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I'm a network admin and I use the free utility Tcping to ping my access points remotely. I'd like to be able to use it on my phone as well, but there isn't an app that does anything like it as far as I can tell. I tried compiling it from source on my phone, but I wasn't able to get it to work.
Does anyone know if it is possible to port the linux version of tcping to android (without installing debian/ubuntu)?
Link: http://www.linuxco.de/tcping/tcping.html
cheezbergher said:
I'm a network admin and I use the free utility Tcping to ping my access points remotely. I'd like to be able to use it on my phone as well, but there isn't an app that does anything like it as far as I can tell. I tried compiling it from source on my phone, but I wasn't able to get it to work.
Does anyone know if it is possible to port the linux version of tcping to android (without installing debian/ubuntu)?
Link: http://www.linuxco.de/tcping/tcping.html
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Have a look at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.ping.android.hostmonitor
It's not tcping, but it's an app capable of tcp ping. A really good app, if I may say so myself.
kuisma said:
Have a look at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.ping.android.hostmonitor
It's not tcping, but it's an app capable of tcp ping. A really good app, if I may say so myself.
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Thanks for the suggestion! That app is capable of pinging a specific port, but it lacks certain features that I would need as well. I couldn't find a way to do a manual refresh (necessary for troubleshooting) and the way that this app manages port numbers is just not what I'm looking for. I need to be able to just type in a port and hit go, I don't want to be creating a gigantic list of ports in the app's settings.
However, I did find this app, which is a lot closer to what I want: http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.odinnet.servermonitor&hl=en
cheezbergher said:
I couldn't find a way to do a manual refresh (necessary for troubleshooting)
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Ping HostMonitor refreshes each time the main activity (host list) opens/reopens.
Sorry, I just realized that was your app. Allow me to explain what I need so you can see what I'm looking to do.
I'm a wifi network technician. The company I work for manages the guest networks for hundreds of hotels all over the southeastern US. On each site, we have dozens of access points (theres actually one resort where we have over 500 aps). All of the access points are accessible through our firewall via specified ports that vary from site to site.
We have a webpage that displays all of the APs at each site with their port# and uptime display that is only accurate to within 15 minutes. So if I'm troubleshooting remotely I use tcping to see when an AP comes up in real time after a remote reboot.
Your app seems to be geared more towards what ipsentry does, where it pings in 15 minute intervals. I'm looking to run pings in 3 second intervals or less.
Also, I would like to be able to just type the hostname and port then hit go. Your app is made more for a network admin who manages a single or couple of networks, and it just takes too many steps to enter in a port to be pinged. However, there are some features of your app that I really really like including only pinging a specific host when conected to a certain ssid.
I really like your app, but I need to run pings in 3 second intervals and it's just too difficult on Ping HostMonitor. If you wouod consider adding this feature, I will be eternally grateful.
cheezbergher said:
Sorry, I just realized that was your app. Allow me to explain what I need so you can see what I'm looking to do.
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Something like this?
Hey thanks man! I tried it though and I can't get it to run. I've attached a screenshot, am I doing it wrong?
cheezbergher said:
Hey thanks man! I tried it though and I can't get it to run. I've attached a screenshot, am I doing it wrong?
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The sdcard isn't mounted allowing execute access. Put it someplace else, e.g. /data/local/tcping
holy moly it works perfectly! thanks a million man!
now if you had the time, you could make an app version with a gui. i'd definitely pay for an app that could do this.
thanks again for all your help!
