Tucows PDA Helpdesk


Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: Wednesday, March 7^th, 2001

Version Number: 1.3

PLEASE READ THIS PAGE CAREFULLY

Section A This deals with general questions relating to Tucows PDA; submitting software; buying software; what support we can and cannot give you

Section B PalmOS FAQ

Section C EPOC FAQ

Section D Windows CE / Pocket PC FAQ

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Section A - TUCOWS PDA / TUCOWS PDA Helpdesk

What is TUCOWS PDA?

TUCOWS PDA is an electronic library of software for PDA devices. We currently have software for PalmOS devices (Palm, Visor), Windows CE, Pocket PC, RIM and EPOC (Psion, Ericsson). So think of us as Internet Software Librarians!

Does it cost anything to download software from your library?

No, all of the software in our library is free to download. The software is a collection of freeware, shareware and commercial applications - presently over 4,500 titles in total. We collate these applications into one location, making it easy for you to locate software for your device. However, some applications are shareware or commercial, which may require registration at some point if you wish to continue using the software.

Does TUCOWS write or program the software?

No. We do not write or program any software you find on our site. We are librarians, and just as librarians don?t write all the books you find in a traditional library, we don't write the software. We simply group software together, to provide a free and useful resource.

Does TUCOWS sell hardware?

No.

Does TUCOWS have any affiliations with device manufacturers?

No. We have no affiliations with any device manufacturers. TUCOWS PDA is no more and no less than an Internet library.

How do I access the TUCOWS PDA libraries?

Simple. Go to http://pda.tucows.com/. From there, choose a mirror site closest to where you live. We have mirror sites in most countries around the world. This will ensure you get the fastest download possible. Once you have selected a mirror site, select any of libraries, from EPOC, PalmOS and Windows CE all the way up to Newton.

Do you test all the software on the site?

Yes. All the software is tested, although we are not able to test every feature - nor can we guarantee there are no bugs in any of the programs. We rate all programs from 3 to 5 Cows, with 5 being the best. Ratings are based on quality of software, perceived demand and many other variables. A program with only a 3 cow rating does not denote the application is of low quality, or no value. Some programs from a technical stand point would probably deserve a 10 cow rating, but end up with 3 Cows on the basis that demand for their program is very small. We use many different criteria to judge a program.

Do you guarantee any of the software and will you take responsibility if things go wrong?

No. We have a disclaimer on our site clearly stating we are not responsible for the software you download. Just as you wouldn?t hold a librarian responsible for a book you didn?t enjoy, we cannot be held accountable for software we didn?t write.

How do I locate software on TUCOWS PDA?

All of our libraries are split into categories of software. For example, if you?re looking for an email client, look for the Internet Email category. We also have a search engine at the top of each page, allowing you to search for keywords.

I download an application from your site. I am unable to get it working or have a question to ask. Can you help?

We cannot help you directly. You need to contact the author of the program directly for any technical support. (See below for details on how to contact software developers).

I have seen a program in your library and would like more detailed information. Can you help?

All of the software on our site is ?try before you buy?, except in the case of freeware, when the software is free to use. For this reason, we have chosen only to include brief descriptions for any application listed as we encourage people to try lots of software, so you can really assess, which one works best for you. If you need very detailed specifications on a program, please contact the author of the software directly. (See below for details on how to contact software developers).

Can I buy software from TUCOWS?

Applications can only be purchased online, if a BUY NOW button appears next to the program in our library. PDA software is also available from our online store at http://shop.tucows.com/. You must contact the author of any software application directly for purchase information, if no BUY NOW button is available on our site. We cannot assist you with the purchase of any software application unless this BUY NOW button is available.

How do I install software to my PDA?

We are working on providing an online support guide for new users. Until we get this online, please refer to your user manual. You can also use the support facilities provided by all device manufacturers.

PalmOS users are recommended to try www.nearlymobile.com. EPOC users are recommended to try http://3lib.ukonline.co.uk/.

How do I uninstall software from my PDA?

We are working on providing an online support guide for new users. Until we get this online, please refer to your user manual. You can also use the support facilities provided by all device manufacturers.

If you are having specific difficulties uninstalling a particular application from our site, please contact the software author directly.

Can you give me advice on which PDA I should buy?

No. Choosing a PDA is a personal decision, and everybody has different requirements. There are too many legal ramifications for us to give any kind of advice.

I have a technical support question in relation to my PDA. Can you help me?

