Related
Development has ended.
NOTE: The method used to allow AppSentry to not run in background like other task managers is not supported on all phones/PPCs. I do not have a list of capatible devices. It will nto harm any device, but the schedule may not work as desired.
This Task Manager does not run in the background...
This Task Manager does not require you to run it...
This Task Manager kills running tasks at a schedule you set with or without notification.
There are 2 main ways to run AppSentry:
Manual: Run it from shortcut or map it to a hardware key. It will popup and show you the list of tasks running. If you selected the countdown option then it will countdown the number of seconds and the automatically kill the tasks. Without countdown. AppSentry will wait for you to click OK, Cancel, or Settings.
Scheduled: In options, tell AppSentry how often to run. After the interval you specify, it will popup and behave the same as above.
Other options include vibrate on popup, sound as the timer ticks down, and an exclusion list for apps you do not ever want to automatically kill.
Requires PPC, .Net 2.0, WM2003, WM5.0, WM6.0, WM6.1
This is an Alpha release. Tested on WM6 and WM6.1, and on Kaiser, Wizard, and Touch. Please post with any comments or suggestions. Thank you XDA!
NOTE: Be aware that arbitrarily stopping tasks is potentially harmful. I will not accept any responsibility for anything AppSentry does or does not do. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
wow great tool , thank you very much
Anyone interested?
[BUMP]
In a task manager that does not take up precious memory. You don't even have to run it or click or an icon or even be near your phone for AppSentry to kill those tasks that are stealing your memory and battery power.
Is it something like Oxios Hybernate??
I think it would be an interesting app if it does the same job of Oxios apps (but automatically...)
Let me know....
I'm loving it so far. Great app. Thanks.
Very usefull tool. It run well on P3300 WM61 Blue-X Rom.
You have a request in PM.
bigix1 said:
Very usefull tool. It run well on P3300 WM61 Blue-X Rom.
You have a request in PM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this app close only the running processes or recover space from dead processes like Oxios Hybernate??
I can't use the settings dialog on my VGA Axim x51v. Everything is stuffed on one place.
Same problem with CapSure btw.
flaviopac said:
Does this app close only the running processes or recover space from dead processes like Oxios Hybernate??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think closing process = recovering memory.
But i have a little problem: now with OK button, it soft reset PPC.
It doesn't work on my Touch..
After I push Ok button, my device soft reset.....
It doesn't do the same job of OXIOS app..
It only close existing processes, not the dead ones to increase free memory.....
Is this app supposed to run by itself in the background when the phone is off? I find that it only runs when I turn my phone on. It would be great if it could wake up my device on its own every 30 min. or so and do the countdown.
Research indicates that the method of scheduling used by AppSentry is not supported on all devices. Sorry everyone, looks like I have a little more work to do.
Nice application indeed!
A pair of suggestions...
1 - Show (and kill) also somewhat hidden tasks/applications. For example on Polaris CommManager.exe and QuickGPS.exe run hidden even after explicit Exit command. If these tasks are difficult to found a settings tab similar to Tasks could be added to explicitly list them.
2 - When working as scheduled it would be nice if AppSentry would not kill the task/application in foreground, that is the application the user is probably using at the moment.
Appsentry fail
When appsentry tries to kill a process. terminate a program the device
resets itself. I have removed appsentry (uninstall) but now i get messages that
windows cannot start appsentry. I have installed it again and uninstalled
it again, now i get this message twice. I have had a look in the registry but
nothing can be found. What can i do ? Thanks,
Bruno
[email protected]
Barmy said:
When appsentry tries to kill a process. terminate a program the device
resets itself. I have removed appsentry (uninstall) but now i get messages that
windows cannot start appsentry. I have installed it again and uninstalled
it again, now i get this message twice. I have had a look in the registry but
nothing can be found. What can i do ? Thanks,
Bruno
[email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please install CheckNotify http://www.scarybearsoftware.com/product_detail.php?productname=checknotify.
Use it carefully and only delete the notifications listed for APpSentry. After you delete AppSentry notifications (only 2) then you can also uninstall CheckNotifiy.
Please read the download page carefully as deleting any other notifications can wreak havoc.
Great, it worked !, thanks
not work for htc touch enhanced :S
is it possible for the application to kill the tasks silently without having to ask the user? also without showing the screen?