(sorry about my chinglish )
So here's how:I locked my nexus10 and forgot the password, and I do not see the "Forgotten" button on the screen and also I didn't turn USB debugging mode on, so is there any possibility I can save my data instead of cleaning them up? Thank you (btw, I deleted the original recover files(because I once booted Ubuntu Touch on it) how can I reset it anyway?) Tanks a lot
EX_RIVER said:
(sorry about my chinglish )
So here's how:I locked my nexus10 and forgot the password, and I do not see the "Forgotten" button on the screen and also I didn't turn USB debugging mode on, so is there any possibility I can save my data instead of cleaning them up? Thank you (btw, I deleted the original recover files(because I once booted Ubuntu Touch on it) how can I reset it anyway?) Tanks a lot
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If you have TWRP (not sure about Clockworkmod), "Factory Reset" will leave personal files on while clearing settings, custom apps, etc. FORTUNATELY, there is no way to bypass, other than resetting the device, the password for security reasons
dibblebill said:
If you have TWRP (not sure about Clockworkmod), "Factory Reset" will leave personal files on while clearing settings, custom apps, etc. FORTUNATELY, there is no way to bypass, other than resetting the device, the password for security reasons
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Pretty sure that's not true, strictly speaking. Unless OP is talking about encryption, flashing a new ROM over top will preserve most user data saved on /sdcard (much to my annoyance).
Rirere said:
Pretty sure that's not true, strictly speaking. Unless OP is talking about encryption, flashing a new ROM over top will preserve most user data saved on /sdcard (much to my annoyance).
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You are correct. I forgot that circumstance. TWRP specifically excludes the data/media area
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Victory via XDA Developers App
dibblebill said:
You are correct. I forgot that circumstance. TWRP specifically excludes the data/media area
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Victory via XDA Developers App
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I mean, it's useful because if you flub a flash you can use a backup, but these recoveries are not secure and aren't designed to be.
EX_RIVER said:
(sorry about my chinglish )
So here's how:I locked my nexus10 and forgot the password, and I do not see the "Forgotten" button on the screen and also I didn't turn USB debugging mode on, so is there any possibility I can save my data instead of cleaning them up? Thank you (btw, I deleted the original recover files(because I once booted Ubuntu Touch on it) how can I reset it anyway?) Tanks a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
USB debugging isn't required for ~all~ USB stuff, so you should try it anyways.
Then, as long as you still know your Google password you can install this to your Nexus, via the web (no log on to device actually needed):
http://www.androidlost.com/
I haven't actually tried or used that program, so cant say 100% it will work on N10 - but "in general" it seems like it should!
:good:
bigmatty said:
USB debugging isn't required for ~all~ USB stuff, so you should try it anyways.
Then, as long as you still know your Google password you can install this to your Nexus, via the web (no log on to device actually needed):
http://www.androidlost.com/
I haven't actually tried or used that program, so cant say 100% it will work on N10 - but "in general" it seems like it should!
:good:
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I don't know if AndroidLost can unlock a device, and he doesn't seem to have lost it either. Unless an app had root/device admin access, I can't imagine that it would have the privileges necessary to remove authentication from a device (since that seems to be the pinnacle of bad security). Secure Settings + Tasker can do it, but you need to set that up beforehand.
Rirere said:
I don't know if AndroidLost can unlock a device, and he doesn't seem to have lost it either. Unless an app had root/device admin access, I can't imagine that it would have the privileges necessary to remove authentication from a device (since that seems to be the pinnacle of bad security). Secure Settings + Tasker can do it, but you need to set that up beforehand.
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It says it can:
Lock the phone
You can lock and unlock the phone from the web. If you forget your pincode you can simply overwrite it or remove it from the web
bigmatty said:
It says it can:
Lock the phone
You can lock and unlock the phone from the web. If you forget your pincode you can simply overwrite it or remove it from the web
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I don't think this means what you think it means (and I could be wrong). Many security apps like avast! offer a similar "locking" functionality, where the normal lockscreen (whatever security it is) is covered by a second lockscreen, superimposed over all system UI elements to prevent access. This lockscreen is controlled by the app, but it will not affect any underlying security (basically, think of it as a replacement lockscreen for security reasons, not much unlike HoloLocker or Go Launcher's lockscreen).
Rirere said:
I don't think this means what you think it means (and I could be wrong). Many security apps like avast! offer a similar "locking" functionality, where the normal lockscreen (whatever security it is) is covered by a second lockscreen, superimposed over all system UI elements to prevent access. This lockscreen is controlled by the app, but it will not affect any underlying security (basically, think of it as a replacement lockscreen for security reasons, not much unlike HoloLocker or Go Launcher's lockscreen).
