Database Info

eWallet for Android?

I'm looking for an eWallet app, like Ilium Software's eWallet for PPC, which runs both Desktop (WinDOS and/or Linux) and Android PDA.
Joe

joebacsi74 said:
I'm looking for an eWallet app, like Ilium Software's eWallet for PPC, which runs both Desktop (WinDOS and/or Linux) and Android PDA.
Joe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This looks good: Splash-ID. Has a desktop client as well. I don't use it so I can't say much else about it.
I personally use B-Folders which is a Free app and works great for me.

Security
I am a little suspicious about installing and using certain apps. Many state that they have full access to the phone and internet, meaning they can send all of my personal information elsewhere...and in an e-wallet application, that can be devastating. A goldmine for ID theft criminals... learn some code, and write an e-wallet application. Make it free and watch the information roll right in!
Can b-wallet be trusted? They are based in Spain and Bulgaria. Not much information out there about them.
Splash ID looks great and legit, but $30 is a ridiculous price for this software. $10 maybe for both desktop and phone.

Like the other guy said, B-folders does the exact same thing Splash ID does, and it's free, they are asking way too much money for that app

Have you considered KeePass?
Open source, no internet access (internet access not requested in the manifest upon install) & has an open source desktop counterpart too!
http://www.androlib.com/android.application.com-android-keepass-qtw.aspx

I was a long time eWallet user and contacted them recently because they don't have Android or WebOS clients. They said that they have no plans to create anything at this time for other platforms.
Seems like they are not doing well these days. I looked at Splash ID and while it seems okay, they way they license desktop software is insane and I hear that databases are not compatible with other version of their software so if you get a new phone you'd be out of luck.
I am now using CallPod's Keeper. It is very simplistic which I hate but it works with most major phones and desktops (PC & Mac, etc) I run it on my iPhone and Android.

Having used eWallet for a long time, on all platforms (pc, iphone, winmo), I hope they make ewallet for android soon.
Otherwise I have to find a new password program as well...
If enough people mail them, they must sooner or later make an android version
Otherwise I recommend lastpass(.com). Not ecsactly the same as ewallet, but really good. However, it requires internet access...

I am actually hoping for SPB Wallet to made for Android. SPB did announce Mobile Shell for Android so I am hoping they are gonna port more of their software library over as well.

I've been hassling Illium for ages about this, they don't seem interested in the slightest
**EDIT** Hang on, Splash actually charge you more if you buy the desktop and phone client together than if you buy them seperate! How does that work!?!?!

+1 for KeePass.
It is OPEN SOURCE and it does not require internet connection.
And it has desktop app as well, which is good.
For this kind of app which we use to store "sensitive information", I cant easily trust any closed source app.
That's why I am heading to KeePass when I got my Android device (ordered).
sd00 said:
Have you considered KeePass?
Open source, no internet access (internet access not requested in the manifest upon install) & has an open source desktop counterpart too!
http://www.androlib.com/android.application.com-android-keepass-qtw.aspx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Well your wish was partially granted eWallet Viewer.
You can sync with your windows PC and view on your Android, but you cannot add or edit.

awesome, at last..
Now hopefully they do a full version also.. I see a lot of WM6.x users switching to Android at the moment...

double post

Woo hoo!!!!
Finally!
Viewer is good enough for me. It sync's to the desktop too (I've even paid for an upgrade to v7 so this works )

I would like to introduce keywords like AES or encryption on this post. I have been looking on and off for days for an encryption package for Android and pretty much drew a blank, with a couple of notable exceptions. It was only through trying to find out more information about JointLogic (makers of B-Folders) that I stumbled upon this very useful discussion. I also deeply distrust the anonymity of these vendors. I am deeply sorry if I offend them, but these days we are used to look a gift horse in the mouth. JointLogic is trying to make us suspicious of Google with backdoors in their engine, yet we are supposed to trust an anonymous company in who knows where?

I read somewhere that an android version of Ascendo Data Vault could be out sometime soon. Anyone know if there is any truth to that?

FireWallet

wonsanim said:
FireWallet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...is a totally different type of app. Good addition to the conversation :roll:

worse of all, the viewer has no SEARCH function!!!
After 8 months and still not a peep.