Yes, but a little dangerous, don't you think?
Silent kill
oldsap said:
is it possible for the application to kill the tasks silently without having to ask the user? also without showing the screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WARNING: I do not recommend using the following settings in AppSentry.
Here is how to kill tasks automatically (sort of):
On Schedule tab
Check run every.
Set the run every interval to whatever you like.
Check Kill tasks.
Set the countdown seconds to a low number.On Notifications tab
Uncheck Vibrate.
Uncheck Play sound.
I don't get it, at first I was thinking maybe I had exited programs that I didn't recall having done so, but now I'm convinced that something is killing programs on my Tilt 2. For instance I'll download something in PIE, open it in Resco Explorer and go back to PIE and it's closed, I have to re-open it.. or I'll browse somewhere in Resco, launch a program, and when I go back to Resco it's closed..
Unfortunately things like Flexmail this is happening on as well.. It's running for a while then I look and it's no longer running.
Anyone have any guesses? The thing has 70M+ of ram free, often more! My Tilt never had more than 30M free and it never did this crap unless I ran something really big like iGO.
khaytsus said:
I don't get it, at first I was thinking maybe I had exited programs that I didn't recall having done so, but now I'm convinced that something is killing programs on my Tilt 2. For instance I'll download something in PIE, open it in Resco Explorer and go back to PIE and it's closed, I have to re-open it.. or I'll browse somewhere in Resco, launch a program, and when I go back to Resco it's closed..
Unfortunately things like Flexmail this is happening on as well.. It's running for a while then I look and it's no longer running.
Anyone have any guesses? The thing has 70M+ of ram free, often more! My Tilt never had more than 30M free and it never did this crap unless I ran something really big like iGO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Load up Schap's Advanced Config and go to HTC Task Manager --> Memory Threshold. Mine is defaulted to 9.5MB which seems a little high (at least coming from my Hermes). Not sure if that's it or not, because as you say there's usually quite a bit of free memory. Might have a leaky program though which is causing the closures.
Toleraen said:
Load up Schap's Advanced Config and go to HTC Task Manager --> Memory Threshold. Mine is defaulted to 9.5MB which seems a little high (at least coming from my Hermes). Not sure if that's it or not, because as you say there's usually quite a bit of free memory. Might have a leaky program though which is causing the closures.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't think so, as I'm not seeing any memory creep or anything like that, seeminly for zero reason programs are being killed. I agree it's likely a memory threshold, etc..
I run a memory monitor that draws a bar at the top of the screen called qwertymemory so I see how much ram is in use all the time. I HAVE seen nasty programs where the bar will start dropping in the past, but I have yet to see that on my Tilt 2. And as you say, why would this happen with 60-70M free?
Yeah, my memory is also (near, odd number...) 9M. I'm half tempted to turn off "Auto Kill" and see if the problem goes away.
I've been having a similar problem but only with Opera so not sure if it's connected.
When multiple tabs are open and I go into the start menu or such like (Opera is never on screen) it exits without notification. Didn't used to.
dik23 said:
I've been having a similar problem but only with Opera so not sure if it's connected.
When multiple tabs are open and I go into the start menu or such like (Opera is never on screen) it exits without notification. Didn't used to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like Opera to browse, but I wish it wouldn't run at boot, I haven't yet figured out what starts it up after a reset. I need to at least do the registry tweak to be able to kill it I guess.. Lots of ram there.
But I haven't used it that much to notice that.. but it makes me wonder if there isn't some kind of crazy problem that's either killing or crashing programs.
I have had the problem with messenger, with no other programs running - I thought it was me going mad (again)
khaytsus - I have prevented Opera from running at start using
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=532948
dik23 said:
khaytsus - I have prevented Opera from running at start using
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=532948
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sweet, thanks! I wonder if this matters since I'm not using TF3D but I'm going to try it regardless.
Okay, this is totally pissing me off. Today I went out geocaching, and with my Tilt here's what I typically did:
With 35-40M free ram: Ran GeoNiche in Styletap, ran TrackMe, and Tom Tom. Tracked my progress, navigated via car from cache to cache, then zeroed in on the cache with Styletap. I didn't have to do anything kludgy, this was on top of my normal load of programs, including some fairly large things like S2U2, KaiserNotify, lots of Today plugins, etc.. Again, 35-40M free ram typically.
