The truth about task killers - Streak 5 General

As a general rule, task killers are ok to use as long as you understand the following things:
1. Never set your task killer program for auto kill and if you absolutely must auto kill something, never auto kill core processes, mail, messaging, DRM services, location services, or any other vital service for communication.
2. Make sure your task killer program is "meant" to run on your device. Make sure you look to make sure it's compatible with donut, eclair, or froyo... If you use Advance task killer (most popular one), there is a separate Advance task killer froyo version.
3. Task killers are meant to mass kill unwanted tasks from running so you don't have to manually go through and kill each one... they are not meant to optimize your phone... do not attempt to optimize your phone with a task killer
4. Task killers are not meant for the average android user. If you don't know what ADB, fastboot, acore process, build.prop, apk sdk, kernal flashing, bootloader, customer recovery or any other extremely simple acronyms or development activities (this is a beginner list) then that means you should not have a task killer on your android device.

Related

Task killers on vibrant

Does the vibrant need a task killer? was considering getting Advanced Task Killer, but I've heard that the vibrant lags with it more than without
don't use those applications. The one built in our phone works well.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
drcrappants said:
Does the vibrant need a task killer? was considering getting Advanced Task Killer, but I've heard that the vibrant lags with it more than without
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any recent Android phone doesn't need a task killer.
Task killers are pretty much worth a bucket of rocks
Task killer
yea task killers=battery drainers
Task killers are nice to catch runaway processes, or to kill processes that you cannot otherwise (other than the kill command that is.) I agree with everyone else here, though. Don't use a task killer just to kill off processes that you might think that you are not using.
I use "Advanced Task Killer Free," but I don't use it very often.
Why do I not just use the built in task killer? It doesn't see all of the running processes.
You can use Task manager or system panel or some of the others like that. They do not use really any resources but are a convenient way to close programs in one spot.
Solo Task killers apps aren't really needed with the newer roms

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?
Click to expand...
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.

