[Q]Are ROMs really safe? - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II Skyrocket SGH-I727

I've tried searching google\xda and can't find an answer. I'm addicted to flashing and I've always wondered...are they safe? What I mean, is there a possibility this .zip file your downloading contain any spyware or some other sort of program that maybe collects your personal info? Such as credit numbers, passwords, and other personal info? So please let me know what you guys think. Thanks.
Sent from my S2 Skyrocket running CM9 9.1.0 stable

If you're downloading a ROM from a known developer, nil to very-near-nil. There's always a tiny risk that something slips in by mistake, but no dev on here is going to ruin their name by making a mod full of Trojans and spyware.
Ultimately, you're responsible for which ROMs you do and do not download. If you're uncomfortable about a certain ROM, don't download it (but don't ask this question in the thread; you'll get flamed to hell and back). The great thing about XDA users is that we find that stuff if it's there. Any Trojan or spyware program will leave a signature behind somewhere, be it a process or a buried file, even reported data usage. I would say that, if nothing else, 100% of ROMs in the Skyrocket section should be considered "safe" in terms of malware and spyware.

Is there a way to check the reputation of a developer? The only think I can find so far is how long they been members and thanks count.
Sent from my S2 Skyrocket running CM9 9.1.0 stable

Really do you think all these people would be downloading and flashing if malware was contained.
Yes the possibility exists as root users we are actually the most vulnerable and desired targets for malware.
We also have a tool up our sleeves that instantly rids us of it our recovery.
I check zips before flashing I'm not a noob I know what I'm putting on my phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

feelinfroggy23 said:
Is there a way to check the reputation of a developer? The only think I can find so far is how long they been members and thanks count.
Sent from my S2 Skyrocket running CM9 9.1.0 stable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they're posting here, they're almost certainly not out to steal your info. tbqh, you shouldn't be storing credit card data on a Skyrocket anyway. If it really, really bugs you, wait a week after the ROM comes out to flash it, and then read the entire thread (which you should be doing before flashing a ROM anyway) before making a decision. If someone's sneaking malware in, the community will have found it by then.

Okay. Thank you guys. I don't store my info on my skyrocket but such as the websites and apps is what I was saying. And yes I do read the complete thread before flashing. I just flashed this rom and I really like it but I never heard of the dev. Which is why I was asking. Would a avg or some other sort of virus protector help at all having installed on my phone? Again, thank you guys for your support.
Sent from my S2 Skyrocket running EMBRYO 5.1

feelinfroggy23 said:
Okay. Thank you guys. I don't store my info on my skyrocket but such as the websites and apps is what I was saying. And yes I do read the complete thread before flashing. I just flashed this rom and I really like it but I never heard of the dev. Which is why I was asking. Would a avg or some other sort of virus protector help at all having installed on my phone? Again, thank you guys for your support.
Sent from my S2 Skyrocket running EMBRYO 5.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No they are all scams
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2

feelinfroggy23 said:
Okay. Thank you guys. I don't store my info on my skyrocket but such as the websites and apps is what I was saying. And yes I do read the complete thread before flashing. I just flashed this rom and I really like it but I never heard of the dev. Which is why I was asking. Would a avg or some other sort of virus protector help at all having installed on my phone? Again, thank you guys for your support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use any anti-virus/phone protection software. They really don't seem to do anything but eat up battery. Just use common sense. Only download apps from the Android market or XDA (a lot of those warez sites put bootloaders in the apps), and use some kind of ad detector to make sure you aren't loading something that's going to text you or send notifications that look like system messages.

T Bender seems to know his stuff good ... Thank Bender for the nice presentation .. And plus one on common sense is essential

