Task killers - Nexus One General

Is a task killer needed on froyo or can it manage without one?
If you dont use one, does the list of running apps get larger and larger?

i heard task killers arent good but eh, i keep one just in case

I haven't used one on Froyo and it runs fine.

325i. said:
Is a task killer needed on froyo or can it manage without one?
If you dont use one, does the list of running apps get larger and larger?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android can handle the tasks better then you..dont use the task killers they are bad for the long run..

http://geekfor.me/faq/you-shouldnt-be-using-a-task-killer-with-android/
Specifically Froyo is more aggressive than Eclair. The tasks are killed by the system more often than I'd want to.

if i don't use a task killer my browser will eat up all my internal memory and will stop my phone from getting text messages..

asdfasd2 said:
if i don't use a task killer my browser will eat up all my internal memory and will stop my phone from getting text messages..
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Click to collapse
Clear browser cache - better and simpler than using task killer, no?

uberamd said:
I haven't used one on Froyo and it runs fine.
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Click to collapse
Same here! Used a Taskkiller nearly every day on Android 2.1
I still have a light one installed but I actually never kill any app.
I sometimes close some services with Applications / running services thing.
Apps like PingChat! for example.. apps I don't use regulary

Jack_R1 said:
Clear browser cache - better and simpler than using task killer, no?
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Click to collapse
Do you know where I can get widget for that?

The built in running tab in 2.2 is better than any task killer i know. Its under manage applications. you shuold see four tabs "Downloaded\Running\All\On Sd card". Why the need for a third party task killer?

asdfasd2 said:
Do you know where I can get widget for that?
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Click to collapse
1:0 to you If you need to use it THAT much - perhaps you're better off using task killer for that. Did you try setting up old-school Apps2SD to free some internal memory?

I don't use any task killers. But I do use system panel which is the best out there by far.
The browser gets large over time, but if you just go in and close all your windows, the browser releases all the space.

if task killers are not needed then why when I open the task killer there is always a whole page of tasks running?

Gallery69 said:
if task killers are not needed then why when I open the task killer there is always a whole page of tasks running?
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Because those processes barely use your system resource, so there's no need to close them in case you might want to use them any time again.

Gallery69 said:
if task killers are not needed then why when I open the task killer there is always a whole page of tasks running?
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Click to collapse
Old winmobo habit is kinda hard to get rid off isn't it? =)

Gallery69 said:
if task killers are not needed then why when I open the task killer there is always a whole page of tasks running?
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Click to collapse
They aren't really running. Most of them don't have any system usage when they're idle. They're just "running" (not really) to start things faster.
When you kill them most stuff will start slower and this is using more battery

I've found that task killers generally hurt more than they help, draining batteries faster for little benefit.
Furthermore, in the rare situation where there really is a rogue app eating up RAM, you can kill it using the built in Running Applications tab under Settings.

Gallery69 said:
if task killers are not needed then why when I open the task killer there is always a whole page of tasks running?
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Click to collapse
Because that's how android functions, it purposely loads those things, and they are static, frozen in the background not using any resources. By fighting the OS to keep killing those, you waste battery cause the OS will just keep opening them and the task killer will keep closing them, over and over, killing your battery.
You guys can test this yourself using the app system panel. Enable monitoring and see what's using your CPU, you will see exactly what is using resources and why it has no effect on your battery.

Gallery69 said:
if task killers are not needed then why when I open the task killer there is always a whole page of tasks running?
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Click to collapse
This is why:
http://developer.android.com/videos/index.html#v=fL6gSd4ugSI

