Installing applications onto a Palm PDA

Palm applications usually include one or more files. Typically, at least one program file with a PRC extension is included, and occasionally there is a PDB database file that holds information the program will use. Usually, all of the PRC and PDB files need to be installed, unless otherwise specified by the documentation.

Most Palm applications come in the form of a ZIP file and youÆll need to use a program like WinZip or Stuffit to unzip the PRC file into a temporary installation directory. Double left click on the extracted PRC and PDB files to prepare them for installation. Your Palm does not need to be connected to your PC. The program will be installed onto your Palm the next time you do a HotSync with your PC.

If you are installing more than one application, double clicking on the second one may give the error message ôFile program.prc already exists in User nameÆs download directoryö, then ask you to click OK to continue. To get around this you can select the Done button after installing each program, or drag the programs you want to install into the Palm Install window. Normal file selection rules apply, for example, use the Ctrl or Shift buttons to highlight multiple files. Finally, if you have any doubts about file requirements or whether to install all PRC files in the ZIP file, read the readme.txt file that is usually supplied. For instance, system æhacksÆ require a file called hackmaster.prc, which is usually included. If you are already using hacks it is not necessary to re-install Hackmaster. Also, if you are upgrading any Hackmaster hacks, disable the old ones on your Palm before installing the new ones to avoid system conflicts.

Installing programs on a Pocket PC or Windows CE PPC/HPC

Windows CE/PocketPC PDAs are manufactured by several different companies and use SH3, MIPS or StrongARM processors. Because of this, Windows CE/PocketPC applications need to be compiled for each processor. Most new applications have a single executable file that auto-detects which processor you have and installs the correct version of the software on your PDA. Sometimes software authors separate their applications into different versions for each processor to reduce the size of their file for downloading purposes. If you attempt to install a program and it doesnÆt work, check the software authorÆs Web site to see if your PDA is compatible and is installing the correct version.

Installing programs on your PocketPC or Windows CE PDA is straighforward. First, make sure your PDA is securely seated in its docking cradle. Next, expand the program executable file if it is zipped. YouÆll need a program like WinZip to do this. Finally, double left click on the executable (EXE) file to begin the installation. The installer uses familiar windows screens and steps you through the process. Any files or data conduits that are required for your PC will be installed, and the PDA components will automatically be installed on your PocketPC/Windows CE PDA.

Installing programs on a Epoch/Psion PDA

Psion programs end with a SIS extension and are often supplied in a compressed ZIP format. The first step in installing a program is to make sure you Psion is securely connected to the cable attached to your PC. Next, save the ZIP or SIS file to a temporary installation directory on your PC. If the file is compressed, unzip it with a decompression program like WinZip. Next, turn on your Psion and make sure a connection has been established. Finally, just double click on the file with the .sis extension and your Psion desktop software will automatically begin the installation procedure.