Related

Suggestion Using Torrents for Rom/Radio downloads

Just wondered if anyone had considered creating torrents for things instead of posting links to upload sites or having to worry about having to host things on a private server. This could solve a lot of problems and make downloads much faster for everyone. Linux users probably already know that many of the linux distro sites offer torrents just for that reason.
yareally said:
Just wondered if anyone had considered creating torrents for things instead of posting links to upload sites or having to worry about having to host things on a private server. This could solve a lot of problems and make downloads much faster for everyone. Linux users probably already know that many of the linux distro sites offer torrents just for that reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think they like to track the # of downloads, I don't know if you can do that with Torrents.
Another reason is, such as with the bamf previews, they can take them down. On a torrent they do not have that option.
sent from my bolt
This was suggested a couple months ago. I seeded BAMF and BAMF Remix 1.6.3 or something for a couple weeks and posted it in the BAMF thread because people asked but no one used it.
abn75 said:
Another reason is, such as with the bamf previews, they can take them down. On a torrent they do not have that option.
sent from my bolt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why should they really care if they can take them down or not? If there is a problem with the ROM and it is bricking everyone's phone, just make a new sticky that says "Don't install this". This whole recurring theme about "don't re-post the ROM cause you might piss off the devs" is kind of silly.
droidisawesome said:
Why should they really care if they can take them down or not? If there is a problem with the ROM and it is bricking everyone's phone, just make a new sticky that says "Don't install this". This whole recurring theme about "don't re-post the ROM cause you might piss off the devs" is kind of silly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because they were strictly previews, and it was stated as such that they would only be available for a short time. And honestly if a dev wants control over their Rom and where it's located, well more power to them.
sent from my bolt
abn75 said:
Because they were strictly previews, and it was stated as such that they would only be available for a short time. And honestly if a dev wants control over their Rom and where it's located, well more power to them.
sent from my bolt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So we are rooting our phones against the wishes of our carrier and manufacturer but don't want to upset a dev by posting their rom where folks can download it faster? We do the same thing with most all other applications on the internet without regard to the original developers. Firefox has retired Firefox 4 but you can still find plenty of places on the net to download it.
droidisawesome said:
So we are rooting our phones against the wishes of our carrier and manufacturer but don't want to upset a dev by posting their rom where folks can download it faster? We do the same thing with most all other applications on the internet without regard to the original developers. Firefox has retired Firefox 4 but you can still find plenty of places on the net to download it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Way I see it, the devs have the right to request that no one mirror their roms for what ever reason, be it tracking downloads, ability to take them down (again for what ever reason) or just plain being a ass. If people dont agree with that request, they can and should feel free to download a different rom.
Also with torrents, can you really be sure you are getting the correct file? how many people actually check the md5 before trying to flash the rom? Keeping it in the control of the dev insures, at least partially, that the download is correct.
abn75 said:
Way I see it, the devs have the right to request that no one mirror their roms for what ever reason, be it tracking downloads, ability to take them down (again for what ever reason) or just plain being a ass. If people dont agree with that request, they can and should feel free to download a different rom.
Also with torrents, can you really be sure you are getting the correct file? how many people actually check the md5 before trying to flash the rom? Keeping it in the control of the dev insures, at least partially, that the download is correct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or we can continue with the spirit that makes the internet great including things like custom ROMs, and do whatever the hell we want to do.
This code is owned by Android / HTC. Did the devs get their permission before they modified it and posted their custom ROM?
Please, this whole "lets don't upset the devs" is getting really old. XDA is full of a bunch of dev ass kissers and smart ass devs.
If someone is too dumb to generate a MD5 then that is their fault.
As stated above, torrents are a bad idea when it comes to flashing a Rom. Also if you do ever upload a Rom anywhere make sure you ask the developer first no matter whether you think you should or not
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
droidisawesome said:
Or we can continue with the spirit that makes the internet great including things like custom ROMs, and do whatever the hell we want to do.
This code is owned by Android / HTC. Did the devs get their permission before they modified it and posted their custom ROM?
Please, this whole "lets don't upset the devs" is getting really old. XDA is full of a bunch of dev ass kissers and smart ass devs.
If someone is too dumb to generate a MD5 then that is their fault.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If XDA is so bad, why are you here? Honestly? There are other sites, go find one
abn75 said:
If XDA is so bad, why are you here? Honestly? There are other sites, go find one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, I'll just stay here and try to make it better
droidisawesome said:
Nah, I'll just stay here and try to make it better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you're doing a fine job right now...

[Q] Whens a non-dev root coming for sens.

