Database Users

First andriod phone, coming from windows!

Hello everyone. I am coming from windows mobile which I have been using since 2003. I really like Android but I had a few questions and concerns.
1. I realized that apps have access to personal data and are able to access internet and dial. Should I be concerned? How can I be assured that an app developer is not after my bank info and such?
2. Why are so many apps running in the background when I haven't opened them?
I am already using advanced task killer but when i look at the apps running there's a full list even tho I didn't open them.
3. Is there a file explorer on android?
Any tips and tricks would be appreciated.

sammyluva said:
Hello everyone. I am coming from windows mobile which I have been using since 2003. I really like Android but I had a few questions and concerns.
1. I realized that apps have access to personal data and are able to access internet and dial. Should I be concerned? How can I be assured that an app developer is not after my bank info and such?
Google confirms identities of developers. Use your best judgement. Is it possible? Yes. If an app has been out for a while and has lots of high ratings then I'm inclined to trust the developer. If Google does discover malicious software in their market they have tools to remotely remove such apps from everyones phone, kinda creepy but it's there for a good reason and it's all part of the decision you make about whether to trust the platform and the community that surrounds it.
2. Why are so many apps running in the background when I haven't opened them?
I am already using advanced task killer but when i look at the apps running there's a full list even tho I didn't open them.
That's the HTC/Sprint way. Get an app called Autostarts. You will be amazed at what runs automatically and autostarts will allow you to decide what runs and when.
3. Is there a file explorer on android?
Yes. One is not included in the stock rom but they are easy enough to find.
There are Terminal Emulators which equate to cmd in win, and there are file explorers too. Root Explorer is my personal favorite.
Any tips and tricks would be appreciated.
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elevenchars

nebenezer said:
elevenchars
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What do u mean?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

sammyluva said:
What do u mean?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
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search "10chars"
Text in quotes doesn't count...

1. Just use common sense like was said.
2. If you use the main apps that came with the phone you are fine. It can be apps you download that run in the background that hurt the battery life.
3. Astro file manager is by far my favorite app.

sammyluva said:
1. I realized that apps have access to personal data and are able to access internet and dial. Should I be concerned? How can I be assured that an app developer is not after my bank info and such?
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How did you prevent apps on WM from accessing this info? Answer..you didn't, the fact is that WM programs are even more scary because they don't even tell you what they are accessing.
sammyluva said:
2. Why are so many apps running in the background when I haven't opened them?
I am already using advanced task killer but when i look at the apps running there's a full list even tho I didn't open them.
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Same answer as why are so many services running on your desktop when you have no programs running. Operating systems have all kinds of services running beside the app you are watching.
sammyluva said:
3. Is there a file explorer on android?
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Uh...did you check the program icons?

1.) As stated, doesn't hurt to check the number of DLs an App has or checking through some of the comments. Can find out if an App is giving a specific phone issues too ... thus saving you time from bothering to check it out. Trust it or don't check it out. Understandable why some people would see that and wonder ... but then again your info is already out there ...
2.) They just do. Even some **** that might not make sense, it just does for it's own reasons. Task killing can be good and bad. Or just good. Or just bad. Depending on who you ask so think on it before you decide to start murdering Apps or leaving em running.
3.) Astro File Manager is "what's up" but there are others. But that 1 is legit though.

Thanks for all those that replied but I didn't really get a satisfying answer to the first 2 questions. It seems like some of the people on here are just confused as well but are defending android in thinking that I am against the operating system. As I said in my original post I like the OS but i had some concerns that i wanted to learn more about.
Ramiss, you asked how I knew what info WM accessed? You are right they don't disclose accessing any data which means to me they are not. If they did and I found out then I could take them to court but when a company discloses that they are accessing your personal data and you agree to it then you have no say in how that info is used since you gave them permission. Also I never had an app running that I didn't open or give it permission to run in the background during my years with WM.
I have the evo since Friday and I've downloaded a couple of apps where I saw the disclosure of the kind of access these apps have and I was just thinking whats the point of having the apps if you have to worry abt it accessing important info. Then I got an email from Marketplace telling me the activities of my friends on facebook marketplace. The email went further to tell me some of the activities of my friend's friends. The point is its accessing personal data I didn't give it access to, which is scary.
I came on here to ask the people that know the OS better but it seems like there are some confused people on here. So I did a little research and found the article below which basically concurs that there is a problem with apps on android accessing personal data.
http://www.computerworld.com/s/arti...apps_pose_privacy_threat_says_security_vendor
So my question is, are there preventive ways to protect against apps using personal data? Of course other than abstaining from downloading apps. Like an app that would block access to personal data or tell a person what each app accessed and did with it. Please if you can not give an educated answer then don't reply. Thanks.

