Computer Applications I Competency 3 – Use handheld devices. Objective 3.01 – Identify handheld applications.

Operating Systems  Palm  Windows CE and Mobile

Palm OS  The Palm OS ® is the operating system Palm and Handspring PDA's use.  The Palm OS ® is different from, and a competitor of, the Windows ® CE Operating System.  All Palm OS ® devices come standard with four major software applications: the Address Book, Date Book, Memo Pad, and To-Do List.  All programs are listed on the main screen.  The handwriting recognition software is called Graffiti.

Windows CE/Mobile OS  The Windows CE is an operating system very similar to a desktop system.  Click the start button to get to the programs. Close windows and programs in the same manner as desktops, by clicking the X in the corner  Windows handwriting recognition software: Block Recognizer, Letter Recognizer, and Transcriber.  Windows CE and Mobile synchronizes with MS Outlook.

Applications Software  Word Processing  Spreadsheets  Address Books  Calendar  Notes  Tasks  File Explorer  Microsoft Reader  Windows Media Player

Word Processing  Pocket Word is a simplified version of the desktop Word software.  When the files are transferred to the PDA, they are modified.  Only basic formatting can be accomplished on the PDA.

Spreadsheets  Pocket Excel is a simplified version of the desktop Excel software.  When the files are transferred to the PDA, they are modified.  Only basic formatting and functions can be accomplished on the PDA.

Address Book  Opened by pressing the hard button on the PDA.  Only the basic contact information is shown at first. The user has to tap the edit button to expand the information screen.

Calendar  Opened by pressing the hard button on the PDA.  Multiple viewing options:  Agenda  Daily  Weekly  Monthly

Notes  Notes are located on the Start menu.  Notes can be typed or handwritten.  Handwritten notes are created by clicking the pencil icon.  You can also record voice notes on the Pocket PC.

Tasks  This is the “To Do” list.  Items can be listed with a date due, priority, and a category.

File Explorer  Provides quick access to any file on the Pocket PC.  File management capabilities:  Rename  Move  Delete  Beam With File Explorer  Allows users to browse local storage cards or locations on networked corporate servers (with a network connection).

Microsoft Reader  In Microsoft Reader you can read the latest eBooks directly on your Pocket PC.  Choose from hundreds of eBooks available for purchase-including top ten titles as well as classics, children's books, poetry, biographies, and mysteries.  Download eBooks to your desktop PC and transfer them to your Pocket PC for reading anywhere, or buy and download books directly to the device while you are on the go.

Windows Media Player  Download files onto your desktop PC and transfer them to your Pocket PC, or download files directly onto your Pocket PC using wireless Internet services.  With the Pocket PC's Windows ® environment, you can play your favorite music in the background while you continue to read your e- mail or work in another applications.  You can play video files directly on the device including local files or streaming files from the Internet such as news clips, music videos, and film trailers.

Synchronizing Procedures Windows CE  Uses ActiveSync software.  The Sync process is running all the time.  While connected, the PDA syncs each time a change is made.

Downloading and Installing Software  Numerous websites provide free or shareware versions of download programs.  To download and install software:  Download and save the file to the desktop computer.  Open the File Transfer folder and drag the new program into that folder.  The program will install on the next sync.

Beaming Data  Every Pocket PC has an infrared port that allows the user to wirelessly beam information to other infrared enabled devices, such as another Pocket PC, some printers, other PDA’s, cell phones, or PCs.  Beaming is a great way to send an electronic business card or a calendar item, or to swap the latest screen skin or music file with your friends.

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