Hey there anyone has any estimates on when the s-off, root and etc for general public will be out, not sure about how many bugs/glitches does the dev. version have...
Regards, SM
It's been stable and working. They may as well not call this a dev release.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e
No issues
I think the disclaimer for the dev only thing was probably a safe guard to make sure the repercussions weren't severe if things didn't pan out! However everything works great for me... I just reflashed my stock RUU after and re-rooted and put on CWM and now my phone is slick and debloated! I donated because as far as I am concerned they can't improve upon perfect!
the reason why i asked is becasue this is my first time i ever dealt with HTC "rooting" wanted to make sure i dont run into much issues during the process, any pointers? besides the guide?
I still can't post questions on the dev thread since im fairly new....
Simplicity is the key
Just don't get worried that is all! Make sure you feel comfortable with the procedure prior to attempting it, but rest assured this is quite possibly the easiest S-Off/Root procedure around... no goldcard, no nothing! It literally does everything for you! So just stick to the guide, don't deviate, and never panic and jerk the cord from your phone! Then again I don't really think you can brick, but if I understand correctly S-Off is in the Radio and quite simply put if the Radio gets messed up the phone gets messed up!
Again if the phone seems fine to you, then you may not want to do it right now... the ROMs are just starting to come out of the kitchens and are young right now so holding off might be advisable or at least until you feel comfortable to play around with your phone!
I appreciate the tips glitzbd, when it comes to "rooting" as in iphone would that be considered jailbreaking ? And how does it interact with applications, allows you to rip apps for free?
SirMario87 said:
I appreciate the tips glitzbd, when it comes to "rooting" as in iphone would that be considered jailbreaking ? And how does it interact with applications, allows you to rip apps for free?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't allow you to get free app's but along with s-off, gives you pretty much total control over the phone and allows app's that are made specifically for rooted devices to run on the phone, i.e. Titanium backup and also to flash custom rom's.
cjm1979 said:
It doesn't allow you to get free app's but along with s-off, gives you pretty much total control over the phone and allows app's that are made specifically for rooted devices to run on the phone, i.e. Titanium backup and also to flash custom rom's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, thanx alot, out of curiosity, are the HTCs able to be hacked where you would be able to download apps that are not free, for free.
(my fist HTC device)
SirMario87 said:
I see, thanx alot, out of curiosity, are the HTCs able to be hacked where you would be able to download apps that are not free, for free.
(my fist HTC device)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I know of and I wouldn't ask too much about how to do it or where to get them from on here as the moderator's are pretty strict about it.
There are websites that provide them if you have a google though.
cjm1979 said:
Not that I know of and I wouldn't ask too much about how to do it or where to get them from on here as the moderator's are pretty strict about it.
There are websites that provide them if you have a google though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see i must have mistaken this forum as a more hack oriented forum....
SirMario87 said:
I see i must have mistaken this forum as a more hack oriented forum....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL stealing paid apps = bad and majority of the websites that offer paid apps for free also offer identity theft,spam and trojans for your device to enjoy....BUY THE APPS man!!!!!!!!! not many things in life are FREE
SirMario87 said:
I see i must have mistaken this forum as a more hack oriented forum....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is for hacking / developing, but not for hacking paid app's / warez.
cjm1979 said:
It is for hacking / developing, but not for hacking paid app's / warez.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can tell im a long time Warez member Warez FTW!!!
But i appreciate the heads up fellas thanks!

Infuse, stock ROM force closing Google services framework after market update.