[Poll} Task Killers

Hey guys just wanna check out how many people are using task killers. For those who don't i'm curious what happens when your phone start lagging. For example, when you're running a HD game, syncing your accounts, playing music, downloading an app, etc etc and your phone starts lagging. What next?
i only install an app named "system panel", but i never use it's "kill all" function
I'm using System Panel too. It provide detailed info about the phone other than being a task manager. i use it to kill apps before screen off my DHD to maintain the RAM at 400-425.
But i read somewhere stated that the RAM consumption doesn't significantly affect battery usage, but is the CPU usage. and the Android OS itself is designed to smart enuff to automatically close unused apps. So app killer is no need for Android.
Xenova said:
I'm using System Panel too. It provide detailed info about the phone other than being a task manager. i use it to kill apps before screen off my DHD to maintain the RAM at 400-425.
But i read somewhere stated that the RAM consumption doesn't significantly affect battery usage, but is the CPU usage. and the Android OS itself is designed to smart enuff to automatically close unused apps. So app killer is no need for Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for me, I use it to kill rogue apps that consumes battery like hell (e.g Facebook app, Google Maps etc.) I did a lot of hard resets because maps was acting strange but my phone wasn't remedied maps is still there eating my battery so the only solution was to auto kill it when my phone goes to sleep.
xplained said:
Hey guys just wanna check out how many people are using task killers. For those who don't i'm curious what happens when your phone start lagging. For example, when you're running a HD game, syncing your accounts, playing music, downloading an app, etc etc and your phone starts lagging. What next?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I buy a new phone, seriously your phone is lagging because you have a task killer installed which is forcing your phone to respawn processes that the task killer has needlessly killed thus more processor activity and a slow down.
REALLY, DITCH THE TASKKILLERS THEY ARE EVIL
Xenova said:
I'm using System Panel too. It provide detailed info about the phone other than being a task manager. i use it to kill apps before screen off my DHD to maintain the RAM at 400-425.
But i read somewhere stated that the RAM consumption doesn't significantly affect battery usage, but is the CPU usage. and the Android OS itself is designed to smart enuff to automatically close unused apps. So app killer is no need for Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If system panel closes processes that the os considers necessary they will be respawned by the system so increasing cpu cycles and decreasing battery life.
ghostofcain said:
REALLY, DITCH THE TASKKILLERS THEY ARE EVIL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1, Google OS closes the processes which are not required, all task killers do is close them early, or close ones still required, which are then forced to re-open.
Using task killers?! Bless them Father, for they have sinned!
For it was Jesus who said: "Task killers are entirely unnecessary and often actually make things worse, my son." [Book of Android, Ch. 6 v.2]
He commands thee to do the following:
1. Uninstall all task killers
2. Seek atonement
3. Root your phone
3. Download Autokiller
This app doesn't actually kill tasks but instead set parameters as to how much memory to keep free, leaving the android system to act normally within those parameters. It's an award-winning app that should come pre-installed on every geek's phone.
4. Download Autostarts
Your apps are pre-programmed to open automatically on certain actions, eg. Market and Maps will automatically open whenever GPS is turned on. However, most of the time it is entirely unnecessary (why the hell should Maps load every time I turn off bluetooth?). This program allows you to control which apps automatically start up on certain actions - you never need worry about killing unnecessary tasks since they won't start up in the first place, see?
5. Upon realising how swift your phone runs after steps 1 - 4, proceed to sacrifice your first-born son on a stone altar at the top of a mountain.
Brethren, can I get an 'amen'?!
cementboy said:
Using task killers?! Bless them Father, for they have sinned!
For it was Jesus who said: "Task killers are entirely unnecessary and often actually make things worse, my son." [Book of Android, Ch. 6 v.2]
He commands thee to do the following:
1. Uninstall all task killers
2. Seek atonement
3. Root your phone
3. Download Autokiller
This app doesn't actually kill tasks but instead set parameters as to how much memory to keep free, leaving the android system to act normally within those parameters. It's an award-winning app that should come pre-installed on every geek's phone.
4. Download Autostarts
Your apps are pre-programmed to open automatically on certain actions, eg. Market and Maps will automatically open whenever GPS is turned on. However, most of the time it is entirely unnecessary (why the hell should Maps load every time I turn off bluetooth?). This program allows you to control which apps automatically start up on certain actions - you never need worry about killing unnecessary tasks since they won't start up in the first place, see?
5. Upon realising how swift your phone runs after steps 1 - 4, proceed to sacrifice your first-born son on a stone altar at the top of a mountain.
Brethren, can I get an 'amen'?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best post in my entire period here on XDA
I use a task killer. Only to kill certain apps though. Runfootball for instance keeps consuming CPU even when the app is closed properly. Therefore I use Task Manager to kill this app automatically when I turn my screen off. XDA app actually keeps consuming CPU for a long time too sometimes.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Wekko306 said:
I use a task killer. Only to kill certain apps though. Runfootball for instance keeps consuming CPU even when the app is closed properly. Therefore I use Task Manager to kill this app automatically when I turn my screen off. XDA app actually keeps consuming CPU for a long time too sometimes.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the app doesn't work properly uninstall it or talk to the devs
cementboy said:
Using task killers?! Bless them Father, for they have sinned!
For it was Jesus who said: "Task killers are entirely unnecessary and often actually make things worse, my son." [Book of Android, Ch. 6 v.2]
He commands thee to do the following:
1. Uninstall all task killers
2. Seek atonement
3. Root your phone
3. Download Autokiller
This app doesn't actually kill tasks but instead set parameters as to how much memory to keep free, leaving the android system to act normally within those parameters. It's an award-winning app that should come pre-installed on every geek's phone.
4. Download Autostarts
Your apps are pre-programmed to open automatically on certain actions, eg. Market and Maps will automatically open whenever GPS is turned on. However, most of the time it is entirely unnecessary (why the hell should Maps load every time I turn off bluetooth?). This program allows you to control which apps automatically start up on certain actions - you never need worry about killing unnecessary tasks since they won't start up in the first place, see?
5. Upon realising how swift your phone runs after steps 1 - 4, proceed to sacrifice your first-born son on a stone altar at the top of a mountain.
Brethren, can I get an 'amen'?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen!
10 char
my phone does not start lagging. taskkiller are totally useless garbage!
p.s. i am using leedroid 3.2.1
Never use them either, and never had any lags. Entirely useless imo.
Task killers won't help you in speeding up your phone. But I won't call them useless - actually they help in developing an application. There is a wird bug with the adb server under Windows, so if you want to run the application you are developing you have to kill everything and run it before the OS respawns more than 64 processes. Other than that I have found no reason to use them.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
cementboy said:
Using task killers?! Bless them Father, for they have sinned!
For it was Jesus who said: "Task killers are entirely unnecessary and often actually make things worse, my son." [Book of Android, Ch. 6 v.2]
He commands thee to do the following:
1. Uninstall all task killers
2. Seek atonement
3. Root your phone
3. Download Autokiller
This app doesn't actually kill tasks but instead set parameters as to how much memory to keep free, leaving the android system to act normally within those parameters. It's an award-winning app that should come pre-installed on every geek's phone.
4. Download Autostarts
Your apps are pre-programmed to open automatically on certain actions, eg. Market and Maps will automatically open whenever GPS is turned on. However, most of the time it is entirely unnecessary (why the hell should Maps load every time I turn off bluetooth?). This program allows you to control which apps automatically start up on certain actions - you never need worry about killing unnecessary tasks since they won't start up in the first place, see?
5. Upon realising how swift your phone runs after steps 1 - 4, proceed to sacrifice your first-born son on a stone altar at the top of a mountain.
Brethren, can I get an 'amen'?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best post I've ever read on these forums!!!
As soon as I read that Android handles closing tasks automatically I have since made the decision to not go anywhere near Task Killers. On the odd occasion that a rogue process becomes a nuisance, I kill it manually (maybe uninstall), or alter the apps options.
Post of the decade!!!
cementboy said:
Using task killers?! Bless them Father, for they have sinned!
For it was Jesus who said: "Task killers are entirely unnecessary and often actually make things worse, my son." [Book of Android, Ch. 6 v.2]
He commands thee to do the following:
1. Uninstall all task killers
2. Seek atonement
3. Root your phone
3. Download Autokiller
This app doesn't actually kill tasks but instead set parameters as to how much memory to keep free, leaving the android system to act normally within those parameters. It's an award-winning app that should come pre-installed on every geek's phone.
4. Download Autostarts
Your apps are pre-programmed to open automatically on certain actions, eg. Market and Maps will automatically open whenever GPS is turned on. However, most of the time it is entirely unnecessary (why the hell should Maps load every time I turn off bluetooth?). This program allows you to control which apps automatically start up on certain actions - you never need worry about killing unnecessary tasks since they won't start up in the first place, see?
5. Upon realising how swift your phone runs after steps 1 - 4, proceed to sacrifice your first-born son on a stone altar at the top of a mountain.
Brethren, can I get an 'amen'?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNN!!!!!
I did my homework before switching to Android Heaven........NO TASK KILLERS!!!
I am the task killer. I periodically check processes and kill the odd one or two that I don't want to run.
My phone has never lagged.
I wll try AutoKiller.
Best post I have read btw!!!
Hello ppl. I'm really concerned about your hate for task killers, so I say mine opinion ;-)
First of all, as any tool, task killer CAN be used in a bad way. You can use scissors to cut your friends finger, but you can also use it wisely.
Secondly, killing a task which you KNOW you won't be using soon IS good. Why? Because Android is not a prophet and WON'T know that it can reuse some memory used for example by google maps for caching input/output from other application saving energy not doing SD reads/writes. Thats simplest example and I will stop at it, because this is really big topic.
Thirdly, if you have to use task killer because you really know what you are doing and know better than probability, use a task killer integrated into ANY OTHER software that stays resident to save CPU cycles switching between tasks.
And last but not least, consider VERY HARDLY before using autokilling feature. This should be used only for ABUSING processes that should never run if there is no other method to achieve this (for example, you cannot uninstall something because it's a part of software required by your needs).
Simple stories about "taskkillers are baaaaaaaad!!! uninstall them right now!!!" are so smart as saying that all people are dumb.
Hate them...