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I don't know man, and like I said I've never tried it. But its a super popular app, and has been featured in write ups. On their main page it states that text, as the fifth "main feature" which seems pretty straight forward to mean "the main lock screen"...
bigmatty said:
I don't know man, and like I said I've never tried it. But its a super popular app, and has been featured in write ups. On their main page it states that text, as the fifth "main feature" which seems pretty straight forward to mean "the main lock screen"...
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No good, sorry. You're right on one count-- I just tested it, and it does interact with the stock lockscreen. Unfortunately, as I said earlier, unless the app is granted root/device admin privileges, no Android app can change the stock lockscreen...and since OP can't get into his device, he can't grant it device admin.
Rirere said:
No good, sorry. You're right on one count-- I just tested it, and it does interact with the stock lockscreen. Unfortunately, as I said earlier, unless the app is granted root/device admin privileges, no Android app can change the stock lockscreen...and since OP can't get into his device, he can't grant it device admin.
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Nice on the testing! Too bad about the unlock. Perhaps he can still use it to offload his content though.
Did you try to "push" it to your device w/out installing it direct? I have wondered if I should pre-load this app on my devices, but "they" tout its remote-install-ablity, so I somewhat feel like I would not have to pre-install. (But then again, Im always apprehensive of claims that make things seem super easy.)
EDIT: Hmmm.... I see it requires "SMS" to install this on a device via Push - so I guess it NEEDS to be pre-loaded on a N10 if one wishes to use it to retrieve a lost N10, or even use it in this context! Now to decide if I install this or not...
bigmatty said:
Nice on the testing! Too bad about the unlock. Perhaps he can still use it to offload his content though.
Did you try to "push" it to your device w/out installing it direct? I have wondered if I should pre-load this app on my devices, but "they" tout its remote-install-ablity, so I somewhat feel like I would not have to pre-install. (But then again, Im always apprehensive of claims that make things seem super easy.)
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Click to collapse
I installed direct. I use Cerberus (and before that, avast! Anti-Theft) to help secure my devices, but these things are all a game of chance. My advice: completely disregard remote-install abilities. If you're going to use this kind of service, it really doesn't make any sense not to install it yourself, where you can change your preferences (such as install to /system or rename the application) to work for you.
The bigger problem is that, obviously, six hundred million things could go wrong. I noticed that AndroidLost noted that they were using Google to push messages, which indicates that they're using C2DM (unlikely, it's deprecated) or GCM push services, which require your phone being connected to a network (itself a big assumption) that will allow Google's ports to send traffic. This excludes no small number of places, particularly corporate networks (and many schools as well). It also looks like one of the wakeup methods if SMS, which is not only noticeable (to a thief), but potentially may be intercepted by other apps on the phone (such as an alternative SMS app).
The idea is that these apps intercept and delete any command SMS before any other app, but in practice this doesn't always happen. So test your setup before something happens!
Rirere said:
I installed direct. I use Cerberus (and before that, avast! Anti-Theft) to help secure my devices, but these things are all a game of chance. My advice: completely disregard remote-install abilities. If you're going to use this kind of service, it really doesn't make any sense not to install it yourself, where you can change your preferences (such as install to /system or rename the application) to work for you.
The bigger problem is that, obviously, six hundred million things could go wrong. I noticed that AndroidLost noted that they were using Google to push messages, which indicates that they're using C2DM (unlikely, it's deprecated) or GCM push services, which require your phone being connected to a network (itself a big assumption) that will allow Google's ports to send traffic. This excludes no small number of places, particularly corporate networks (and many schools as well). It also looks like one of the wakeup methods if SMS, which is not only noticeable (to a thief), but potentially may be intercepted by other apps on the phone (such as an alternative SMS app).
The idea is that these apps intercept and delete any command SMS before any other app, but in practice this doesn't always happen. So test your setup before something happens!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info, I will look into Cerberus. I am assuming you would recommend that as you are currently using it? Do you think its better than AndroidLost, even though you haven't spent as much time w/ AndroidLost?
bigmatty said:
Thanks for the info, I will look into Cerberus. I am assuming you would recommend that as you are currently using it? Do you think its better than AndroidLost, even though you haven't spent as much time w/ AndroidLost?
