Antivirus is it needed?

[maschneid]

So the Captivate is my first smartphone that is not a blackberry, and they're a ton of apps out there and these things are pretty much mini computers. I see apps for Virus Protection, but my question is, is it really needed. I mean is there a threat out there for our phones. Thanks everyone for the help!

 

[s.m.knipe]

Everything I have heard of so far has been theoretical vulnerabilities and personal info being sent to China by a couple of Wallpaper applications (which I don't think turned out to be anything anyway). For right now until things begin to look serious I would just pay very close attention to the permissions you are giving each app you download/install (do they make sense for what the app is supposed to do) and if they look suspicious just don't download the app, and use backup applications (for files apps and SMS messages) so it will be easier to restore your device if you do ever have to wipe it.
Along a separate line of thought, Lookout mobile security is handy for a few other reasons (beyond virus threat), and you may want to look into that app.

I run nothing like that right now, but if things start to look more threatening I will seriously consider it, and probably Lookout when I do...

 

[btswein]

In all my use with Linux, I've NEVER gotten a virus, they are just too complex to compile and not worth the time. I'd say no. And all the reviews I've read about the anti-virus apps is that they sucks your battery dry,.

 

[skinien]

If you're really concerned about viruses, don't root your phone and side-load apps. Stick with the Market and you should be fine.

 

[RavenFox]

If you're really concerned about viruses, don't root your phone and side-load apps. Stick with the Market and you should be fine.

Pretty much.

 

[odindra]

I don't know if it would matter having anti-virus or not but Gizmodo ran an article, sorry couldn't find it, about phone security and wrote about the app called Lookout. I installed it and it's niiiiiccce haven't noticed anything in terms of battery drain. It also acts as a phone device locator and can backup data and contacts providing the contacts are within your gmail account.

 

[skinien]

I don't know if it would matter having anti-virus or not but Gizmodo ran an article, sorry couldn't find it, about phone security and wrote about the app called Lookout. I installed it and it's niiiiiccce haven't noticed anything in terms of battery drain. It also acts as a phone device locator and can backup data and contacts providing the contacts are within your gmail account.

The bummer with our phone is GPS doesn't work. If you leave the phone somewhere, you may not get the location because the GPS can't get lock. Or, if you do get a location, it may be off by many, many meters. When I use my GPS in my house, occasionally it will show that I'm really far away.

 

[odindra]

The bummer with our phone is GPS doesn't work. If you leave the phone somewhere, you may not get the location because the GPS can't get lock. Or, if you do get a location, it may be off by many, many meters. When I use my GPS in my house occasionally, it will show that I'm really far away.

That's why I installed the go-go gadget anti-GPS not working device so it now works flawlessly.

 

[skinien]

That's why I installed the go-go gadget anti-GPS not working device so it now works flawlessly.

It was free, right?

 

[odindra]

It was free, right?

of course....only if your good friends with the inspector or in my case with Penny...hehe (she's grown up now so none of that pedophilia crap )

 

[Kushanth]

When you install and unistall apps how do you clean the registry (assuming it stores)

 

[dsjr2006]

In all my use with Linux, I've NEVER gotten a virus, they are just too complex to compile and not worth the time. I'd say no. And all the reviews I've read about the anti-virus apps is that they sucks your battery dry,.

Android is Linux based, but the UI is Java based and both have had/will have vulnerabilities. Another thing to point out is that it's not just viruses, but other malware that could cause potential issues (like apps that relay personal information without your knowledge).

The reason why Linux users and Macs have been mostly unaffected by malware the way Windows users have been I believe mostly has to do with installed base and Android is growing very quickly making it a great target.

I prefer Lookout because it provides a number of functions for free and it doesn't impact performance or battery life in any way that has been noticeable to me.

 

[sremick]

When you install and unistall apps how do you clean the registry (assuming it stores)

This might come as a shock to you, but Android is Linux. Linux is not Windows. The "Registry" is a Windows thing.

 

[evileyez3]

Honestly, I think the rule of thumb is to "pay attention to what you install". When you install an app from the market, you are given a list of what that app will access and do in regards to your phone. If you don't feel comfortable, don't install it. I don't use antivirus software and have sideloaded a few apps as well as downloaded from the market. Just pay attention to what you are doing and all should be fine.

More importantly, BACK UP your phone.