Related
Hi guys,
I installed Taskiller to close background apps but my question is if this is really needed?
How does android handle background apps, do they really consume battery/memory?
Cheers
B
I have neverd used a task killer app. And I think my magic just flies!
I am using cyanogen though, he really makes slick roms.
The OS automatically kills apps in the background when you open up new ones if the RAM is running low. You don't have to use a task killer, but most people say it helps the phone run faster and saves the battery.
I went all day not using task manager, I didn't notice any difference in battery or performance on the phone. I guess thet aren't really needed after all. Its gonna take some getting used to not always checking and closing apps
I have seen people saying you need one and others saying you dont. Even Android devs posted a blog a few weeks ago saying you really dont need one. I installed ATK and it showed things running that made no sense to me and way more then what my running processes showed under my settings, how is that possible?
task killer vs no task killer... its like automatic vs. manual transmission. many new cars have automatic, but than does not mean that its better than manual (tho sometimes it IS, but rarely).
i do use task killer, but only when needed. sometimes i like to kill my browser to clear out the history and open windows, and once in a while i get an app that's simply not behaving.
frifox said:
task killer vs no task killer... its like automatic vs. manual transmission. many new cars have automatic, but than does not mean that its better than manual (tho sometimes it IS, but rarely).
i do use task killer, but only when needed. sometimes i like to kill my browser to clear out the history and open windows, and once in a while i get an app that's simply not behaving.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This man speaketh the truth. There's no way to end some apps in Android, but to use a task killer. Browser/Internet is one of them.
The more I deal with Android, the more I realize how unpolished its code is. For example, to decades old WinMo.
acrh2 said:
This man speaketh the truth. There's no way to end some apps in Android, but to use a task killer. Browser/Internet is one of them.
The more I deal with Android, the more I realize how unpolished its code is. For example, to decades old WinMo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Windows has a built in memory manager. I use autokiller to manage the memory manager.
Check out Flipz's FAQ behind why you should not use a task killer.
Also check out Flipz's FAQ about how Autokiller works.
danknee said:
Windows has a built in memory manager. I use autokiller to manage the memory manager.
Check out Flipz's FAQ behind why you should not use a task killer.
Also check out Flipz's FAQ about how Autokiller works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I checked those (or like those) out many months ago, when I was playing with N1.
I have the option for one (SystemPanel), but it has no auto features and I never use it. I use it more for monitoring my device and battery usage.
Advanced users are going to use them. Performance starts to suffer in the system when memory drops to around 100 and gets really noticeable sub 50.
Generally I have 200+ free because I'm on froyo so its not as necessary but on stock the htc **** is just insane. Damage rom does a great job of taking stock and making it useable.
I always used one until FroYo, now I have generally around 260mb free. It's perfect
I was using one (Advanced Task Killer) and finding it frustrating as it would show apps open that I had never used. I would kill them when I found them and then I set it to autokill when the screen turned off. Didn't work, they would still be there when I turned it on. I finally just said the hell with it and uninstalled it. Since then I've noticed that the phone seems to run a lot better with less lag. I like it much better since I dumped the task manager.
I don't use one and normally I uninstall the default browser (it annoys me i cant exit it) and install Dolphin HD as my default.
I used a task manager when I first got this phone, did more research as I tweaked the phone and read about why not to use a task manager. So far its been a week without a task manager and I'm noticing better battery life, and while I don't notice an improvement in performance of any kind, I also don't notice a drop in performance.
I think I will be sticking with no task manager for the time being. Its also really nice not having to worry about what's running or not, and having to run the task manager to exit applications or what not. Its also one less program I have to worry about.
Hello, all. I am currently running the free version of Advanced Task Killer, which seems to work ok, but there has to be something better. What I've noticed is, that after a reboot, the app will tell me that I have about 240 MB of available memory when all apps are closed with the exception of the task killer itself.
However, by the end of the day, after I've opened and closed a few apps, sent some messages and emails, made some calls, etc, the task manager will show significantly less available memory available. It could drop to as low as 135 MB with all apps closed with the exception of the task killer.
This leads to me to believe one of two things:
a) The Task Killer is full of it and it does not have an accurate read of how much memory is actually available.
b) The Task Killer is only able to "kill" certain tasks while others remain running in the background and it does not show that the app(s) are actually running.
