Most secure OS for Smartphones - General Questions and Answers

Hey guys,
first of all I wanna clarify that I'm not that kind of android user you usually meet. I owned a lot of different android phones and tried hundreds of custom roms, kernels etc.
In the last 2 years I spent much time in securing my phone. I started using roms without any Gapps. I usually used CM nightlies as a daily driver in connection with F-Droid and just installed open source apps. Whatsapp, Facebook, games and other popular roms are not important in my eyes.
Then a while back a few Ubuntu Phones were released. I use ubuntu on my PC aswell and am happy with it.
Now I think about switching from android to ubuntu to go a more secure way. I dont want to use any closed source software (OS and apps).
Im now searching for opinions from experienced developers or users who have more knowledge than me.
Please don't call me paranoid .
Greetz, Kingz

Related

Hello Gentlemen - Building a ROM? where to start..

Now I'm completely sure that this thread isn't quite the sort of thing that's intended for this Development forum but in this case I'd like you to make an exception as it's intention is for future development and I'm seeking the input from the current great bunch of developers that we have.
I wouldn't mind having an attempt at putting together my own ROM or at least hacking an existing close to stock ROM and making it my own, I have no plans to release my creation to the mass market (if I ever get that far) but, just want to go through the process in order to give me a better understanding of how it all hangs together so that I can put more into the community and assist more in this section and not just the general one with basic problems.
Any pointers that anyione can give will be gratefully appreciated.
I'm not seeking to build a thin Senseless ROM as there are are already some fine examples of these already (MIUI and CM etc), as I'm new to Android and have come here from Windows Mobile so I've already made HTC my choice mainly as I like Sense its functionality, integration, even though I do believe it could be slimmed downed by a decent degree and loose many unnecessary components and elements from the start. I'd also like to only build a WWE ROM as it would be intended for just my use.
As you may know already or can see from signature (or my many previous posts) my current favorite custom ROM is LBC so I'd like to have a go at creating my own version of something similar, I'll probably only end up using LBC still as my daily ROM as I've loved it since I first moved to it and have no intention of going elsewhere.
I have JDK and ADK installed on both my PC's, I've been a programmer although quite some years ago, but, still have a reasonable amount of IT knowledge and still work in a IT related job. So configuration, UNIX scripting etc isn't a problem although Java programming may well be!
Just looking for some basic pointers even if they are to websites or resource threads here in XDA for further reading. Many thanks for all the pointers offered and any time spent helping me, I'm also sure that anything you guys put together will then prove useful for others if they are in my position.
I've also very recently just done my back in and am suffering from awful sciatica, so can see myself spending some time off work, bizarrely sitting at the computer on certain chairs for medium lengths of times, is one of the few things that I can do without experiencing much pain, so I'm trying to keep my self busy, amused and avoid (further) insanity so this seemed like the best option!
Thanks in advance (again) I appreciate that the people in this forum are exceptionally busy, what with their own life's, their families, their jobs not to mention their relentless dedication to the cause that is Desire S ROM porting and development!
You need first to set up a Linux environment.
1. For personal use, and only for modding, I recommend you installing Cygwin if you are a Windows user.
2. Download Dsixda Kitchen and follow the steps from there.
3. Get a copy of your favourite ROM, or a base of your ROM in a .zip format.
4. Modify it, tweak it, zip it again and enjoy !
If you have any more questions, I am here to answer them.
badeaioan said:
You need first to set up a Linux environment.
1. For personal use, and only for modding, I recommend you installing Cygwin if you are a Windows user.
2. Download Dsixda Kitchen and follow the steps from there.
3. Get a copy of your favourite ROM, or a base of your ROM in a .zip format.
4. Modify it, tweak it, zip it again and enjoy !
If you have any more questions, I am here to answer them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Genuine Question: (Not one of those how fast is your PC ones?....But)
At home I have a very new i7 laptop running windows 7 - 64 and a just under ten year old dual Xeon based workstation still running XP both with 8Gb. which of the two would be the best base O/S machine for creating the linux environment on? I imagine that the new laptop will have much fast CPUs but the workstation has many more faster SCSI disks. Although both have NAS available storage.
It doesn't matter. It's your choice. For example I have only Win7 32-bit both on PC and Notebook. I also have native Ubuntu on Notebook as a dual boot, but I use it only on modifying apps.
I never used the kitchen to make own rom, but its the fast way
and you can run linux on a virtual machine if you want
superkid said:
I never used the kitchen to make own rom, but its the fast way
and you can run linux on a virtual machine if you want
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd seriously appreciate a LINK to a linux disto VM that I could download and get started with. As I'm currently starting with an empty page!?
What O/S or linux flavour/distro do the other chiefs use (a URL or link would be magic)?
LBC?
MaryLandCookie
proxuser?
superkid?
NeoLojik?
(dont feel bad if I missed you out - we've finally too many Cooks to remember!)
etc
As always any assistance much appreciated.
and regarding the Development INDEX thread -I've heard back from the MOD but am still awaiting him to action the change of owner for the thread. SO post any needed updates or ideas into the thread and I'll action them as soon as I can!
Ben, start with this, you won't need anything else for personal use: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=633246
You will find out here how to set up Cygwin and everything else you need.
Virtual machine here
Linux distro
Use with dsixda's kitchen, you can't go wrong. Although I prefer dual boot.
lol i use debian, but i dont have a vm
superkid said:
lol i use debian, but i dont have a vm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use vm myself, but for those not wanting to make big system changes a vm is a good way to go. Never did like cygwin either, but its all about personal preferences I guess
Sent from my HTC Desire S
