Palm OS
From TechHelp
The Palm OS is a user-friendly interface for beginning handheld users. Similar to most computer interfaces it includes a home page or desktop to organize applications and aid in easy navigation. Applications can be organized into suggested categories (i.e. - all, games, main, system, utilities, and unfiled) or categories can be edited or created based on the user's preference.
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[edit] Basic Applications
Address BookAddress book allows users to access, create, edit and share personal, business and other categories of contacts. Tap on the Address icon to access or edit the contacts list. To add a contact, tap the New button and input the contact's information into each field. Tap Details to categorize the contact or make it private. It is also possible to add notes about contacts by tapping the Note button located in the Address Edit window or in the Details window.
Date Book allows users to access, create, edit and share calendar entries such as meetings, appointments, anniversaries and reminders. Click on the Date Book icon to access the Palm calendar. Tap New and input a start and end time for the new event and tap Ok. Input, using Graffiti2 or the on-screen keyboard, the event description (i.e. - Department Meeting) and tap Details to add more information to the event. An alarm can be set for reminders of upcoming events by checking the box next to Alarm in the Details window. Many events, such as meetings, are repeated events. To set an event for repeat occurances tap Repeat in the Details window and select how often the event occurs as well as the End On date.
Memo Pad allows users to access, create, edit and share memos. Tap on the Memo Pad icon to access or create memos. Tap New to create the memo. When you are finished entering text tap on the Details button to place the memo in a category or to mark it private then tap Ok. To remove a memo from the memo pad tap the memo to open it then tap the
Creating To Do Lists in the Palm OS is a useful tool for students and teachers. Tap on the To Do List icon to see the current list of to do's. To add a new task tap on New select a Priority, Category to file the task under, and a Due Date then tap Done. If the task is private you can mask it from view by checking the box next to Private.
Voice Memo
Many Palm handhelds come with built-in voice recorders. This tool comes in very useful when students conduct interviews or wish to record particular segments of a lesson for later review. The ability to record voice proves very useful when coupled with podcasting.
[edit] Inputing & Transfering Data
There are many ways to input data into handheld computers, using handwriting recognition applications like Graffiti, using the on-screen keyboard, inporting/exporting data through the Palm Desktop or beaming data from one handheld to another via the infrared communication ports.
[edit] Graffiti2
Using Graffiti takes some practice, but is a good way to input data quickly into the handheld. Graffiti2 can be written on the screen or in the text area. When learning to use Graffiti2 try to write letters or numbers larger rather than smaller using the entire text area. To enter capital letters in Graffiti2, use the area between the carrots and the letters and numbers area.
[edit] On-Screen Keyboard
The on-screen keyboard is a good place to start when learning to input information into the handheld. To access the on-screen keyboard, tap the abc or 123 located in the corners of the text area (shown left).
[edit] Transferring Data
InfraRed BeamingSharing data via the infrared communication port on the handheld is one of it's most useful features. A wide range of data, files and information can be shared and collaborated on simply by using the infrared "beaming" feature. To practice beaming, tap on Memo Pad > New to create a new memo. Input, using Graffiti or the on-screen keyboard, your name, school and subject you teach. Next, tap on the Menu button
and select Beam Memo.
Certain applications (software programs) can be beamed as well. To beam an application, tap on the Home button
and then tap on the Menu button
. Select Beam... and wait for the application list to populate. Tap the application to beam to highlight it and tap Beam.
TIPS:
When sending/receiving a beam to/from another handheld user, be sure to align the infrared ports (usually located on the top of the handheld). When beaming to from one handheld to another, be sure to be no more than four feet apart.
[edit] HotSync
Synchronization is one of the most important things to understand about handheld computers. Palm Inc. uses its HotSync application to transfer/update files from any desktop computer to/from the handheld computer. When a handheld is placed in its cradle or attached to a USB cable and the HotSync button is pressed files from the handheld and files from the desktop are updated. Sychronizing files not only keeps your files up-to-date, it creates a backup copy, should your handheld crashes or its battery life drains and clears the memory. Upon losing batter power, the memory on the handheld will be cleared, however, once the battery is charged again and the handheld sychronized all data that was previously lost is restored!
[edit] Palm Desktop
Palm Desktop software is included in the software CD bundled with each handheld purchased. Palm Desktop software is also available for download at www.palm.com.
Palm Desktop is used when the handheld user is working with his/her desktop computer. Within the software, users are able to create, edit and manage their Personal Information Manager (PIM) files as well as install software applications to the handheld.
[edit] Quick Install
To install a new application to the handheld, open Palm Desktop and click the Quick Install
icon. Within the Quick Install window be sure to select the correct handheld to install to using the User dropdown list. Next select the Add button in the lower portion of the window to browse for the application file (most likely a .prc or .pdb file) to install. To move a file from the install list, select the file and then click Remove.
If desired, files can be installed to an expansion card (i.e. SD Card) adding files and clicking and dragging them to the Expansion Card section.