Honestly, I think it is option B, because I do notice that when the app tells me that I have less than normal available memory, the phone does tend to function slower and lag a bit. Nothing that cannot be fixed by a powering it off and on, but I am hoping that someone knows of a good app (even if it is a paid app) that will actually bring up ALL tasks running and kill them. I've also noticed that even with this task killer, Google Talk (which I have never used) always remains open in my phone and I have to manually go into into the settings and turn that off.
Any suggestions?
My suggestion is to not use one.
I do use Autokiller though which tweaks the thresholds for Android's internal "task killer".
It's best to let Android do it's thing.
Tikerz said:
My suggestion is to not use one.
I do use Autokiller though which tweaks the thresholds for Android's internal "task killer".
It's best to let Android do it's thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Do you mind elaborating on why you feel that way a bit so I can understand? Because I do notice that when the I am running a bunch of things at once and I use this app to kill the tasks, it does improve the performance of the phone.
I can understand why some people say you don't need one but I do think it is necessary to have it installed for when you do. I'd rather kill apps than pop the case, battery cover and battery to fix a frozen phone.
I have some GPS apps I run occasionally that after exiting them they don't turn off the GPS or lock the GPS on and drain my battery. So for those apps where the developer didn't put a close buton on the menu it helps shut them down. I don't know why Google Market doesn't require apps to have a close option.
get OS MONITOR from the market
PAPutzback said:
I don't know why Google Market doesn't require apps to have a close option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because users shouldn't have to manage their own memory. Apple folks already love laughing at us for that very reason, and even though it pains me to say it they're absolutely correct.
I can certainly buy the argument that task killers are nice for those occasions when something does go haywire and it needs to be forcibly killed, and I can understand using one just because you're curious and want to see what's running and how much memory you have, etc, but beyond that I find that they're unnecessary. My EVO runs very smoothly without me manually intervening, even after many days of uptime with many apps running.
GHOST99K said:
get OS MONITOR from the market
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow! That's detailed and a lot more than I bargained for....lol. Thanks! Good thing my phone is rooted and I was able to use it since I never did the recent update to the 1.47.xx OTA update and I'm waiting for a fully functional version to be released, but there is a lot of stuff on this that goes well beyond my basic knowledge. Apparently, my phone has 89 processes running with no apps running (according to Task Killer) and only one widget running and the CPU is fluctuating at 10-40% usage.
Interestingly enough, but apps report the same amount of available memory......EXACTLY the same. So it can be assumed that both apps provide an accurate figure of available memory.
I would advise against using a Task killer. Android has its own memory management, which works extremely well on the EVO, to be honest. The latest update (1.47) feels like its makes the EVO perform much better and allows it to be more efficient.
If anything, I would suggest you read this thread about an app called Autostarts, which isn't a task killer, rather a startup manager that can be tweaked to do many different things. By not allowing certain things to start up when your phone boots, you'll have more memory to begin with and Android will be more efficient in memory management. I would try Autostarts before using a task killer.
Hope that helps.
eagle63 said:
Because users shouldn't have to manage their own memory. Apple folks already love laughing at us for that very reason, and even though it pains me to say it they're absolutely correct.
I can certainly buy the argument that task killers are nice for those occasions when something does go haywire and it needs to be forcibly killed, and I can understand using one just because you're curious and want to see what's running and how much memory you have, etc, but beyond that I find that they're unnecessary. My EVO runs very smoothly without me manually intervening, even after many days of uptime with many apps running.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, but having to run a task killer is a small price to pay to not be part of the iPhone bandwagon crew, IMO.
Are you running a custom rom on your phone? I just have a rooted stock rom. Maybe that's why your phone can go days without the performance being affected? I still have all the bloatware on mine, and I've put off removing it because I am still a noob at this and I'm in the learning process. I wonder if the new update that was just released improves this aspect of the phone at all.....?
pseudoremora said:
I would advise against using a Task killer. Android has its own memory management, which works extremely well on the EVO, to be honest. The latest update (1.47) feels like its makes the EVO perform much better and allow it to be more efficient.
If anything, I would suggest you read this thread about an app called Autostarts, which isn't a task killer, rather a startup manager that can be tweaked to do many different things. By not allowing certain things to start up when your phone boots, you'll have more memory to begin with and Android will be more efficient in memory management. I would try Autostarts before using a task killer.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will definitely look into it. All advise is appreciated as I am very new to all of this. You answered my last question on my previous post with this, too.... I can't wait for a fully functional rooted OEM rom to be released with the goodies from the new update to try it out. I'm hesitant to update my phone now and lose superuser as I use the WiFi tether a lot.