ben_pyett said:
Now I'm completely sure that this thread isn't quite the sort of thing that's intended for this Development forum but in this case I'd like you to make an exception as it's intention is for future development and I'm seeking the input from the current great bunch of developers that we have.
I wouldn't mind having an attempt at putting together my own ROM or at least hacking an existing close to stock ROM and making it my own, I have no plans to release my creation to the mass market (if I ever get that far) but, just want to go through the process in order to give me a better understanding of how it all hangs together so that I can put more into the community and assist more in this section and not just the general one with basic problems.
Any pointers that anyione can give will be gratefully appreciated.
I'm not seeking to build a thin Senseless ROM as there are are already some fine examples of these already (MIUI and CM etc), as I'm new to Android and have come here from Windows Mobile so I've already made HTC my choice mainly as I like Sense its functionality, integration, even though I do believe it could be slimmed downed by a decent degree and loose many unnecessary components and elements from the start. I'd also like to only build a WWE ROM as it would be intended for just my use.
As you may know already or can see from signature (or my many previous posts) my current favorite custom ROM is LBC so I'd like to have a go at creating my own version of something similar, I'll probably only end up using LBC still as my daily ROM as I've loved it since I first moved to it and have no intention of going elsewhere.
I have JDK and ADK installed on both my PC's, I've been a programmer although quite some years ago, but, still have a reasonable amount of IT knowledge and still work in a IT related job. So configuration, UNIX scripting etc isn't a problem although Java programming may well be!
Just looking for some basic pointers even if they are to websites or resource threads here in XDA for further reading. Many thanks for all the pointers offered and any time spent helping me, I'm also sure that anything you guys put together will then prove useful for others if they are in my position.
I've also very recently just done my back in and am suffering from awful sciatica, so can see myself spending some time off work, bizarrely sitting at the computer on certain chairs for medium lengths of times, is one of the few things that I can do without experiencing much pain, so I'm trying to keep my self busy, amused and avoid (further) insanity so this seemed like the best option!
Thanks in advance (again) I appreciate that the people in this forum are exceptionally busy, what with their own life's, their families, their jobs not to mention their relentless dedication to the cause that is Desire S ROM porting and development!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well in my opinion you are alone here because i dont know what the level here it is that anyone helps someone who dares to port a rom. Like i think i am from a specific country or dont know what only few are here who helps me in porting a rom otherwise all have a very good excuse that he is not ready to help anyone. I would like to mention the names who help me in porting the rom and they are mike1986 and one of his team members otherwise majority are here in a race to become number 1 in a specific forum etc. So brother try to see the above mentioned tutorial of how to port a sense rom and try yourself otherwise i had a bitter experience.
This is an excellent place to start, some excellent support from dsixda, dastin1015 among others.
Basically with their help I built my first AOSP ROM for the DS and further.
Well worth a look.
Peace
Just one thing, AOSP means compiled from cm or Google source. Actually it's not possible to compile from Google sources only from CM.
trismegistos said:
Just one thing, AOSP means compiled from cm or Google source. Actually it's not possible to compile from Google sources only from CM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android Open Source Project to me is google, without sense or any other "knobs". You can compile a pure rom from these sources, I produced one with help from members on other forums.
Getting it to work fully is another matter, lol.
It's definitely an easier route - but none less valid - to take a stock rom & tweak it with dsixda's excellent kitchen.
Sent from my HTC Desire S
Is there an easy way to change things like default wallpaper, desktop icons, widgets layout and so?
I've been reading and using kitchens but can't find the answer
fosco_ said:
Is there an easy way to change things like default wallpaper, desktop icons, widgets layout and so?
I've been reading and using kitchens but can't find the answer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try uot kitchen
http://uot.dakra.lt/
its quite easy to use
you can read this guide to get started

MIUI Rom and Newbie Development Questions

Hi Guys,
I am still a very new Android lover (8 months to be exact) and have already rooted my Sensation and looking at other avenues of getting things more exciting.
My first question is this: I recently downloaded the MIUI ROM, namely this version: JBMIUIv4.1 #2.8.17. Here on XDA there is a download for an updated version namely JBMIUIv4.1 #2.8.22, however I cannot access mediafire for some reason and really would love this new ROM. Is there an alternate download link available for this updated version available please?
[HR/]
Ok, now this is something that has been been asked many times BUTas a Windows Mobile developer, it creates an issue because my goal is to get into Android development. However, I do not want to develop the Android Apps (pretty much the same thing I do already but on Windows). What I want to do is to take a ROM, customise it from the bottom up for any specific device for example - HTC Sensation, compile it and deploy this.
Now I have already dabbled a little with the kitchen related stuff and never really got that working. What I am in search of is an accurate, step by step guide for developing, building and deploying various ROM's for the masses BUT on the Windows platform.
I already have Eclipse, cygwin, CRCStudio and and and but cannot get what I am looking for; and I have been searching for some time now and nothing really pops out and says ok, here we go use this to customise you ROM from scratch and by this I mean, the ROM, adding things like Beats Audio, Changing the look and feel of Android itself (like the Sense and MIUI), how to kitchen it properly and all of this as a start for HTC, Samsung, etc.
I want to add some value and have some really cool ideas and opportunities, especially here in South Africa where I am from the only way this will happen is if I get YOUR help.
Can anyone work with me on this or direct me so that I can get things started, PLEASE!!!!