sammyluva said:
Ramiss, you asked how I knew what info WM accessed? You are right they don't disclose accessing any data which means to me they are not. If they did and I found out then I could take them to court but when a company discloses that they are accessing your personal data and you agree to it then you have no say in how that info is used since you gave them permission. Also I never had an app running that I didn't open or give it permission to run in the background during my years with WM.
So my question is, are there preventive ways to protect against apps using personal data? Of course other than abstaining from downloading apps. Like an app that would block access to personal data or tell a person what each app accessed and did with it. Please if you can not give an educated answer then don't reply. Thanks.
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Actually my point was that Windows Mobile programs could easily access personal information, you just weren't aware of it. For example, try downloading a windows mobile program that handles your contacts (Pocket Informant comes to mind). Does the OS give you a warning that this new program will access your contacts? Not as far as I can remember! Whereas Android apps must disclose what they access, that is a rule from Google.
The way to protect an app from not accessing something is to not use it. This is the reason the access list is disclosed - so you have a choice not to continue.
As others have said you need to make your own decision based on the popularity of the app, the comments made and perhaps a quick Google search. Trust me, if an app is malicious there is a good chance you would know about it by reading the comments.
Edit: The end of that article you posted gives you the answer:
Android's security model requires that applications declare the permissions they will be using prior to installation by the user. An informed user can use these declarations to decide if they want to install an application or not, according to SMobile. However, the fact remains that there is no means available for a user to know for sure that the application they just downloaded is doing only what the user sees it doing, it said.
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Do you use an antivirus on your Aria or other Android phone?

While I wait for my micro sd to get here to root and use my Aria, I have been just playing around with it and checking out various apps in the market. Then I saw an antivirus app and downloaded. Since I am new to Android, I thought I would ask others whether they have had any problems (or if there are problems) that require an antivirus. Or is it just a useless app?
I noticed there are apps that can contain some important information (i.e. mobile banking and e-mails), but is an antivirus really needed?
Thanks in advance for the discussion.

I personally do not use one, and don't plan on using one unless someone supplies a greatly convincing argument. While I don't doubt that it is a possibility in the future it will be needed, I don't believe they are necessary up to this point. From what I've read there are very few viruses/malware whatnot out there written to affect Android. Everytime you install an app it tells you exactly what it needs to access on that second screen. Also, I'm not sure if you have any experience with what a lot of antivirus applications tend to do to computers speed, but I imagine it'd affect the phone in a similar fashion.
You can read a better constructed forum post about it here
If I'm incorrect on anything someone please correct me

Thanks. That was a good read.
I was just unsure if I want to use the online banking app. It is very helpful and useful but I was just a bit hesitant.

No problem In my opinion, I think for something like that (I use Mint personally, if you don't know what it is, you should check it out for banking/credit cards, finance in general) losing the phone and having the information get into the wrong hands is a bigger concern than a virus stealing it. Again, that's my opinion. Although there are apps for the scenario I described also SMobile Anti-Theft is the only one I can think of off the top of my head for no particular reason, but I know there are a few others (possibly better, not using one myself just yet) out there

Mobile Antivirus = Rip off and waste of phone resources. Sad part is, many programs meant to facilitate tracking your own phone (lost/stolen) for some reason include antivirus kind of crap in it. There are alternatives, but none the less it's all complete nonsense.
Works great, never had a virus with it! Or without it.

