Android enthusiast

[mystical]

Got my first Android phone about 10 months ago, but I had some problems with it, so I talked with Verizon and had them send me a new one - both Droid X. They were both refurbished phones. Then I decided I wanted a tablet and purchased a Toshiba Thrive for myself and then a Dell Streak 7 for my husband (yes, I know they have been discontinued, but some of the best toys are no longer made). I am an electronic toy freak. I have been playing with computers since I was a child and learning about how to customize them, and then lately I have been learning I how to harness the power of websites and social media. Once I realized that Blackberry was going downhill, I decided to take the plunge and purchase my Android phone and now I am ready to dive into the deep end into customizing my phone and tablet. I've heard SO much about what you can do with this operating system that I can't wait to get started. I just rooted my phone earlier this evening and and ran the root explorer to get rid of the bloatware (man, I hate that! - just like on a PC or a laptop) and I am now ready to get going. Ya'll holler and say hello and give me some tips on what I should and shouldn't do - I already have security on both the phone and tablet, and interestingly enough, I found out while in Root Explorer the answer to a question I had about something else - the phone came with a firewall already installed. I was taught from a PC standpoint to have a firewall, virus protection, and spyware removal. I also use CCleaner on my PC to clean the registry and wipe out history and temp files, etc and there is a similar app called History Cleaner for the phone and tablet. Has anyone seen anything like a spyware removal app or if there is a need for such a thing? I also was wondering about defragging the drive - I regularly do this to my PC when moving and removing files - is this necessary for a phone, because I have moved and removed several files and apps. Seems to me, logically, it's the same thing - anyone got an answer?

- Nice to meet everyone - Have a fabulous 2012!

[Droid-Xer]

Welcome. Windows and android are completely different. There's no need for AV, defrag, spyware protection, etc. The only thing you need is a little common sense. Download apps (apk) from reputable sources like the android market, getjar, amazon appetite, etc and read the permissions prior to installing an app. If a live wallpaper app is asking for permission to access your contacts or emails or other personal info then don't install it. If something looks fishy then skip it. Stick to the more commonly used apps with a large amount of downloads and feedback.

[Shadez]

Welcome Aboard!

[JSM9872]

Welcome to DF mystical!! It's always nice to meet another enthusiast

[mystical]

I understand the difference in the operating systems, however, I find it better to be safe than sorry. I know ya'll are gurus and like to tinker with your phones and know more about your phones than I do. But, people said the same thing about Apple systems too - that there was no need for virus software and the like and true, there aren't as many hackers getting into those systems, but there ARE hackers getting into them. And Androids are an open system - there is no regulation like with Apple. So people are regularly slipping rogue apps in - like that Dream one in - hence the reason for a virus detection app and part of the reason why this forum even exists. One of you said only install those apps that have been downloaded a lot, so how is a good developer who is just starting out going to get a good rep that way? It cuts both ways. I'm not trying to be difficult - I'm just pointing out that virus apps do make sense. I'm still learning, and there is no way I'm removing it from my phone. I may be stubborn, but again, I'd rather be safe (and a little slow) than sorry.

Thanks for the welcome, btw. I've spent a lot of time over at androidauthority.com and a couple of other sites. I love learning new things and I LOVE what I have seen on this forum so far. From what I've seen on here, though, this is only for phones, - can anyone point me to a good place for such a forum for my Toshiba Thrive tablet and Dell Streak tablet? I wanna jailbreak them next.

Again, thanks so much for all the help and I look forward to talking with more of you soon.

[CJM]

to the forum. We have a sister forum for tablets: Android Tablet Forum

[mystical]

Thanks CJM - you are super!

[Chizzele]

Welcome feel free to ask away

[SFGate]

Welcome to the site.