How do I begin developing an app that controls my computer?

Hi guys,
I am new to app development and I have seen a lot of articles about apps that control the computer, but how would I actually go about making one? It doesn't need to be over Wifi either; it just has to be able to do basic keyboard actions over USB.
- Adam

Bump. Anyone know where I could start?

Start with c+ and toss in a little Java coding.

amarcott11 said:
Bump. Anyone know where I could start?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You haven't even described what platform you're writing said app for.
Android apps are mostly Java... The rest, I dunno. MS is probably dotNET, apple is... objective C I think?

Sorry for the lack of information. All I know so far is I have Eclipse and ADT (I am developing an Android app). I understand XML and how to develop the GUI, but when it comes to making the app communicate with a computer, I don't have a clue where to begin or how to do it.
Any tips or guidelines on tools to use or how to start are appreciated.

amarcott11 said:
Sorry for the lack of information. All I know so far is I have Eclipse and ADT (I am developing an Android app). I understand XML and how to develop the GUI, but when it comes to making the app communicate with a computer, I don't have a clue where to begin or how to do it.
Any tips or guidelines on tools to use or how to start are appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By having a server program running on your computer which accepts data you send from your android.
If you want it to be difficult, do it over usb, the easy way would be wifi.
Check up on "sockets".

Thanks for the reply. The only problem is, I need it to have very fast response time. I would like it to be as similar to a USB keyboard as possible, so I don't think WiFi would work. What makes doing it over USB difficult?

Do you have the server side app already? what exactly are you trying to control on your computer?

It doesn't matter what I'm controlling, I just want to be able to get my app to send information that a server side program can take and be able to keyboard map.
So I'll need to code with C++ for the server side and java for the app itself?
Plus, from what I've read, I've learned that the Android platform doesn't support USB hosting. Is this true? I've seen ways around it but it seems pretty cryptic.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

There already is one that is apart of the android market and you can even use it on another computer It's called Team viewer not sure if this would help you or not, but I liked it when I needed to use it.

You can do app development on a pc emeulator instead of your phone (if thats what your asking) and Google App Inventor is great, but servers are closing soon. So goodluck!

Yeah I would start looking up about c+, c++, and java coding.... goodluck

I appreciate the help. Ryan1918, I have used Teamviewer myself, but I am looking to develop more of a controller, as opposed to a remote desktop app.

amarcott11 said:
Thanks for the reply. The only problem is, I need it to have very fast response time. I would like it to be as similar to a USB keyboard as possible, so I don't think WiFi would work. What makes doing it over USB difficult?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both can be done with java and if you program it right and the wifi signal is good you shouldnt have much of a delay.
It will be difficult to use the USB as a network interface for your application.
Using TCP/IP or UDP over Wifi will be much much easier.

I don't mean to ignore what you're saying about WiFi, but I strongly believe that for the market this app will be directed toward, USB will be necessary. I don't feel comfortable giving away my idea, but just know that my goal is to make the responsiveness virtually seamless if it is at all possible.
I will test it out with WiFi first, but in case I don't get the results I'm looking for, can you expand a little more on USB?
Will it only be hard for me on the developing side, or will the consumer have to also put in extra effort to get it to work over USB (installing other apps, rooting, etc.)? If I was to develop the app around USB, I would want it to be easy to set up if I did all the coding right.
From my continued research, I have found a few articles in the following links that might be leading me in the right direction:
http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/usb/accessory.html
http://developer.android.com/reference/android/hardware/usb/UsbManager.html
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/5848876/java-sockets-transmission-in-real-time
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/4762620/sending-simple-commands-from-android-through-usb

I don't have much expertise in the area, i just took a quick google shot at it and it showed from some forum posts and questions, that doing it through usb is not the easiest way.

Hey people, windows 7 or Linux???

I know this has nothing to do with phones but I want to know what minds on this forum think. Thanks!
Sent from my MB870 using XDA App

Linux, of course.
Sent from HTC G2

I use Linux, Win7 and OSX depending on what I'm doing...but Linux is certainly my favorite, especially for development, and for phones!!! = : ]
By the way this should probably have gone into the off topic section (although I did just tie it back into phones!!!)

