just has people making the choices FOR you. If something well hidden is slipped past them, not a single user will know about the threat. Just as one app developer showed in public a few weeks ago and as a result got his developer status cancelled by Apple.
edit
Also a small note here. A virus is something that multiplies and spreads (weather it's bacteria or code doesn't matter). The malicious apps in the market are malware and spyware and because of this the word antivirus for Android isn't really correct. They don't stop viruses, they stop malicious apps.
edit 2
here's the link to the story of that Apple developer:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygre...per-program-for-proof-of-concept-exploit-app/
this just proves that app store isn't any more secure than Android market. It just has people who take a look at apps before they are approved, and as you can read, they are far from perfect.

How many of you guys use Antivirus?
Who here does not feel the need?
Does Google recommend it like Windows does for PC? (already read the article from one Google guy saying Antivirus companies are playing on our fears, but he is only one guy)
And to those who have used antivirus software, which software did you use on your Note specifically and has it slowed down your Note or increased the battery consumption?

knowsnophones said:
How many of you guys use Antivirus?
Who here does not feel the need?
Does Google recommend it like Windows does for PC? (already read the article from one Google guy saying Antivirus companies are playing on our fears, but he is only one guy)
And to those who have used antivirus software, which software did you use on your Note specifically and has it slowed down your Note or increased the battery consumption?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You already have a couple fairly comprehensive answers to your first post but I'll answer these questions too:
I do not use any antivirus and I do not feel the need to
Aside from that article, I haven't seen a single mention from Google about needing any antivirus at all.
The so called antivirus programs that are made for Android right now suck. They don't stop enough malware to be worth the money or effort, here's a few source links for evidence: http://www.extremetech.com/computin...rus-apps-are-useless-heres-what-to-do-instead and http://www.informationweek.com/byte/news/231902823
Just by using common sense you will be fine with no antivirus app. If you really want an antivirus app, then go get it. It will be close to useless and it won't stop all threats anyway so you will still have to use common sense to be protected anyway.

I installed avast. it is free and no it doesn't slow down my note.

friedje said:
I installed avast. it is free and no it doesn't slow down my note.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the AVG pro, might not really need it since I´m kind of anal about what I install on the GNOTE... But better safe than sorry...
+1 doesn´t slow things down.

akselic said:
You already have a couple fairly comprehensive answers to your first post but I'll answer these questions too:
I do not use any antivirus and I do not feel the need to
Aside from that article, I haven't seen a single mention from Google about needing any antivirus at all.
The so called antivirus programs that are made for Android right now suck. They don't stop enough malware to be worth the money or effort, here's a few source links for evidence: http://www.extremetech.com/computin...rus-apps-are-useless-heres-what-to-do-instead and http://www.informationweek.com/byte/news/231902823
Just by using common sense you will be fine with no antivirus app. If you really want an antivirus app, then go get it. It will be close to useless and it won't stop all threats anyway so you will still have to use common sense to be protected anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just because YOU feel superior to most other users, doesn't mean that they have the knowledge or enough 'common sense' to understand the permissions some apps ask for. The fact that an antivirus is not 100% safe doesn't mean it is 100% useless.... If it stops just one threath it already made sense..
There are lots of good FREE antivirus programs so where is the reason NOT to install one ???
There are also ppl that don't take medics, because if they or their children die from FLU that was Gods will.......
Maybe you should consider that not all users of a smartphone are IT-gods like you

friedje said:
I installed avast. it is free and no it doesn't slow down my note.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ville7805 said:
I got the AVG pro, might not really need it since I´m kind of anal about what I install on the GNOTE... But better safe than sorry...
+1 doesn´t slow things down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both installed, no slowdown issues and was running LBE too, may switch to droidwall or turn LBE back on. Worth noting the AVG pro is free if you qualify for the Samsung Hub exclusives.
Dave

I am using Lookout anti-virus ever since my first Android more than a year ago. It's never given me a hic-cup even when scanning.
Also, anyone knows an App which lists which App has what permission in a list form?
Thanks!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk

Does a free antitrust do as good a job as a paid one
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

ChimpNippl3s said:
Does a free antitrust do as good a job as a paid one
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For now they all do a rather lousy job, the free and the paid ones.
But the paid ones seem to score a bit better.
I installed LBE aswell, but you need root for it to work well.
Same goes for avast, it prefers having root access.
I use avg on my galaxy tab, works without any issues.