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I like it a lot more, but I will admit I personally liked avast! better. Its uncertain future (plus a nice promotion) led me to jump ship to Cerberus. I'd have to play around with it a bit more to be sure though.
Rirere said:
No good, sorry. You're right on one count-- I just tested it, and it does interact with the stock lockscreen. Unfortunately, as I said earlier, unless the app is granted root/device admin privileges, no Android app can change the stock lockscreen...and since OP can't get into his device, he can't grant it device admin.
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Yep, you're right I can't get root under this situation, thanks a lot I'm trying to figure out how to save my data mow
EX_RIVER said:
Yep, you're right I can't get root under this situation, thanks a lot I'm trying to figure out how to save my data mow
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It's not root you need per se, it's device admin. But root isn't an easy option for you either, because unlocking your bootloader will hose your data. I also think most of the locked-bootloader exploits require the device to be on and unlocked. If you're signed into your Google account, you should have a fair degree of stuff backed up already-- what sorts of data are you trying to save?
Rirere said:
It's not root you need per se, it's device admin. But root isn't an easy option for you either, because unlocking your bootloader will hose your data. I also think most of the locked-bootloader exploits require the device to be on and unlocked. If you're signed into your Google account, you should have a fair degree of stuff backed up already-- what sorts of data are you trying to save?
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Mostly..........Photos and videos
EX_RIVER said:
Mostly..........Photos and videos
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Click to collapse
...do you have a Google+ account? Slash have you ever opened the app? If so, you might actually be in luck and your data should have been backed up to your Google+ (or PicasaWeb if you prefer).
I'm thinking of purchasing a MOJO for one of my family members, and would like to know the benefits of rooting the system. Also, are there many risks involved with rooting?
Thanks.
Hi,
Rooting the MOJO will allow you to download all apps from the Google Play Store. That was the primary reason I rooted mine (and the reason the folks at Mad Catz say to do so ).
The number of apps you can download is very limited unless you do so. It is not necessary, but helpful.
That being said, rooting also allows you to make your device much more useful (tweaking, removing unwanted system apps, etc...).
I haven't had any issue with mine since I did the rooting. You can always unroot!
In sum, if you want the person to enjoy the thousands--if not millions-- of apps in the Play Store, rooting is the solution.
jlenoconel said:
I'm thinking of purchasing a MOJO for one of my family members, and would like to know the benefits of rooting the system. Also, are there many risks involved with rooting?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Rooting is like using Android with admin rights.. that's all.
So you can do much more ie, if you want a "software" way of shutdown or rebooting it .
risks... you could delete/change something that you shouldn't and it wont boot :/
You can control what apps get Super User rights, so you can lock it down.
You can even root it without the USB cable via the towel root apk.
Hi!
Rooting the Mojo is very easy and safe when you follow the instructions thoughtfully and it opens up lot of potential. After rooting you can
hide the bottom bar when you want to play games or watch videos in fullscreen. See GMD Auto Hide Soft Keys.
move app data and/or OBB files to your external SD card to be able to install lot of and/or large games. See FolderMount and the video tutorial.
allow or deny internet access per app without routing your traffic through a third-party proxy server. See AFWall+.
block in-app ads. See AdBlock Plus.
gwaldo said:
Hi
You can even root it without the USB cable via the towel root apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you do that?
Oh yeah, do you ever have to reroot?
jlenoconel said:
How do you do that?
Oh yeah, do you ever have to reroot?
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Click to collapse
Its an apk, google it, sideload it.
It wont fix the google play store issue, lack of compatiablity, although the latest firmware has better comparability.
Besides market helper is way better, with the stock rom.
If you upgrade to CM12, market helper doesn't work, well at least for me it didn't.
No, once your rooted, your rooted until you reinstall a rom.
Work told me I'm not allowed to be rooted anymore. I was rooted for adblocking only. Is there a rootless ad blocker that actually works?