MrBultitude said:
I use Linux, Win7 and OSX depending on what I'm doing...but Linux is certainly my favorite, especially for development, and for phones!!! = : ]
By the way this should probably have gone into the off topic section (although I did just tie it back into phones!!!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what he said. I have a macbook pro,and through Vmware Fusion I use win7, Ubuntu and CentOS when I need them. I find CentOS to be the lightest and fastest Linux I've used although I haven't really tried alot of the other Linux images.
MoPhoACTV Initiative

I have installed both Linux (openSUSE) and Windows 7. I only need Windows if i need to run a Windows program which I can't run in Linux using wine, so I use Windows very, very seldom.

I also have both installed. it's a matter of what do you need. I only use Linux for software developing but, W7 is more "friendly" to the user..

windows 7 ....

Ihave windows 7 installed, and use a few different Linux live distro's for work and play.
Knoppix
Kubuntu
Ubuntu
UBCD
Gparted
Android X86

Ohschit said:
I know this has nothing to do with phones but I want to know what minds on this forum think. Thanks!
Sent from my MB870 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both. I am primarily using Windows 7 until I can freaking get adb set up on Linux. The only thing I don't like about Linux is how almost everything is done through terminal.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk

Waddle said:
I have both. I am primarily using Windows 7 until I can freaking get adb set up on Linux. The only thing I don't like about Linux is how almost everything is done through terminal.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're scared of the terminal, then start off with beginner's Linux, Ubuntu. I'm not poking fun at you or anything, but my 14 year old sister uses Ubuntu. She prefers it over Windows. Linux isn't the ugly monster it once was. Personally, I use Windows 7 Pro x64 for work, and Mint Linux for personal use. I'm following the development on Haiku very closely, though.

I'm using linuxmint. I think it's easier to use linux with my android, especially to connect to it using adb and running root shell, because the terminal is the same.
Sent from my SK17i using XDA App

wow - all people so calm here
Where are the ****ing nerds - freaking out when the word windows even comes up? *lol*
Well I loved those question ever since - as u can't tell this in general at all.
- user friendlyness and hardware support:
still win7 since any hardware developer focuses on win drivers
even linux is a lot better now compared to former times (I still have some pieces of hardware wich are not or just half working)
-stability:
never had a bluescreen with win7 again, even some crappy hardware drivers still can affect it
linux stable anyway as long as u dont play around with the kernel
-networking
u got other win7 pc's at home or even use homegroups,... -> win7
(since ms changed something in the smb encryption in win7)
But the most important question is:
What are u doing with your computer?
e.g.
- Games:
defnitly Win7
- Programming:
in general -> Win7 or linux
.Net, VB, C#, Win Phone,... -> Win7 (as u won't find software for linux)
- surfing and all other stuff u want to do:
doesn't matter at all - beside some flash and silverlight functionality
- and what is most important!:
Do u need some programs like: Ableton Live, any Adobe, most CAD,...
Cause those will force you to win7
From my stand atm:
I tried linux again and again over the past 12 years now and each time I came back to win due to some missing applications or some malfunctioning hardware.
Anyway there are just a few things u can do with linux that u can't do with win7.
But there are several limitations on linux due to missing professional programs.
Even there is wine,... and dualboot and VM's
But as I hate to reboot I use Win7 as main operating system and linux in a VM (wich i barely use).
Actualy there are just 2 things I miss on my win7: fancy accelerated desktop, pulseaudio (for sound over ip)
Anyway:
From starting point. If somebody doesn't own a system yet and just want's to do basic stuff (office, surfing,..) or even some programing -> use linux as its free
If u then need some other fucntionality u need windows for -> go buy it

Well I'd say Linux, Ubuntu is a very good one to use and now you can use Gnome 3 with it which is just...so so good
What applications do you use on Windows? If you struggle after saying browser and Itunes, it's a no brainer. Also Antivirus doesn't count
If you use Office applications such as Word, Libre office is a great replacement and there are many add-ons you can install to improve the usability.
I Dual boot Ubuntu and Windows 7 and have OpenSuse, Mint, Backtrack and Fedora on live USB's and plan on having them on a separate laptop once I can afford it. If it wasn't for my study I wouldn't even use Windows 7
Oh and you can save some cash!

