Develop Bugs

"Dangerous" Newb!

I did my first android root about a month ago - now I'm hooked on flashing and really want to learn how to customize my ROMs.
My first question - a lot of the tools seem to run in Linux. Is it a good idea to setup a dual boot on my laptop?
I've read this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1167623
Is this the right place to start if I want to pull apps off other ROMs to install in my own ROM? I've tried unzipping a rom, finding the APK, and so far, it always fails installation. So - is the thread above the right place to start pulling these APKs "the correct way"?
Came from the WinMo platform, been using Android devices for a little over a year.
Any help, pointing me in the right direction is helpful.
Again - I don't (at this time) want to learn how to MAKE a ROM, but "customize" what's already out there.
Thanks!

mpjune69 said:
I did my first android root about a month ago - now I'm hooked on flashing and really want to learn how to customize my ROMs.
My first question - a lot of the tools seem to run in Linux. Is it a good idea to setup a dual boot on my laptop?
I've read this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1167623
Is this the right place to start if I want to pull apps off other ROMs to install in my own ROM? I've tried unzipping a rom, finding the APK, and so far, it always fails installation. So - is the thread above the right place to start pulling these APKs "the correct way"?
Came from the WinMo platform, been using Android devices for a little over a year.
Any help, pointing me in the right direction is helpful.
Again - I don't (at this time) want to learn how to MAKE a ROM, but "customize" what's already out there.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a windows guy, and most things can actually be done on windows, but somethings Linux is needed for. I use wubi, it's a dual boot, it works amazing. I primarily use windows, and you can use apktool to decompile and edit your applications, you can even set up "cygwin" and run the android kitchen through cygwin bypassing the need for Linux. but for the android utility by tommytomatoe Linux is needed as it's not windows compatible yet, I suggest using Linux to get used to it, I like windows so I like to use as much as I can without Linus, but Linux is a great operating system and wubi is the best way to run it IMO, I've tried all the VMware and running it inside windows and its just way more efficient using the dual boot and wubi is as easy as 1,2,3 to set up
best of luck man, it's addicting!!

i never used linux until about a year ago, and now i cant stand using windows for anything (although forced to use it at work)
there are limitations (online gaming etc)
but i started using it primarily for android but now it is my os of choice
i keep windows on one hd and ubuntu on another, but im pretty sure im gonna erase windows at some point and dual boot something else..maybe mint
wubi is a nice way to wade in to linux w/o doing a full install, but if you ever get into building source roms its not ideal and generally cant handle it, specifically because its partition isnt big enough

Thanks for the replies! Andy, I'm running your stock ROM right now. Love it! Pulled off all the stuff I consider bloat. Now I'm wanting to add some stuff from other ROMs that I have tried.
So...if I use the method you descried above, I'll be able to pull APKs off other ROMs that I've downloaded?
Thanks again.
Sent from my ADR6350 using XDA App

nitsuj17 said:
i never used linux until about a year ago, and now i cant stand using windows for anything (although forced to use it at work)
there are limitations (online gaming etc)
but i started using it primarily for android but now it is my os of choice
i keep windows on one hd and ubuntu on another, but im pretty sure im gonna erase windows at some point and dual boot something else..maybe mint
wubi is a nice way to wade in to linux w/o doing a full install, but if you ever get into building source roms its not ideal and generally cant handle it, specifically because its partition isnt big enough
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I run mint 100% and use windows in a vm
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium

knipp21 said:
I run mint 100% and use windows in a vm
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah its mostly just convincing my wife that our home comp is ok w/ no "real" windows
she hates vm's...as actually an old laptop we have can only run windows in a vm (long story) and she uses that at work as a backup to show powerpoints
but ill probably just do it for good during my mini vacation, we havent booted into it in 2 months

Deleted post.