Ok, so my wife has an Infuse and she's experiencing frequent force closes related to the Google services framework. I've dug through several threads mentioning force closes of the framework and tried most of the suggested fixes. The only thing I've stumbled upon that makes a difference is removing the latest market update. This solves the problem until the market updates itself again.
I'm assuming this us because its not completely compatible with her outdated stock ROM.
So the point here is can i prevent the market from updating without root? Has anyone else had this problem with their Infuse?
Normally i don't root her phones but with all of the issues related to trying the get an official update, which still hasn't arrived, she is warming to the idea of a custom ROM. I don't follow the Infuse forum enough to know which ROMs are out there so if anyone has suggestions for a fast, stable ROM that also has Touchwiz I would appreciate it, especially if i cant sort this out in the current ROM. At least until i can get her sold on CM...
Anyway thanks for reading and i appreciate any suggestions.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/member.php?u=3914845
You will find ALL the answers in qksters profile. ALL CREDITS TO QKSTER.
And Vagabound would be great if she's looking for stock. She might cry though, with all the bloat and battery draining apps that she is missing. Also, if she says that her wifi is dropping, set your router's dchp (whatever it is) to one week instead of forever.. and....... I think that should do you. I would tell you where the thanks is, but based on your account, you look like you know where it is.
ALL. CREDITS. TO. QKSTER. THANK YOU FOR HAVING SUCH A HELPFUL SIGNATURE.
Wow, Thanks
All I can say is wow, that's quite a resource QKSTER is providing and much more than I expected for this phone.
I've been using this forum for nearly a decade and I am always impressed with the amount and quality of information provided by the members.
Thanks Erik for pointing me in the right direction.
Will_nonya said:
All I can say is wow, that's quite a resource QKSTER is providing and much more than I expected for this phone.
I've been using this forum for nearly a decade and I am always impressed with the amount and quality of information provided by the members.
Thanks Erik for pointing me in the right direction.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got it. Just make sure to thanks his posts if they are useful to you. I can understand not wanting to do all the digging to get it done on a phone that isn't yours.
Don't worry about that, i know how much work goes into this and how much it helps me so i try to make a point not to be ungrateful. Especially when it promotes domestic tranquility
Like you said it isn't my phone so i only see it when there's a problem. That makes the help even more appreciated.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA
My girlfriend got a restraining order so i can not be in the same room as her phone ....i feel for you
Send from infuse
R3v v.1
Normally I have to take an "if it ain't broke don't fix it" approach to her devices. In this case it was broken so I was allowed to fix it.
I have to say thanks again to Erik_t, qkster and gtg465x. I don't work with too many Samsung devices so it would have been easy to miss something importand but the help and resources you provided made this quick and easy. My Mrs is now very happy with her new ROM and with the improved battery life and performance.
Most of the process was pretty standard but I had to read the rooting instructions a few times to make sure I wasn't missing anything, it was just simpler than I'm used too. .
She is now a happy Vagabond user, the stars have aligned and domestic bliss reigns supreme. Thanks.
Sent from my HTC Flyer using XDA App