I dont have one on my android right now It's true I have to download antivirus software now for Cellphones, especialy android phones. Some of them like avast already have this option. I've read ZenOK Free Antivirus is going to release a free version too. which one you recommend

Never used antivirus on my android phone or my Ubuntu laptop. Never had any problems. I think worst case scenario right now is receiving a virus via email and forwarding it on to an unsuspecting windows box. But then again anyone who gets that email on windows And doesn't have antivirus is foolish.
Of course this could all change in the future and it may one day be necessary yo use an antivirus on android.
Sent from my cm7 Aria.

With your phone it may not be really needed but your laptop?! Do you know how many viruses, malicious software, adware and spyware could be on your laptop right now? I would suggest at least using it on your laptop. Anyways, I do personally use one on my phone as well.

theonew said:
With your phone it may not be really needed but your laptop?! Do you know how many viruses, malicious software, adware and spyware could be on your laptop right now? I would suggest at least using it on your laptop. Anyways, I do personally use one on my phone as well.
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Are you familiar with Linux based systems such as Ubuntu? It works the same way as android, which is also Linux based. It doesn't operate anything like a windows system. Everything runs in its own little 'box' (think .apks) and pretty much all software is downloaded through an Ubuntu download center (think Android Market). Everything has to have permissions, also just like android. It doesn't utilize .exe like windows. All this adds up to a system that is pretty secure. I don't download any software outside of the download center so I know where all my programs are coming from. All I use my ubuntu laptop for is surfing the web and messing with my phone. My laptop doesn't need an antivirus any more than my phone does. And my phone doesn't need any antivirus. People get stuck on that windows mentality (antivirus/task killers/memory managers).
Sent from my cm7 Aria.

Have never used an Antivirus on my phone I actually don't see how it's really of any use .-.
Everything I download app wise is from the Market and other than that I don't download anything besides a pic here and there

A virus cannot do anything malicious on Android or Linux without permissions, so I think antivirus can only protect a Linux computer or android phone from the user (who has to grant the permissions)...therefore I believe antivirus on android is mostly useless
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App

[Q] Anti-Virus, is it really needed?

Hello there chaps & chapettes(?),
I come to you today with a very real and possibly useful question. I come today to ask if there is a need for an anti-virus on smartphones at the moment and to gain an idea of the amount of HD2 users who do use an anti-virus.
So, would you say that there is any real need for an anti-virus? Are there many threats out there for us smartphone users? And do any of you have an anti-virus and if so, which is the one most recommended?
As an IT Engineer, I see many PC deaths attributed to malware of various flavours and I'd rather not see my beloved phone fall folly to these harmful programs.
Thanks for your responses (in advance),
Martin

I personally do not use one, but it depends on personal choice and what you use your phone for really.
Viruses and malware are fairly uncommon on android, but they do exist.
For example if you download a lot on your phone, or try unknown apps in market (viruses have been known to to find their way into the market) then you could maybe look into trying one.
Hope this helped
Sent from my HD2 using XDA app

IMHO, even on a PC, the anti-virus software often causes more harm than good, simply by slowing the system down considerably, especially the file system access, with its background scanning. Most of the viruses those days are stupid user oriented, you have to actually launch the virus/worm yourself for it to infect you. This kind of viruses only requires a tiny bit of common sense to avoid without using any anti-virus software. The other kind use well known network exploits - all i can say about it is "firewall yourself", there is nothing out of the ordinary in the way those viruses initially connect, a simple NAT router should protect you from those. There are also ones that infect you using some kind of browser, or other app exploit, but those are killed off at the distributing server side the moment they are discovered (anti-virus won't help you if you've stumbled upon one of those in zero days). And finally, some of those can be silent, properly coded, totally invisible, getting to you through some unknown exploits, using rootkit methods to hide etc... Those are the kind antiviruses are totally going to miss anyway.
The bottom line is - i don't see much point in using an antivirus on a PC. And you are actually asking me here if i think one should use it on an Android device ? Well, my answer is "No", unless you are a total stranger to some minimal common sense in this area.