I highly recommend against using rootless ad blockers. What they do is run your data connection through a VPN server which performs the ad blocking. Since all your data is running through someone else's server, your private information may be compromised if you transmit anything sensitive (bank accounts, SSNs, etc.).
That really sucks about your work requirement. How specific are they on no root? Can you root, install an ad blocking host file (manually or with something like adaway) then unroot without wiping your phone? That would be what I would try.
postal302 said:
I highly recommend against using rootless ad blockers. What they do is run your data connection through a VPN server which performs the ad blocking. Since all your data is running through someone else's server, your private information may be compromised if you transmit anything sensitive (bank accounts, SSNs, etc.).
That really sucks about your work requirement. How specific are they on no root? Can you root, install an ad blocking host file (manually or with something like adaway) then unroot without wiping your phone? That would be what I would try.
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No root at all and they have spyware to check for root.:crying: Is there at least a good browser + plug in that works?
460cidpower said:
No root at all and they have spyware to check for root.:crying: Is there at least a good browser + plug in that works?
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Click to collapse
Here's an older article about three ad blocking browsers.
Also Adblock Browser in Google Play is from the makers of Ad Block Plus.
postal302 said:
Here's an older article about three ad blocking browsers.
Also Adblock Browser in Google Play is from the makers of Ad Block Plus.
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If you use these vpn add blockers just make sure to white list apps you dont want to use vpn server then your private data is not going through it. Like whitelist google play for sure any apps you purchase stuff with. Phone and messaging apps. And remember you can usually just toggle the adblocking off if your in doubt. I recommend DNS66 ad blocking it has this feature to whitelist apps and dns servers and its free. But like the OP says beware your stuff is being rerouted. So understand how and what they do before you install and run them. Just get use to turning the adblocker on only when needed
postal302 said:
That really sucks about your work requirement. How specific are they on no root? Can you root, install an ad blocking host file (manually or with something like adaway) then unroot without wiping your phone? That would be what I would try.
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You can't root, modify, then unroot without tripping DM-Verity. Any modifications to the system will trip DM-Verity.
460cidpower said:
No root at all and they have spyware to check for root.:crying: Is there at least a good browser + plug in that works?
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Click to collapse
I use an Adblock Plus extension with Samsung internet browser, works very well. Though I have to unblock some websites since they detect ad blockers.
I use the "Block This" app. It only creates a LOCAL VPN, so your data does not go through a different server, at least as I understand it. Been using it for several months, and really like it. Works as well as the rooted ad blockers I used to use. Blocks ads in apps and browsers.
Disconnect Pro appears to work, as long as you haven't disabled KNOX.
Disconnect Pro is pretty decent and free right now too...otherwise, it is about 25 dollars. Also, check out Adguard, they do local VPN, but does come at a slight battery price though. Trade off for not having root and avoiding ads....though they do help sites and apps continue to function.
460cidpower said:
No root at all and they have spyware to check for root.:crying: Is there at least a good browser + plug in that works?
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Click to collapse
Try Brave browser, it's available from Google play
I am asking myself - specifically for the G5 Plus, but probably in a more general sense - where the huge advantages and disadvantages of rooting are, considering that the G5 plus comes with a relativly clean Android 7.XXX and a not an old overloaded android version, which didn't use to have many of the capabilities that Android 7 offers. I know that my questions might particularily overlap with questions in other topics, but for sure not every question, especially specific G5 Plus questions.
Overall I am interested in the topics security and product-experience, if you want to call it like that. I ask myself: Is root still worth losing warranty or is it not? Keywords or keyquestions that cross my mind are:
OTA updates: I guess those won't be possible anymore?
Encryption: Will it still work and increase security if the phone is lost?
Backup functionality, especially in combination with cloud services: Is there something like -backup my whole phone down to the very core on some google server (best proteced with a password and some AES256 encryption)- so that I can restore it some day in an easy manner? How would you backup your phone and settings, etc. with and without root?
Safety: What could happen if I lose my (bootloader unlocked and) rooted phone: Will someone be able to read my passwords (e.g. google...) and other sensitive information directly from the phone, even if it was locked, in the moment I lost it? What is the worst thing that could happen?
