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I just bought 6 of these tabs to use for my company. Is there a way I can block all of the Games/Apps from a Galaxy Tab 2 10.1. Or have some type of mobile fortress where I could block certain websites? Any help with this would be very helpful. Thanks.
Yes, but if your employees know what they're doing they can 'undo' whatever you put in place.
However, the easiest method would be to root all six tablets, get everything you want on there installed, install Titanium Backup Pro and a custom launcher such as Apex, install a password protection app and have it protect Titanium Backup, and then use titanium backup to freeze all apps you don't want them to have access to (which would include the Google Play Store obviously) and use Apex to "hide" the icon to the password protection app. There are many methods but that is a quick solution.
However, as I said, if someone knows what they are doing they can easily undo all of that. At least, I could..
Thanks a lot for the reply. I may consider doing this!
sleepys4 said:
Thanks a lot for the reply. I may consider doing this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also if you root try out Rom Toolbox Pro. You can change a lot of things with that as well, such as blocking ads, porn, casinos, and even changing the DNS.
Plus if you install Chrome and freeze the default browser then you won't have Flash anymore.
I use Parental Control Board to block websites and apps on my children's tablets, you can also locate the device. It installs as a device administrator so they can't uninstall it unless probably if it is rooted.
Sent from my GT-P5113 using xda app-developers app
Spent this weekend putting all my root goodness back on my G4 -- thanks again to all the devs who worked on this. I didn't realize how much I missed being rooted until I was again!
I had been running AdBlock Plus on my previous phone, galaxy S4, and never thought much about it, but in the course of reading various threads while waiting for root on the G4, it seems like most people mention AdAway as the preferred ad blocking tool. I gave it a shot, and it seemed to be far inferior to AdBlock. So I feel like I must be doing something wrong and was hoping for some discussion on this.
AdAway works by changing the hosts file to block known ad sources. For me this caused several problems. Web pages still load slowly (perhaps because of timeouts associated with trying to access a non-responding server?). There are still large areas on the screen with broken link icons where the ads used to be, which is pretty ugly. I tried using the AdAway local server, to provide a response to the spoofed/blocked domains, it didn't seem to make much difference. Finally, using the default config, many commercial web sites are just blocked entirely, which is a non starter.
My understanding is that AdBlock instead creates a proxy. With AdBlock web pages load MUCH faster than with AdAway, even when running the local server. It also removes the content entirely, instead of just blocking, so the output is a lot prettier.
The difference in web browsing experience was stark for me. AdBlock was the clear winner. So I'm trying to understand why so many people seem to prefer adaway. I would rather use a more light-weight solution if it works as well, but it just didn't seem to for me. Am I missing something?
I prefer AdFree, http://adfree.bigtincan.com/.
jamtre said:
Spent this weekend putting all my root goodness back on my G4 -- thanks again to all the devs who worked on this. I didn't realize how much I missed being rooted until I was again!
I had been running AdBlock Plus on my previous phone, galaxy S4, and never thought much about it, but in the course of reading various threads while waiting for root on the G4, it seems like most people mention AdAway as the preferred ad blocking tool. I gave it a shot, and it seemed to be far inferior to AdBlock. So I feel like I must be doing something wrong and was hoping for some discussion on this.
AdAway works by changing the hosts file to block known ad sources. For me this caused several problems. Web pages still load slowly (perhaps because of timeouts associated with trying to access a non-responding server?). There are still large areas on the screen with broken link icons where the ads used to be, which is pretty ugly. I tried using the AdAway local server, to provide a response to the spoofed/blocked domains, it didn't seem to make much difference. Finally, using the default config, many commercial web sites are just blocked entirely, which is a non starter.
My understanding is that AdBlock instead creates a proxy. With AdBlock web pages load MUCH faster than with AdAway, even when running the local server. It also removes the content entirely, instead of just blocking, so the output is a lot prettier.
The difference in web browsing experience was stark for me. AdBlock was the clear winner. So I'm trying to understand why so many people seem to prefer adaway. I would rather use a more light-weight solution if it works as well, but it just didn't seem to for me. Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a thought, but AdBlock Plus has to be running 24/7 in the background, so some people may notice or think it takes a hit on battery and system resources. I am running AdBlock Plus now as well, but I downloaded AdFree after the user above recommended it, I'll give it a go.
geoff5093 said:
Just a thought, but AdBlock Plus has to be running 24/7 in the background, so some people may notice or think it takes a hit on battery and system resources. I am running AdBlock Plus now as well, but I downloaded AdFree after the user above recommended it, I'll give it a go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try AdFree too, hadn't seen it before. But it seems to work the same way as AdAway does so I'm not expecting much difference...
