Instructions for Downloading and Installing PDA Software  
on a Palm Device

Figure 1 – A PDA is an extension of a computer, and requires a connection to a computer to install software.  The program that connects the PocketPC to the computer is ActiveSync.  For a Palm OS device, the program is Hotsync.

Create a folder on your Desktop in which to place all the software files you will download and call it something like PDA Software.  (Right click on an empty space on your desktop and select New.. >Folder) 
 

During the installation process, you must specify the destination of the installation: where you want to install the program: to RAM and you can pick between Main Memory and the Memory card.  The default directory is RAM or Main Memory which you should monitor to insure you have enough free memory to load and use programs.  You must have a memory card to store most of these resources.    Here is a table showing you which programs should be loaded in Main Memory and on the SD or CF card.

Where to Install the Software

The software has been purchased for you or is free.  However, you will have to register for each program and create unique userIDs and passwords for each programs web site.  Please write these down some place where you will not lose them.  If there is a serial number given to you, keep this information as well.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 

Basic Instructions For Installing Programs On The Palm Handheld

(If you are familiar with the Palm terminology and basics, skip this section) 
 

Installing programs to the Palm is fairly consistent across most programs. The entire process is controlled through the Palm Desktop, a program which controls the back up – restoration process, the installation process, and the syncing of contacts, notes, etc.

The Palm Desktop is included on a CD when you purchased your Palm and should be installed on the Host computer. The term Host in this case is used to describe the computer to which your Palm will almost exclusively connect in order to ensure your data is handled appropriately. Installation instructions for the Palm Desktop will vary depending on the manufacturer of your device. Please refer to documentation included with your purchase for proper setup. 
 

It should look something like this: 
 
 
 

Once you have this installed, you can begin loading programs onto your Palm. Most programs will have a file for you to download with the extension “.exe” at the end. By double-left clicking on this file, it will place itself in the “waiting to be installed” list. You can view the pending installations through the Install tool on your Palm Desktop. (Located under the Install Icon on the above example) 
 
 

In this example, the file “Subhunt.prc” is pending installation. Note the file size and the destination as these are important factors. 
 

If you wish to change where the file is to be installed or Manually add files, you can do so from this screen. 
 

On the next HotSync that you complete, the programs listed will be installed and available for use. 
 
 
 

Machine Basics – 
 

It was mentioned in the previous section that Size and Location were important considerations. This is true because of the design of your handheld device. Each device comes with a standard or “built in” amount of memory. This is labeled the “Main” or Handheld” memory. Common configurations can range from as little as 8 megabytes (MB) to 128MB. This memory is used to store data, and is used as flexible memory to run programs. You may be able to fit a bunch of programs on the Main memory, but if you didn’t leave any space to run your programs, they simply won’t work. It is a good idea to leave at least 5 MB of free space on your Main memory if possible. 
 

A second type of memory you can have comes from a card you place in your Palm. There are a couple types of cards you co