friedje said:
Just because YOU feel superior to most other users, doesn't mean that they have the knowledge or enough 'common sense' to understand the permissions some apps ask for. The fact that an antivirus is not 100% safe doesn't mean it is 100% useless.... If it stops just one threath it already made sense..
There are lots of good FREE antivirus programs so where is the reason NOT to install one ???
There are also ppl that don't take medics, because if they or their children die from FLU that was Gods will.......
Maybe you should consider that not all users of a smartphone are IT-gods like you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to over react mate. I'm no IT-god, or a nerd or anything like an "advanced" user. The only common sense that I was referring to is something that everyone has. If you can read what the apps do, then you can read the permissions before installing them. There is no need to be an expert.
If you are installing a single player offline game that asks permissions for sms, phone calls and contacts and it isn't blacklisted by those antivirus apps yet, then it won't be detected and you can only blame yourself when you get a 600$ phone bill because the app has sent messages to premium numbers. It's not rocket science, just common sence.
If the tests conclude that 90% of androids antivirus programs manage 10-20% of malicious apps and you still want one, then go ahead and get one. No need to get offended when people are trying to give advice.

Mobile security on smart phones (ANDROID)

anyone know much about the sercurity on the phone?
recently i read about this new free security app called on NQ mobile.
http://www.redmondpie.com/nq-mobile...st-solution-against-malware-viruses-and-more/
i installed it and noticed that it really drains the battery (seems like if toggles apps that aren't even opened into its memory). so it got me thinking .. is it really worth it to install apps like these for anti-virus's, maleware, etc.. ?
did a search and it seems the top three as of March 20th are:
Kaspersky Mobile Security (not free)
Lookout Security & Antivirus (free)
F-Secure Mobile Security (more for parental control)
not too sure where NQ would fit into the picture since the article came out on april 11th.
anyhow anyone with any idea such programs on the android is worth the draw back on power consumption and security risk please comment!
thanks.

IMO I don't think there is an antivirus app out there that would serve its purpose... It's more common sense... There's a good reason why when you try to download non market apps that you have to read that little disclaimer and check the box to allow them to install... Know what the apps do, if it doesn't need a permission or if you dont think it needs a permission then don't install it...
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g Rocking ARHD 6.6.2

wapena92 said:
IMO I don't think there is an antivirus app out there that would serve its purpose... It's more common sense... There's a good reason why when you try to download non market apps that you have to read that little disclaimer and check the box to allow them to install... Know what the apps do, if it doesn't need a permission or if you dont think it needs a permission then don't install it...
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g Rocking ARHD 6.6.2
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Very good advice. Also, keep really sensetive stuff to a minimum. If you can bank on your computer, do it.
I just flash another ROM every couple of days and get my apps from the market. Lol

i hear ya both..
so basically in, layman's terms, these so called "security" apps dont do squat?
and you should just keep personal and secured stuff off these devices and perhaps use a laptop to access key information (like banking and emails)?
I am not sure what you mean when you refer to some apps as non-market apps. think all the security apps i mentioned are available through the android market (aka Play Store).

Not the security apps. By non-market apps we mean any apk's installed that you get any place but the play store.

estallings15 said:
Not the security apps. By non-market apps we mean any apk's installed that you get any place but the play store.
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thanked you both. .
i see.. guess i am not keen on where else you can get apk files other than the market place (play store) .
so bottom line is no need install these "security apps" cause they dont do anything?

junkiee24 said:
thanked you both. .
i see.. guess i am not keen on where else you can get apk files other than the market place (play store) .
so bottom line is no need install these "security apps" cause they dont do anything?
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No, they do behind the scene stuff. Lookout scans ALL your apps, just to check for anything malicious. Lookout has some kind of backup, but I never use it. When I bought my myTouch, my T-Mobile rep installed about 5 must have apps on my phone, and Lookout was #1 on his list. I've been using it on every ROM I've had. Hope this helps!
EDIT: You can get apks from the internet. Specifically pirated apps. People do not want to pay for the app, so they download it online. But people could have modified that apk and but a virus or who knows what in that apk. So it's best to keep an anti virus app. Lookout scans a new app each time I install/update it.