Hi guys,
Sorry if this has been posted before, i searched for it, and couldnt find a decent reply to what I was looking for. I also googled it, and it only came up with results that were either outdated, or not very helpful.
Can you guys here tell me what kind of task manager you're using? And whats good/not good about it?
I am currently using TaskPanel. I've tried advanced task killer, and android system info (something along those lines) and found TaskPanel to be the best and simplest to use so far.
Thanks!
You don't really need a task manager app.
Read this http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2010/04/multitasking-android-way.html
The key part is: "applications may seem present to the user without an actual process currently running the app; multiple applications may share processes, or one application may make use of multiple processes depending on its needs; the process(es) of an application may be kept around by Android even when that application is not actively doing"
This means that the taskmanagers can't properly manage the running apps. Also, android has a built in task manager, which should keep the running apps in check, and close any if more memory is needed
qakgob said:
Y....
This means that the taskmanagers can't properly manage the running apps. Also, android has a built in task manager, which should keep the running apps in check, and close any if more memory is needed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats correct, but some oif the Apps are not good implemented and the Android build in Task Manger isn't able to control them complete. So there is a smal need for a Taskmanager in Android also, yust use it carefully and do not use any AutoKill features or Apps.
Regards
Christopher
I use minfree manager or autokiller to adjust the minfree mem setting on android. Works like a charm on my galaxy with agressive "82, 90, 98" setting.
Its not a traditional task killer, but instead tweaks the OS to free up ram alot sooner than usual. I didnt have any good results with normal task killer apps in the past.
Also with this setting, I find in unnesassary to apply PO's lag fix from modaco, phone runs great as it is. (JF3 firmware)
I should mention that you require root to adjust minfree settings.
best solution... Reboot the S boots in like 30 secs anyways..
bushrat said:
I use minfree manager or autokiller to adjust the minfree mem setting on android. Works like a charm on my galaxy with agressive "82, 90, 98" setting.
Its not a traditional task killer, but instead tweaks the OS to free up ram alot sooner than usual. I didnt have any good results with normal task killer apps in the past.
Also with this setting, I find in unnesassary to apply PO's lag fix from modaco, phone runs great as it is. (JF3 firmware)
I should mention that you require root to adjust minfree settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sounds good! I will give it a try someday, but i'll need to root my device.
I know this is off-topic, but is rooting risky?? I come from a Samsung i900 omnia, and flashing that device could mean instant brick, rendering the device completely useless, i don't want that happening to my GS.
cheers!
When i had the Desire i didnt require any killer apps. But with the Galaxy S n the lag/blackout issues i needed to install task killers coz it was getting really really slow. I now have Auto Memory Manager installed which does a decent job.
Come on Samsung, show the world that u do care about your customers. The world is watching....
Autokiller is very good!
bushrat said:
I use minfree manager or autokiller to adjust the minfree mem setting on android. Works like a charm on my galaxy with agressive "82, 90, 98" setting.
Its not a traditional task killer, but instead tweaks the OS to free up ram alot sooner than usual. I didnt have any good results with normal task killer apps in the past.
Also with this setting, I find in unnesassary to apply PO's lag fix from modaco, phone runs great as it is. (JF3 firmware)
I should mention that you require root to adjust minfree settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Autokiller is very very good! I used to use the advanced task killer and set to auto-kill in crazy mode everytime screen is off. But even then, memory drops very fast to 30+ mb in less than 1 day of usage, with no other processes running. Yesterday I switched to autokiller and memory from morning till now never drops below 110mb! Phone feels and behaves alot snappier!
autokiller
bushrat said:
I use minfree manager or autokiller to adjust the minfree mem setting on android. Works like a charm on my galaxy with agressive "82, 90, 98" setting.
Its not a traditional task killer, but instead tweaks the OS to free up ram alot sooner than usual. I didnt have any good results with normal task killer apps in the past.
Also with this setting, I find in unnesassary to apply PO's lag fix from modaco, phone runs great as it is. (JF3 firmware)
I should mention that you require root to adjust minfree settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
first tried different task managers, but it doesn't work as good as the internal one
I don't know if this is an issue with android.. or galaxy s... or "Advanced Task Killer".... but apps keep popping up after i "Kill" them....
when i say apps pop up... i mean random apps that i have not touched...
for example I never touched the Visual Voicemail as i don't have use for it.. and amazong mp3.. the list just keeps going ...
i don't know why it keeps reloading after i "kill" them..i did google this problem and could not find any one else complaining... maybe i didn't do a good job of searching... this is wayy too frustrating
is there a "Fix" for this?
well first you shouldn't be using a task killer. Second they show up there because some apps run in the background occasionally without you even opening them.