Same exact scenario with my Tilt 2 with 75-90M of free ram I could not run all three programs at once without one of them exiting. Never did my ram go below 50M free. I disabled the HTC Task autokill thing in Advanced Config (and soft reset) and it didn't change things.. This is driving me batty.
Anyone have any other suggestions? I wouldn't think so, but is it a possible max programs limitation I'm running into?
Crap, I just noticed that without any extra programs running, MemMaid said there were 27 processes. As I understand it, Windows Mobile has a limit of 32, so I bet that's what was causing me trouble earlier.
I've just killed a few non-essential things (qwertymemory, arialbattery, ms voice control, opera9, tmail) and left the rest (including s2u2) and launched TomTom, GeoNiche (in styletap), GCzII, TrackMe.. All running fine now, at least for the moment.
I guess I need to optimize what's running at boot.. Meh.
Yep, I'm getting pretty convinced that's what's going on. I've just booted my Kaiser and it has 23 processes at bootup, gives a lot more headroom for new processes. I have my Tilt 2 down to 23 now, with some sacrifices.
WM has a limit of 32 processes ?! Why ?!
What's the point of all that RAM then ? The likely hood of me ever video editing on my phone is rather low since I own a real computer to do that stuff.
Microsoft will never cease to confuse me with their strange ways
dik23 said:
WM has a limit of 32 processes ?! Why ?!
What's the point of all that RAM then ? The likely hood of me ever video editing on my phone is rather low since I own a real computer to do that stuff.
Microsoft will never cease to confuse me with their strange ways
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the link I put in there, it explains it... The next base of WinCE fixes it, but traditionally it's 32. Why? Who knows... It's not a big deal until you find that with a normal installation with a few programs you're sitting at around 28-29.
I've still found it blowing away apps sometimes, I think sometimes there's just one or two more things that happen in the background (weather updates, maybe gpstoday, who knows) and one of my apps goes poof. I have it down to 24 at startup now too. But after a while various other things sneak into it and I find it around 27-28 again.
Just had another look and can't see a link. Sorry if I'm being dumb
dik23 said:
Just had another look and can't see a link. Sorry if I'm being dumb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Must have been in another thread I posted it.. Search the whole forum for windows mobile 32 processes and you'll find several references, although I can't find the thread I found with concrete info.. It's clearly 32....
take from storage mem and use for program ram?
I have had the same things going on I have although been at times idling from 59% to 79% this is if I clean ram 3 do not open any programs and check the phone after 15 min or so. I have been searching for a way to increase the program ram size from 173.3mb to over 200mb taking from storages 266.3 if need be. as of now I have "reg edit hklm/software/htc/resproxy/sharememsize=0" and that has helped a lot but I install only what I really need to in phone storage so I would really like to make more use of it by dedicating it to program ram. p
jinx1 said:
I have had the same things going on I have although been at times idling from 59% to 79% this is if I clean ram 3 do not open any programs and check the phone after 15 min or so. I have been searching for a way to increase the program ram size from 173.3mb to over 200mb taking from storages 266.3 if need be. as of now I have "reg edit hklm/software/htc/resproxy/sharememsize=0" and that has helped a lot but I install only what I really need to in phone storage so I would really like to make more use of it by dedicating it to program ram. p
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My issue, as far as I know, really had nothing to do with ram.. It was processes.
I still have this problem sometimes, but it's NOWHERE as bad as it was before I removed a few things I really didn't need and have my 'typical' process load down to around 25.
BTW, I've heard of people having problems after changing the shared mem size to 0, one I think was related to multiple tabs in Opera.. Just keep it in mind.
Do you really have that much problem with free ram? I never had any problem with my Tilt and I typically had 25-30m at any time, and on my Tilt 2 I generally have 60-70m... Accounting (guestimating) for additional space for WVGA graphics I'd think that's more than equivalent..
More threads on this..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=600210
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=600356
this always happens to phones that have been flashed to much there no fixing this. Your just plain fu?k*d sorry.
zarpy said:
this always happens to phones that have been flashed to much there no fixing this. Your just plain fu?k*d sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's really all I can say..
This is my first app for WinCE so please be nice!
