[Q] XDA's Sketchy downloads? - General Questions and Answers

Hey guys. I'm trying to download an old ROM for an HTC Sensation. I find the page no problem but it's on Dev-Host. Which seems to be linked to firstfirst. From there rather than the ROM downloading I get a small 376kb file with the right name but rather than a ZIP it's an EXE. I'm supposed to install this program which will "guide" my download. AKA infect me with a mountain of spyware.
If you want to see what I'm talking about, try mirror 2 in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1770522
Looks like all the older ROM's for the HTC Sensation are hosted on some sketchy virus infested site. Or am I missing something major here? How the heck do I get a ROM without a nasty infection on the side?
Many thanks in advance.
Edit: D'oh! I found out that if you click Download you get the viruses but if you click Download Now you are OK. *sigh* Still not sure why a respected site like XDA would associate with Dev Host.

Yep.
I still think that it's sketchy hehe.
Sent from my HUAWEI Y536A1 using XDA Free mobile app

Edit: D'oh! I found out that if you click Download you get the viruses but if you click Download Now you are OK. *sigh* Still not sure why a respected site like XDA would associate with Dev Host.
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At one point dev host was one of the best free file hosts out there and a lot of XDA members used their service. At some point dev host started to use this malware as a way to monetize their site, but as you noticed, XDA is already FULL of dev host links. Most of these links predate dev host changing their policy and if XDA were to remove these links we would be punishing the innocent poster and everyone would lose a mountain of useful stuff...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Most download sites work like that, with an obvious, usually animated, 'Download' button that contains a lot of unwanted rubbish. Most of the times it contains a download manager.
The real download is usually located a little lower, flanked by a captcha and looks a lot less conspicuous. Sometimes you need to deselect the 'download with manager' option, as well.
It's been that was since as long as I can remember. Even MegaUpload had that. Sending big files to teachers was a nightmare in school, because WeTransfer wasn't around yet back then. They kept clicking the wrong buttons... And they weren't as observant as you are.
Best method is to hover over the download button and look at the linked url (left bottom of the screen, usually). If it's dodgy or says .exe, you've got the wrong button. (Also a very effective method of spotting phishing mails.)
Sent From My Samsung Galaxy Note 3 N9005 Using Tapatalk

It's also quite possible that the deceptive "download" buttons are ads that have been bought by miscreants. I've seen this happen before on other sites.

Related

Question about downloading .apk

I have one question. If i found aplication that is not free on market but posted online like .apk and I download to pc. After that transfer to my phone via usb then install on it, am i going to be chargred for that app or there is no way that anyone can charge me or know that i have one? Thanks.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
No, you will not be charged for it.
I should remind you that this is piracy, which is not encouraged.
arrrg shiver me timbers
only downside also to taking a apk on a torrent or whateve u will rarely get updates...more likely none
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Thanks for answers, everything seems to be ok and resonable
Btw any good app for VPN (cisco) does not meter if has to be paid as long that work propertly?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
i am not condoning piracy, but yes it is possible to just download an app from the web. appbrain does a good (but accidental) job of telling you when they need updates. you will need to find another version online though to manually update.
applanet is baisically all this but inside a single app. it is a pirated android market. once again, i dont encourage piracy, niether do i use it.
erik077 said:
I have one question. If i found aplication that is not free on market but posted online like .apk and I download to pc. After that transfer to my phone via usb then install on it, am i going to be chargred for that app or there is no way that anyone can charge me or know that i have one? Thanks.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As someone who develops Android apps - please just go pay for it. We put a lot of effort into making these things and it's only a few dollars. The dollar you just saved was food you just took off someones table.
That said, any Android developer worth his salt should have already implemented the Market License feature. The new license model can remotely validate that your copy is legit and allows the developer to respond how they choose.
In my apps, I lock you out and show a nag screen with a market link... but I know some devs who just quietly phone home with your device ID and phone number.
skylar.sutton said:
As someone who develops Android apps - please just go pay for it. We put a lot of effort into making these things and it's only a few dollars. The dollar you just saved was food you just took off someones table.
That said, any Android developer worth his salt should have already implemented the Market License feature. The new license model can remotely validate that your copy is legit and allows the developer to respond how they choose.
In my apps, I lock you out and show a nag screen with a market link... but I know some devs who just quietly phone home with your device ID and phone number.
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Click to collapse
creepy....
like i said, pirating isnt the way to go. just because i told you how doesnt mean i want you to.
That was basic questions and i do support you guys so please do not accuse me of anything right away, but no one answered question above.
erik077 said:
Btw any good app for VPN (cisco) does not meter if has to be paid as long that work propertly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Maybe it's just me...