Hey guys,
just wondering if I installed Linux can I switch back to Windows 7 easily or not? Also will programs such as Adobe software, iTunes, uTorrent and Microsoft Office work fine?
Thanks

Windows 7...Direct X.

CurtisAndroid5 said:
Hey guys,
just wondering if I installed Linux can I switch back to Windows 7 easily or not? Also will programs such as Adobe software, iTunes, uTorrent and Microsoft Office work fine?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can it's quite simple. You may want to Dual boot though, which is very simple and Ubuntu is one of the best for this (By this I mean the guide it gives you while doing it, mainly yes, and no questions)
Although the software will pose a problem, you will need to find alternatives for Itunes you have banshee inbuilt into Ubuntu, as well as Libre office and there is a download for torrent on Linux and there are multiple alternatives. As for Adobe software which do you mean? GIMP is a good alternative to Photoshop and you can download a flash plugin to view flash.

For me, its LinuxMint Debian Edition (With Gnome3) on my main laptop. I have been Windows Free for 5 years and loving it

Amosela said:
Yes you can it's quite simple. You may want to Dual boot though, which is very simple and Ubuntu is one of the best for this (By this I mean the guide it gives you while doing it, mainly yes, and no questions)
Although the software will pose a problem, you will need to find alternatives for Itunes you have banshee inbuilt into Ubuntu, as well as Libre office and there is a download for torrent on Linux and there are multiple alternatives. As for Adobe software which do you mean? GIMP is a good alternative to Photoshop and you can download a flash plugin to view flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the informative reply.
I meant as in Adobe Master Collection (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premier Pro etc). I'm familiar with GIMP, it's how I first got into graphic-design! I'll definitely do some reading up on Ubuntu and Linux in general.
Thanks a bunch.

CurtisAndroid5 said:
Thanks for the informative reply.
I meant as in Adobe Master Collection (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premier Pro etc). I'm familiar with GIMP, it's how I first got into graphic-design! I'll definitely do some reading up on Ubuntu and Linux in general.
Thanks a bunch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I can help.
Unsure about alternatives on the others, some research into it should have some promising alternatives. Glad your familiar with GIMP!
Good luck I hope everything goes well.
Once again glad I can help.

surfer2.3 said:
Windows 7...Direct X.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Direct X is one of the worst things about Windows.
Sent from HTC G2

UBUNTU on your DHD

Your Ubuntu, your way
Enjoy the simplicity of Ubuntu's stylish, intuitive interface. Fast, secure and with thousands of apps to choose from, Ubuntu gives you a clean and streamlined experience that you can really make your own.
Ubuntu is brilliant. It's no wonder our users ask how all this can be free. The answer is simple.It’s open source.
Our global community is made up of thousands of people who want to help build the best open-source operating system in the world. They share their time and skills to make sure that Ubuntu keeps getting better and better. From IBM to Google, Firefox to Wikipedia – some of today's best software is based on an open-source model. Shared efforts. Shared principles. No cost.
Why carry two devices, when you could carry only one? Your next high-end smartphone has far more horsepower than you’ll need on a phone, and more than enough for a laptop. So we’ve brought Android together with Ubuntu, the world’s favourite free operating system, to give you a full productivity desktop that fits in your pocket. Android for the phone experience, Ubuntu for the desktop, all on one device, running at the same time.
So forget the office PC. Just dock your corporate phone and enjoy Ubuntu. Anywhere. One address book. One set of bookmarks. One place for your text messages and email. No more typing on a tiny screen when all you want is a keyboard and a mouse. Seamless integration of your desktop and mobile worlds. Brilliant.
Why use Ubuntu?
Ubuntu is far more than an operating system. With thousands of applications to choose from, it’s completely free and easy to use.
Ubuntu is made for sharing. Use it, modify it, improve it, share it. Anywhere, any time and with any number of people all over the world. No licence required.
Ubuntu operating systems are regularly updated and come in a new, improved, easy-to-install release every six months, so you’re always up to date.
Ubuntu comes with all the support you need and powers the most popular computers - on servers, desktops, notebooks and netbooks and Android phones.
Ubuntu comes with a ready-made community dedicated to building and promoting free systems and software. Join us.
Here is a excellent video from XDA TV at WMC 2012 YOU MUST WATCH THIS: www.youtube.com/watch?v=kipBNiBtjmQ&hd=1
OK now that I’ve got that over and done with, I have got the Android software to run on our DHD, It is actually runs on the same Android kernel as Android , which means you can run Ubuntu and switch to Android and back to Ubuntu.
This is a large image and with the problem with hosts I have decided to upgrade my dropbox account, so that the download will be simple and because of that I will not have a download count, so if you download please click thanks and this will give me an idea of how many downloads have been.
Requirements: Root access.
Installation:
You have to download Android VNC viewer free from the market also the terminal app, So first download https://rapidshare.com/files/1497399130/UBUNTU.rar
preferably on your computers and unzip it to a folder on your desktop called UBUNTU, then copy the folder onto the root of the root of your sdcard, that’s it
Now open your terminal and type (_=space)
$Su
#cd_/sdcard/ubuntu
#sh_ubuntu.sh
That’s it may take a while to complete, have a cup of coffee.
Now open vnc viwer
Nickname : ubuntu
Password :ubuntu
Address : localhost
Port :5900
Colour format :24-bit color
Just press connect and that’s you with Ubuntu, I use OTG cable for wireless keyboard and mouse dongle.
Remember if you download please tick thanks.
Or if you want to buy me a cold beer just klick the donate button.

