Android phones give us the ability to pretty much install whatever your heart desires. Although this freedom is great, it also comes with risks. It is no different from downloading and installing files on your Windows or Apple computers, you have to be careful!!!

But if you feel brave and trust the application that you would like to install, here are a few tips.

First, by default, your phone is set so you CANNOT install applications unless they are in the Android Market. To disable this feature, do the following:

• Go to Settings -> Applications
• Check “Unkown Sources”

Once this is done, you now have the ability to install applications that are not listed in the Market. (BE CAREFUL of what you install, TRUST IT)

Also, if you try and install an application and do not have the “Unknown Sources” checked, you will get this dialog:

Why is this useful??

Well for an example, all the games from Gameloft are not listed in the Market.  You have to:

1. Visit Gameloft’s website (http://www.gameloft.com/android-hd-games/)
2. Select your game
3. Enter your phone number, they will send you a text to download the game.
4. Once the game is downloaded
5. Select it to install (provided you have the “Unknown Sources” checked.)

One more thing… After you install your application, to free up space, you can delete the downloaded file:

1. Go to your browser
2. Press the menu key
3. Select more
4. Select Downloads
5. Here it will list all of you downloads, just press hold and delete the file.

This may vary on different Android phones, but the procedure is pretty much the same.

Hope this helps!!