Related

Best method for task killing

So since 2.2 I hear you shouldn't use a task killer. What's the best method you take to end tasks?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Let the kernel do the work. Updated stocks are pretty good, but I like Netarchy's kernels better.
Suicide_Evo said:
So since 2.2 I hear you shouldn't use a task killer. What's the best method you take to end tasks?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way that 2.2 manages memory makes having a task killer almost unnecessary. However, you might want to keep one handy just in case you get one of those buggy apps that keeps on draining your battery or makes the phone unstable. I personally use SystemPanel app: nice interface and monitoring options for battery life, history, uninstaller and backup-to-sdcard (archive).
Why would you ever want a task killer?
I would like more input on this. I ditched them on my Hero back when I ran CM6, mainly due to the fact that they actually slowed that phone down!
But it seems on the Evo, killing tasks seems to save much more battery life. Or am I just dreaming?...
I have stopped using a task killer since going to 2.2 and have never looked back.
ImmortalLuD said:
I would like more input on this. I ditched them on my Hero back when I ran CM6, mainly due to the fact that they actually slowed that phone down!
But it seems on the Evo, killing tasks seems to save much more battery life. Or am I just dreaming?...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're dreaming.
Keep a passive task killer around if you like that you can use to kill programs that go completely nuts. E.g. use it to kill a game or app that has locked up or just isn't working right. A passive task killer is one that doesn't actively go searching for apps to kill on its own - one that you must manually tell to kill an app.
If you like, I suggest you try Watchdog Lite from the Market. It occasionally checks your phone for programs that are gobbling up tons of CPU time that may be an indicator that an app isn't running correctly. It still won't actively kill the app though; it just warns you and lets you choose to kill it.
Task killers with Android 2.2 are usually a dumb idea. 2.2 does not have a traditional "kill" command like earlier versions of Android. In 2.2, the same command that would have killed an app is now just a restart command. Instead of the app dying and going away, the app dies and then restarts all over which uses up lots of extra CPU cycles to restart the app. It's only going to save you battery if the app in question has gone haywire.
If anything, get an app like Autostarts that lets you control when apps are allowed to start.
I have systempanel lite.. gives you some nice OS info also gives you a widget to kill apps on demand. I don't use it much but sometimes if I feel my phone is getting a little sluggish. You can exclude all the htc/system/gmail apps etc from being killed. But I agree, do not have a task manager running all the time.
SystemPanel is great. Aside from being a task manager it also is a system monitor and is very helpful in tracking down problematic apps and system processes.
Autostarts is also great, I have mine configured so pretty much NOTHING runs without my say so.
Hot Reboot is pretty slick too, when your phone is starting to slow down and act sluggish. Just do a quick ROM reboot (10-15 seconds TOPS) and your phone is as good as new.
Why not just use the built in one? Settings, applications, manage applications, running tab?
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
I use System Panel to moniter my phone and AutoStart is a great app to jeep apps from launching themselves again after you close them out. Throw in startup manager and you have a great trifecta of apps.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
bwcorvus said:
Why not just use the built in one? Settings, applications, manage applications, running tab?
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Click to collapse
Yes, this is the way to go. No extra programs needed.

[Q] Are task killers safe for your phone?

I've read some posts and people said they are killing more battery.Other people said that they're good.So are they safe for your phone,or they can harm it.
I've used task killers since I got my phone and hadn't got a problem.
I found the answer by myself:
http://lifehacker.com/#!5650894/and...ed-what-they-do-and-why-you-shouldnt-use-them
I tested ATK with 2.1 2.2.1 2.3.2 using my phone (Gps, 3g - ON) with same apk on board each ROM and modarate killing and my battery last longer without ATK.
Peace
Sent from my GT540 using XDA App
panoramixus said:
I tested ATK with 2.1 2.2.1 2.3.2 using my phone (Gps, 3g - ON) with same apk on board each ROM and modarate killing and my battery last longer without ATK.
Peace
Sent from my GT540 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got rid of my task killer.I will provide some feedback after some use.Thanks for the reply by the way.
its good n safe if u use it wisely
i ever killed a running system n my phone become frozen
I've been using AutoKiller Memory Optimiser which utilises presets and works well with rooted phones.
i think not
Task killers aren't necessary for Android 2.1 and above. Google has optimized the system so that if you run out of memory, it will start automatically killing unused apps in the background. Even though you might see that only around 20MB of RAM is available doesn't mean it's a bad thing. It means that you can load up your recently used apps more quickly as it is already "cached" in your memory.
Killing apps may also disrupt other system processes that require it to run properly. However, if you want to save that extra battery then a task killer is good to use. Otherwise, task killers are not necessary. I would recommended downloading an app called "Watchdog" in the market. What this app does is monitors your running apps for any memory hoggers. This allows you to kill that app or uninstall it.
This is just my thoughts and may not be entirely correct. Anyone wishing to correct me is welcome to.
Reply
MegaBubbletea said:
Task killers aren't necessary for Android 2.1 and above. Google has optimized the system so that if you run out of memory, it will start automatically killing unused apps in the background. Even though you might see that only around 20MB of RAM is available doesn't mean it's a bad thing. It means that you can load up your recently used apps more quickly as it is already "cached" in your memory.
Killing apps may also disrupt other system processes that require it to run properly. However, if you want to save that extra battery then a task killer is good to use. Otherwise, task killers are not necessary. I would recommended downloading an app called "Watchdog" in the market. What this app does is monitors your running apps for any memory hoggers. This allows you to kill that app or uninstall it.
This is just my thoughts and may not be entirely correct. Anyone wishing to correct me is welcome to.
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Thanks for your reply.I also think that they aren't necessary.In the link above I read that task killers are dangerous for your phone.They are slowly killing your CPU and after some time the phone may start to crash.
Well i'm using a taskkiller and it doesn't do any harm.. And I think it makes my battery last longer.. But that might just be some kind of "placebo effect"
I personally don't use them on my phone, but on my tablet, I use them as it can get very slow without it.
Haque92 said:
Well i'm using a taskkiller and it doesn't do any harm.. And I think it makes my battery last longer.. But that might just be some kind of "placebo effect"
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I also thought that they were great,but after doing some research I decided to remove my task killer.My phone is working as smooth as before.But that's just me.