Reserved for later.

On Ubuntu OTG works ?
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk

tessut said:
On Ubuntu OTG works ?
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if your kernel supports it yes.

Wow great stuff and realy impressive video on Youtube. DB seems already overloaded, mirror available?

Thanks i am wait new link

estremodesign said:
Thanks i am wait new link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
New link soon uploading now, sorry for delay.
Sent from my LT15i using xda premium

briandevlin said:
if your kernel supports it yes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No DHD kernel supports it -.-
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk

What kernel/Rom are you using to have OTG working...?
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using xda premium

djxtabay said:
What kernel/Rom are you using to have OTG working...?
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just ran it on my old DHD to make sure it worked, to use OTG it has to be put in the kernel, just search. Im sure it is the dev section.
Edit
Try here. http://www.head-fi.org/t/571944/ot-digital-out-on-android-phone/15 or ask lordclocken.
Sent from my LT15i using xda premium

how about a video? can you make one? or screenshots would be nice also.

A lot of work has been done to get a native Ubuntu and an USB Host kernel by a couple of members but we still don't have it :-(
The guy who ported Native Ubuntu from the HTC HD2 has stopped developing at Version 0.2 but version 0.3 is made for HD2 and has USB Host!
If anyone can work on that we are a bunch who would like it for sure.
Native ubuntu with usb host and/or usb host kernel for Android while we could load Ubuntu or Backtrack in chroot also would be interesting!
Native Ubuntu for HTC Desire HD project here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1045910
USB Host Kernel project here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1398493
HTC HD2 Native Ubuntu project here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=889433

This rom new ubuntu right ?
http://www.ubuntu.com/devices/android
If I'm wrong ?

can I use this on my xoom?

adanailov said:
can I use this on my xoom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes will work on xoom

Yes on xoom it will. You also have a native ubuntu option that is faster if you need the GUI more than just the terminal! Check the xoom backtrack native it is a good choice too.
What I like about my A500 is the usb host, I'm using keyboard and mouse + hdmi so my tablet becomes a desktop!
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using xda premium

please, is possible get a mirror? rapidshare is too slow!

is this like Ubuntu installer.. I already used it ... but would like a full version of Ubuntu with out vnc
And would this run on a streak 7
Sent from my Inspire 4G using xda premium

Can I attach my monitor somehow?
I could run Ubuntu like year ago on DHD...

briandevlin , Thanks, I am downloading the file now and here is a question: how do I switch ubuntu back to android? There is no clue in your first post.