I'll state this as someone who even leaves his wifi unlocked at home, but anyway...
My only viewpoint is that the only entry point for Malware is via Market downloads, and by that I mean downloading loads of apps from unknown names. While I know this advice will be disproved long-term, personally I would not bother unless I was silly with downloading apps from strange sources with weird permissions
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App

smeddy said:
I'll state this as someone who even leaves his wifi unlocked at home...
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I did this too, pretty much isolated from the LAN, though. I've stopped doing it after someone started torrenting on it, and i am not talking occasionally fetching stuff here and there, limiting the BW to some sane values, but heavy, 24/7, bandwidth hogging torrenting.

[Q] About forgot password (strange)

(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
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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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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!
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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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...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).

[Q] Hey guys, new here, couple questions

I'm new to the android platform. Coming from using an iPhone for years, I pretty much have no idea how to use it properly. It's going to take me a while to get used to it. But I'm working on it. I just have a few questions.
I believe I successfully rooted my Samsung Galaxy s4, using motochopper. I followed the instructions to the T and now see the Superuser icon on my screen.
My first question is, are there any tips with this learning curve, going from an iPhone to an Android. The texting seems to be the most to get used to so far. I also notice Instagram and Facebook apps are totally different, and it looks like I cannot edit photos inside the Facebook app for Android?
Anyway, with the iPhone I would jailbreak, and use cydia to get my paid apps for free, or my tweaks, or customizations. How do I do this with Android?
My next question is a pretty stupid one I'm sure to most but not to me. How do I sync music, and photos, to my Android? With the iPhone I made a folder of images, and synced that folder and all subfolders with the iPhone through iTunes. Is there a simple way to do the same with the Android? Can I just create a folder inside the Pictures folder, and it will show up on the phone?
I appreciate anyones help and I'm sure I will have more questions just can't think of them at this moment.

[email protected] said:
Anyway, with the iPhone I would jailbreak, and use cydia to get my paid apps for free, or my tweaks, or customizations. How do I do this with Android?
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I'll address this question as i'm unfamiliar with the iPhone and i don't use my phone for music so i don't know what the best methods are.
Rooting and jailbreaking are slightly different things. On the iphone, you are locked to iTunes and jailbreaking allows you to install apps from an alternative source (Like cydia). On an android phone, you just need to place a check mark in the setting "Unknown Sources" of your security settings, this will allow the phone to accept apps from any location, there are alternative markets to the play store f-Droid and amazon come to mind so rooting is not needed for this.
Rooting is gaining administrative rights to your phone and can let you do some spectacular things with your phone that would otherwise be impossible. With root access, applications have the ability to modify the system files, say for example, edit the host files to block most advertising, or edit yoru build.prop to make the play store think you are from a different provider. You can allow programs to back up other programs (Titanium backup is a fine example).
The developers on android work hard and should be rewarded for their work. I do block advertising, but i make a point of paying for the apps that i do use.

Very well put.
Nothing else needs to be said.

rainterc additional
Matridom said:
I'll address this question as i'm unfamiliar with the iPhone and i don't use my phone for music so i don't know what the best methods are.
Rooting and jailbreaking are slightly different things. On the iphone, you are locked to iTunes and jailbreaking allows you to install apps from an alternative source (Like cydia). On an android phone, you just need to place a check mark in the setting "Unknown Sources" of your security settings, this will allow the phone to accept apps from any location, there are alternative markets to the play store f-Droid and amazon come to mind so rooting is not needed for this.
Rooting is gaining administrative rights to your phone and can let you do some spectacular things with your phone that would otherwise be impossible. With root access, applications have the ability to modify the system files, say for example, edit the host files to block most advertising, or edit yoru build.prop to make the play store think you are from a different provider. You can allow programs to back up other programs (Titanium backup is a fine example).
The developers on android work hard and should be rewarded for their work. I do block advertising, but i make a point of paying for the apps that i do use.
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Hey there, thanks so much for the clarification.
I wasn't aware of the differences between Jailbreaking and Rooting. That definitely clears some things up. So I would mostly have no need for rooting, as I don't need to do anything you mentioned above and doubt I would ever have a need to edit or alter host or system files.
EDIT
TheAxman said:
Very well put.
Nothing else needs to be said.
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Not quite true. I still have other questions that I need answers for.
I understand the concept of paying for developers work. I only use the apps to discover if they are worth the money or not. I never "stole" apps on my iPhone and I do not intend to on the Android.
I just want to make that clear, I am just trying to learn how to do the things I did on my iPhone, on this phone. I am not trying to find out how to steal hardwork from others. I do end up paying for the apps I keep.