Advanced task Pro

Anyone know which advance task killer is better?
Advanced Task Killer Pro by reChild or Advanced Task Manager Pro by Infolife.
Thanks.
akoni1p said:
Anyone know which advance task killer is better?
Advanced Task Killer Pro by reChild or Advanced Task Manager Pro by Infolife.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure either will drain your battery like a mofo. I wouldn't recommend running a task killer at all.
This is one of the most persisting myths about android that you need a task killer. Maybe it was useful with 1.5 or 1.6 but with 2.2 and higher it is waste.
The best on it the one that you don't use. But if for some reason you feel compelled to kill a task, use the one built into android: Menu > Manage Apps.
I would recommend reading the thread 'android memory management' before using any task killer. Link to it is in my signature.
diablo009 said:
I would recommend reading the thread 'android memory management' before using any task killer. Link to it is in my signature.
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What I still don't understand is why Motorola integrated a task killer in Blur. I get now always this annoying popups that google voice uses battery etc even though I have not one application in the auto kill folder.
mgymnop said:
What I still don't understand is why Motorola integrated a task killer in Blur. I get now always this annoying popups that google voice uses battery etc even though I have not one application in the auto kill folder.
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Click to collapse
Exactly! That's the point. If an application uses too much battery when phone is in sleep it pops this up. Esp useful when u r sleeping. Add the app to auto-kill list, and if it realizes it as a memory hog, it will auto-kill it.
I was logged in into gvoice the other day and there was a heavy messages transfer in n out, and that is when the popped up the message. I added it to auto-kill list, and started to save a ton of battery. When I wake up in the morning, I see it starting to work again. I am not sure how this killing/starting takes place, but its saving me a ton of battery esp at nights.
Edit: U can always freeze this in TiBu.
I'm no expert in android but I sell cellphones. When people have problems on android they like to come in and complain. I find a task killer on most of the buggy phones. The customer usually admits that they kill tasks several times per day. It's not exactly scientific, but I'd say there is a correlation between task killing and buggy phones.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

