Android Terms etc.

[MordyT]

Ok, like many, I am jumping to the EvO and Android after 7+ years of WinMo. Like many, I have lots of questions. First being "wtf is root?" (Ok, I kinda knew since most servers are linux based, and I have done work in that area.)

So like any true geek, I did a little bit of research.
I am writing this because I know a lot of you other converts have some of these same questions.

Root in Linux is the "SuperUser". The admin of all admins. (Think the hidden administrator account on XP) Is is the god of all things. You get the point.

ROOT:
Why do you need root access?
Well, back to my Windows analogy, lets say you have a student account on your schools computer system. You would love to delete the system32 folder, but you get "access denied" (ok, a little drastic, lets say you want to delete another users (locally stored) documents). As root/Admin, you would have no problem. So, root=full control. It is the super admin/superuser of the phone. You would need it to do anything that Google has locked down, like make changes to the operating system.

How to gain root?
Look here.

APK's:
Similar to how a cab is to WinMo, this is a app installer. Stands for Android Package. (Might need a program to use them, available from the marketplace)

Themes:
Some themes need to be installed like a custom ROM, that is to name them update and install from "bootloader" (if you will), by powering off and then powering up.
Specific instructions to be posted.

1. Look here for clocks.

NanDroid backups:
Similar to dumping a ROM on WinMo, or a full SPB Backup, more info on how to do this when the EvO is rooted.

Uses: Make a backup of how your device is before messing with something.

Task Closing and Task Managers:
So, as a long time WinMo user, it is important to free up RAM to keep your device optimized. So you open up your favorite task manager, and close the running programs you don't need open. While this may be good on WinMo, it is not a good idea on Android. Android closes it own programs when it is done with them. Stopping one may be a bad idea and users have reported the device ran smoother when they let Android manage its own programs.
Here is the article from Android Dev's. The short exert that you need to be worried about is:

Android starts the process when any of the application’s code needs to be executed, and shuts down the process when it’s no longer needed and system resources are required by other applications. A content provider is active only while it’s responding to a request from a ContentResolver. Components might also be shut down by the system when they are no longer being used or when Android must reclaim memory for more active components. If the user leaves a task for a long time, the system clears the task of all activities except the root activity.

I HIGHLY recommend you read this source.

Batteries and Charging Time:
The batteries in the EvO are the exact same as in your TP2 and a whole bunch if other phones. So before you chuck that spare battery, check it.
Also, there might be a sms app issue which cause you phone to stay awake even when suspended. Quickest way to find out is to check you up time and total time. If both number are the same, you have an issue.
One last thing, the EvO Charger is a MicroUSB, not mini so your TP2 Charger won't work. Sorry!

My MUST-HAVE apps. This is a Personal collection.

Useful Apps to have:

AdBlock: Block those annoying ad in those free apps! (Thanks Apristel!)
Tapatalk: Mobile native forum experiance! (Works with XDA and PPCG and MU). Ask a forum admin to activate it on your favorite forum for free!
Disclaimer: Some info might be a little incorrect. I am still learning, and try my hardest to make sure all the info is correct.

Please don't copy and paste this, instead link to this post. Thanks for understanding. PM me with any questions about this.