I used to use adaway but it broke my Pandora app, and after switching to adblock plus it hasn't crashed
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
Some people don't like ABP's "Approved Advertisers" (or whatever they call it), where some ads aren't blocked by default. I know my boss complains about it, but it doesn't typically bother me. That may be the reason some people prefer AdAway (or some other similar host blocker).
I noticed that with Adblock Plus, anytime I tried to go to Android Central i'd get a Error 400 and couldn't open the site. With Adaway it loads fine, minus the godawful scrolling ads.
I used to use AdBlock Plus but I remember there was a reason I switched over to AdBlock instead. I think they were blocking all ads, even those you should just leave alone to support sites you enjoy or something along those lines. Since switching to AdBlock I'm never bothered with ads and enable ads for sites I respect.
I've never really had any of those issues with Adaway. I haven't used ABP in a while but the last time I did (and to the best of my knowledge out still works this way) it was just a proxy, which newer versions of Android wouldn't let the app configure itself. I could never get it working without being really slow and clunky and I couldn't figure out how to use it on a data connection at all. I'm away from wifi a lot so something that doesn't work at all half the time and works poorly the other half was useless to me.
Zorque said:
I've never really had any of those issues with Adaway. I haven't used ABP in a while but the last time I did (and to the best of my knowledge out still works this way) it was just a proxy, which newer versions of Android wouldn't let the app configure itself. I could never get it working without being really slow and clunky and I couldn't figure out how to use it on a data connection at all. I'm away from wifi a lot so something that doesn't work at all half the time and works poorly the other half was useless to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's only if you aren't rooted. There is no manual config if you are. You need to be rooted for adaway no matter what so seems fair to compare root mode of ABP only.
I have been using adfree since before they pulled all ad blocking apps from the play store. Adfree doesn't slow anything down or leave broken links in web pages. Pages load fast like they should plus it blocks ads and popups in apps also which is great cause I have been going almost postal on some of these ads popping up when I close some apps. I guess I'm OCD about that.
Yea I noticed that when using Adblock Plus, my links on SlickDeals.net won't work. They get a redirect error and just fail.
Going through a Proxy is dangerous too since any and all traffic goes through them, so be careful when entering login/credit card information. You are also creating a bottleneck where all traffic must go through, so if the Proxy is overloaded or offline, so is your connection unless you change your local routing (I guess by uninstalling the app).
For me it is a back and forth issue. I prefer NOT to use a Proxy. This is a work related phone so I do not want to have any 3rd party company playing Man-in-the-middle with my data traffic.
Personally I like to just block apps on my device. Yes it causes longer page loading times while crap sits there and times out... but at least my data is safe and the page is easier to navigate once the ads are gone.
I just downloaded AdFree from the official website but it requires Root (I haven't rooted yet). I think all Ad blocking apps require root.
Many sites on slickdeals redirect through viglink.com or similar for revenue. All you have to do is whitelist those [*.viglink.com] and it will begin to redirect just fine
player911 said:
Yea I noticed that when using Adblock Plus, my links on SlickDeals.net won't work. They get a redirect error and just fail.
Going through a Proxy is dangerous too since any and all traffic goes through them, so be careful when entering login/credit card information. You are also creating a bottleneck where all traffic must go through, so if the Proxy is overloaded or offline, so is your connection unless you change your local routing (I guess by uninstalling the app).
For me it is a back and forth issue. I prefer NOT to use a Proxy. This is a work related phone so I do not want to have any 3rd party company playing Man-in-the-middle with my data traffic.
Personally I like to just block apps on my device. Yes it causes longer page loading times while crap sits there and times out... but at least my data is safe and the page is easier to navigate once the ads are gone.
I just downloaded AdFree from the official website but it requires Root (I haven't rooted yet). I think all Ad blocking apps require root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the proxy is on you own device. Not in any other server.
seb93 said:
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the proxy is on you own device. Not in any other server.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Either way adblock downloads the whole page ads and all then removes it. Adblock app has to be running in background to strip ads.
Adaway blocks access to the ad site altogether.
As for site formatting being wrong or not pretty would be the site page programmer programming certaib spaces in the page dedicated to thr ad that was supposed to show there.
