Installed Android on WIN 7, major security problem...Don't do this.

[uberman]

I installed BlueStacks 0.9.30 Beta from MajorGeeks so I could use Android on my WIN 7 Machine. It does run Android. I then went to the Google Play Store and downloaded many ebook and PDF readers that I wished to use. I read alot of books and such on my tablets. I just wanted a decent choice of different reader programs. It's then that I remembered how Android apps have little or no security. In the EULAs they grant access to all files, photos, contacts and even your camera.

I then realized this is a security nightmare. Don't do what I did. So I'll play with this a little offline and then probably uninstall the BlueStacks and Android apps. Any ideas on how to run Android apps without compromising security. Any way around this There"s not a lot of book readers for Windows.

I already have Calibre and a Mobi Reader. I was just interested in more variety.

 

[Elixer]

You could setup a Virtual Machine to run anything you want...so it don't mess with your main OS.

 

[uberman]

You could setup a Virtual Machine to run anything you want...so it don't mess with your main OS.

Yep, I'm kinda doing that. I don't think it is possible to download a distribution of the Android Operating System though. Anyone know?

I already downloaded Oracle VM Virtualbox.

https://www.virtualbox.org/

I'm wondering if I'm running Android with BlueStacks if the android developers can get into files on my Windows 7 OS?

 

[lxskllr]

Can't you use the emulator in the sdk? You could in the past. You get an emulated phone to play with, and everything stays in place.

Alternately, and my preferred option, is to not install software I don't trust. I also don't use proprietary software unless there's absolutely no other workable solution.

 

[balloonshark]

They also make light virutalization apps that can virutualize one or more partitions instantly. Then you can reboot to restore your system.

I would think a sandbox app like sandboxie may be a better option. With it you can create rules as to what programs can run, what the apps can and can not access and if it can have internet access while in the sandbox. I have no idea how well it would work with Bluetacks though. They have a limited free version if you want to check it out http://www.sandboxie.com/index.php?HomeUse

 

[Iron Woode]

or get an used or rarely used PC and install the android OS all by itself.

http://www.android-x86.org/

 

[uberman]

or get an used or rarely used PC and install the android OS all by itself.

http://www.android-x86.org/

Wow, you did link to the Android OS. I have more than 5 laptops and all the OSs are backed up and could be reinstalled in 1 hour with all settings and software. I just tend to look down at Android laptops, I'm just trying to acquire some more reading apps. Android has so many choices for epub, pdf, et. al. readers.

Thank you.

 

[vailr]

There were a few commercially available laptops announced that were to include both Windows and Android as a dual boot solution. Both OSes could run simultaneously, and data from one could be shared by the other. So: security for Android can't be all that terrible.
However, there were patent issues which derailed the idea:
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014...out-to-stop-dual-boot-windowsandroid-devices/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Ativ_Q
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asus_Transformer_Book_Duet
http://www.anandtech.com/Gallery/Album/2876#5