nitsuj17 said:
yeah its mostly just convincing my wife that our home comp is ok w/ no "real" windows
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's funny, I have an old laptop with pretty modest specs. I put XP on it, and it borders on unusable, so I put Linux Mint LXDE on it and configured it to look almost exactly like Windows. It runs really well, but my wife hates it! She can't stand having to learn it's subtle differences (she's a COBOL programmer, so that might explain some things! )
As for the OP's question, depending on the specs of your notebook, you might be able to get away running Linux in a VM. I have VM's for Windows (for installing crap I don't want to install on my real Windows install), Linux and MacOS and they all run perfectly well.
A lot of people rave about VM Ware, I tried it and didn't like it at all. VirtualBox has always worked perfectly for me, and it's completely free. It's worth a shot, if for nothing else than testing 1- whether or not you really need to use Linux, and 2- which flavor of Linux you prefer and meets your needs.
On that second point, I used to use Ubuntu (and still have it installed on a little home file/print server), but recent versions have become resource hogs which might not play well in a VM on modest hardware. Linux Mint, which itself is a derivative of Ubuntu, is much more streamlined and light on resources, especially the LXDE (Lightweight X Desktop Environment) version. This would make it perfect for use in a VM.

imo
Everyone has a different preference when it come to Linux.
personally its very intemidating. I don't like doing.weird things my laptop wasn't made for.
but all u need is the basics, and a couple of good opinions, after that you should be OK.
trust me, after u figure it out, u can't stop.
It like crack!

knipp21 said:
I run mint 100% and use windows in a vm
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I switched from Ubuntu to Mint the other day, and I'm liking it so far. I bought a small external hard drive to back up important stuff. I tried the upgrade option when installing, but it seemed buggy, so I did a clean install.
The only problem I've seen is the ATI/AMD proprietary graphics driver doesn't work properly for my laptop. I just run "classic" Mint, if not the graphics will bug out. I actually prefer the classic desktop anyways so it's not a big issue for me.
I've also got the android SDK with ADB and fastboot up and running now as well.
I'm still learning linux, but I like this distro better. If anyone has any suggestions or any advice to further my learning, I would love to hear it.

KingoApp root website

I am a paranoid person ...
A new user has posted a few times about a website that offers a download they say can root many devices including the new Sprint Tab SM-T217S.
The website is out of China and it is a new site. The company behind it is Kingsoft Technology Ltd. Their website has a few translation issues but it is mostly readable.
The site claims their software has been used by millions of users on hundreds of thousands of devices.
Perhaps they do exactly what they say they do, I don't know.
What seems more likely is their software may install something insidious on the Windows machine and the android device you are rooting.
I may test the software on a fresh Windows machine but I am no expert.
Does anyone have experience with KingApp? If I am way off base here please post that here.
Unreasnbl

There was some posts in another thread about this when I was searching how to root my Sprint Tab 3. A couple people checked the code they could and could not find any issues and several had rooted their devices with no issues.
I rooted mine last night this way as well with no issues at all. I scanned my PC prior to installing the app and right after installing the app as well as after uninstalling the app and nothing came up at all in the scans at all. My Tab rooted with no issues and is running great. Installed Greenify and Titanium Backup and got both set-up and some of the bloat apps frozen and have had no issues and the Tab 3 is running great.

Thanks for the info. I am not really concerned about the rooting. I will copy the Data and System partitions from the Tab before and after so I can compare.
I primarily worry about the software installing a root-kit or something on the PC. I still have not had a chance to mess with it, maybe this weekend. I think I will try running it in a Virtual windows install.
kxhaz said:
There was some posts in another thread about this when I was searching how to root my Sprint Tab 3. A couple people checked the code they could and could not find any issues and several had rooted their devices with no issues.
I rooted mine last night this way as well with no issues at all. I scanned my PC prior to installing the app and right after installing the app as well as after uninstalling the app and nothing came up at all in the scans at all. My Tab rooted with no issues and is running great. Installed Greenify and Titanium Backup and got both set-up and some of the bloat apps frozen and have had no issues and the Tab 3 is running great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Unreasnbl said:
I am a paranoid person ...
A new user has posted a few times about a website that offers a download they say can root many devices including the new Sprint Tab SM-T217S.
The website is out of China and it is a new site. The company behind it is Kingsoft Technology Ltd. Their website has a few translation issues but it is mostly readable.
The site claims their software has been used by millions of users on hundreds of thousands of devices.
Perhaps they do exactly what they say they do, I don't know.
What seems more likely is their software may install something insidious on the Windows machine and the android device you are rooting.
I may test the software on a fresh Windows machine but I am no expert.
Does anyone have experience with KingApp? If I am way off base here please post that here.
Unreasnbl
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the program to root mine, very easy and didn't mess anything up on my part.
Sent from my SM-T217S using Tapatalk 4

haxerpaylay said:
I used the program to root mine, very easy and didn't mess anything up on my part.
Sent from my SM-T217S using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its asking to enable USB debugging in developer options which I don't see in the settings on the tab. I've rooted several phones so I'm not new, But developer options is not where I would expect it to be. I'm guessing job security cause them to move it. Maybe?

