Welcome to the first installment of Living the Hero Life; a weekly column focusing on the Sprint HTC Hero Android phone, and touching on the Android community at large.

I thought a perfect topic to kick things off was one that is a question for a lot of Hero owners.  Should I use a Task Killer? Let’s pursue this further…

First of all let’s define, “Task Killer”.  A Task Killer is a utility app (application) designed to give the user control over the running and “killing” (closing) of apps on the phone.

The reason for the debate is this:  It has not been proven that there is any benefit for users of Android phones.  Initially, it was thought that task killers were needed to combat the ongoing battery life issues of the Hero [see post regarding battery life @ My Tech Life].  That is still up for debate.  Many users, primarily those with experience using Linux, contend that the task killer is unnecessary as Android is Linux based and a true multi-tasking OS.  Other users, including those that come from Windows based smart phones, swear by task killers saying they are essential to the device for freeing up memory when using multiple apps at a time.

I personally do not use a task killer.  Frankly, I don’t see the need.  At least, not on a daily basis.  The way I understand it is that Android OS, being Linux based, was designed from the ground up to utilize free memory (in the most efficient manner possible) when running multiple apps.  Windows Mobile (and its many variations) uses memory similar to the desktop version of Windows.  There, a task killer is advantageous as it is used to “take back” memory from applications no longer running.  Android OS does this automatically.  I can see the value, if you have issues with misbehaving apps or, you are constantly tinkering with custom ROMs/beta apps and the like.  Having tested my un-rooted Hero running the stock Sprint/HTC rom against a rooted Hero running Fresh (custom rom), I really didn’t see any significant performance differences dictating the need for a task killer.  I haven’t tested against another vanilla Sprint Hero running a task killer, but since the rooted phone is supposed to have better performance anyway, I thought I may as well start there. Now if you really want to get into the low down dirty techno bits of the situation, here’s an excellent thread @ Android Forums.

That being said, I am not saying to never use a task killer.  I’m saying that in MY humble opinion, based on my observations and limited testing; it’s not a critical application.  But, since as I said in the opening, it hasn’t been proven one way or the other, I will keep my ear to the road and watch for further developments.  I am always welcoming feedback!  Feel free to respond to any of my articles.  A closed mind is one that does not grow!  Ciao!!

a.don.is

About Me…

I’m a complete and total card carrying techno-geek and proud of it.  LOL!  I’m also a father of a beautiful young lady who is turning into a techophile in her own right.  I have been into technology ever since I had my first computer, a TRS-80.  It was love at first sight!

I am into everything from computers, game consoles, handheld devices and everything in between. My current passion is wireless tech and cellphones.

So basically, my blog is about technology I find interesting, how it affects my life, and my life in general.  Sound interesting?  I hope so.  Ciao!

My Tech Life Blog


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