No. TUCOWS PDA Helpdesk does not provide a free technical support service. The helpdesk is here to provide assistance to people navigating our libraries. All device manufacturers have their own technical support teams. We have limited resources, and providing free technical support would detract from the real service we aim to provide.

I have a question about hardware for my PDA. Can you help me?

No. We do not sell or deal directly with hardware support. You should contact the manufacturer of the device if you have any specific questions.

Can I email TUCOWS PDA Helpdesk and ask for recommendations on software?

Yes, but we will only provide recommendations for applications where they are generally the only app available for a particular purpose. For example, there are many different email clients available for the Palm platform. Since they all offer very much the same functionality, we will not recommend any one in particular. We rate all software in the library to assist you. In addition, all the software is try before you buy, so you are free to try as many as you like, until you find one that suits your particular needs.

If you have very specific needs, we may simply refer you to a category of software. You may need to contact authors individually in order to ascertain more detailed specifications of a program.

How do I contact the author of a program found on your site?

Against each program on our site, we generally provide a link to the author?s homepage. There are very few cases where an author does not have his or her own web page. Follow the link. If this fails, there are usually two explanations. Firstly, the web page is temporarily unavailable - just try again later. Secondly, the author has changed his web page and forgot to notify us!

Presently, we do not keep a database of email addresses for authors. If an author changes their homepage, we probably will not be able to assist you, until such time as the author updates their listing on our site.

I am a software developer. How do I get my application in your library and does it cost anything?

If you are an author, it will cost you nothing! Simply go to http://upload.tucows.com/ and complete a submission form. We?ll do the rest and get back in contact with you.

I am a software developer. Do you provide a service to allow people to buy my software online?

Yes. Simple go to http://shop.tucows.com/ where you will find more details.

Section B - Frequently asked questions for PalmOS users

I want to synchronize my Palm with my desktop scheduler (Outlook, Lotus Organizer, GroupWise, Netscape Calendar, Lotus Notes etc. etc.). Where can I find software to do this?

Please go to http://pda.tucows.com/palm/ - there is an entire section clearly marked Connectivity. Select your desktop platform (e.g. Windows, DOS, Mac etc.), and then just look through the listings.

Please note: We cannot provide technical support in relation to synchronization or connectivity issues. Due to resource constraints, we cannot advise you on what software you will need based on your present circumstances and hardware/software configuration. Please peruse our library reading descriptions of programs carefully, to locate suitable software.

I want to synchronize within a group environment.� What help can you give me?

Groupware synchronization can be achieved in several ways.� Please refer to Palm technical support regarding this issue.� Other services of use include www.palm.net.

I want to connect my PalmOS device to my desktop PC/Mac?

Please go to http://pda.tucows.com/palm/ - there is an entire section clearly marked Connectivity. Select your desktop platform (e.g. Windows, DOS, Mac etc.), and then just look through the listings.

I want to send and receive email from my Palm. How do I do this?

There are two types of email solution for Palm. The first, allows you to synchronize emails with your desktop email package. You can then read and write replies on the move, sending them from your desktop when you re-synchronize. Our site contains an entire Connectivity section, which also features email synchronization tools.

The second type of program actually allows you to send/receive email on the move. For this you will also need a modem. There is an Internet Email category with several programs to choose from.

I want to send and receive email from my AOL account. Do you have software to do this?

Yes. There is an AOL email client on our site. Go to http://pda.tucows.com/palm/int_email.html and look through the page.

I have a mobile phone and want to know if it can be used with my Palm/Visor and what software I need?

This is a very common question posed to our helpdesk staff. There are generally two ways of using a mobile phone with a PalmOS device. The first is via the IrDA (infrared) port - the second, using a cable or cable modem between phone and Palm.

Using IrDA: You should be aware that not all mobile phones with IrDA ports actually contain a built-in modem. This is needed to enable communication using just Infrared (phones such as the Nokia 61xx range have an IrDA port but no modem, therefore you must use a cable/cable modem option). Check with your handset manufacturer to ensure your mobile phone is able to support data access if you are unsure. You may also need to contact your network provider and ask them to enable data access.

For Palm users (Palm III and Palm V) you need to ensure you have the IrDA patch available from www.palm.com. You are advised to check with Palm Computing to ascertain whether your device already has the necessary software in ROM, or whether you need to download the patch. TUCOWS cannot provide support in this area.

If you need to establish a cable connection between your Palm device and mobile phone, contact Palm Computing for information on available solutions (www.palm.com). Also consider looking for solutions at www.globalpulse.com.