[Q] AutoKiller Memory Optimizer

seems it will automatically kill my Sense UI and i need time to reload it again after quitting the app, may i ask if any one know how to prevent this? i have set the lower oom but it say this setting cant last long..
BTW it kills my alarm also..
pls suggest some task killing software in which u think is gd..thanksss!
wa_xda said:
seems it will automatically kill my Sense UI and i need time to reload it again after quitting the app, may i ask if any one know how to prevent this? i have set the lower oom but it say this setting cant last long..
BTW it kills my alarm also..
pls suggest some task killing software in which u think is gd..thanksss!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a reason you need a task killer?
Most of these are unnecessary. My understanding is that Linux uses memory different than windows and it is not necessary to kill background processes. Those apps are not using system resources, they load but generally do not use additional memory or cpu until they are needed to do something. Every time your phone has to process to kill stuff off you are using the processor, battery and resources and often android will releoad them anyways.
From my experience, I get more speed and bang for the buck by just turning off window animations.
But I could be wrong, lol, your mileage may vary..................
cyberstoic said:
Is there a reason you need a task killer?
Most of these are unnecessary. My understanding is that Linux uses memory different than windows and it is not necessary to kill background processes. Those apps are not using system resources, they load but generally do not use additional memory or cpu until they are needed to do something. Every time your phone has to process to kill stuff off you are using the processor, battery and resources and often android will releoad them anyways.
From my experience, I get more speed and bang for the buck by just turning off window animations.
But I could be wrong, lol, your mileage may vary..................
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Click to collapse
The issue is that some apps, even when not actively being used by the user, will continue to utilize system resources. However, there are several arguments all over these forums that task killer's typically do more harm than good. I still use "Advanced Task Killer" though.
you might like to read this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=622666
wingsaba said:
you might like to read this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=622666
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link; that was very useful info, reading it now.
DonJuan692006 said:
The issue is that some apps, even when not actively being used by the user, will continue to utilize system resources. However, there are several arguments all over these forums that task killer's typically do more harm than good. I still use "Advanced Task Killer" though.
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Click to collapse
I used to use advanced task killer for a awhile. Don't know if it was my obsessive nature checking the thing or just the program, but battery life was a bit poor, lol. In the end I just gave up and stopped using it.
I don't like task killers.
Its saves memory but increases CPU usage.
after making these changes my phone is flying. good find!
dedraks said:
I don't like task killers.
Its saves memory but increases CPU usage.
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Click to collapse
yes, indeed...
alarm fix
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=12043283#post12043283
http://www.dustypixels.com/blog/2010/02/01/android-app-minfreemanager-v1-5/

Best App for Killing/Blocking Apps

The best, most efficient, smallest footprint, and easy-to-nav app that can kill unnecessary apps/services and block ones you don't want coming up?
rorytmeadows said:
The best, most efficient, smallest footprint, and easy-to-nav app that can kill unnecessary apps/services and block ones you don't want coming up?
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Click to collapse
I always have and still do use Advanced Task Killer off the market.
Have always used Android Assistant but it seems to have some problems blocking apps in honeycomb.
It's been posted time and again on many Android forums that Task Killers are generally a bad idea. Let Linux do its thing. If an app is misbehaving, uninstall it. Use Titanium Backup to either freeze or uninstall ANY application (root is required).
jimbobtexas said:
It's been posted time and again on many Android forums that Task Killers are generally a bad idea. Let Linux do its thing. If an app is misbehaving, uninstall it. Use Titanium Backup to either freeze or uninstall ANY application (root is required).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are they generally a bad idea?
And what does freezing apps do?
Sometimes Task killers are necessary for a misbehaving app. I have several that I use that sometimes fail to close properly start using large chunks of cpu time in the background.
Blocking an app from starting up is different. Some applications want to start up everytime you power on your device and it is just not necessary. This is where blocking them from starting up I find a beneficial. Before doing this though you should analyze the application and how much memory and cpu is actually using.
However I agree That using a task killer to constantly kill tasks in the background is indeed a bad idea.
A few points about Linux, Android and Task Killers:
1. Android is based on Linux, but the Dalvik byte code layer and framework design makes the OS it's own entity.
2. If all apps were designed to spec, there were no fragmentation and they "played nice", then a task killer would not be needed. Since a lof apps do not and there is fragmentation, a lot of apps do not play nice. Even OEM loaded apps can suck the resource soul out of a device. The Sony Play is an example of this (great device slowed by AWFUL bloatware).
3. Task killers are very handy to kill rogue apps that are an issue and the key is to exclude system-apps, which are usually the little green & white icons, but not always.
Dupe post. Silly.
I understand that task killers drain your battery, but im not gonna lie I like bein able to close all my apps and not gettin notifications all day long. so is there something out there like this that doesn't constantly run in the background?
Iconia said:
I always have and still do use Advanced Task Killer off the market.
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Click to collapse
Same here. Put the widget down bottom right of the screen, just tap it every now and then. Works like a charm.

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