Root Functionality: How does the root access / superuser specificly work, e.g. if I'd accidentally install an app or similar, which might contain a virus: Is an app like this instantly capable of messing my whole system or will I be able to manually confirm specific security related changes, especially system changes, that an app might try to do? With other words: Does root mean that the system will be wasted by even the tiniest mistake or is there some security buffer?
Unlock Bootloader only: Is it an option (or make any sense to you) to just unlock the bootloader and install a the G5 Plus TWRP recovery without rooting the phone and does this give any advantages or is this just a totally nonsensical option, which is maybe not even possible? If I got it right, rooting does not necessarily need to reset the phone in any way, while unlocking the bootloader enforces to do a reset, right? In this context I was also asking myself if unlocking the bootloader (now that I don't have wasted precious time on customizing my phone, yet) right now is a useful option (without any disadvantage besides losing the warranty) and if I ever experience the necessity to root, I will only need like 2 commands and it is done - without having to reset my phone again?
Root Must Have: Is there any specific functionality or reason - you would say - one should definitly root the phone for, as it is a must have functionality, which would be locked without root?: I only have virtual examples, e.g. if Nougat would prevent me from changing the volume to a level higher than 50 % and the absolute exclusive possibility to change this was to get root access. Another example , although really not that critical one, could be: I noticed that I am only allowed to install 5 different finger prints... root could give me the possibility to install infinite finger prints?
Feature Loss: Does one lose some other neat features or functionality that is usually provided by Google or Motorola if the phone is not rooted but not possible anymore if it is rooted?
Third Party Trust: How can you people trust the TWRP Backup or custom ROMs? Don't you fear that there might be a virus or trojan horse within?
Best regards and thanks in advance for your patience with a newbie
No response?
172 view, no answers :-/. Guys tell me: Is it due to the length of the text? Is it something else? I could split it up in several questions, but I though that this would be unwanted.
And I will be thankful for every help on either of the bold buzzwords, it is not like you need to comment on everything
Must have for me: correct timestamps when moving or copying files using TC. Only possible with root.
Unlock only: yes makes sense. Unlock is the part where you lose all data, and then you can use fastboot boot to make backup. Rooting itself should not lose any data, so it is advantageous to unlock early. Root has time.
Lost functionality: on most devices using Magisk 12 you can pass SafetyNet, which means you can use Android pay, play Pokemon go etc, but the apps trying to detect root/unlocked devices get changed and may not work anymore at some time. Probably you will have lost this possibility when starting with unlocked bootloader and need to install Magisk to get green SafetyNet. Magisk hides the unlocked bootloader.
OTA: do a backup of boot partition before rooting, do no modifications on other partitions than data, cache and boot and you should be fine restoring boot partition to do OTA. It's easy to overlook some app using root to write system, logo, recovery, something, but backup should help. Or install complete firmware, then OTA is possible again.
Note: I do not have the device, just saw the questions which have the same answers for all current Motorola Android devices - you may search in general forums or forums for similar devices for answers
OTA updates: if you are rooted you have tempered with the system partition and therefore ota are not easily installed
Encryption:it is possible to wipe the phone and use if you are unlocked
Backup functionality Google already does backup some settings natively. you can still do an adb backup even without root
Safety: if they are techies they know how to access files via twrp etc. but worst thing is they just wipe it and use the phone
Root Functionality: root gives some apps access to the system partition which is not possible normaly. if you installe some dubious app which wants access to root to mess with your system you are lost.
Unlock Bootloader only: you need to unlock the phone to root it. by unlocking your phone is wiped clean. than you can root it. the advantage of installing twrp are the "easy backups" and installing custom roms or even root. there are no real advantages or disadvantages anymore. earlier you had to unlock/root/install custom rom to have some extra functionalities but android did mature and has most functions built in
Root Must Have: there may be some system limits which you can bypass with root like headphne volume limit, reading wifi passwords or/and having systemwide adblock. I personally do not see a benefit anymore. I used to root for having system-wide adblock but I can achieve it with rootless apps like adguard.
