Galaxy Ace - running services

likelyfran

Hi,

Just got my first 'smartphone' - Samsung Galaxy Ace and am getting to know it.
If I go into Settings - Applications - Running Services, several things are shown as 'running' and I'm wondering if they're eating my data allowance. There's an option to turn each off but it seems a lot of mither as message comes up saying 'stopping service may cause application to fail' which sounds to my technically challenged mind a bit ominous.
For instance, Google, (looked on Google briefly today and then came off net) is shown as 'running':

"Google Services, 1 process & 2 services, 2:02:38 [and counting], 6.2MB"

Now that suggests to me that when I 'came off the internet', I didn't really although my phone screen says I did, and that my Google session is still running and being charged for..

My last phone was not a 'smartphone' but did have internet and I was either 'on' or 'off' the net so this is new to me.

Should I just turn Google etc. off and the 'may stop application working thing' is just ignorable. Confused, help please!

likelyfran

Does anyone know??

flashg67

I'm no expert so I'm happy to be corrected, but I've found many apps run all the time. I use an app - Android Assistant - (free from the Play store) to control what apps run at startup but this doesn't seem to stop everything.

Are you on a limited data plan - if so perhaps you could monitor your usage for a while and see if you get near your limit? I have now turned the internet off on my phone. It's a bit of a faff sometimes as the phone asks me to turn it back on if I select an app that needs internet, but the upside is that my battery now lasts for days. I'm not a massive internet user so I can cope with this.

I've never had a problem with stopping running apps - just press ok at the warning but let common sense prevail and don't stop stuff like Android system etc. Worst case is you'll have to reboot the phone.

BTW how do you find the Ace in general, particularly on the internet, games etc - thinking about getting my other half one for Christmas!

mazza111

What you're better doing is turning off data roaming when it's not in use. You should find that under settings.

Neil49

Smartphones have a number of processes constantly running in the background and those you describe are some of them. Processes such as email, antivirus (if you have such an app) weather, clock to name just a few all need to be up and running (but don't necessarily use any of your data allowance while doing so).

Processes will also be running for text messages and email awaiting for something to arrive but data will only be involved with your email when a message arrives. If you turn data off then you won't get email. The alternative is to use wifi whenever possible.

If you are concerned then you could download an app called Onavo Count which monitors data usage and warns you of excessive use. Just be aware that Onavo runs constantly in the background but doesn't use data (it just records the flow).

If you are concerned about data usage then you can set Google Play (through which most apps are downloaded and updated) to only download when connected via wifi.

Big users of data are apps that frequently check for updates such as Facebook where the constant downloading of photos etc can eat up your allowance. Onavo will monitor and warn you of apps such as this.

Hope this helps.

Johnmcl7

I agree with the recommendations for simply disabling data - you should be able to put a shortcut to this on your homescreen so it's just a case of tapping a single button to enable it ad one to disable it without needing to rake through settings.

John

Gillor

To disable data connection manually on a Galaxy Ace go into:

Settings
Wireless and Networks
Mobile Networks
Use Packet Data (uncheck this box)

If you want an app for this try something like Easy Battery Saver
http://www.appbrain.com/app/easy-battery-saver/com.easy.battery.saver

likelyfran

Really helpful replies, that's clarified it, thanks!

likelyfran

Neil, brilliant post, thanks.

flashg - The Ace is good! Takes a bit of use/fiddling to get used to it but I like mine now - hated it when I first got it a few days ago just because I wasn't used to it.
Internet is easy - just little things to learn like how to zoom on text etc.
Games I don't know because I never play them but I expect that'll be good too.
Can read/download books etc., seems like you get all the usual smartphone things at a really low price.
I got mine thru Tesco Mobile for £12.50/mnth contract although by all accounts, you'd get better reception etc. thru other networks.
Really funky and cheap covers for the Ace (and all other phones I suppose), from Ebay too. Nice protective PU ones with stylus for about £3incl. delivery.