Use F-droid! Better Android security for anyone
This post is primarily targeted at non-technical Android owners that want to improve security, and reduce the risk of ads and malware on their devices.
Please keep it mind that this is but one measure that can be taken to improve security. Some suggestions on further reading are available at the bottom of the post.
So what's F-Droid?
An installable catalogue of FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) applications for the Android platform. The client makes it easy to browse, install, and keep track of updates on your device. (source)
Translation; An alternative app store where everything is free (as in freedom, but usually also in terms of price, although that's beside the point). Installing FOSS apps will in theory provide higher security because the code of all the applications are available to public scrutiny. This is pretty much the opposite of the apps that are found in the offical app stores; Mostly proprietary (non-free/closed source) apps that are riddled with ads primarily, but also malware in some cases.
The fact that the code of the apps in F-Droid is publicly licensed and freely available, is probably the biggest plus for the privacy- and security-minded. In addition, most of the apps require a bare minimum of permissions on the phone (many don't require any at all). The descriptions of the different apps tend to be very thorough, and specifically points out if an app encourages the use of proprietary services, apps or plugins.
And of course, there are almost no ads. On the few apps that do feature ads, this is usually specifically pointed out in the app's description.
How to use
To install F-Droid, simply head over to f-droid.org, and download it. You might need to allow third party apps in your settings to be able to install it.
As soon as F-Droid is installed, you can start using it to install apps. No need for sign-up or log-in, which is typically a requirement in the other app stores. A big plus with regard to privacy and surveillance.
So now, whenever you are in need of an app to do some particular task, make sure to look for it in F-Droid first. More often than not, I find an app that does exactly what I need there, without the need of visiting the official store.
Some of my favorite apps
Flym feed reader
Collect all your favorite feeds (except Steemit feed) in one app! This is probably the application I use the most besides eSteem. I subscribe to a lot of feeds to keep me posted about what's happening in the world.
But I prefer to not use mobile data to fetch all the articles and pictures. So what I do is, I open the app before I leave home (still connected to wi-fi) to refresh the feed. Then I can calmly and peacefully read the content off-line, without using any mobile data at all.
Solitaire
My father enjoys playing solitaire on his phone, but he hates all the ads present in the free solitaire-apps from the Play Store (understandable). So I installed F-Droid on his phone, and fetched a solitaire app from there for him. Same functionality, no ads!
Andor's trail
Very entertaining RPG-game. Great story-line, nice graphics and loads of content. If you really dive into it, you will most likely play it for months and months. I know I did.
Face Slim
An unofficial facebook-application that doesn't snoop on you. FB will still snoop on everything you do within their platform of course, this cannot be prevented. But at least this app doesn't grant them access to your contacts, messages, calendar and lord-knows-what.
wow great article keep it up
Good post my dear friend .. thanks for sharing.
Thanks @bawi, I really appreciate that.