I also like no ads in apps and youtube. Hence why I prefer adaway.
Parcing a large host file may require more resources..
In both you can whitelist if youre missing content you'd prefer to see.
clockcycle said:
Either way adblock downloads the whole page ads and all then removes it. Adblock app has to be running in background to strip ads.
Adaway blocks access to the ad site altogether.
As for site formatting being wrong or not pretty would be the site page programmer programming certaib spaces in the page dedicated to thr ad that was supposed to show there.
I also like no ads in apps and youtube. Hence why I prefer adaway.
Parcing a large host file may require more resources..
In both you can whitelist if youre missing content you'd prefer to see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just saying that adblock is not "dangerous" because he thought the traffic goes through another server.
Envoyé de mon LG-H815 en utilisant Tapatalk
seb93 said:
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the proxy is on you own device. Not in any other server.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. Proxying elsewhere can be very dangerous.
I think I can answer this question...ADP sucks (and I use it religiously in Chrome) when it comes to your phone.
It COMPLETELY broke MMS for me (on Cricket). I removed ADP, rebooted, and was good to go.
I've always Adfree as it is simple and lightweight only modifying the hosts file.
Adblock kills MMS for me. Cannot send or receive.
Hello folks,
Finally, I managed to root my S4 GPe (big deal for me). Have been looking for ad blocker that I can install. Did a search across XDA and came across a few ad blockers.
Adblock Plus
Adaway
AdGuard
Adfree
Xposed module to block Google Ad API
MinMinGuard (Not too sure if the above one is same as this one)
Mother of all Ad blocking (MoaAB)
Xad
I am not too sure which one is the best and needs to least geeky. I use Adblock browser so browsing is taken care of. I would like to block YouTube ads, and advertisements in apps like GasBuddy. Rest majority of the apps are paid apps so no ads that I can see. Whats the best recommendation?
FWIW, I have noticed Ad-block plus is pretty CPU intensive on my laptop. If its similar performance on the phone, would like to stay away from it. For some reason, my phone gets hot as it is, don't want to screw it up any more.
Thanks in advance.
fuzzychicken said:
Hello folks,
Finally, I managed to root my S4 GPe (big deal for me). Have been looking for ad blocker that I can install. Did a search across XDA and came across a few ad blockers.
Adblock Plus
Adaway
AdGuard
Adfree
Xposed module to block Google Ad API
MinMinGuard (Not too sure if the above one is same as this one)
Mother of all Ad blocking (MoaAB)
Xad
I am not too sure which one is the best and needs to least geeky. I use Adblock browser so browsing is taken care of. I would like to block YouTube ads, and advertisements in apps like GasBuddy. Rest majority of the apps are paid apps so no ads that I can see. Whats the best recommendation?
FWIW, I have noticed Ad-block plus is pretty CPU intensive on my laptop. If its similar performance on the phone, would like to stay away from it. For some reason, my phone gets hot as it is, don't want to screw it up any more.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Adaway on my S4 and tablet. It creates a host file which simply tells android to refuse connections to known ad-service addresses, no system overhead (*I think*). Make this post a poll or search the whole forum to see what others use?
I was rooting all my phones very soon after unboxing. I rooted S5 after 1 hour, S6 after 12 days (I was waiting until root is released). But now I'm going to not root my S7. Why?
Here are my reasons for root and answers why it isn't required root more:
Annoying sound when the phone starts.
With root you can delete the file.
Now is there no sound.
Annoying sounds when you start charging.
With root you can delete the file.
Now you can disable the sounds in settings.
Shutter sound in camera.
With root you cound modify custom.xml and new checkbox appeared in the application.
You can mute system sounds and the camera is quiet. Or you can do it by Tasker.
Adaway etc.
With root you can modify hosts file.
Now you can use Adblock for Internet application. If you need block ads also in applications, you can use this tool (paied): Adguard
Changing appearance
With root you can use e.g. circle battery icon etc.
I don't know full working solution without root. But it is very weak reason for losing warranty for me.
Network speed in notification bar
With root you cound use xposed module.
Without root you can use an application. But yes, the appearance is not soo impressive. Again, it isn't reason for loss of warranty
Blocking bloatware
With root you can use e.g. Titanium backup and freeze or uninstall any application.
Without root you can use Package Disabler Pro
Backup and restore applications and their settings
With root you can use TB
Without root seems Helium like very good solution.