Rant
It seems I'm part of a minority of users who understand that mobile devices and PDA's are not designed to run multiple apps at once. You can, but anyone with a decent sense of quality will agree that it's a rubbish experience once you get under 50% free memory. In fact the iPhone by default design doesn't let you multi-task apps (jailbreak changes this) which may be one of the reasons peeps think its a faster device. I say I'm part of a minority because most apps around are coded so that when you hit the 'x' close button they minimize instead of close (even by holding x). Also Windows has no inbuilt mechanisms for keeping your apps closed, and none of the roms I've tried (cooked or otherwise) seem to have these types of tools included.
Disclaimer
Firstly I hope I haven't reinvented the wheel or stolen anyone else's idea. I didn't research for months but didn't find anything like this around so apologize in advance if I upset anyone. Also I provide this tool "as-is" in BETA form - so it could damage your device - so use at your own risk.
Kill****?! What is it?
It is a simple app that kills running processes.
Why would I want it - what's wrong with Task Manager?
A common example is you open up Calc to do divide a dinner bill, lookup how to get home in Google maps, send an SMS to a friend and hit Home key. Then you wonder why the thing is running like a dog. You open task manager and notice you have these 3 freakin apps are open still and taking up your memory. So you're expected to open Task Manager after every time you're finished with an app?...no I dont think so..because you've got Kill****! You manage an exemption file, assign the app to one of your softkeys (or events) and it will quickly, quietly kill all other **** running for you.
How Does It Work?
It stores a text file on disk with names of processes that you wish to exempt. You can manage this via the included config tool. When you run the app (which is a console app) it just kills every running process other than the ones on your exclude list. The exclusion file is stored in your default MyDocuments folder and is called something like "NoofnyKill****.settings". Real simple.
What Do I Need To Run It?
Microsoft Windows Mobile (4 and above)
Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 3.5
How Do I Install It?
Simply run the attached CAB and everything is installed for you. 2 icons are added to your Start Menu (the config tool and the console app itself). The app is installed in the default Programs folder.
How Do I Use It?
If the exceptions file does not exist it will be created new and will contain all of the running process at the time the app ran.
The best instructions are;
1) Have your device in your preferred state with only your basic apps running.
2) Open the config tool from the start menu (Kill**** Config).
3) All of the running processes will list with a check next to them (which 4) means they will be exempted).
4) Click Menu -> Save Exceptions and close the config tool.
5) Assign the console app (KilL****.exe) to one of your softkeys or other buttons using your favorite tweak tool.
What Else Do I Need To Know?
I am not responsible for anything negative or positive this app will do to you, your device or life. Use at your own risk. I have not tested this app well and can only guarantee that I have fundamentally screwed something up. If anyone does use it and wants help I will do my best but try to help by giving as much detailed info as possible when reporting any bugs. I'm open to suggestions and are planning to put the source code up here if anyone shows interest.
That's about it - hope it makes someone's life a little brighter.
Hi!
This looks interesting. Is there anyway to cook this into a ROM properly? I dont like to have users make a file in their my documents folder.
Cheers
Epiphany
EpiphanyNL said:
Is there anyway to cook this into a ROM properly? I dont like to have users make a file in their my documents folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks...i can have the file live anywhere really, I just chose MyDocuments cause its easy and accessible. It's easy to even have them define in the config tool where they want to save the settings. I'm new to mobile dev and the whole rom cooking thing, so could you expand about what would be needed to cook this app into a rom?
actually after giving it more thought it would be more practical to store this in the registry. I chose to use a text file at first because I was not going to bother have a config app and you could modify it using notepad or something.
In registry would be the most preferred method yes.
I read more information about WP7 and the concept of Hub. I estimate the HUB is a new type of multitasking. The concept is OS will push the application to back group and freeze the UI, and the information for application will push to HUB, so user can catch the information from HUB. For example, while user using the TomTom,when you need return to Home,OS would push the TomTom to backgroup,and freeze the TomTom's UI ,music...,but user still can see the inf. from HUB eg, speed,direction)
Do you agree ?