[email protected] said:
Hey there, thanks so much for the clarification.
I wasn't aware of the differences between Jailbreaking and Rooting. That definitely clears some things up. So I would mostly have no need for rooting, as I don't need to do anything you mentioned above and doubt I would ever have a need to edit or alter host or system files.
EDIT
Not quite true. I still have other questions that I need answers for.
I understand the concept of paying for developers work. I only use the apps to discover if they are worth the money or not. I never "stole" apps on my iPhone and I do not intend to on the Android.
I just want to make that clear, I am just trying to learn how to do the things I did on my iPhone, on this phone. I am not trying to find out how to steal hardwork from others. I do end up paying for the apps I keep.
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https://play.google.com/store/apps/...surfer&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDNd

xBeerdroiDx said:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...surfer&feature=nav_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDNd
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Oh my god, the iPhone is just getting worse and worse as the days go by. haha Why is this not a thing on iTunes.
Thankyou!!
Still have questions about transfering/syncing songs and photos though.

[email protected] said:
Hey there, thanks so much for the clarification.
I wasn't aware of the differences between Jailbreaking and Rooting. That definitely clears some things up. So I would mostly have no need for rooting, as I don't need to do anything you mentioned above and doubt I would ever have a need to edit or alter host or system files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might be surprised. Root is needed for some changes. To give you another example, our phones, due to the nature of AMOLED are fantastic at displaying a deep black *and* save on power when using black backgrounds. Gmail app, is all white background with black text. There exists a "blacked out" version of gmail that has the colors inverted and many people tend to prefer this over the standard gmail.
Root access let's be backup things that are otherwise impossible to backup, things like the android ID (Used by many applications to individually identify a phone), phone logs, SMS messages and such. Games like farmville and Paradise Island will use the androidd ID to see if you moved your game to a new phone, invalidating the install and forcing you to start from anew (And maybe buying more in-app purchases).
Some applications are limited to certain countries or certain providers, so using an app like Market Enabler allows you to change where you appear to be from, to by-pass regional blocks.
Root is also needed to tweak the appearance of android, if you want the clock gone from your menu, you can remove it, you can change the battery icon there. You can remove your network provider from the lock screen (or rename it to something silly like i did).
On the flip side, some applications (like google wallet) may not work properly if root is detected, so it can be a toss up.
Me, personally, i use root mainly for 2 apps, adaway and titanium backup. Titanium backup also syncs to my dropbox, so i have now gotten to the point where i should never have to plug a wire into my phone.

Looks to me that you are still in love with your iPuke. You will find that if you do not root, you won't be able to do alot of things. If you are trying to turn an android into a iPuke..then whats the point. Learn what the android can do, you will find that it is all you want it to be.
Ax's opinion only!

