Background data vs auto-sync?

[MojaveHigh]

I don't quite understand the background data and auto-sync settings.

If I have background data on and auto-sync on, then I can choose which apps I want to sync in the background. For example, I have mail, twitter and weather turned on, but everything else off.

If I turn background data off, auto-sync is also turned off. I assume this means background services will not update.

But what if I have background data on and auto-sync off? All of the apps get grayed out. Does that mean they will not sync in the background? Then what does background data do?

I just want a setup where messages, mail, twitter, weather and one or two other apps sync data in the background, either by pushing or by scheduled time.

 

[fatboy97]

How many ways can you ask similar questions: http://forum.androidcentral.com/htc-thunderbolt/73945-confused-about-background-services-battery-syncing.html

If you had an additional question you should have used your original thread you started earlier today.

 

[berdinkerdickle]

HTC Desire - Managing your online accounts

Managing your online accounts
Changing general sync settings

1. From the Home screen, press MENU, and then tap Settings > Accounts & sync.
2. Select or clear the following:
Background data: If this is selected, applications can send and receive online account information even if you are not currently using them.
Auto-sync: If this is selected, applications can use the sync schedule defined in the account settings. If this is cleared, you will need to sync accounts manually.

Synchronizing an account manually

1. From the Home screen, press MENU, and then tap Settings > Accounts & sync.
2. Tap the account that you want to sync.
3. Tap Sync now.

Changing account settings

You can change settings such as the sync frequency and the types of information synchronized, the kinds of notification you receive, and the way that account information is displayed.

1. Tap the account that you want to edit.
2. Edit the account settings.

Removing an account

You can remove an account to delete it and all information associated with it from your phone, for example messages, contacts, or settings. Removing an account does not delete information from the online service itself.
Note: You cannot remove some accounts, such the first Google Account you signed into on the phone, except by deleting all personal information from your phone with a hard reset. For instructions on doing this, see Restarting or factory resetting your phone.

1. From the Home screen, press MENU, and then tap Settings > Accounts & sync.
2. Tap the account that you want to remove.
3. Tap Remove account, and then confirm that you want to remove the account.