Anyway , I love the concept of WP7 and HUB
Great thing about this hub. I think all these cries about no multitasking is stupid thing, because of not understanding the idea of hub...
iamcrazyfire said:
I read more information about WP7 and the concept of Hub. I estimate the HUB is a new type of multitasking. The concept is OS will push the application to back group and freeze the UI, and the information for application will push to HUB, so user can catch the information from HUB. For example, while user using the TomTom,when you need return to Home,OS would push the TomTom to backgroup,and freeze the TomTom's UI ,music...,but user still can see the inf. from HUB eg, speed,direction)
Do you agree ?
Anyway , I love the concept of WP7 and HUB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup...same as iphone.
In iphone you decide which application gets prime attention. The "one" button is the task killer. The apps on the pages is akin to the apps listed on a task manager. You pick which one you want to switch to. The others tasks are frozen.
Don't iPhone tasks actually end meaning their state is lost?
RustyGrom said:
Don't iPhone tasks actually end meaning their state is lost?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really....they are frozen (hibernate).
U start right back from where u left off.
Can't say that about games though.
chiks19018 said:
Yup...same as iphone.
In iphone you decide which application gets prime attention. The "one" button is the task killer. The apps on the pages is akin to the apps listed on a task manager. You pick which one you want to switch to. The others tasks are frozen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But iphone freeze whole application, the concept of mine is wp7 only freeze the UI and sound,wps7 stills allow application push the information to hub.If wps only run managed code is true ,this type of multitasking(multithreading) will not cash the whole OS cause of one of shiit
iamcrazyfire said:
But iphone freeze whole application, the concept of mine is wp7 only freeze the UI and sound,wps7 stills allow application push the information to hub.If wps only run managed code is true ,this type of multitasking(multithreading) will not cash the whole OS cause of one of shiit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah...when iphone comes with 1.5ghz dual core processor, it will allow that too.
Multitasking requires that processing continues while the app doesn't have focus. What's being described above is simply suspending the app...not multitasking.
A good use of multitasking for example is: running a navigation app such as CoPilot 8, downloading a file with IE and talking on the phone all simultaneously. Ideally, you wouldn't want any of those apps to stop or suspend, you'd want them to continue running even though another app still has focus.
I don't know how a non-true-multitasking OS would handle doing what I just described. Even if it employed a sophisticated system of notifications and interrupts, I don't see how. I hope MS has a good work-around developed for WP7. My daily use of multitasking includes the use of MagiCall call manager app which always runs in the background filtering my SMS's and phone calls. iPhone doesn't have an app like that because it doesn't truly multitask.
Running a navigation software and then taking a phone call ... I have done this a lot and it is a good use-case.
And I dont think the new WP7 cannot do this. It is a phone device, taking a phone call should be the highest priority.
This would suck if the navigation software is then paused, I hope not. How is this on the iPhone?
But, running a navigation software ... while downloading a file ... and then taking a phone call?
You must be more specific, because I cannot imagine myself, on a running car using CoPilot and still managing my torrents That's dangerous ...
WhyBe said:
Multitasking requires that processing continues while the app doesn't have focus. What's being described above is simply suspending the app...not multitasking.
A good use of multitasking for example is: running a navigation app such as CoPilot 8, downloading a file with IE and talking on the phone all simultaneously. Ideally, you wouldn't want any of those apps to stop or suspend, you'd want them to continue running even though another app still has focus.
I don't know how a non-true-multitasking OS would handle doing what I just described. Even if it employed a sophisticated system of notifications and interrupts, I don't see how. I hope MS has a good work-around developed for WP7. My daily use of multitasking includes the use of MagiCall call manager app which always runs in the background filtering my SMS's and phone calls. iPhone doesn't have an app like that because it doesn't truly multitask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well those were just random examples to illustrate the type of apps that you DON'T want to suspend when they don't have focus.
WhyBe said:
well those were just random examples to illustrate the type of apps that you DON'T want to suspend when they don't have focus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how important is downloading the file in the whole scheme of things?
Not very much. It might benefit to stop that process and use the available power to work what you can actually see.
I think its pointless to rationalize away the need to multitask. Hopefully, MS has worked out a reasonable compromise in WP7 until it's feasible to have true multitasking AND seamless performance in a mobile form factor.
I use a call manager (MagiCall) which runs in the background. I know they don't have this type of app for non-jailbroken iPhones because it doesn't multitask.