Because the apps are doing stuff and you keep killing them so they restart. Stop using a task killer and let android handle the running programs like google programmed the os to do. The google programmers are really talented I promise.
As said above. Apps auto run in background. Android deals with this efficiently, best not to use a task killer
Don't use task killers.
It's really that simple.
Task killer is a no no for Phones with 128+ RAM
Most stuff needn't be killed, but T-Mobile includes some bloatware that has absolutely no right to be running at all, much less all the time (hi, daily briefing). The "don't use a task manager" meme is fine for a stock android phone where presumably you're only installing things that you actually want to use, but when you buy a branded phone you really *don't* want the carrier garbage running all the time. At best, it sits around doing nothing until Android kills it on its own, but at worst it can drain your battery life and cause instability.
The only surefire solution I've found is to actually remove the offending bloatware using root explorer or titanium backup.
^^TL;DR Remove bloat, don't use a task killer.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Ok, I'll ask if no one else will, why not run a task killer? What is the downside?
There are any number of applications on the phone that I literally never use like Amazon MP3, Slacker, and Visual Voicemail, why would I want to leave those running when I have no use for them, and there is an easy way to kill them off when they spawn themselves?
lmlloyd said:
Ok, I'll ask if no one else will, why not run a task killer? What is the downside?
There are any number of applications on the phone that I literally never use like Amazon MP3, Slacker, and Visual Voicemail, why would I want to leave those running when I have no use for them, and there is an easy way to kill them off when they spawn themselves?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think its ok to use Task Killers for occasionally stopping apps that are giving you issues (running slowly, frozen). The problem with using Task Killers is that it can make your system unstable, it can mess up widgets, and Android doesn't really need it. Android will close apps on its own when it needs more memory . Most apps, if programed correctly, will use little to no battery power when idle in the background. It can take more battery power to start up an app again rather than opening it from idle.
lmlloyd said:
Ok, I'll ask if no one else will, why not run a task killer? What is the downside?
There are any number of applications on the phone that I literally never use like Amazon MP3, Slacker, and Visual Voicemail, why would I want to leave those running when I have no use for them, and there is an easy way to kill them off when they spawn themselves?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We're finding more and more that on higher end phones, such as the Vibrant, when a task killer is running the Android OS isn't being allowed to control the apps to it's full potential and some of the task killers are causing problems. After we remove the task killers, problems can occasionally be resolved. Not always, it's just something we're seeing. At least in my store and when I can in to support.
Because when an app is running in the background, it uses practically no battery. Most of the time it is not using any processor clock cycles just taking up some ram space. You don't have to worry about the ram being used because android will automatically end apps when it needs more ram. A lot of the time, ending an app via task killers will actually slow the phone down because when you go to open the app again it has to totally reopen rather than just awake from an idle state. Android 2.2 is even better at managing background tasks and running a task killer will almost guarantee a slower phone.
Read 4 post down.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
Smart Bars not a bad one that you can start up and kill a task that wont exit out. However i wouldn't use it to "free up RAM"
When you start up the phone on stock rom w/ all the bloatware you have like 20+ random apps already running by default. If you ran a quadrant test now your score wouldn't be as high as if you killed all those apps then did the test. I went from 1900 to 2250 by killing all the apps. Not a huge difference but personally I don't like things like Slacker or GoGo running in the background when I never use them.
I don't like using task killers though, I just wish all these stupid apps wouldn't start when the phone is booted up. It can really make the phone slower. Killing all apps + lagfix means load times are almost non existant. Having all those apps running + lagfix means you will get some stutters in load times.
Task killers often show cached apps. They are not running just on stand by until you open them.
Sent from the best phone from TMO... Vibrant
There is an app called "Start Up Auditor" It disables any app you want (yes including the bloatware) Form starting up when you boot up and randomly while the phone is on.
For example I have all my bloatware that I don't want set to do not start at boot up unless I physically choose to open that app.
Better than any task killer out there. So you NEVER have to worry about the bloatware other than it taking up some memory.
http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2010/04/multitasking-android-way.html
That's really the best explanation right there. It explains just why Android does what it does.
Sorry, no tl;dr for the lazy.
I had my task killer on auto kill cuz i was frustrated..... but i'm gonna go download that "Star up Auditor"... sounds like the most efficient way... since i actually do use Slacker..
anyhow..thanks alot guys for the suggestions..