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I have a Motorolla Citrus smart phone. I have Linux Mint Nadia Cinnamon

I am a total newb to smart phones and don't understand much of the terminology and what can be done.

I am temporarily out of data/an internet connection on my plan.

Is it possible for me to download an app from the google apps "store" to my Linux PC, then to transfer it over to my Android/Citrus?

If so is there a guide that explains it in baby steps?

If not, my phone is a "3G", how fast would it take to download an app? I could probably go to a Starbucks or somewhere with a WiFi connection.

Thanks

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    How can I download an APK file from the Play Store? and How can I install an app given only its APK file? would be relevant reading.
    – eldarerathis
    Commented Oct 17, 2013 at 20:56
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    If you like FOSS, the f-droid.org market may also be for you.
    – ce4
    Commented Oct 17, 2013 at 21:05
  • ce4, I hate to ask, but I know so little about smart phones. Is it safe to get apps from anywhere other than the Google store?
    – Steve
    Commented Oct 17, 2013 at 21:09
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    F-Droid can be considered "save" I'd say. But generally your skepsis is reasonable: one should be careful with other sources. Best choice would probably be getting a WiFi router to connect both your Linux PC and your Android device to, so you can use the Playstore app directly. Other than that, see the links eldararathis posted, they contain all necessary information.
    – Izzy
    Commented Oct 17, 2013 at 22:03
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    @Izzy 's concerns are correct. Generally don't trust 3rd party stores and obviously not those that offer "free" (as in cracked) games. Those are inherent security risks. However the f-droid market specializes on free, non-tracking proper open source apps. It's not completely risk-free (as Google's store isn't either), but it does mitigate most risks, even respects your privacy by not allowing ad-libraries into apps (in contrary to most ad-supported Play apps)
    – ce4
    Commented Oct 18, 2013 at 9:29

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You can connect your device to the internet (using Wifi) and continue to use it just as you would with a plan.

So you can download as many apps as you want to your device using Wifi.

You don't need to be connected using the cellular network to access the Play Store (but do need the internet).

There are certain alternative App stores that are trustworthy, but be wary of downloading APKs directly off the internet. There is no guarantee these are safe - generally, use the same caution you would use downloading software to your computer on your phone. Only install from reputable sources.

You can actually pull an APK (Android App Package) off one device, and put it on another (using your Linux box), but this is not a task for a newb (you would need to install and use the developer tools)

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