pakisprings said:
Its asking to enable USB debugging in developer options which I don't see in the settings on the tab. I've rooted several phones so I'm not new, But developer options is not where I would expect it to be. I'm guessing job security cause them to move it. Maybe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://developer.android.com/about/versions/jelly-bean.html#42-dev-options

Thanks. My lazy non detailed reading a$$ almost missed it.

Has anyone tried this with Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 3, does it work?
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

As far as I can tell the KingoApp website root tool did not infect my computer and it flawlessly rooted the 2 Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 (sprint SM-T217S) tablets I have.
I hate to admit that I sometimes get things from torrent sites but doing so has made me fairly adept at spotting rootkits and viri.
Of course using a virtual machine would be the preferred method to use something like this. I am paranoid of the source....

billfog said:
As far as I can tell the KingoApp website root tool did not infect my computer and it flawlessly rooted the 2 Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 (sprint SM-T217S) tablets I have.
I hate to admit that I sometimes get things from torrent sites but doing so has made me fairly adept at spotting rootkits and viri.
Of course using a virtual machine would be the preferred method to use something like this. I am paranoid of the source....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KingoApp rooted my Galaxy Tab 3 7,0 AT&T SM-T217A version as well

I am new to Galaxy Tab 3, but not rooting and flashing. I rooted also using that sight and all seems well.

Are there any roms for this version of the tab 3..?

[Q] Parental Control

So I want to buy my 9 year old son a Nexus 7 after seeing how he uses my computer for his project research, school math challenges, etc. I also see the value of buying him appropriate books on Amazon as he has a requirement to read at least 20 minutes a day. Furthermore I also noticed how he takes our mobile devices, takes photos and experiments with various filters (to a point the mother uses one of his creation as her profile picture). That is the innocent and good side of things ....
I however cannot see any build in parental control functionality in Android that will assist me in keeping it as clean as possible in terms of content visibility on the Play Store, Internet browsing and managing time.
What are my options? I am willing to pay extra if needed if there is something a parent has used successfully.

I think you can create for him a limited profile, but being that I'm not sure, my youngest is 17
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

z0phi3l said:
I think you can create for him a limited profile, but being that I'm not sure, my youngest is 17
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot seem to find anything in that regard - this is very sad. I was hoping I can give him a Android based device but there seem to be no parental control function on Android (never mind anything build in). I keep on snooping around ...

One of the problems I also cannot seem to find anything is because I am using CM11 on my Samsung S3 which does not have the multi-user functionality (not to be confused with profiles).
http://asia.cnet.com/how-to-set-up-parental-controls-for-android-62222756.htm basically sums it up. So in other words I have to stay stock with 4.3 > otherwise I loose out.

There are Users or Profiles or something like that in Kit Kat. I don't have my tablet with me so I can't direct you how to do it. But yes you can make one for "Son's Name" and he can only access specific apps.

Cares said:
There are Users or Profiles or something like that in Kit Kat. I don't have my tablet with me so I can't direct you how to do it. But yes you can make one for "Son's Name" and he can only access specific apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I buy the Nexus 7 will I be able to upgrade to a official build of 4.4 or do I have to grab a custom ROM?

1-0-1 said:
If I buy the Nexus 7 will I be able to upgrade to a official build of 4.4 or do I have to grab a custom ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be no problem getting the OTA at this point.