My typical multitasking is CoPilot, MagiCall and MS Voice Command reading my text messages. This is not an unrealistic expectation. I'm hoping WP7 will have some sort of scheme to allow the same functionality.
why would you need MSVC reading text messages when the Copilot is giving out instructions?doesn't make sense.
Here is what makes sense:
Only 1 voice/sound application can be actively running at any given time. Cannot have the games music, music player, MSVC, Copilot all talking/playing at the same time.
Can have only 1 graphic application running at 1 time. I.e. Panel refresh possible only for the foregorund application.
Multiple task possible for data-fetch/push application.
Anything more is unreasonable.
chiks19018 said:
why would you need MSVC reading text messages when the Copilot is giving out instructions?doesn't make sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems kind of obvious to me...IDK. If I am driving, it is very convenient for everything to be audible as opposed to visual. So voiced text messages are better when driving as well as voiced navigation instructions. What would be kick ass is if I could get some speech-to-text to reply to my messages vocally.
Call/SMS firewalling is enough reason for me to desire multitasking in a phone. Perhaps these could be implemented using some sort of interupt system in WP7.
I must be nuts even reading such needs & requirements
you think i'll be able to log onto an IM client and then surf the net and await for messages? or do i have to turn on some type of forward to text feature? that's probably my biggest concern. everything elsle, i could probably live w/ teh "suspend."
though if i was downloading a song or movie or smething, i'd hate to have to wait for it to finish before i can do something else...
chiks19018 said:
how important is downloading the file in the whole scheme of things?
Not very much. It might benefit to stop that process and use the available power to work what you can actually see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would it be a benefit to stop a file downloading in the background?
If you're downloading a large file, you don't want to sit staring at your phone's screen waiting until it finishes downloading before you can do anything else.
If you're so primitive that you can't find something for your phone to do while you're doing something else on it, I don't know why you bother having a smartphone.
Well, have you ever downloaded a large file to your phone?
Probably ...
But me? No, never ...
Why?
Because if I am at home, I will use my desktop PC to download which so much faster than my mobile phone. Think, the download speed is not only related to the internet connection.
Then I will pull my SDHC card, copy the file from the desktop.
Super fast, painless.
You can argue "What if you are not at home?"
I will not download that large file ... what kind of large file I must download while on the go to put in my mobile phone? Movie? How long before the battery runs out? Better to do something else
elyl said:
Why would it be a benefit to stop a file downloading in the background?
If you're downloading a large file, you don't want to sit staring at your phone's screen waiting until it finishes downloading before you can do anything else.
If you're so primitive that you can't find something for your phone to do while you're doing something else on it, I don't know why you bother having a smartphone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
elyl said:
Why would it be a benefit to stop a file downloading in the background?
If you're downloading a large file, you don't want to sit staring at your phone's screen waiting until it finishes downloading before you can do anything else.
If you're so primitive that you can't find something for your phone to do while you're doing something else on it, I don't know why you bother having a smartphone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry. I got that wrong. File downloads/datapush/fetch can and should continue in the background. nothing wrong with that. Just never give those processes top priority is what I really meant. Push comes to shove, those processes should be suspended for the benefit of the process on the screen.
Something that I'm coming to terms with, with the Android OS and HTC. It's feeling a bit like my desktop computer.
Obviously pros and cons.
But the irritating thing is that, unlike my desktop, you don't really have an option to exit most apps. Why? I love Android because it's very customisable. But why is there not the option to leave it in the background OR close it completely? I'm not an Apple fan, but I get the feeling that they will have a cleaner multitask/program control system. Eventually. Still won't buy one though!
Then you have the Palm WebOS that shows everyone how to multitask. And with, let's be frank, hardware that puts it (at best) middle of the smartphone pack.
Then you have startup. I've got Fring and Docs to Go (free version), and for some reason, they both startup with powering up. Fring even has an option to startup or not to startup. Maybe that's a bug. But Docs to Go? I can't even see the option. Hopefully these two are the exceptions.
But just the simple thing (I think) first. Why the hell is there not an option on every program to exit it - therefore killing it dead?! Why why why? I'm no programmer but is this really such an issue???
Fortunately there's many programmers on this great site so maybe someone can educate me.....
Cleargrey said:
But just the simple thing (I think) first. Why the hell is there not an option on every program to exit it - therefore killing it dead?! Why why why? I'm no programmer but is this really such an issue???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because the android system doesn't need to kill applications, it just takes resources from them when they are needed. You can manually kill tasks but then the resources will just be reassigned in a matter of minutes.