Feature Loss: you will lose android pay. you can not use some apps like mario run or pokemon go. you will lose OTA feature.
Third Party Trust: actually I dont know. with the custom rom base growing I only trust official lineageOS as it is review by many people before building. therefore the chance is reduced to have some spyware feature in it
I too would like to know, has the source code to ANY custom ROMs been reviewed by third party to verify no malicious code?
Although I worry that some ROMs could violate my data privacy, root is something that I simply cannot willingly go without - if I don't have root access, it's simply not *MY* phone, it's a phone that is configured to someone else's [some company's] desires and priorities.
I'm disappointed that the built in tethering does an "entitlement" check - AFAIK it's actually illegal (or, at least against contracts the companies signed with the FCC) for the cell phone provider to attempt to control what a user does with their allotted amount of cell data. Yes, the cell provider company can decide how MUCH data you are allowed based on what plan you pay for, but they are not supposed to restrict HOW you use YOUR data. Therefore, I demand unrestricted "tethering" from any smart phone that I use.
There are other apps I like to use that require root access: Root file explorers, Titanium Backup, Smarter WiFi Manager, Greenify/Servicely etc., but most of all, I CANNOT STAND the intrusive obnoxious awful ads which seem to be prevalent these days! A good ad blocker is an absolute must! The blame rests squarely on the shoulders of the websites which allow such awful advertisements such as "pop behind" windows and particularly, ads which cause the web page scroll to constantly keep jumping away from what you are trying to read making the site basically unusable. There is also lately a prevalence of "click bait" ads/links which brings you to malicious/obnoxious websites which popup dialogs trying to stop you from closing the web page or navigate away - they put up big flashing red letters and say things like "We have detected a virus on your computer do not close this window or your passwords will be stolen and your data lost" and when you try to close the page it keeps popping up a dialog making it difficult. Sorry, but, such ads simply can't be tolerated - even this [xda] website sometimes has unpleasant ads, or at least there were times when I really regretted turning off my ad blocker when visiting this site in the past, that is for sure!
I usually use a "custom ROM", I miss exposed very much, but, I suspect there are too many malwares in the xposed repository these days? (I'm not sure of this, just suspicious).
I like to be able to change the color of my status bar clock to green and position it in the center as that is easier for me to use (see it quickly when I want). However, the standard launcher is far too limited in how customizable it is, so I use a combination of Nova Prime (requires root for some features) and Chronos Weather/Clock/Calendar widget which puts a larger clock right in the upper middle of my desktop so I turn off the status bar clock (Nova Prime feature, one that requires root).
Oh, and I like to use a custom "System Font", I'm not sure if we can do that without root? It really makes the phone feel like MY phone and look (and operate) how I want it to.
critofur said:
[...]
I'm disappointed that the built in tethering does an "entitlement" check - AFAIK it's actually illegal (or, at least against contracts the companies signed with the FCC) for the cell phone provider to attempt to control what a user does with their allotted amount of cell data. Yes, the cell provider company can decide how MUCH data you are allowed based on what plan you pay for, but they are not supposed to restrict HOW you use YOUR data. Therefore, I demand unrestricted "tethering" from any smart phone that I use.
There are other apps I like to use that require root access: Root file explorers, Titanium Backup, Smarter WiFi Manager, Greenify/Servicely etc., but most of all, I CANNOT STAND the intrusive obnoxious awful ads which seem to be prevalent these days! A good ad blocker is an absolute must! [...]
[...]
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Click to collapse
Could you explain the entitlement check a little further? Does it mean that with the current Android version and an unrooted/locked G5 plus it is impossible to use the Smartphone Mobile data connection, e.g. on a notebook via wifi tethering? This would be a real argument to root.
Did you try adguard, as ckret suggested? Is there a huge difference between an adblocker with root or an adblocker like adguard without root on the phone? I basically assume that with nougat it is possible to grant apps access to almost anything (except for root) - including to block features other apps use, e.g. advertisements. But I am actually not sure.
Maybe ckret knows more on this aspect, as he seems to know both adblock concepts - the rooted and the unrooted one with adguard?