why are we not sharing files via .torrent
the multiload/rapidshare thing is crap!
I'd be more than happy to start a few files, I think there is enough traffic here to justify, and files would fly! I can support an FTP server for uploads.
Just sayin'...
Not everyone is going to seed, not everyone knows what a torrent is, etc. It is much quicker doing it with multiple mirrors. If one is too slow, you can just download from another. I haven't had any problems with the multiple mirrors. Why is it crap to you?
Think about it, people here have trouble flashing .zips. Now you want to ask them to download a program and set it up just so they can download a file, instead of just clicking 2 buttons and entering a capcha. Their heads will explode.
I guess I think it's crap because I've just spent 45min to D/L 230mb in files and now have to wait 51min to start the third... and if I miss the window, I have to start all over again! Not all the files are this bad, but not all have a choice of mirrors. I understand your point, but these files are small, and just a few seeders, the root of .torrents anyway, would easily keep things flowing. I would seed... it's the "rule"
I'm with andybolt on this one. I understand that people can be clueless and unwilling to learn so lets compromise and have multiload/rapidshare links and torrent links. There are even torrent clients that run through the browser and you can create a link that sends them to the site and starts a specified torrent for them. Don't even have to click on a link. I'd be happy to seed, it'd be a simple way to contribute, and I know some of us would love to contribute in some way, along with beer money of course.
I'm all for torrent files, that would be better.
I'd like to see this too. I'll write up a quick tutorial on how to download torrents if a mod will sticky it. Then we can answer any torrent related questions in that thread.
The only disadvantage I see is that I often download them on my phone.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
IM all for it
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
eallan said:
The only disadvantage I see is that I often download them on my phone.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
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Use ttorrent, I download torrents on my thunderbolt. I would be more than happy to leave stuff seeding on my box at home though. I have stuff years old still seeding. Also transdroid to control my transmission client on my ubuntu box.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
psylink said:
Use ttorrent, I download torrents on my thunderbolt. I would be more than happy to leave stuff seeding on my box at home though. I have stuff years old still seeding. Also transdroid to control my transmission client on my ubuntu box.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the ttorrent app recommendation. 4g torrents at work now yay
Thunderbolt «» das BAMF Remix
Yeah I think is crappy too. I wish it would be easy. Although the direct download one is good
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
Nice... I didn't get flamed on this one. So, what are we interested in starting with? I've sported a dozen roms, and am currently running Bamf 1.5 Remix, with a few of extra's. If anyone knows how to get started sharing, I have some space to offer. I seed all I "leech" but have not messed with uploading aTorrent, and does a tracker need to be involved?
I support releasing it via torrent as well. I have a 30/5 package at home and that 5 portion of it hasn't been doing much lately. I will leave stuff seeding until it's no longer needed.
I'm all for dling through torrent, as I have a habit of leaving them up until I realize my connection goes to crap, which is usually a week or so.
meh for being a long-time lurker, I'm not sure if this would be a good or bad idea.....I guess the only way to tell is to try it out right? Lets hope a dev picks up on the idea and gives it as an option for us to download.
I have an idea. How about someone start seeding for the devs and send us info to add it as a mirror?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
adrynalyne said:
I have an idea. How about someone start seeding for the devs and send us info to add it as a mirror?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll seed the BAMFS as soon as I get to the house.
Just a comment: I often download these files at work and there's no way I'm running a bittorrent at work. So I, for one, very much prefer that we keep them hosted via http. Secondly, there have been many people with fat pipes who offer to host things for free. If somebody hosts via multiupload or some other site like that, they're just not looking hard enough for free hosting. But that said, multiupload is more preferable to torrent for me.
Jaxidian said:
Just a comment: I often download these files at work and there's no way I'm running a bittorrent at work. So I, for one, very much prefer that we keep them hosted via http. Secondly, there have been many people with fat pipes who offer to host things for free. If somebody hosts via multiupload or some other site like that, they're just not looking hard enough for free hosting. But that said, multiupload is more preferable to torrent for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It never hurts to have more options.

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...