Once you have ensured you are running the IrDA patch OR have the correct cables to connect Palm to Mobile Phone, it is time to go hunting for software. Almost all PalmOS software for email and web access should work correctly with your phone. Generally speaking, there are no specific email or web applications developed just to work using a mobile phone. To the computer, your mobile phone is simply a modem! All the email and web browsing software on TUCOWS PDA is try before you buy, so download and try as many applications as you need until you find one suitable. If you need support using any of these software applications, please contact the authors of the software directly.

For those wishing to synchronize the address book in their phone with their Palm device, we have no such solutions in our library at this time.

NOTE: The PalmOS version currently built into Visor models cannot be updated. Therefore, the IrDA patch from www.palm.com is NOT suitable for the Visor. Contact www.handspring.com for information on connecting mobile phones to Visor Deluxe PDAs.

For those operating on the GSM network, here is some additional information on sending/receiving SMS messages from your PalmOS device:

SMS support can be found in PageNOW! located at http://pda.tucows.com/palm/prod_business.html

There are simply too many applications - too many phones - and too many PDA devices for us to be able to give you comprehensive advice in this area.

I have a Palm Vx - is the Palm software in your library compatible?

Yes, in most cases all of the software in the library will work. There are always exceptions to the rule, so if you encounter any direct problems, contact the author of the application in question. He or she may be able to provide assistance to get the program running.

I have a Visor Deluxe - is the Palm software in your library compatible?

Yes, in most cases all of the software in the library will work. There are always exceptions to the rule, so if you encounter any direct problems, contact the author of the application in question. He or she may be able to provide assistance to get the program running. We are currently going through our library testing for software compatibility on Visor devices - in future months, we will clearly indicate programs that fail to run on the Visor Deluxe model.

I want to be able to read document files on my PalmOS device. What software do I need?

You will find a dedicated section on Tucows PDA which hosts a wide range of programs capable of reading document types files for PalmOS devices. You may need to install more than one Document Reader on your Palm, as we have found not all are capable of reading all document files created for the Palm.

Go to http://pda.tucows.com/palm/docreader.html to see a list of available programs.

I want to be able to use Microsoft Word & Excel files on my PalmOS device. How?

We recommend using Documents To Go from Dataviz. This application allows you to view these files, although you cannot edit them. Documents To Go is available for both the Windows and Mac platform.

Where can I find the original software (Palm Desktop Software) that came with my PalmOS device?

Palm device owners can find the latest version of the Palm Desktop Software in the Support area on www.palm.com. Visor users are advised to go to www.handspring.com and download from there as opposed to the Palm web site.

I need a web browser for my PalmOS device that supports high encryption standards, JavaScript and other standards found on most desktops?

Presently, there are no high-powered web browser solutions for the Palm platform.

Where can I find spreadsheet and other financial applications for my PalmOS device?

These applications can be found in the Productivity section of our site (on http://pda.tucows.com/palm), in the lower section of the page. There you can find links to Business, Finance and so on. Look through these pages. In addition, you can utilize the search engine available at the top of every page on our site.

I need a Fax application for PalmOS device. What solutions are available?

Presently, our Fax category is empty and we do not have any Fax applications available. Going back just a few months ago, there were two Fax applications available from shareware authors. However, they have chosen to no longer support their applications so we have removed them from the site.

I download a document/text file and it I have installed it onto my handheld.� However, no icon appears?

Most document or text files require you to have installed a Document Reader or similar type of application.� Please refer to our Document Reader category of software at http://pda.tucows.com/palm/docreader.html.

I have downloaded a PQA but cannot seem to make it work correctly.� Why?

PQA applications were designed originally for the Palm VII.� Unless you own a Palm VII or Palm V/Omnisky wireless service, or Mobile Internet Kit from Palm, PQAs will not run on your device.

Section C - Frequently asked questions for EPOC users

What is the difference between the Series 5, 5mx, Revo, Series 7 & netBook and Ericsson MC218? Do they all use the same operating system?

The Psion Series 5 and Geofox One both use an earlier version of the EPOC operating system, which CANNOT be upgraded. This is EPOC Release 3.0 (abbreviated to ER3). The remaining EPOC devices (including the MC218) listed above use EPOC Release 5.0 (ER5). The main differences between the latter devices are support for color and varying screen sizes.

NOTE: Only ER5 devices support the newer Contacts application and email synchronization.

I am having difficulties synchronizing email on my 5mx/Revo/Series 7/netBook? Can you help?