Which is definitely impressive.
But as some programmers I've spoken to said, it doesn't seem to work as precisely as you may want. Windows Mobile had a similar issue. It was meant to work, but didn't.
In fact, now that you mention it, I think I may do a Palm PreCentral.com task, and see how many apps I can open before I see slowdown. If I see slowdown.
This will be interesting....
Go and read at Google how to setup an android application an how the application processes work. You don't have to be a programmer, but it answers all you questions and doubts.
There was even an article somewhere that using a taskmanager and killing tasks decreases battery life. Not what you would expect, but understandable when you see how the structure works.
Cleargrey said:
Then you have startup. I've got Fring and Docs to Go (free version), and for some reason, they both startup with powering up. Fring even has an option to startup or not to startup. Maybe that's a bug. But Docs to Go? I can't even see the option. Hopefully these two are the exceptions.
Fortunately there's many programmers on this great site so maybe someone can educate me.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume that Docs to Go preloads some stuff it needs so that it won't have to load that when opening the first document. You have to see: A background task isn't something bad, as long as it's not doing anything it won't use battery either.
Same with "free" memory: if memory is "free", it's not being used. Docs to Go puts itself in the memory so it's already there when needed. You'll never have trouble with not having enough free memory to run an app, because Android takes care of that (frees memory when needed, leaves stuff in memory when there is plenyty of room to do so).
Use advanced task killer and it should kill any app, with all apps you should be able to turn it off so it doesn't automatically start when you turn on the phone, try opening the app and press menu or look into the options to turn it off
@ RaptorRVL - I would be very interested in reading that article. And I don't mean that in a sarcastic way, I mean I would honestly be interested in reading it as if it's true, I need to adjust my thinking on how Android workds. I'm looking, but if you find any links, please share.
@oawalker - I know there's many arguements about task killers whether they are needed or not. I have one. But I'm not going to say it's absolutely necessary as I think I need to read more hard facts. But it sort of brings me back here.
As jm997 has said, Android OS rejiggs resources as required, so you are never left wanting. However on earlier devices, this was obviously not working to such a degree as many complained of slowdown. Hence we come to today with the arguements of do I / don't I get/need a task manager.
I have to admit, it was the first app that I got so I could see what is running natively so I know what not to trouble. But I'm a control freak, I have to know.
What I just did was to load up every app I had, 50 in total, along with the apps and widgets already running, maybe another 5-10, to see if I can see slowdown. And I watched the memory on my memory widget drop to 10%. And I gotta say, my Desire is still running as smooth as it ever was with maybe a slightest fraction of slowdown. If that.
However, 1. I have no idea what affect this has on my battery life. 2. I would still like to be able to totally close something by simply tapping exit, or purposely leave it running.
Don't get me wrong, the multitasking, as I've just mentioned, is very impressive and obviously much better than earlier versions. And Android is still a new OS that's maturing nicely. But I still gotta wonder if this is a clean way to operate or if we are heading for a bit of a Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.x mess.
Now to find those pages RaptorRVL spoke of......
Random trivia: I just put "android", "google" and "multitasking" into Google, and the top 3 hits are all about speculation about will a platform that doesn't really multitask, really multitask.
"Rumored iPhone OS multitasking would use Exposé-like feature"
"Apple iPhone vs. Google Android – Mobile Software War Between ..."
"Are the people at Google watching the iPad release? - Android Help"
Go figure. Come to your own conclusions....
If I remember correctly, in the earlier versions of Android (1.x), there was an option for developers to force programs to stay in memory. This was meant to be for programs that needed it, but unfortunally it was abused, so Google removed it as of 2.x.
The Desire runs 2.1, so it shouldn't be a problem for us anymore.
This article was written in Norwegian, but I'll post a Google translate link, as it was very good
edit:
Here is the link to the translated article:
http://translate.google.com/transla...du-avslutte-programmer-i-android/&sl=no&tl=en
Some words was translated badly, but most of it was fine.
Cleargrey said:
Random trivia: I just put "android", "google" and "multitasking" into Google, and the top 3 hits are all about speculation about will a platform that doesn't really multitask, really multitask.