Linux/Android help for a beginner

Hey all-
I'm very interested in learning Linux in order to not only do cool stuff at home with my own computer, but also to perhaps be of service in developing ROMs and give back to the devs who've helped breathe life into my ol' OG Evo for nigh-on two years now. If I ever got to the point of doing some 'grunt work' and helping out on a project, that'd be awesome for me.
Here's where I'm currently at with Linux: I've followed instructions to dual-boot Ubuntu on my Windows 7 laptop (yay!!!!), but other than installing Chrome and using all my Google services (Gmail/Docs/etc.) through that, I'm not really sure what else to do in order to become fluent with Linux. It's kind of like reading a book on how to build a car, but not knowing one end of a wrench from another.
Here's where I'm at with Android: I can follow instructions to root my phone, flash ROMs, install the Car-O-Dope tweaks on GB ROMs using System Tuner and ROM Toolbox, and most basic things that include using Smelkus' recovery (flashing, wiping, nandroid/restoring, etc). I'd say I know more than the average Android user, but certainly not as much as the experts here.
I've looked on a variety of forums both here and on Ubuntu's site, but I'm not really sure how people got their start using Linux and how they progressed from there in terms of fluency with Linux, applying that to Android developing, and also generally using it as a 'one-stop shop' for home use. I've read about people being able to build HTPCs on the cheap, using a computer as a file server/web site host (my wife's a graphic designer, but hates technology, natch)/media streamer/home security server, but as soon as the instructions get to "Ok, now open up your command line and follow these 28 steps......", I get a bit gun-shy.
If anyone's got any helpful tips on how they got started, any good beginner's guides (project-oriented would be great, just as reading a book on speaking a foreign language is no substitute for conversing with a native/fluent speaker), and how they grew in fluency or just any general advice, it'd be greatly appreciated. I'm putting this here and spreading it around in the hopes that some of the WAY talented XDA devs and members I've read so much from will toss a bone in my direction.
Thanks for reading and for any help!

Get very familiar with Terminal. For Android dev or otherwise, it is essential. Reading man-pages is also good to learn new commands better. In Terminal, just type "man man" minus quotations. That will get you going.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium

You should definitely make an effort to become comfortable with the Linux command line environment (also known as Shell, the most common Shell currently is BASH).
Try giving yourself some useful activities to do, such as: setting up a home file server with Samba, setting up a media streaming server (DLNA - Plex Media Server is a great program for this), just little things like that.
Before you know it you'll be a pro

markinaus said:
You should definitely make an effort to become comfortable with the Linux command line environment (also known as Shell, the most common Shell currently is BASH).
Try giving yourself some useful activities to do, such as: setting up a home file server with Samba, setting up a media streaming server (DLNA - Plex Media Server is a great program for this), just little things like that.
Before you know it you'll be a pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, is Bash something I download/install, or should it be already 'packaged' in with Ubuntu?

go to the development forum on ubuntuforums.org and find out how to upgrade to ubuntu 13.04. As that version is currently in development you should get a chance to learn a few things. That's how I learned modern linux distros. Also setting up and playing around with Ubuntu server edition might be helpful.
For app development Google some Java tutorials. Once you get the beginners stuff out of the way you should be ready to learn android development with your new Java skills.
Sent from my GT-I5500 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 06:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:47 AM ----------
just using Ubuntu for your day to day tasks should also help. When the other Guy was talking about bash he was talking about the terminal in Ubuntu. its a command line that lets you enter various commands. Google 'Ubuntu terminal' for more info
Sent from my GT-I5500 using xda app-developers app

Joshmccullough said:
So, is Bash something I download/install, or should it be already 'packaged' in with Ubuntu?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Bash is something that is already packaged with Ubuntu, it is one of the most essential elements of Ubuntu (and Linux in general) because it gives you a means of interfacing with everything else. If you have a type of Linux with no graphical interface, then the shell is your only means of interfacing with the operating system at all.
So in short, yes Bash is packaged with Ubuntu and every other kind of Linux out there (if it's not, a different shell will be packed with it, but Bash is the most common one).

Maybe something for later but I have seen a number of different Dev threads about getting started with AndroidDev, I know that I have seen at least about 10, all from different perspectives/starting points. One that I could find easily was the following:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1778984
Check it out. Basically, says ... Linux (fundamentals), CLI (command line interface or shell, fluent), Java (fundamental), XML (medium), SDK (medium) and Time - to start with at least. Hope that is useful.