Go to our EPOC Patches section (http://pda.tucows.com/epoc/patches5.htm) where you can find a patch released for PsiWin email synchronization. If your problems persist, contact Psion (or Ericsson if you own the MC218) for technical support.

I am upgrading from a Series 5 to a newer EPOC device. How do I convert my names and addresses in a Data file to the new Contacts application?

You will find on Tucows PDA a new section called Contact Tools. This section, http://pda.tucows.com/epoc/contact5.htm, contains at least three utilities to help you convert Data files to the newer Contacts application. If you need technical support using these applications, contact the authors of the respective programs.

I want to synchronize my EPOC device with my desktop scheduler (Outlook, Lotus Organizer, GroupWise, Netscape Calendar, Lotus Notes etc. etc.). Where can I find software to do this?

PsiWin (also known as EPOC Connect) that came with your device can be used to synchronize with Outlook (NOT Outlook Express) and Lotus Organizer. Other software solutions can be found at http://pda.tucows.com/epoc/sync5.htm.

Many users find setting up synchronization between devices problematic. We cannot provide technical support in this area and you should contact either Psion or the software developer concerned.

I want to synchronize my e-mail with Outlook Express. What software do I need?

At this time, you cannot synchronize your e-mail with Outlook Express.

I need a more powerful web browser than the one supplied by Psion. Is anything available?

The only other web browser available is one from Opera. It can be found at http://pda.tucows.com/epoc/internet5.htm.

I have a mobile phone and want to know if it can be used with my EPOC device and what software I need?

This is a very common question posed to our helpdesk staff. Psion devices are relatively easy to connect to mobile phones, especially using infrared (please note that whilst a phone may have an IrDA port, it may not contain a modem, essential for email and web access).

Psion has put together a web site dedicated to mobile access at www.mobile.psion.com. This site should be used as your main source of reference for connecting your EPOC device to a phone. In addition, the Support area on www.psion.com contains many documents on this subject.

For those operating on the GSM network, here is some additional information on sending/receiving SMS messages from your PDA:

EPOC Users - SMS support is built into the Email application on the 5mx, Revo, MC218, Series 7 & netBook. Also look at PhoneManPro at http://pda.tucows.com/epoc/communications5.htm

There are simply too many applications - too many phones - and too many PDA devices for us to be able to give you comprehensive advice.

How do I install wallpapers to my Psion 5 or Revo?

The short answer is you can?t! At the top of the web page listing wallpapers, we have indicated that this feature is only supported on the Series 5mx. The original Series 5 cannot display wallpapers, as this facility is not built into the operating system. For Revo users, please note that the wallpapers have been designed to for displaying on a much larger screen. Whilst you can download them, they are unlikely to display correctly. All wallpapers in our library have been created for use on only a 5mx only.

I have a problem with PsiWin/EPOC Connect. Can you help?

PsiWin/EPOC Connect is a complex product. All questions should be directed to your device manufacturer.

I own an Oregon Osaris EPOC device. What software can I use?

The Osaris uses version 4.0 of the EPOC operating system and is the only device to use this. The non-standard screen size found on the Osaris will mean that whilst EPOC software should run on the device, it may not display properly. Very few software developers at this time are supporting the Osaris by re-writing their applications to support the new screen size.

Agenda and Data files should work without modification on these devices, however.

Section D - Frequently asked questions for Windows CE / Pocket PC users

I have a Windows CE device. I do not understand terms such as H/PC, P/PC, H/PC Pro, MIPS, SH3 etc.?

H/PC = Handheld PC (has a keyboard), P/PC= Palm sized PC (no keyboard), H/PC Pro (keyboard device running the Pro version of Windows CE). MIPS, SH3 etc. refer to the processor in your device. You must download the right processor version for the type of device you are using. There are too many Windows CE units for us to know each and everyone. If you are unsure, refer to your User Manual that should detail in the specifications section which processor is bundled with your device. Failing that, contact your reseller or device manufacturer.

Please Note: Many people do find this confusing.� Unfortunately, this is the way software developers are releasing their software, so Tucows has no control over this.� No matter where you look for Windows CE software, you will need to know the type of processor found in your device.

I have a mobile phone and want to know if it can be used with my PDA and what software I need?

Windows CE users wishing to connect their cell phone to their CE device should make use of the following resources: www.globalpulse.com and www.pocketpc.com.

I have a Pocket PC. What software is available for these machines?

The Pocket PC (Windows CE version 3.0) is relatively new. We will be enhancing our library in due course to make it easy for Pocket PC users to locate relevant software.

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