GLTools with the HTC 10 on Nougat problems

Hi all,
Been trying to get Half life 2 to run on my HTC 10 (great game from back in the day which would run perfectly on the 10)
The game is from the catalogue allowed only by nvidia devices like the shield, Half life 2 has been ported over.
GL Tools allows certain games to run by spoofing certain parts of your android version afaik.
In the past you should be able to simply install the APK and the data which would normally reside in Android/Data/Obb but this no longer works as it used to.
I've bought the app by logging into my friends shield and buying it (£9.95 ) so now my phone when opening it does actually see that it's licensed but the game continues to fall flat.
My friend who has an S7 on Marshmallow with the same settings has it working perfectly.
Has anyone used this before? GLTools? OR have any insight as to what settings would best suit our phones?
I'm running Viper Rom 5.9.0 which is Nougat, I may try to roll back to see if it works but if anyone knows of a way around that i'd love to know.
Spoke with the dev who's advised me that android version shouldn't matter but i can't see any other difference between our phones besides hardware, I've changed pretty much every setting, the dev also provided me with a script but that didn't help.
Any advice or experience would help.
Thanks

Bump, I am also trying to do the same but I am trying with a stock rooted nougat rom. Will do anything to make this game work on this device. Any advice?

anilsenkurt said:
Bump, I am also trying to do the same but I am trying with a stock rooted nougat rom. Will do anything to make this game work on this device. Any advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you'll do anything then rollback to marshmallow..It'll work. Nougat just does not like half life 2. Simply put.
Sent from my HTC 10 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Security-wise, what are my options?

Hey,
I'm 100% new to doing any sort of custom stuff with my Android devices, so please forgive my dumb questions.
I've known for a while now that my Nexus 7 was vulnerable since it stopped receiving security updates in August 2016, but I wasn't terribly concerned at the time since I use it so casually. With this recent WPA2 news, though, I'm kinda anxious.
Is there any way at all to make my device secure? Google doesn't give a **** so I know there's no chance in hell it gets an official patch, so I assume I have to go with a custom ROM, but I have no idea where to start.
If I went with a custom version, will I still be able to use the apps I own? Will I still be able to use stuff like Chrome and Drive as well? Also, if I'm using a custom ROM, is there actually any guarantee that it is actually secure? How do I ensure it receives security updates in an unofficial setting?
tl;dr version: Just hoping for a way to use my Android device mostly in the same way I already do, but with actual security updates going forward, since Google are a-holes.

Be aware that some apps will refuse to run on a rooted device. You also won't be able to use Google Pay.
You can mitigate the security issue somewhat by using a VPN service; all your communications will be encrypted, so a MITM attack should fail unless they can also decrypt your communications stream.
I use PrivateInternetAccess myself; one of their app's features is the ability to bypass VPN for selected apps, so for example I can run Pokemon Go (which won't run on VPN) and avoid running video streams through VPN (I don't really care if they can see me watching Hill Street Blues on Hulu and I'd rather avoid the performance hit). YMMV and I'd recommend doing your own research, and VPN isn't a magic bullet. But it makes the WPA2 problem less urgent without a lot of work and without having to root your device.
Mind you, I'm saying all this while perusing the forums to discover what custom ROMs are available for my Nexus 7, as I'm considering rooting it.
---------- Post added at 07:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:36 PM ----------
To address a different part of your question, aside from the "some things won't run rooted" issue I already mentioned, the rest of your apps should run fine. You'll want to install some version of Open GApps to get Google functionality. That's probably covered in the instructions for the custom ROM.
Two favorites are LineageOS, which has a lot of neat features added, and AOSP, which is the bare Google Android experience with neither bells nor whistles.
Keep in mind that if you don't like what you get, you can always change. So if LineageOS isn't for you, you can try AOSP, or something else if you find it. I'm assuming that somebody has the base ROM available; it should even be possible to put the stock ROM back and unroot the device. Know that I'm speaking from inexperience, sorta... I haven't done this with a Nexus yet, but I've done it lots of times with a Galaxy S4. So I'm not really an authority but I figured I could get you started in the right direction, at least. Just remember to back up everything on your device before you start.
Really, really be sure you back up before you start.

I'm having this conundrum as well. I currently use MM on my Nexus 7 2013 due to better idle time and more reliable WiFi. It seems like there is no way to fix this vulnerability without moving to Nougat.

Lineage OS is a good rom to start with. It receives security updates OTA, and it doesn't come with root binaries, so most apps should work.

anzianzi said:
Lineage OS is a good rom to start with. It receives security updates OTA, and it doesn't come with root binaries, so most apps should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1