What's a Task Killer?

[craigtaz]

I see a lot of people mention "Task Killer" apps. Dumb question, but what exactly do they do?

Thanks.

 

[hookbill]

It will stop certain applications from running on your phone. Opinion is sharply divided on whether or not this is a good thing to have. I recommend you avoid Advance Task Killer if you do decide to put one on your phone.

 

[Backnblack]

An app that will Kill (Stop) running apps....


Needed...UnNeeded is the big question.

Some say they are needed, others do not use them at all..

 

[Martin030908]

Android's OS has a native 'app killer'.
Menu > Settings > Applications > Manage Applications

May be a divided topic, but my vote goes for Task Killers are not needed.

 

[metsnfins]

the main reason I have it is if I am running a radio so such as a online radio, or certain apps that run gps, there is no easy way to shut them off without task killer.

 

[Rettocs]

the main reason I have it is if I am running a radio so such as a online radio, or certain apps that run gps, there is no easy way to shut them off without task killer.

Same here. I don't have it to "increase performance" or anything. Just as a good and quick way to close a bunch of things that I am not using. I also like it, so that I can kill all of my browser windows at once, while I am at it.

Also, I use Advanced Task Killer, and haven't noticed any problems. Why do people recommend not using it?

 

[Martin030908]

the main reason I have it is if I am running a radio so such as a online radio, or certain apps that run gps, there is no easy way to shut them off without task killer.

Same here. I don't have it to "increase performance" or anything. Just as a good and quick way to close a bunch of things that I am not using. I also like it, so that I can kill all of my browser windows at once, while I am at it.

Also, I use Advanced Task Killer, and haven't noticed any problems. Why do people recommend not using it?

"killing" apps becomes an obsession for most people. The OS is meant to leave things in an open JVM.

The way you, and the poster before you, use the Task Killer, IMO is fine. Using it in single instances to 'close' an app I don't see an issue with. It's when you set Task Killer to run constantly and continually close apps that you're going to run into problems. Task killers, running in the background, can and will cause issues with your phone and other apps. Using a Task Killer, like you guys are, to 'close' an app or browser windows.... you shouldn't run into any problems, and it creates a convenience for you. Just don't run the Task Killer in the background and I think you'll be fine
Task Killers won't increase performance (it's placebo effect at work here folks )

 

[chassum]

Martin,
Very clear explanation. Thanks much.

 

[alsheppard]

task killer

this may seem a little lame but a "force stop" then is an individual task killer? thanks

 

[Martin030908]

this may seem a little lame but a "force stop" then is an individual task killer? thanks

basically... but what we're saying is the native OS has this function, you don't need a 3rd party app. The ATK app, if used, I would recommend not having it run in the background. Use it as a shortcut to 'force stop' an app... not to monitor your OS and constantly close apps. Constantly closing apps will cause issues....