I've just bought an Android tablet (see https://www.assemblergames.com/foru...built-in-gaming-controls!&p=805554#post805554), and since I know almost nothing about Android, I have some questions which I hope can be answered here. 1. Do I need to install a virus killer, firewall, etc, or are they all built into Android? 2. Do I need to update Android or is it automatic? And if it's optional, should I update it, or are there disadvantages to some of the updates? 3. How can I improve the speed of DOSBox Turbo? I'm trying to get Blood running at a playable speed, but so far it's frame-rate is very low. Come to think of it, is there an archive of DOSBox Turbo configuration files that I can download? I don't mean download the games, of course (I'm not talking piracy), just working configuration files for DOSBox Turbo, so I don't have to reinvent the wheel everytime I want to add a new game to DOSBox Turbo? Is there a good forum for DOSBox Turbo? 4. What about Scandisk type programs? I take it that since the tablet's storage is solid state (both internal, and Micro SD card) that it's much less vulnerable to data corruption than the magnetic hard drives of a PC? But even if so, surely solid state storage can become corrupt, so does Android have a Scandisk equivalent built in, or do I need to download one? 5. I've heard about 'rooting' (I think it's called) Android devices, what is it, what does it give you, and is it something I should consider doing? 6. On my (Windows) PC and laptop, I use CCleaner to clear up unneeded temporary files to save space, do I need to do something similar with Android from time to time (especially since the tablet has much less storage space than a PC) or is Android better at removing old files than Windows is? 7. Are there any good online guides for Android? Any good forums for the OS and it's programs? And is there anything important I should know, do, or avoid about Android? 8. What good programs/utilities/games/etc would you recommend for Android, please? Thanks for any answers.
If you want antivirus, download antivirus software. Not that there are many Android viruses. Be sensible and you should be OK. Depends if you have automatic updates on. It'll still tell you there's an update. As always, update at your own risk. There's always a chance an old app won't work. ScummVM doesn't work on Lollipop (last I checked - the Google Play version, anyway... I think there's a beta fix) and Lollipop sucks with its iPhone white menus. Sometimes there are device issues with the latest version of Android, too. Always check with your device operator - preferably the forum of your carrier (e.g. Vodafone, Verizon) or manufacturer (e.g. Samsung) if it's not a device with a SIM card. No idea. Is there not a repository? You can't Scandisk solid state memory. Android runs on Linux, under a user. You don't have root access, so you can't access certain files/folders or do certain things. Rooting gives you that ability. And invalidates your warranty. Your call. No. Delete unused apps. Clear the cache if you want, if it's getting big, for a particular app. Androidforums.com? Uhh, there's lots of software. Pretty much look at the top rated/downloaded stuff in Google Play. Depends on your own personal usage. I'll make a list below. These come up in a search for DosBox Turbo: https://sites.google.com/site/dosboxturbo/ https://sites.google.com/site/dosboxturbo/home/beginning-dosbox-turbo-for-newbies http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2410203 Apps: Social media (Facebook + Messenger if you don't mind their permissions, Twitter, Skype, Instagram... whatever you use) Flashlight (if you don't have/don't like one built-in) Advanced Task Killer - VERY handy for killing background crap Amazon App Store - have to download from Amazon's site and allow installation from unknown sources. It gives you a free app every day. ES File Explorer is quite nice If your screen is too bright, Screen Filter Streaming services - YouTube of course, but anything that you may subscribe to e.g. Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and 4oD are free in the UK, Sky Go... Travel apps - London Underground map, bus services, train services etc. XE Currency Ratings apps - Trip Advisor, Yelp etc. And for other things e.g. IMDB for films, do the ESRB have an app to view game details? Good for parents AndFTP if you upload to FTP servers Music stuff - Shazam identifies songs, GStrings is a guitar tuner Language apps, maybe - dictionary.com, there are foreign language dictionaries/tutors etc. Shopping apps - Amazon, eBay app is shit but still handy Google Sky Map is nice Gaming tools like WiimoteController if you use one, SmartGlass for Xbox... uhh, Steam? Games themselves are personal preference. RetroArch is a decent emulator. Angry Birds is a popular timewaster. I like Simpsons Tapped Out (add me lol) but it's around 1Gb!
Retro, thanks for such a detailed answer! I'd also add: Perfect Viewer - a very good comic book viewer Total Commander - a file manager for android to your list. BTW, what is the best web browser for Android, and also the best camera program?
Default one suits me fine on both accounts. On the Galaxy S5, anyway. You can use Chrome if you want... I guess it should carry your desktop bookmarks over? Yup, a comic book viewer is a handy app on tablet, but a bit pointless on phone. eBook readers, too - I guess the Kindle app? Again, I use a phone only so I don't bother.
I currently have a Motorola Moto G 2014, and it's an incredible phone for it's price (about $200), for it's build quality, good specs and with the recent Android 5.0 (5.1 coming up!).
For browser Chrome is the way to go. It's fast and can carry over bookmarks to and from your PC or other device running Chrome. Camera apps say they offer DLSR quality from your phones camera. This is pure BS no matter what the comments say. My Xperia has a 20mpixel camera which is exceptionally good but not a patch on my real DLSR. Anyway, for video I can really recommend Cinema FV-5. It gives you full control over everything on the fly even when recording. Of course your device needs a good camera to get the most out of it.
For keeping your device "clean" of junk files (like cache files), I use AVG. It checks all apps for viruses, automatically cleans cache files every week and just keeps my phone running well. Also, it's free (don't bother paying for it).
One of the best antivirus programs is Malwarebytes. Its on Windows as well and its great. Also it all depends on the manufacturer (JXD) and how long they push the update. Some can be quick about it (Nvidia) others can take a long time to push an update to a device (Samsung). As for automatic updates, it should happen automatically as was the case w/ my Note 3 and SHIELD Tablet.
