Apk Files : Is It Safe to Install?
If you want to install an application on Windows, we have an .exe file for that. For Mac OS X, we have .dmg files. Those of you who come from Symbian and Java phones background must be knowing about the .sis, .sisx and .jar files.
In the same way way, we have a specific file format for Android smartphones that is used to install application on it. It is called an APK file (because it has the extension of .apk)
Source : www.androidtips.info
What is an APK File?
If you own an Android device you will likely have heard of an APK file at some point, and possibly wondered what an APK is, So What is it?
Android application package file (APK) is the file format used to distribute and install application software and middleware onto Google’s Android operating system. APK files are ZIP file formatted packages based on the JAR file format, with .apk file extensions. For more info check out here.
How to Install?
Source : http://www.guidingtech.com/
So basically it is a file format like a .zip / .rar which could be use to install an app from the data that is store inside the apk file. For using an apk file, you need to enable the option to install the applications from unknown source on our Android.
Open your Android system settings and click on Applications (Programs for some of the HTC devices) and check the option Unknown source. Those of you who are on Android ICS 4.0 you will find these settings under the security settings.
On most of the devices, you can now simply click on the file using any of the file managers to install them, using the built-in package manager. If your device does not have a package installer by default, you can download and install an APK installer application from Google Play.
Why should we install using apk files?
Well, There are many useful stuff you could get by using apk file. Some of which is the ability to use a premium or pro application. Normally, needs some money to use from the google play, you could also slip pass the android storage check which is normally a pain when you clearly have enough space in your Phone or SD card but for some reason your android phone won’t let you install the file.When you downloaded it in the google play.
You know when for some reason your phone is not compatible with some of the app on the android play store when clearly your phone specification is above the recommended specification? Well, the last is the ability to install an incompatible app on google play.
Is it safe?
No it is not, like i said earlier it let you use an app which normally need money to use. That is to good to be true and of course with many function there is always a catch.
One of the danger is that, the apk itself maybe contain a viruses which will automatically downloaded other file. Maybe, there are many more harm in using an app installed by using the apk file.
Don’t worry there is also a solution for all your problem here. You could check and verify the apk file. If that apk file contain a viruses or not, in here.
It is a site called Virus Total, which let you examine a file or an url, if that url or the file contain viruses or malware.
And there you go thank you for reading, and have a nice day!