How to Download Programs for a Palm Device

You can use a Palm device extensively as is, you can download some of the hundreds of programs and files available on the Internet, or you can purchase commercial programs or add-ons such as keyboards. Here, we explain downloading programs for Palms.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Check out the websites that have downloadable programs for Palm devices. Use an Internet search engine to find these websites.

2. Consider adding programs that will allow you to perform more tasks with your Palm device.

3. Think about downloading add-on features that may require a bigger investment than the programs in the last section, like a plug-in keyboard, modem, etcetera.

4. Create a download folder for use with a Palm program download. Keeping organized is a great habit.

5. Download a file using your Internet browser. It will ask something like, "What would you like to do with this file?". Click on the "Save it to disk" or "Save" and then click OK. When the "Save As" window appears, enter your C:\download folder and click "Save."

6. Watch and wait until the file has finished downloading.

7. Prepare the file for installation. Either 'unzip' a .zip file or 'execute' a .exe file. If you don't already have a zip utility, download and install the free WinZip.

8. Open the file using WinZip or double-click to open a .exe file. Follow the instructions to install the program. Files that you download may have one or more files within them that can help you learn about the program, install it, and understand your obligations if you want to continue to use it.

9. Read the readme.txt file which comes with most programs. When you double-click on readme.txt, the file should open in Notepad.

Tips & Warnings

• In addition to the programs that come loaded on the Palm organizer, thousands of free or low-cost shareware programs are available for downloading online.
• Read the manual when you get your Palm device. These manuals are fairly well-written and understandable and fully explain the uses of the programs that come with the Palm device.
• Keep track of your battery voltage and always carry a couple extra batteries with you.
• Make sure you HotSync with your desktop regularly so you don't lose data if your battery runs out before you can replace it. Most programs back up their data in a folder entitled "Back up," so if you accidentally delete something, open the Palm Install program and just re-install the backup file; the file will end with the letters ".pdb" for a database or ".prc" for a program.
• Freeware and Public Domain software are free for you to use indefinitely, although you may be required to send the author a postcard or do a good deed in return.
• Shareware and Demonstration (demo) software allow you to try out a fully or partially operational program. If you like it, you can buy the full version or legitimize your copy by paying a fee.
• Take care as downloading software from the Internet can be tricky. From the moment you click the download button to the time that the software arrives on your hard drive, there are all kinds of problems and situations that can arise.
• Disconnect when you attempt to download a file and get an error message in the middle of the process, or the process hangs. Then reconnect and attempt the download again.
• Deal with an error message such as 'CRC failure/corrupt header/ Warning! Error in ZIP' by deleting the archive and downloading it again. It usually means that the archive file was corrupted during the download process.
• Download only from reputable sources to avoid contracting viruses. All the major download sites thoroughly check files for viruses before they make them available for to the public.