High volume warning
With root you can disable it in xposed or flash custom ROM
I've found this application which brings a workaround: Hearing Saver It is not perfect but it works. You can also do it in Tasker. Check when an earphone is connected and then change media volume to maximum and immediately after that change it back. It works for me.
I agree that without root is the initial setting more laborious but KNOX 0 is good bonus for me.
Do you have any other reasons for root? With or without solution?
libb said:
Adaway etc.
With root you can modify hosts file.
Now you can use Adblock for Internet application. If you need block ads also in applications, you can use this tool (paied): Adguard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried this, it didn't block ads in apps, only in the browser.
Blocking bloatware
With root you can use e.g. Titanium backup and freeze or uninstall any application.
Without root you can use Package Disabler Pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a nice alternative, but deleting those applications is more satisfying
Backup and restore applications and their settings
With root you can use TB
Without root seems Helium like very good solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used the app before, but are you sure you can save data with the app or just the app?
Just tried it, it does restore data but it can't restore mms, only sms.
You can also use mybackup to backup and restore sms/mms without root https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rerware.android.MyBackup&hl=en
But lets not forget about xposed + gravity box + any other useful modules, this is the biggest reason to root the phone. But the reasons you gave are definitely good alternatives for some people.
Multi window....
I had an awesome setup on my note 3. I can have my google maps navigation running and a split window with pocketcast or spotify on the bottom. That's how I would drive everywhere and it worked amazing for me.I coudl even pop over my text messages to the bottom if I was at a stop light.
Now, however, since pocketcast is not a multi-window supported app, I can no longer do this. Lame.
I want root so I can put xposed framework which lets me add any app I want into multiwindow mode.. Sigh
Greenify and xposed are consecutively a reason for me to root. Lucky patcher my top priority.
TehPirate_ said:
Greenify and xposed are consecutively a reason for me to root. Lucky patcher my top priority.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xposed is gonna take time, they only recently fixed the samsung issue in 5.0 I believe, I do not use neither Greenify nor Lucky Patcher so I cant comment on them. [Tried lucky patcher, couldn't get through with it and greenify doesn't feel anything changed so i stopped using it]
I used stock roms with root, just to record my screen/audio. Do you know of a great free or paid, non-root screen recording app? Then I'll have no need to root as well
I kinda hope I will be able to use this phone without root at least for 6 months .... I held on with the GS1 over 2 months ... since then.... root was the first thing I did .... so hope I will find ways or workarounds not to root s7 immediatelly
peachpuff said:
Tried this, it didn't block ads in apps, only in the browser.
Its a nice alternative, but deleting those applications is more satisfying
I haven't used the app before, but are you sure you can save data with the app or just the app?
Just tried it, it does restore data but it can't restore mms, only sms.
You can also use mybackup to backup and restore sms/mms without root https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rerware.android.MyBackup&hl=en
But lets not forget about xposed + gravity box + any other useful modules, this is the biggest reason to root the phone. But the reasons you gave are definitely good alternatives for some people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About ads, you have to wait a while until cache clears probably. I can confirm that it is working on wi-fi and also on 4G
Helium really restores also data.
About xposed etc (Gravity box isn't working on Samsung, or does?) the changes are too little for me.
HTCMDA said:
I used stock roms with root, just to record my screen/audio. Do you know of a great free or paid, non-root screen recording app? Then I'll have no need to root as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In games it should be albe to do in Game Tools. And I'm sure some applications are but I've never needed it.
battler624 said:
Xposed is gonna take time, they only recently fixed the samsung issue in 5.0 I believe, I do not use neither Greenify nor Lucky Patcher so I cant comment on them. [Tried lucky patcher, couldn't get through with it and greenify doesn't feel anything changed so i stopped using it]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know Lucky Patcher.
But I believe that there isn't any reason for using Greenify on MM.
I use root to delete unused system apps and free about 500-800mb of storage. I used xposed but can wait for it to be updated. I can not live without Adaway on my phone. If i have to i will just buy a rasberri pi and create a dns adblocker
The top reason for me is AFWall+ (firewall). I don't want apps gathering my data and sending it to HQ. Is there a non root alternative for this?
Vorsprung said:
The top reason for me is AFWall+ (firewall). I don't want apps gathering my data and sending it to HQ. Is there a non root alternative for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adguard has some firewall but I didn't investigated yet deeply. There is 7 days trial so you can try it.
