Ask NerdGirl: Need Encryption App Without Network Permissions, Best Task Killer Apps, How to Take Screenshots on Android, and I Want to Buy Atrix 4G

by n3rdg1rl Feb 18, 2011 9:00 AM – 3 Comments

Ask NerdGirl asks and answers I need an encryption app that doesn’t request network permissions, best task killer apps, how to take screenshots on Android, and I Want to buy a Motorola Atrix 4G… thoughts!

Hi Girl.

I want to encrypt files and directories on my DroidX. I looked at MANY crypto programs – which all want full network access. A crypto/security program that wants full network access??? Why? Is it sending my passwords or files to the developer? In the Windows world, a lot of malware are disguised as a security products.

I found a rather crude app called LockBox that does not desire network permissions (it costs a buck). It has strong encryption, but weak passwords, limiting you to a four-digit numeric PIN. It’s like having a really good lock but leaving the key under the mat.

Any recommendations for something to secure my filesystem without the risk of my Droid phoning home to some gangster in Russia?
David Filmer

Hi David, seems even Lockbox asks for Network permissions. I too find it strange it asks for that and not Storage only. I found K2 File Manager for ~$14.34 and does not ask for Network access but Storage which is expected.

What is the best task manager/app killer?
Jon Mueller

Jon a few of my personal favs are Advanced Task Manager, Advanced Task Killer, and TasKiller.

Hey!
How do i make a screenshot with my Motorola Milestone / Droid ?

thankyou :3
Kendy Khuu

Kendy to take a screenshot on any Android phone you would need to download the Android SDK. Once downloaded and installed, take a trip to “Tools” folder and open “ddms”. Once the interface is loaded plug in your Milestone via USB. Under the “Name” list in ddms click your phone then click “Device” then “Screen capture” and save.

Hi NerdGirl,

My contract on T-Mobile will be up soon and I really like what I saw
at CES about the Motorola Atrix 4G. I am planning on getting one, but
I have heard mixed opinions from friend’s and general comments online
about the quality of AT&T’s data network and the quality of Motorola
phones. I have come to the conclusion that it seems to depend on who
you ask. Even if you take me, for example, I will tell you that
T-Mobile’s service in my area is a bit slow and sometimes I can’t even
get a good connection in my house. Yet when I went on vacation to
Vegas in 2009, my connection was awesome!

I have a few friends that have had poor experiences with Motorola
phones, but I also read on forums and from other friends that state
that they love Motorola phones, especially the Droids.

Is my conclusion that, it depends on who you ask true?

Thanks,
Raj

Raj you’re right it is dependent on who you ask. The Atrix 4G is an awesome device with accessories that will change the landscape. I read a good article colleague Taylor Wimberly of Androidandme.com wrote about his choice on getting it despite flaws. You should read it and the comment thread, there are some good points and chuckle moments too.

Keep sending those questions to nerdgirl@androidtapp.com!

Tags: Android Advice, Android Questions, Android Task Management, Ask NerdGirl, Atrix 4G, Best Task Killer Apps, Buying Atrix 4G, Help with Android, How to Take Screenshots on Android, Motorola Atrix 4G, Need Encryption App Without Network Permissions

Categorised in: Android Advice, Ask NerdGirl

3 Comments

By Hotmann on February 18, 2011 at 10:40 am:

About the Atrix and AT&T…Unless you live in an area like New York or San Fransisco where there are millions of people you should be fine. I live in Colorado and have never had issues with AT&T’s network in Denver or in the mountains (I ski every weekend, sleep out of my car, and use my phone to tether internet to my laptop)…as far as the atrix goes, if you don’t plan on loading custom roms it will be a perfect phone.

Reply
By Ryo on February 19, 2011 at 7:27 am:

Oh yeah @David Filmer: So the Gangster from Russia myth? Lol that’s just racism and nothing else. I trust an entrepreneur from Russia just about the same than one from the U.S.
For the network access. Well that’s not strange at all. If there is a button or a link to a external website, that will open within the app, it requires permission to full network access.
*Sigh* It’s always the same. But hey, @ NerdGirl, even you wondering?
Android has this permission transparency. And you should know that a simple webpage that opens within the app for Changelog e.g. needs network access. The same with apps that wants to interrupt music e.g. when a call comes in, requires phone access.
I wished Google wouldn’t show so much in this security permissions. It confuses the user and, apparently, even the pro. You know, trust no one is a good phrase for movies, but a bad one for having fun

Reply
- By Antonio Wells on February 20, 2011 at 11:54 am:
  
  @Ryo, David was asking for a file encryption app that did not request network permissions. An app of this security caliber should NOT need links to changelogs, the recent update to the Android Market handles that. If users really need that it should continue to be a link in the Market description, not necessary inside the app.
  
  Reply