First time tablet owner

[Highcountryrider]

I just purchased the Galaxy Tab A 8.0" and anxiously awaiting it's arrival. As stated this is my first tablet. I do not have a smartphone either (old geezer!) so a totally new experience for me. I do have 4 computers, 3 PC's and a Mac so at least I have some experience with getting "under the hood" to setup and optimize my systems.

The Galaxy Tab user manual seems to pretty informative about setup,configuration and options so with a bit of study and searching I should be able to get the Tab A set up and working. The rest will be the learning curve of what apps to install (or remove) and customizing the tablet to optimize my usage needs.

So as a starting point I'm looking for some advice on a few initial setup steps/options.

Security

1. I have available subscriptions for both Norton Security Plus and Bitdefender Total Security. I've read that the Norton Mobile Security app is very effective but heavy on system load. I've run Bitdefender on my other systems for several years now and have been very pleased with it's effectiveness and performance. Anyone have a preference for one of these based on how it will perform on the tablet?
2. I'd never heard of Lookout Mobile Security before but after researching it it also seems to be a very good AV/Security app. Can it be run simultaneously with either of the above or is it a superior option to run as a standalone security app? Is it worth having to purchase a license for it seeing that I have subscriptions available for Norton and Bitdefender?

Browser

1. I understand that the tablet comes with it's own built-in browser. I use Chrome on my PC's and like it. Would it be preferable to the Samsung browser?
2. I assume that if I go with Chrome I will be able to import my favorites into the tablet version. Is that correct? What format would the built-in browser need to import favorites?

Other

1. Any recommendations for online tutorials or forums (other than this one) that would helpful for a newb venturing into a tablet and Android for the first time?
2. Also looking for a recommendation on a brand name for a reliable, safe OTG cable/adaptor to use with this tablet.

I'm sure that once I get my tablet I'll have more questions as I get into it but for right now this will get me started. TIA for replies and advice.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central!

These are my thoughts regarding security: For the most part, it's still quite difficult to get an actual virus on your phone, because malware requires you to manually accept the installation (which is why they try to fool you into thinking you're installing something legitimate). Use common sense:

1. Avoid shady websites that deal with things like porn, gambling, and "free" (aka pirated) apps/music/movies.


2. Never ever tap on a link that appears in a popup while browsing, especially if they're warning you that your phone is infected--they're just trying to scare you into installing some bogus "antivirus" app that is probably malicious itself.


3. Only install apps from well-established app sources like Google Play Store or Amazon Appstore. Read a bunch of app reviews before installing an app to look for any complaints about adware or suspected malware.


4. Turn on Google's "Verify Apps" function. This allows Google to periodically scan your phone's apps to look for malware. It's usually in your Google Settings app, under Security (although it might also be in the main System Settings, in Settings>Security).


5. Turn off "Unknown Sources" in Settings>Security. This prevents any app that wasn't obtained from Google Play Store from being installed (which could include malicious apps that are inadvertently downloaded).


Regarding the browser question -- if you're heavily invested in Chrome, then I'd use Chrome on the tablet as well, because all of your bookmarks and browsing history will sync easily. I think Google updates the Chrome app more often than Samsung updates its own browser, which can be important for security (as well as bugfixes and performance).


This guide might be helpful: http://forums.androidcentral.com/ge...ting-started-android-updated-2016-nougat.html

 

[Highcountryrider]

Thanks for the reply and information. Most of the cautions you listed have been a regular routine with me for many years. With few exceptions the old saw "you get what you pay for" applies to "free" programs, utilities and apps. If you just take a little time, usually less than an hour, to thoroughly investigate the app or program you are interested in you can almost always determine it's reputation and whether it comes bundled with malware, adware, etc.Compare that with the potential of spending many, many hours cleaning up your system (if even possible) because of an infected installation. Believe me I've learned that the hard way!

It doesn't appear that you have a recommendation regarding using Norton, Bitdefender or Lookout as a security app so hopefully someone else might voice an opinion.

Again thanks for the reply and info.

 

[jpen10]

I use Puffin Web Browser and find it is quick and supports flash.

 

[Highcountryrider]

Thanks for the info. I'll investigate. Still hoping someone has a recommendation about using either Norton or Bitdefender mobile security. I have multiple device licenses so I wouldn't have to purchase either one. I'm leaning towards Bitdefender as it has much less system impact when scanning than Norton. Both are equally highly rated for protection.

 

[treetopsranch]

Everyone has a favorite. I currently use Avast and it has served me well on my tablet so far. Norton has rep as being bloated on a PC so I would assume same for Android tablets but you could probably check the forums that are specific to anti-virus programs for Android.

 

[Brew Swayne]

Thanks for the info. I'll investigate. Still hoping someone has a recommendation about using either Norton or Bitdefender mobile security. I have multiple device licenses so I wouldn't have to purchase either one. I'm leaning towards Bitdefender as it has much less system impact when scanning than Norton. Both are equally highly rated for protection.

They're not necessary, to be perfectly honest. Android is very secure on it's own. Installing additional security apps will just put more strain on your device and suck up resources. And they probably don't provide any additional functionality than what comes preloaded on your phone. (Lookout and Samsung+)

 

[Highcountryrider]

Thanks for the reply. A little confused by your post. I do not have a phone, I have a Galaxy Tab A 8.0" tablet. The only security that I have seen on the tablet is Knox Basic. No Lookout installed, at least that I can see. What is Samsung +? Again, I do not see it as an app on my device.

 

[B. Diddy]

It's not unusual on this forum for the term "phone" to be used mistakenly instead of "tablet." All Android devices work pretty similarly -- it's just that phones have telephony, while tablets don't. The question of security is no different between phones and tablets.

Lookout comes preinstalled on a number of Samsung devices (like my wife's Note5), but not on all of them. Samsung+ is an app that can help you get live support from Samsung, as well as provide some diagnostic tools: Samsung + App | Samsung Galaxy Customer Support | Samsung US

 

[Highcountryrider]

Thanks for the clarification. The learning curve for Android is leveling out a bit thanks to replies I have seen here!

I do have Knox pre-installed and am using it. I have a question about the settings for Knox. As the screenshot below shows the toggle switch for Knox active protection is set to off. Should I switch it on? The "Learn More" link didn't seem to explain that option, at least not that I could see. Does that setting offer more protection and if so does it effect resource usage?

 

[B. Diddy]

Sorry, I can't help you with Knox, since I don't have direct experience with it. I'll let other users chime in!

 

[Brew Swayne]

Thanks for the reply. A little confused by your post. I do not have a phone, I have a Galaxy Tab A 8.0" tablet. The only security that I have seen on the tablet is Knox Basic. No Lookout installed, at least that I can see. What is Samsung +? Again, I do not see it as an app on my device.

Sorry....tablet. or mobile device. Both run the same OS and have all the same functionality aside from the ability to send/receive phone calls.

 

[ccLuv2Cruz]

I do get phone service with verizon messenger!

 

[Mojave]

Thanks for the clarification. The learning curve for Android is leveling out a bit thanks to replies I have seen here!

I do have Knox pre-installed and am using it. I have a question about the settings for Knox. As the screenshot below shows the toggle switch for Knox active protection is set to off. Should I switch it on? The "Learn More" link didn't seem to explain that option, at least not that I could see. Does that setting offer more protection and if so does it effect resource usage?

View attachment 249822

I have the Samsung Tab A 9.7 and never knew I had this on my tablet. Just found it in my settings>>device manager. It's not turned on......so......is this worth turning on and using. I know Knox is about security but before I activate it I would like to know more about this. Any help would be appreciated.