Hi everyone,
I see there are plenty of antiviruses for the android. Is viruses for the android very common? (Ie. Like windows virus is much more rampant vs macintosh?) What kind of precaution should we take to prevent our gadgets from being affected? (Ie. Downloading apps from untrusted sources? Via sms/email?) Is it really necessary to install an antivirus? If so, what is recommended?
Thank you!
Sent from my HTC Liberty using XDA App
manojsuper said:
I wouldn't get a virus scanner if I were you...they are pointless because the android system is possibly the most secure system in completion with the RIM Blackberry! Just make sure that every time you download an application that you are aware of the "permissions" that you are giving it and you should not get a virus anytime soon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is it the most secure system? There are apps out there that access things that they don't need to access, i'll give you a few examples:
Applications that I have installed that can track my location:
Alchemy
IMDb
Why would a GAME such as Alchemy NEED to track my location? Why would IMDb need to track my location?
Apps that can read my mobile number, serial number or other data:
Alchemy
Unblock Me Free
These apps listed are only apps that I don't see them needing to access what they have the ability to access. How many people do you think have alchemy and IMDb installed? It would be so so SO easy for someone to write a malicious app that looks legit..that's just my 2 cents...not saying it doesn't exist not saying it does...
Also, only reason I have an antivirus app is because I have lookout installed and the only reason I installed that is so if I lose my phone i can lock it remotely and wipe it if needed.
Just rooted my R800x phone (HUGE thanks to those who developed the method to root the r800x, you guys kick so much ayse!) and I'm looking for some awesome things to do now that I'm rooted. Already have Barnacle Wifi tether, along with Sixaxis controller (I know we don't need it on an XPlay, but it's still totally awesome to have), and removed some Verizon bloatware BS.
Please give some suggestions, it will be much appreciated! I'm sure there have been more people like me who recently rooted that aren't up to date on this whole rooting thing.
My favourites are:
Juice Defender - Save battery
ASTRO File Manager - Access OS files and install 3rd party .apk's
AdAway - Remove ads from free apps
Chainfire3D - Install drivers for other devices
Quick Boot - Gives you a reboot function and easy access to your bootloader
MarketEnabler - Lets you change your region so you can download apps not normally available where you are
SlideME - Third party marketplace with access to apps disallowed by Google
And of course a ridiculous number of emulators.
Quick and easy access to the shell with root is great.
Modification/replacement/addition to the system to utilize more features than stock.
Titanium Backup -backup/uninstall/freeze any apk on the system
juxtapose519 said:
My favourites are:
Juice Defender - Save battery
ASTRO File Manager - Access OS files and install 3rd party .apk's
AdAway - Remove ads from free apps
Chainfire3D - Install drivers for other devices
Quick Boot - Gives you a reboot function and easy access to your bootloader
MarketEnabler - Lets you change your region so you can download apps not normally available where you are
SlideME - Third party marketplace with access to apps disallowed by Google
And of course a ridiculous number of emulators.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have Astro and the ever amazing emulators, but everything else you mentioned sounds pretty sweet.
CrimsonSentinel13 said:
Quick and easy access to the shell with root is great.
Modification/replacement/addition to the system to utilize more features than stock.
Titanium Backup -backup/uninstall/freeze any apk on the system
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite sure what the first two mean, but TB is excellent!
I agree with much of what others have said, particularly Titanium Backup (the pro version is definitely worth it).
I would add the following:
LBE Privacy Guide - block any application from accessing your contacts, sending SMS, etc. After installing, I was amazed how many apps were accessing things in the background.
Wireless tether - tether with bluetooth rather than Wifi (much more battery efficient)
Make the home button stop activating the screen (this has saved me a lot of battery life)
The only reason I didn't mention Ti Backup is because I assumed it was a given that it's the greatest app ever. Worth every penny for the paid version.
Yeah, I have the Pro version & I won't stop using ever.
I also have the donate version of the ROM Manager for Clockwork Mod but I can't use it with the R800x until a method to unlock the bootloader is unvailable. It was very useful when I had a Samsung Fascinate.