[Download] Google Chrome for Android 2.3 for GingerBread Devices

I found this apk and posted it on my blog. Tested it on several gingerbread deveices.
Here is the link
http://www.freshnewsarea.com/tricks/install-google-chrome-on-android-2-3-gingerbread-devices/
Its NOT Google Chrome, it clearly says at the link you provided. Google Chrome relies on APIs introduced in ICS so a GB port is not possible unless somebody were to start a completely different project of compiling for Android from Chromium source which may not even be possible.
lol..
Sent from my SGSII T989 | Juggernaut5/Darkside X v1
Ya, I've found that its not chrome so I've changed the title.
But it is a good browser if you need speed
I'd recommend Dolphin HD for Gingerbread. I don't really want to download some random browser apk off some random site with all these malware reports recently.
I recommend dolphin mini!
Seems legit.
Please don't use a misleading title. This is a skinned browser to looks like Chrome.
spunker88 said:
I'd recommend Dolphin HD for Gingerbread. I don't really want to download some random browser apk off some random site with all these malware reports recently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't say very much, but i don't think calling xda "some random website" is cool. I've personally been here since windows 5 days and xda has been here even longer. Xda is the opposite of "some random site". No flame, just saying.
TomorrowSpace said:
I don't say very much, but i don't think calling xda "some random website" is cool. I've personally been here since windows 5 days and xda has been here even longer. Xda is the opposite of "some random site". No flame, just saying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's clearly talking about the website in the link from which you go to download it.
Its not like this is on the xda portal, there is no endorsement from xda at all. This is some random dude telling you to go to "Freshnewsarea.com" to download and sideload a browser, and lying about what kind of browser it is to boot.
If you're not at least a little skeptical of that (because you're reading it on xda which you claim to be a safe site), then I don't know what to tell you.
No flame, just saying.
TomorrowSpace said:
I don't say very much, but i don't think calling xda "some random website" is cool. I've personally been here since windows 5 days and xda has been here even longer. Xda is the opposite of "some random site". No flame, just saying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not talking about xda, its a legit site I've been on for years. I'm talking about the site hosting the download which is clearly not associated with xda.
Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk
dont download fake chrome apks!
There's a fake chrome APK going around claiming it works on 2.3. Note that it's a) not chrome b) hacked to include several fake chrome logos / copyrights by Goolge c) most of all -- a security threat.. the things already been modified, how do I know it's not sending my password or credit card info somewhere?
Hey this is now proven that this is a fake apk so my thread should be closed

[Q] Mirror for 1.85.502.3r2 RUU?

Anyone have a mirror? I was given a link to a site called filefactory, but it's really crappy and will not let me download
Well I'll have a mirror site up for everything HTC One X probably tonight, but I'll upload the file for you in a couple of minutes and place a link for now.
Ok so I have the file on it's way, it's just going to be like 2 hours, my upload speed sucks. But if you check later on today it will be at:
<-- Link removed -->
Thanks a ton
mikel.canovas said:
Anyone have a mirror? I was given a link to a site called filefactory, but it's really crappy and will not let me download
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://d-h.st/bS4 uploaded by kennethpenn
Yeah I do have to agree that file factory is horrible. That's part of the reason I'm setting up a file mirror. I personally prefer to download straight from a server, etc. But for now not much we can so.
Ok so it's up now. Here's a direct link to the file.
<-- Link removed -->
Here is another mirror for anyone that needs it. Hispeed FTP
http://www.androidfilehost.com/main/HTC_One_X_Developers/Team.Nocturnal/RUU/
Well I was forced to remove the files. Apparently the company I use for hosting didn't like the traffic spike? I dunno I got an e-mail demanding I remove the file, when I went to remove it the deleted the entire directory, the site and everything. Good thing I have a backup.
But I'm going to contact them and see if I can mirror the smaller files. Just kinda irritated considering I have been with them for several years, and I have Unlimited traffic.
I don't have a bandwidth limit at all on my hosting, if you need a better host, let me know and I can hook you up. But I have the ruus on my ftp and they are not going anywhere so feel free to use that link I posted.
Swyped from my Nocturnal'd ONE X
XsMagical said:
Here is another mirror for anyone that needs it. Hispeed FTP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for this - the filehost and dev-h links were broken for me because norton was being a twat and i couldn't figure out how to turn it off.
Hi, I moved this question thread to the Q & A section. Thank you.
Thread Moved.
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"If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice
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http://forum.xda-developers.com/announcement.php?a=81

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