When it comes to installing Android applications, there are two ways of going about it. The most popular, of course, is directly through the Android Market. And that's how most of us do it. But from time to time we need to be able to sideload apps. Maybe you purchased it directly from a developer or some other perfectly legitimate method.

Or maybe *ahem* your phone doesn't allow you to directly sideload apps, for whatever reason. And that's where the Android Central Sideload Wonder Machine comes in. We've rigged up a simple Windows program that allows you to install any .apk file (that's the extension for an Android app) via your computer. It's completely legit -- nobody's going to track you down and take away your phone -- it's completely free (and open source!)  and now you're back on the same playing field as everybody else, no rooting necessary.

Want to see it in action first? No problem. Video and download instructions are after the break.

Looking to change Android keyboards? Maybe you want to try Swype, or the new Swiftkey, or any one of the other great keyboards available on our fair smartphone operating system. (And a lot of new phones, like the AT&T Captivate and Droid X seen above, come with more than one keyboard installed.) After the break, we'll walk you through downloading, installing and switching to a new keyboard and, just maybe, a new way of life. (OK, probably not.)

Hey guys!  Jerry back with another neat trick you can do on your Android phone.  This one helps keep things running smoothly, and gives us some user control over Android's internal task killer.  Like most things that affect the low level operation of Android, this one requires root, but it's a good read even for you folks who don't feel the need to root (and break your warranty!) because you just might have a better understanding of what's going on behind the scenes.  Open up a couple extra tabs on your browser, get your phone (and maybe even your USB cable) ready and follow the break.

Oh, and a warning: This is pretty low-level stuff. It's not hard to do, but what it does is a bit advanced. Don't say we didn't warn you.

FroYo, FroYo, FroYo.  Seems like you can't visit a tech blog or read your Twitter timeline without seeing news about Android 2.2 everywhere.  FroYo can do this, FroYo does this 300 percent faster, FroYo has ponies.  It's enough to make a sane man crazy (good thing none of us will have to worry about that).  We all want some delicious new Android treats for our phones, but do we really know why, or what comes along with it?  Hopefully, by the time we're finished here you'll have a better idea just what to expect, and when to expect it.  Hit the link, get your spoon, and let's check out what this frozen concoction has in store for you and I.

Not everyone with a new Evo 4G is just enjoying the beast.  Some of us are hard at work applying everything we know about hacking Android to our new toy.  My eyes are getting blurry, and it's time for a break from the terminal so let's have a look at how you can cull some of the bloat on your Evo.

We love it when you send in your tips and hints, especially when they're this cool.  Notice that the dual LED flash on the HTC Evo doesn't work while filming video? Turns out that's pretty easy to fix, using an app called LED light right from the Android Market.  No root, no muss, no fuss.  Hit the jump to get the links, and to see side by side examples with and without the camera flash. Thanks Jpeary!