Using Task Killer Slows Phone Down

yes...i experienced it with my arc, after i removed Advanced task killer, the phone actually gave better performance. I had an issue with gameloft HD games which forced the phone to restart atfer 5 mins playing them, but it got solved atfer i uninstalled advanced task killer. The thing is linux and windows have different methods of handling background processes and hence we need to get out of the windows mentality. Also u can always close unwanted processes from the settings menu. Pls try it and reply what difference u see....
wujiao said:
yes...i experienced it with my arc, after i removed Advanced task killer, the phone actually gave better performance. I had an issue with gameloft HD games which forced the phone to restart atfer 5 mins playing them, but it got solved atfer i uninstalled advanced task killer. The thing is linux and windows have different methods of handling background processes and hence we need to get out of the windows mentality. Also u can always close unwanted processes from the settings menu. Pls try it and reply what difference u see....
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Click to collapse
Task killers that are auto will cause issues, since those same apps will just keep restarting, assuming it's services that are syncing and what not. I use MIUi+GO launcher which both have the ability to kill only active apps or ones in foreground. I think you should use this on your phone, it will modify android's built in task killer instead of being an app...And it stops home launcher from reloading.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=991276
Spare Parts is another way of tweaking Android's in-built task management settings.
In Android, a full RAM doesn't mean a slower phone. Android will wipe RAM whenever it needs it and some apps will only try to restart when you kill them so it's no use having a task killer.
On the other hand, sometimes a crazy app could swallow the CPU, and that can even cause your phone to freeze, not having a task killer shouldn't be troublesome if you keep that in mind and kill any greedy app.
Uhm, if I didn't do myself clear: TaskKillers in the Arc are useless xD
Sent from my LT15i using Tapatalk
personally my arc without task killer drain battery very fast.

Task Killers?

Just of curiosity is task killers worth it? i mean android has there own built in task killers..do we need em. do they speed up your phone? or just do the same amount and just kill more apps.
You really should not use any task killers, especially any auto kill ones. It just kills your battery. You kill the app and then android will most likely reopen it requiring the system to load it from the slower flash memory instead of directly from ram. When you press your home button/background the app, android will eventually cache the app in the ram to make it load faster and take up less resources. Imagine having an auto task killer killing the apps in the background and android just starting them back up like a loop.
Hope that makes sense. If your phone has been slowing down and if it is rooted I would recommend using Greenify.

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