Getting Rid of Goo.im

So an unpleasant surprise in the EOS Nightlies and a few other builds is the inclusion of SPAMWARE called Goo.im. Its a notification app that could double as spyware as well. Its full functionality and the extent it can invade your privacy is unknown.
To remove it, simply do the following:
- Start Titanium Backup
- Find Goo Manager
- Long press to convert to user app
- Once converted, long press again to delete
After that you'll be free of this SPAMWARE.
Its not spamware it tells you when you have an update for your rom and gapps
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
In my books - that is SPAM. Never the less, new users of nightlies will find removing this or disabling a little difficult and this post is meant to be informational for all those who don't want opt-out notification.
al mon said:
In my books - that is SPAM. Never the less, new users of nightlies will find removing this or disabling a little difficult and this post is meant to be informational for all those who don't want opt-out notification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understandable simple solution is not flashing custom roms unless it has opt-out feature,no disrespect intended.
al mon said:
In my books - that is SPAM. Never the less, new users of nightlies will find removing this or disabling a little difficult and this post is meant to be informational for all those who don't want opt-out notification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, I believe it is called gooManager.
If this is what you are referring to, this is not a spam or malware. Your book could be infected, with all respect, no offence...
This is an application subscribed to by team eos to host many dev apps, and ROMs and to notify you whenever there is an update available for you. Is it an added value feature that other ROMs lack. It is not spam no whatsover... thx for the tip though on how to use titanium backup...
Sent from my MZ601 using apatalk 2
al mon said:
In my books - that is SPAM. Never the less, new users of nightlies will find removing this or disabling a little difficult and this post is meant to be informational for all those who don't want opt-out notification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude you might need to places ur time in something else other then flashing Roms bc that feature u so called what to show people how to remove is a blessing to everyone that understand they don't have to go in to the rom and select the update every time. Also, people have put a lot of time in to that feature.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium HD app
Goo manager is NOT spam and is in fact the ONLY app I use to automatically notify me of a ROM or gapps update then download the update, wipe, backup and flash all from the app (as long as open script recovery). I even donated $10 for support of the dev.
Your opinions are your own but realize you are incorrect to call it spam or imply that it is in any way malicious. Uninstalling it should have sufficed without need for this thread... IMO.
al mon said:
Its a notification app that could double as spyware as well ... be free of this SPAMWARE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
?!
... perhaps you just shouldn't use our ROMs then; in fact, I'd prefer that you don't (seriously!) if you have those kinds of issues with our builds.
BTW, you're not making much sense- after all, we make these ROMs ourselves essentially from scratch- if we'd wanted to "spy" on you, there's FAR more innocuous ways to do it (that you'd never know about nor be able to remove w/o a full wipe) than having to "install 'spy'ware".
This thread sucks. If you don't want update notifications, go into the settings on goomanager and set the "ROM Update Frequency" setting to never.
It's along the same lines as google, moto etc telling you an OTA is available?
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D X515m using xda premium
I just wanted to make a useless post ad this entire thread is useless to everyone. .. Except for the OP
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda app-developers app
I bet the OP wouldn't consider the free version of clockwork baked into many of the ROMs i've installed to be malware, simply since he'd heard of that one... lol. Ignorance is bliss, or egg on the face. Thanks goo, I use you all the time and happily sponsored too!
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 2
Mr OP... Your thoughts here are very flawed and they lack insight and logic. I know I really shouldn't give this guy the time of day and he is likely a troll... But if you ARE new to this stuff and you are feeling your way through these processes, you need more information than he gave.
First is a simple argument with very simple logic. If indeed this app is malicious in intent, you can trust that they would have simply been caught by now! Do you really think all the code writers and programmers and enthusiasts and all around nerds (I can say it cause I am one) wouldn't have discovered it? The awesome people on this board were able to find out that a ICS leak for the Motorola DROID Bionic had a check in place that stopped the returning to stock process. And they didn't do it by experimentation, they busted through the code and put it through tests... Other stuff cause they're just that damn good!
Secondly, if they were again being malicious and say they were caught but they somehow convinced everyone that has caught them to keep it quiet and they cut them in on the action... Dude, really? We did in fact for to the moon, I promise you that. (that's a conspiracy theory crack, didn't want the genius OP to miss out on a joke).
Third, it's not necessary you tell people how to get rid of the app because if you're on this board, you're smarter... Wait.... Since we are dealing with this thread I can't say EVERYONE here is smart.
In the end, this is a much optional app. Rooting and roming are much optional. If you don't want it, don't use it. No one really cares to invade your privacy, no one cares what porn you browse on your Xoom! If you hate this kind of stuff go buy iProducts and be a drone like the rest of the hipsters.
Have a nice night now!
*rolls eyes*.....*types out long reply to OP*....*spam backspace*....*hits submit reply*
U mad OP?
Hit the thanks button and wam it disappears ! Try it.
I wasn't a fan of the notifications, and prefer to boot into recovery to flash updates, so I uninstalled, not seen any reasons to claim it was malicious though... perhaps the OP doesn't understand why it has the permissions it has :-\

Hosting for files

So i've been noticing a trend with this stuff.
links go bad.
I work for an ISP.
I can host files and you wont have to worry about dead links.
plus, then I can find stuff when i need it.
somebody message me.
i need to know what kind of bandwidth something like this expects to generate.
Charge is dead. Thanks to the main developer who couldn't see things to the end.
Sent from my SCH-i705 using xda premium
deafptl4ever said:
Charge is dead. Thanks to the main developer who couldn't see things to the end.
Sent from my SCH-i705 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eclipse FP8 rom
NinjaRom v2 FP8
I don't know if I would call it dead quite yet, nor do I think any one person to be responsible for it's demise.
To be honest putting some links up of things like recovery and what not is a great idea - I'm unsure there would be much traffic but there would be some, and I bet folks would be thankful for that.
I <3 you deafptl4ever - you rock! Favorite person ever I thought being redundant with posts to make a point would be silly, but it never hurts to say nice things twice right?
PM sent...
There is some life left in this old gal!
chargeguy said:
So i've been noticing a trend with this stuff.
links go bad.
I work for an ISP.
I can host files and you wont have to worry about dead links.
plus, then I can find stuff when i need it.
somebody message me.
i need to know what kind of bandwidth something like this expects to generate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously excellent idea.
I kinda had it started but on the back burner for a while.
Here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2391708
We might still need to talk if that whole bandwidth thing gets out of hand.

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