Matridom said:
You might be surprised. Root is needed for some changes. To give you another example, our phones, due to the nature of AMOLED are fantastic at displaying a deep black *and* save on power when using black backgrounds. Gmail app, is all white background with black text. There exists a "blacked out" version of gmail that has the colors inverted and many people tend to prefer this over the standard gmail.
Root access let's be backup things that are otherwise impossible to backup, things like the android ID (Used by many applications to individually identify a phone), phone logs, SMS messages and such. Games like farmville and Paradise Island will use the androidd ID to see if you moved your game to a new phone, invalidating the install and forcing you to start from anew (And maybe buying more in-app purchases).
Some applications are limited to certain countries or certain providers, so using an app like Market Enabler allows you to change where you appear to be from, to by-pass regional blocks.
Root is also needed to tweak the appearance of android, if you want the clock gone from your menu, you can remove it, you can change the battery icon there. You can remove your network provider from the lock screen (or rename it to something silly like i did).
On the flip side, some applications (like google wallet) may not work properly if root is detected, so it can be a toss up.
Me, personally, i use root mainly for 2 apps, adaway and titanium backup. Titanium backup also syncs to my dropbox, so i have now gotten to the point where i should never have to plug a wire into my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thankyou so much for the information. I appreciate your indepth responses. I will check out what you have mentioned.
TheAxman said:
Looks to me that you are still in love with your iPuke. You will find that if you do not root, you won't be able to do alot of things. If you are trying to turn an android into a iPuke..then whats the point. Learn what the android can do, you will find that it is all you want it to be.
Ax's opinion only!
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I really don't know how you're gathering such an opinion. I'm asking for help on learning how to do the things I did on my iPhone, on my new Android phone.
I'm not trying to be rude, but if you have nothing useful to contribute, don't post.

[email protected] said:
Thankyou so much for the information. I appreciate your indepth responses. I will check out what you have mentioned.
I really don't know how you're gathering such an opinion. I'm asking for help on learning how to do the things I did on my iPhone, on my new Android phone.
I'm not trying to be rude, but if you have nothing useful to contribute, don't post.
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Sometimes it's best to ignore....
In regards to music.. look into the Google music app, personally I'm big into radio, so I use an app called tunein allot. Personally, I would just dump the music onto the phone through Windows explorer and see how it goes from there
Something else to keep in mind,a lot of the apps you are familiar with will be available in the play store. Do a good start is to look for familiar titles
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I personally prefer Google Play Music. I uploaded all my 320kbps music which I had in iTunes directly to the Google Play Music server, where you can access all of your songs on any device supporting the app, or in any web browser. You can also download copies to your devices for offline play. The all access feature of Google Play Music is nice as well, they have virtually every song I've searched for available on demand as well as download for offline use, for $7.99/month.

Matridom said:
Sometimes it's best to ignore....
In regards to music.. look into the Google music app, personally I'm big into radio, so I use an app called tunein allot. Personally, I would just dump the music onto the phone through Windows explorer and see how it goes from there
Something else to keep in mind,a lot of the apps you are familiar with will be available in the play store. Do a good start is to look for familiar titles
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Ok great, I will check out the Google music app and I appreciate your help once again.
blyndfyre said:
I personally prefer Google Play Music. I uploaded all my 320kbps music which I had in iTunes directly to the Google Play Music server, where you can access all of your songs on any device supporting the app, or in any web browser. You can also download copies to your devices for offline play. The all access feature of Google Play Music is nice as well, they have virtually every song I've searched for available on demand as well as download for offline use, for $7.99/month.
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Awesome thankyou for your input!
You guys have been super helpful! I'm sure I'll have more questions in the future so I'll be back if I do! Thanks guys!

Sometimes the truth hurts huh

TheAxman said:
Sometimes the truth hurts huh
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Totally agree with the sentiment, just not with where it's directed.
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TheAxman said:
Sometimes the truth hurts huh
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And sometimes people think they know everything when in fact they do not. But thanks for your input regardless buddy.

[email protected] said:
And sometimes people think they know everything when in fact they do not. But thanks for your input regardless buddy.
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Who uses their hotmail account as their screen name? That's almost as bad as posting your imei number.
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jd1639 said:
Who uses their hotmail account as their screen name? That's almost as bad as posting your emei number.
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Hahah I didn't even realize I had done that. I think maybe when I signed up I thought it was asking for email. Obviously.

[email protected] said:
Hahah I didn't even realize I had done that. I think maybe when I signed up I thought it was asking for email. Obviously.
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Obviously
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jd1639 said:
Obviously
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
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Don't suppose there's a way to change that huh? haha

[email protected] said:
Don't suppose there's a way to change that huh? haha
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Let me send you an email on that, lol. No, idk
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