invasion2 said:
No, they do behind the scene stuff. Lookout scans ALL your apps, just to check for anything malicious. Lookout has some kind of backup, but I never use it. When I bought my myTouch, my T-Mobile rep installed about 5 must have apps on my phone, and Lookout was #1 on his list. I've been using it on every ROM I've had. Hope this helps!
EDIT: You can get apks from the internet. Specifically pirated apps. People do not want to pay for the app, so they download it online. But people could have modified that apk and but a virus or who knows what in that apk. So it's best to keep an anti virus app. Lookout scans a new app each time I install/update it.
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Cool.. so now the questions is which security app is better.. Lookout or this NQ one.. ill go ahead and try lookout and see how much battery drain i get.
i dont download any apks outside of the market. but i hear there were a few places that had pirated apks but i guess i never trusted them (blackmarket). its not like Cydia for the iOS, where the apps are safely cracked.. atleast i think they are. so with a security app i guess it would alert you if the apk is corrupt - nice.
Thanks again.

junkiee24 said:
Cool.. so now the questions is which security app is better.. Lookout or this NQ one.. ill go ahead and try lookout and see how much battery drain i get.
i dont download any apks outside of the market. but i hear there were a few places that had pirated apks but i guess i never trusted them (blackmarket). its not like Cydia for the iOS, where the apps are safely cracked.. atleast i think they are. so with a security app i guess it would alert you if the apk is corrupt - nice.
Thanks again.
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I don't get any battery drain with Lookout. Hope you experience the same thing mate.

I used lookout for a little while, but then I realized that I only need it if I'm careless, which I'm not.

SECURITY!!!
Lookout is very good but since I'm rooted Avast free works wonders beyond basics. van allow which apps have internet access etc. must have for me. very nice on batt.

Has anyone ever had, or known anyone who got a virus or anything on a smartphone? Personally I haven't. Therefore I don't use any type of protection, which I probably should.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium

No, I don't know anyone who ever got malicious SW or any type of virus on Android. For the same reason I never heard of anyone getting a virus on Linux. And for the same reason, I don't have any apps that are made to protect me from things that aren't a threat.

estallings15 said:
Very good advice. Also, keep really sensetive stuff to a minimum. If you can bank on your computer, do it.
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Click to collapse
Right best option to do so...
junkiee24 said:
i hear ya both..
so basically in, layman's terms, these so called "security" apps dont do squat?
and you should just keep personal and secured stuff off these devices and perhaps use a laptop to access key information (like banking and email)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason why they don't much is because there not meant for this kind of system... Android unique system is a little well very complex to make a antivirus app or that would find malware... There are so many ways around it...
It's amazing... There's an article I read that explained this...
I'm gonna see if I can find it and post the link
Jack_R1 said:
No, I don't know anyone who ever got malicious SW or any type of virus on Android. For the same reason I never heard of anyone getting a virus on Linux. And for the same reason, I don't have any apps that are made to protect me from things that aren't a threat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you should look around the web... You'll be surprised want you'll find... The threat on smartphones is very high... It's pretty scary...
If I find any of those articles ill post a link...
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g Rocking ARHD 6.6.2

junkiee24 said:
i dont download any apks outside of the market. but i hear there were a few places that had pirated apks but i guess i never trusted them (blackmarket). its not like Cydia for the iOS, where the apps are safely cracked.. atleast i think they are. so with a security app i guess it would alert you if the apk is corrupt - nice.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those security apps don't really know what there looking for... It's a lot different then windows OS... They don't need much to mess around with your info...
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g Rocking ARHD 6.6.0

http://www.xda-developers.com/android/major-facebook-sdk-vulnerability-run-for-the-hills/
There are good people out there but that's not always the case...
Vulnerability is everywhere...
It's hard to make an app with little mistakes as possible... Making an app period is hard... I've tried and failed horribly at it lol so I can just imagine how hard it is to take out those nicks, bugs and issues that causes problem like this
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/11/do-android-antivirus-apps-actually-do-anything/
So people think otherwise from me...
Here is their opinion... I take this very lightly...
http://www.extremetech.com/computin...s-apps-are-useless-heres-what-to-do-instead/2
Here's with what I agree with...
Like I said some disagree.....
http://m.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/premium-rate-sms-trojans-hit-googles-android-market/17070
And here a small case of sms trojan that hit a little while back...
Just some things to read and think about...
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g Rocking ARHD 6.6.2

It all boils down to not downloading crappy, unknown apps, and if downloading - checking their permissions. Trojans hit people who don't understand anything and don't have control over their apps (not that there aren't enough of those). Other threats are virtually non-existent.

true.. i am trying avast now.. pretty cool.
thanks everyone!

Exactly that simple lol
And no problem... Keep it safe
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g Rocking ARHD 6.6.2