"Rumored iPhone OS multitasking would use Exposé-like feature"
"Apple iPhone vs. Google Android – Mobile Software War Between ..."
"Are the people at Google watching the iPad release? - Android Help"
Go figure. Come to your own conclusions....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here you go
http://geekfor.me/faq/you-shouldnt-be-using-a-task-killer-with-android/
this should enlighten you about Android memory management as it did for me
good luck
That was the article I was referring to.
And for more information read this: http://developer.android.com/guide/
Thanks Zappza and irkan. Great info and very informative.
I think the bits that stuck out for me are:
"The point is to not see Android as a PC, where applications run until you stop them. It works just not the same."
"...linux will run the same regardless of if you have 20mb free memory or 200mb."
"It has been possible for software developers to implement a feature... and could therefore not be concluded automatically. Android phone will not quit the program even if there is a need for memory or CPU resources the program uses. ...As a result, so the function removed in Android 2.0."
Ok, for the next week at least, no killing tasks at all. Let's see how that goes.
I like this site. There's always people willing to school you with facts rather than abuse you with hot air.
When I turn my phone on I get all of these apps running:
Music
FM Radio
Calander
People
Documents2Go
ShopSavvy
Assistant Free
CNET scan and shop
timeriffic
3
Photos
Mail
Footprints
Google Mail
Settings
3G watchdog
Wave secure
handcet sms
messages
facebook
clock
advanced Task Killer
How can I stop this??? Surely this is taking up my battery??
Raminder1992 said:
When I turn my phone on I get all of these apps running:
Music
FM Radio
Calander
People
Documents2Go
ShopSavvy
Assistant Free
CNET scan and shop
timeriffic
3
Photos
Mail
Footprints
Google Mail
Settings
3G watchdog
Wave secure
handcet sms
messages
facebook
clock
advanced Task Killer
How can I stop this??? Surely this is taking up my battery??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if its not active or updating it is not eating the battery power, it will only take small very small memory to reside in, and even with that, when any process is inactive for along time and if Android needs memory, it will not hesitate to take it (the memory) away from that inactive process.
irkan said:
if its not active or updating it is not eating the battery power, it will only take small very small memory to reside in, and even with that, when any process is inactive for along time and if Android needs memory, it will not hesitate to take it (the memory) away from that inactive process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, thank you for that. After reading the article you posted I was not sure if it was for all apps.
I have deleted my ATK and lets see how it goes .... because my battery life was pretty poor before!
Also when you check your battery life is there any way to get the % rather than that big bar thing split into 10 bars?
Raminder1992 said:
Hello, thank you for that. After reading the article you posted I was not sure if it was for all apps.
I have deleted my ATK and lets see how it goes .... because my battery life was pretty poor before!
Also when you check your battery life is there any way to get the % rather than that big bar thing split into 10 bars?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is a Battery widget i believe, you can download it, and it will show you a percentage of the battery, not sure of the exact name though, check in the download widgets
Now that I've read more, and thinking back to all the arguements I read about Android and task killers, and it occured to me that every post that spoke about slowdown, it was based on knowledge from Android 1.x. I'm still trying to get some slowdown (due to memory) on my unit and haven't managed it yet.
So I'm curious now, has anyone experienced slowdown on an Android 2.x device? I'm guessing much much less, if any.
Cleargrey said:
Now that I've read more, and thinking back to all the arguements I read about Android and task killers, and it occured to me that every post that spoke about slowdown, it was based on knowledge from Android 1.x. I'm still trying to get some slowdown (due to memory) on my unit and haven't managed it yet.
So I'm curious now, has anyone experienced slowdown on an Android 2.x device? I'm guessing much much less, if any.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only when the FM radio freaked out and started locking my phone up, other then that no slow downs.
I'm a long time Windows "expert" and as such have become a bit paranoid about closing rather than minimising apps. When I got my first Android phone I, like a lot of other windows people, immediately installed a task killer. I soon found it a mistake though. Battery life was definitely worse and applications took longer to load. It's very difficult for people with a Windows background to accept that Android works in a different way and that, providing the application is written property, suspended apps. are not using any appreciable resources.
If windows has been written better in the first place we would never have preceived it as a problem. I am still tempted to install a task killer but I keep telling myself "this is not Windows".