ubuntu phone - yes, no, maybe?

It is possible to get 3 different phones with ubuntu phone now, none of them too expensive.
good.
i wonder what people's experience or informed opinion is?
ubuntu is pushing "convergence", which basically means that one operating system runs on all devices, that i can use my smartphone as a computer...
how far along is it?
now there's loads of blog articles and reviews out there, but most of them focus on comparing ubuntu phone (UP from now on) to other phone OSs - with their fully grown app universe. of course UP comes up short!
but that's not what i'm interested in. OS stability, and the standard browsing, music and video, and of course phone and sms is good enough for me.
but, i want the same freedom i have with my linux desktop install: to Do Things.
(my most important project is still to get a usable connection to the data & media stored on my kitchenserver.)
the day before yesterday i had a chat with someone on #ubuntu-phone - i think it was a dev.
i asked if i can use & upgrade it like any normal ubuntu/debian-based, install apps and utilities and so on.
basically he said, gui apps are difficult because UP uses a different gui model than Xorg, but basically yes, but you loose you guarantee that OTA (over the air) updates will work. but they should, regardless.
yesterday i was browsing the ubuntu phone section on ubuntu forums; of course people only post if something doesn't work - it looks like a normal and healthy distro forum to me.
OTA updates come in almost daily, i gather. very lively development.
there was, however, a lot of familiar discussions about how to get some app or other working; familiar from my 2 android phones: convoluted and fragile solutions, like installing ubuntu desktop in a chroot.
UP even recommends adb (android debug bridge?) as the only way to access the phone from your computer. or the standard mtp connection. so it's the same **** as everywhere.
the other aspect is this:
- ok, android is big, evil google, but there's a few established solutions around to use it without an account, use f-droid instead of play store, well documented security hacks and so on.
- UP certainly isn't the white knight here, but if not google, what do they use, is it really "better" than google and can i opt out easily?
yes, i am seriously considering to buy a UP phone, as soon as i get the feeling that it is an improvement freedom and security wise.
i wonder what people's experience or informed opinion is?
bump
...just a gentle one before the weekend ends.
i'd love to get some answers...

Let us surf anonym with our smartphones

Hello everyone,
first of all, a few words about me.
I have used a normal Android (unrooted) smartphone for a very long time.
My last ROM is also a long time ago, CyanogenMod Donut was my last ROM.
In the meantime a lot of time has passed. Meanwhile CyanogenMod became to Lineageos.
In the future I want to use my smartphone anonymously.
This is a lot of work, because my smartphone contacts are in the Google Cloud, too. You guys probably know how difficult it is to completely free yourself from the ecosystem.
Here are my problems and findings
1.) For my contacts I will set up an owncloud carddav server.
2.) For some websites / tools I used the Google Authenticator. I still have to check here if there are alternatives.
3.1) As operating system I would like to use BSD. That will probably be difficult. I have heard about an interesting project here:
hackaday.io/project/13145-bsd-based-secure-smartphone
3.2) Linux as operating system would also be fine. Does anyone have experience with Kali Linux (Nethunter) / Debian, Lineageos or Purism?
btw. i have a new poco x3...
Thanks in advance
cksum

I think is the time for a new mobile OS

Hello XDA!
This is my first post here and I hope all of you will get it serious.
It is posible to make an android phone to boot anything else than Android?
Can we make a little OS from scratch for an android phone?
How and from what point we can start?
Why I ask these? Because I started to hate current mobile operating systems and I miss a lot Symbian...
I really want a new operating system more "offline" and which want to offer long usage time for our smartphone with one charge...
Like lets say if we could run Symbian in our Android phones ... how many days we could use them with one battery charge?
If when Symbian was alive we had 1000+/- mAh batteries and we could use our phone few days, now we have 4000+ mAh ... let's dream for a second that we have symbian installed, we could use our current smartphones for at least a week!? Or I'm wrong?
So we really can't start something new?
If nobody want to do it ... then teach me how I can boot an android phone into something made from scratch and I will do it...
I need sombody to explain some basic things about android like what I should keep and from what point I can start to make a new OS ... but not android based ...
Why to want to re-invent the wheel? Several mobile OS already exist:
13 Open Source Mobile OS Alternatives To Android in 2021
Android is not the only option for your smartphones. Meet some open-source Linux based Android alternatives for your mobile phone.
itsfoss.com

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