Comparing DNS66 (local DNS server without root) with adaway (root):
+ You can select blocking per app with DNS66, adaway modifies hosts file which always is valid for all apps and system services
- You can not use another VPN while DNS66 is active
- You need to disable VPN under Nougat while using Download Manager (bug in Nougat, for all VPN services)
Personally I have root, but use DNS66. I don't need adblock when connecting to my computer at home (that's when I need to use another VPN) and am using Marshmallow ATM, but probably would continue using DNS66 when on Nougat. For PlayStore there is a workaround implemented, and if some download fails I'd know I need to disable VPN.
This is why I only said Total Commander copying timestamp is my only real killer app (besides Titanium Backup) which makes me need root. Android O is supposed to change the behavior implementing SDCardFS which shall allow setting timestamp without root.
sky-head said:
Could you explain the entitlement check a little further? Does it mean that with the current Android version and an unrooted/locked G5 plus it is impossible to use the Smartphone Mobile data connection, e.g. on a notebook via wifi tethering? This would be a real argument to root.
Did you try adguard, as ckret suggested? Is there a huge difference between an adblocker with root or an adblocker like adguard without root on the phone? I basically assume that with nougat it is possible to grant apps access to almost anything (except for root) - including to block features other apps use, e.g. advertisements. But I am actually not sure.
Maybe ckret knows more on this aspect, as he seems to know both adblock concepts - the rooted and the unrooted one with adguard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adaway:
adaway replaces the hosts file in your system with a custom hosts file which redirects some requests to 127.0.0.1 which results in ads not being shown
since it is deeplevel change of the hosts file the app requires root to change the file
pro:
* ads are blocked when resources are requested
* it is system-wide and everything is checked on demand
con:
* system slows down with big hosts file as every request must be checked everytime a site/app is opened
* if a wrong request is blocked your app/site might not show/work at all since it is a system-wide check
adguard:
this app has two different ways of blocking ads
vpn: a local vpn server is created on the system and all requests are rerouted through it. works the same way as adaway but without a root access.
pro:
* rootless method
* you can create a bypass for different sites/apps
con:
* you can not use a 2nd vpn connection while the app is active
* it may use a bit more battery as it creates a server but this should be negligible
proxy: this is nearly the same as vpn just you should be able to use a vpn connection
so big pro and con for me is that i do not have to reroute all apps through the adblock check
important apps (banking e.g.) are free to use the connection without being rerouted.
I know it might seem like a stupid question, but how often (and for which reason) do you use/need a(nother) VPN connection?
Does this also mean things like tethering or a WLAN access like eduroam - or is this something different?
I am actually not sure if I ever needed VPN on my smartphone
sky-head said:
I know it might seem like a stupid question, but how often (and for which reason) do you use/need a(nother) VPN connection?
Does this also mean things like tethering or a WLAN access like eduroam - or is this something different?
I am actually not sure if I ever needed VPN on my smartphone
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Click to collapse
you need a vpn connection if you want to access the intranet without being physically there
e.g. intranet of a company to access emails or if you are a student and got some special tool/e.g. which can only be accessed through the university connection
most times you will only use vpn on a notebook or pc but I hardly doubt most people will use it on their phones
ckret said:
you need a vpn connection if you want to access the intranet without being physically there
e.g. intranet of a company to access emails or if you are a student and got some special tool/e.g. which can only be accessed through the university connection
most times you will only use vpn on a notebook or pc but I hardly doubt most people will use it on their phones
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Click to collapse
... exactly what I was thinking about it. I've never been needing a VPN on my phone. On the notebook I need it on a regular basis, thats true.
I should have been asking "I know it might seem like a stupid question, but how often (and for which reason) do you use/need a(nother) VPN connection on your smartphone?", to state my question more precisely.
Using AVM Fritzbox as router makes it possible to use the standard phone via SIP. This only does work when you're in your intranet, directly or via VPN. Also I need to access my documents on my computer, my media library at home, to configure the router and more and therefore I use VPN on a regular basis. Yes, I do these things using the smartphone. But when using VPN, I do not need adblock.