Thanks for the suggestions guys, keep em coming if you have more! I got a few of them and they're really cool so far! Anyone know if the touchpads can be used in any ps1 emulators? I have the latest FPse, but it doesn't seem to let me use the analog pads...someone needs to fix this and fast!
Erikwithafro said:
Thanks for the suggestions guys, keep em coming if you have more! I got a few of them and they're really cool so far! Anyone know if the touchpads can be used in any ps1 emulators? I have the latest FPse, but it doesn't seem to let me use the analog pads...someone needs to fix this and fast!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah just use the psxperia method, it basically injecting you custom games into sonys emulator (which has touchpad support). I made a video tutorial here if you wanna know how to do it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaZuKZQoBwA
I dont think it work on 2.3.4 though, thats why im not updating yet.
Have most everything that has been posted. link2sd is one I use quite a bit also. R800x rooted.
Yeh agree, LBE is really good. Surprising how many apps are interested in your current location!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
bubblegumballon said:
Yeah just use the psxperia method, it basically injecting you custom games into sonys emulator (which has touchpad support). I made a video tutorial here if you wanna know how to do it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaZuKZQoBwA
I dont think it work on 2.3.4 though, thats why im not updating yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll check it out, thanks! Say I get it working, do you know if I can get the sixaxis controller to work and have the analog sticks act in place of the touch pads?
I hope that this is not the wrong place for my post.
I am trying to protect an apk from being copied/extracted/backed up off the phone and installed later, on another phone.
I have to mention that the app is not (and will not be) for sale on PlayStore or on any web store, being sold along with the phone. This is why I can not use apk protection offered by GooglePlay, which is anyway cracked at his time.
But I want to take advantages on this situation: every single phone will pass trough my hands (I will install myself the app) before hitting users. How can I use this advantage in order to protect my app?
At this time my app is not visible in Running Apps drawer, is having a default Android icon and the name is disguised in something pretty innocent. GUI access by dialing a code. No worries, is not malware but only a security app regarding GSM connection security.
Also, is running as a system app, which make it invisible for apps like Astro file manager, thus impossible to copy/back up by such file manager apps. Unfortunately there are a bunch of system app managers, that can convert a system app on user app, and then copying the apk file is easy.
I know that security sucks big time when it comes about Android OS, but I am determined to find a way to protect my app.
I know also that even a licensing scheme based on IMEI, WiFi MAC or Bluetooth MAC addresses can be bypassed by some skilled crackers. This values can be spoofed or even null.
I have tried apk encryption. Doesn't work: some apps supposed to encrypt other Android apps are actually encrypting only app libraries, not the apk file itself. By encrypting apk file, the app obviously will not work.
Code obfuscation is not an option as long the app can be duplicated off the phone and installed later on another phone.
The last idea that I had: pulling some app resources (like drawables) from a server. What do you think?
At this time I'm in a dead end. I have no more ideas how to protect my app. That's why I need your help. Can you give me please some feasible ideas, based on your huge experience?
Thank you very much for your time.
theres a thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2279813
where we're discussing about methods to protect apps from piracy u can post it there
Sent from my GT-S5302 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks
Thx a lot sak-venom1997.
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
I used to use a few apps that required root. Obviously now I can't use them. Here are some alternatives I've found.
In place of Titanium Backup
Helium backup, (won't back up *everything * like Tibu did but it's probably the best one. Without root it requires you to download a small app on your computer to enable it in the beginning , then you can disconnect after that. (What I think this does is to trick Android into thinking it's backing up to a PC when it isn't).
Some apps are prevented from being allowed to be backed up which is annoying.
In place of Adaway
This was the best app to block ads all over android, but it requires root.
Adguard (search for it on Google it's not in play store) is the next best thing. It's free to block ads in your browser but to block ads elsewhere you need to pay. It'll give you a free trial for that feature though. Seems to work very well so far.
I can't think of anymore than that but Tibu, Adaway, and enabling tethering were some top reasons I rooted in the past. Tethering is now allowed by default, so that's not an issue anymore.
Hopefully we can eventually get root because none of my alternatives are better than the rooted stuff. But much better than I expected! [emoji83]
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using XDA-Developers mobile app