Leeum said:
I use root to delete unused system apps and free about 500-800mb of storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what? The system partition is a fixed size, and that space cannot be re-allocated to any other partition or accessed by the user. Deleting unused system apps frees up space you can't do anything with, so there literally is no more benefit than just disabling the apps.
Root dont make ya lose the hardware Warranty but the software....
BUT if ya know how to root your sphone, ya know how to fix software problems...
I always root all my devices and never lost my warranty when I needed to repair screen, usb charger, and any other hardware problems...
We can fix the other ones
root is available now as TWRP was released recently
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/development/recovery-official-twrp-herolte-t3333770
you just need to flash the latest SuperSU file
CafeKampuchia said:
For what? The system partition is a fixed size, and that space cannot be re-allocated to any other partition or accessed by the user. Deleting unused system apps frees up space you can't do anything with, so there literally is no more benefit than just disabling the apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh i see but then it still removes the possibility of any of the uninstalled apps of running to hopefully improve battery life and more free ram
Leeum said:
Ahh i see but then it still removes the possibility of any of the uninstalled apps of running to hopefully improve battery life and more free ram
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disabled apps don't run, don't use any battery, and don't consume any RAM. Seriously, there is absolutely zero benefit to deleting them, but do whatever you want.
I need root for
Adaway
Lower the dpi (its way too high)
Anything else is just a nice bonus
kenjiwing said:
I need root for
Adaway
Lower the dpi (its way too high)
Anything else is just a nice bonus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both is possible without root
Work told me I'm not allowed to be rooted anymore. I was rooted for adblocking only. Is there a rootless ad blocker that actually works?
I highly recommend against using rootless ad blockers. What they do is run your data connection through a VPN server which performs the ad blocking. Since all your data is running through someone else's server, your private information may be compromised if you transmit anything sensitive (bank accounts, SSNs, etc.).
That really sucks about your work requirement. How specific are they on no root? Can you root, install an ad blocking host file (manually or with something like adaway) then unroot without wiping your phone? That would be what I would try.
postal302 said:
I highly recommend against using rootless ad blockers. What they do is run your data connection through a VPN server which performs the ad blocking. Since all your data is running through someone else's server, your private information may be compromised if you transmit anything sensitive (bank accounts, SSNs, etc.).
That really sucks about your work requirement. How specific are they on no root? Can you root, install an ad blocking host file (manually or with something like adaway) then unroot without wiping your phone? That would be what I would try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No root at all and they have spyware to check for root.:crying: Is there at least a good browser + plug in that works?
460cidpower said:
No root at all and they have spyware to check for root.:crying: Is there at least a good browser + plug in that works?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's an older article about three ad blocking browsers.
Also Adblock Browser in Google Play is from the makers of Ad Block Plus.
postal302 said:
Here's an older article about three ad blocking browsers.
Also Adblock Browser in Google Play is from the makers of Ad Block Plus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use these vpn add blockers just make sure to white list apps you dont want to use vpn server then your private data is not going through it. Like whitelist google play for sure any apps you purchase stuff with. Phone and messaging apps. And remember you can usually just toggle the adblocking off if your in doubt. I recommend DNS66 ad blocking it has this feature to whitelist apps and dns servers and its free. But like the OP says beware your stuff is being rerouted. So understand how and what they do before you install and run them. Just get use to turning the adblocker on only when needed
postal302 said:
That really sucks about your work requirement. How specific are they on no root? Can you root, install an ad blocking host file (manually or with something like adaway) then unroot without wiping your phone? That would be what I would try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't root, modify, then unroot without tripping DM-Verity. Any modifications to the system will trip DM-Verity.
460cidpower said:
No root at all and they have spyware to check for root.:crying: Is there at least a good browser + plug in that works?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use an Adblock Plus extension with Samsung internet browser, works very well. Though I have to unblock some websites since they detect ad blockers.
I use the "Block This" app. It only creates a LOCAL VPN, so your data does not go through a different server, at least as I understand it. Been using it for several months, and really like it. Works as well as the rooted ad blockers I used to use. Blocks ads in apps and browsers.
Disconnect Pro appears to work, as long as you haven't disabled KNOX.
Disconnect Pro is pretty decent and free right now too...otherwise, it is about 25 dollars. Also, check out Adguard, they do local VPN, but does come at a slight battery price though. Trade off for not having root and avoiding ads....though they do help sites and apps continue to function.
460cidpower said:
No root at all and they have spyware to check for root.:crying: Is there at least a good browser + plug in that works?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try Brave browser, it's available from Google play