Task killer - Atrix 4G General

Alright switched from iphone to Atrix and im loving the atrix im loving the whole android system. My question is do i need to run advance task killer or not im hearing from alot of people that a task killer on the android is very dumb cause its not like windows that since its close to a linux based system it distributes the memory correctly. Any help will greatly be appreciated. So the question is advance task killer or run with out it.

Don't bother with a task manager. Instead just keep an eye on the apps you download, make sure they work properly and aren't malicious. If something bugs out you can force close the app without a task manager.

Well some people say you need one and some don't; I have been using one for a while now and it gives me a lot of positive effects.
I use advanced task killer free, which let's you choose to end all or certain applications and doesnt rrun in the bbackground.
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The one that came with the Atrix is actually very good. Kill the apps you designate while the phone is in sleep mode. I tried a lot of task managers but ended with with the Motorola task manager.

Related

[Q] Why do apps keep popping up in my "Advanced Task Killer"?

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.
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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?
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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?
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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..

Ya know, touchwiz has a nice little task killer and system widget!

If you have touchwiz still running, long press on the screen and add a samsung widget then program monitor. It's pretty basic but it does the job and lets you know if something is eating up cpu/memory. It erl change to red when something is misbehaving, so you can go in there and shut it down. I use it quite often and haven't had any problems so far. I know, I know, you shouldn't use task killers. This one is "built in", does that still mean it's bad to have/use?
Maybe, but maybe because that kind of app is so popular, samsung decided to put one in there.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
herbthehammer said:
If you have touchwiz still running, long press on the screen and add a samsung widget then program monitor. It's pretty basic but it does the job and lets you know if something is eating up cpu/memory. It erl change to red when something is misbehaving, so you can go in there and shut it down. I use it quite often and haven't had any problems so far. I know, I know, you shouldn't use task killers. This one is "built in", does that still mean it's bad to have/use?
Maybe, but maybe because that kind of app is so popular, samsung decided to put one in there.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
I use it a lot actually..its at the center of my main home screen...I personally don't like too many applications running at the same time even if the phone can handle it...If i'm not using an app or see on eating battery I kill it.its very convenient.
For apps that just start back up again that weren't actually consuming any CPU, you can actually make battery life worse, since it's more expensive to kill + reload the app than to just leave it running.
Another way to access the task manager is to long press on the home button. You'll see your recent apps and the button for the task manager This way you can still use it if you load up launcher pro like me (widget no longer available).
I really love the System Manager!
Its been said a million times that task managers aren't necessary but I still close apps once I am done with them. I used Advanced Task Killer constantly on my Nexus, but for some reason it froze up my Epic.....
The stock System Manager is nice because it doesn't show system programs that need to stay open.
I Thought on 2.1 it's still beneficial to use an app killer? obviously if you're going to open the program up constantly, just leave it. But I'm pretty sure it's froyo 2.2 where an app killer is not recommended.
I love it and use it but sometimes have an issue with it closing the wrong program when I tap end. idk what's up with that but it can be annoying

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?
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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?
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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.
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bwcorvus said:
Why not just use the built in one? Settings, applications, manage applications, running tab?
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Yes, this is the way to go. No extra programs needed.

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

Taskmanager is useless...

The taskmanager that comes pre-installed with the phone seems useless...
Reason being is that when it's used to close apps to free ram, seconds after it's as it was before...
Supposing my used ram is 474mb. I then clear the memory at which then the task manager reports used ram as just 273mb.....
When checking the task manager literally minutes after it will then read 474mb or higher.
This is even when the phone has not been touched & was left on idle.
So please tell me the point in having a task manager that kills apps which then simply open again moments later....
Task manager exists to Effin close the apps for good, not have then "tabbed-out" and sit there and drain battery / Ram. Man, some people are oblivious.
Edit: abd apps dont open by themselfs after, geez. Its the system (THE PHONE) that takes from Ram to actually /run/ and function
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Clearly someone doesn't understand how Android works. If you want to learn something, then google "Android why you shouldn't use a task killer".
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BazookaAce said:
Clearly someone doesn't understand how Android works. If you want to learn something, then google "Android why you shouldn't use a task killer".
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using xda premium
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Clearly someone doesn't KNOW how to read...
Since when did I mention a task killer? I am referring to the STOCK task manager that comes PRE-INSTALLED on the phone.
Instead of jumping to conclusions, learn to read...
All I'm saying is that the task manager doesn't seem effective...
hey mr angry pants, task killer and task manager are the same thing, the only thing a task manager can do is "kill" a task
bamboo12 said:
hey mr angry pants, task killer and task manager are the same thing, the only thing a task manager can do is "kill" a task
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Yes I know, but BazookaAce referred to a task killer, a third party app in which I didn't mention.
I simply stated my opinion and I did not have a go at anyone & neither was I rude.
So for a simple opinion I get trolls having a go at ME making statements such as I know nothing about android and being oblivious.
Seems you can't express your own opinons without getting trolled on...
Why must people be so rude and have a go at you?
I have a right to be angry...
If someone disagrees with my statement, then let it be. I'm not saying I'm right or wrong but If I disagreed with someones statement why should I become rude and fight?
Why is it so wrong if I simply stated I feel the task manager is useless? There is no need to get rude...
what the task manager does is kill everything except for the bare OS. then when you go to home, it will rebuffer all your widgets and icons back into the ram, and will reload any background processes that are required to run the widgets.
occasionally when you run an app and close it, it will leave the process running in the background, taking up ram unnecessarily. an example would be something like tap tap revenge, android market, music player, facebook, the crappy polish media player that came with my phone even though i never used it, etc.
normally, unless you have a task killer or task manager app, these apps will remain hogging up ram until you kill it. even if you use the market or music player once and then close it, it may remain running or may have a background process that remains running. what clear memory does is it removes all of these little annoying processes from the memory and just restores the OS back to its bare ram usage again.
this is useful for when you want to play a game or use an app that requires a lot of ram (ie. dungeon defenders) and you dont want it to crash on you when youre making an ingame purchase because you ran out of ram. you can clear your ram of junk first and then run the game, leaving you with more ram available for the game data.
task killers are silly because people often program them to kill apps that are designed to reopen themselves anyway, which puts the app in a reboot loop that drains more battery.
if you want to permanently stop a process from hogging up ram, you'd have to root your phone, run titanium backup and freeze the useless processes.
Thank you so much Souai for your response, you provided some useful information with regards on how task managers work...
Unlike a few others who were unhelpful I appreciate your post and detailed explanation.
Will hit the ''thanks'' button.
As for Titanium backup, I've heard of it but not tried it. Once my phone has been rooted I will give the application a try.
BazookaAce said:
Clearly someone doesn't understand how Android works. If you want to learn something, then google "Android why you shouldn't use a task killer".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well i can tell you from experience that task killers DO work.
Before i put the phone in my pocket, i run it, saves battery drainage.
And when the phone begins to lag, i run it, and it runs smooth again.
So whatever all those articles tell you, i experience the opposite.
P.S. I'm rooted

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