Science software for pda

Each model also has a few buttons and navigation dials to bring up applications and scroll through files. If you're in the market for a PDA, the main question you should consider is, "What will I be using this for most of the time? On the other hand, if you travel frequently and want to stay in touch via e-mail, you need Wi-Fi capability or a smartphone with cellular data service.

Look for a device that easily synchronizes with the PIM software you use on your computer. For example, if you have a Macintosh computer or you don't use Microsoft Outlook, a Palm OS device may be more to your liking. The device's data entry method is another important consideration. If you plan to use your PDA for e-mail or other text-heavy applications, consider a built-in keyboard.

If you can, try out the keyboard before you buy. The size and shape of the device and its display are also important considerations. The device should be comfortable to hold. The display size and clarity should also meet your expectations. As with the keyboard, it's best to make a trip to a store that sells the devices you're interested in so you can try it out before you buy. If you are interested in a multipurpose device that combines features such as GPS , an MP3 player , or digital camera , look for a device that has these features integrated.

If you plan to use numerous applications or store large files, look for a device that accepts flash memory media cards. Accessories to consider include an additional battery, a car or travel charger, headphones, a carrying case, a plastic screen protector and add-on keyboards. If you're interested in a smartphone, many of the considerations for purchasing a cell phone apply.

Some of the most important things to check include service providers' coverage area, the additional cost for cellular data service if any , and the length of the service contract. Traditional PDAs appear to be less popular than they have been in the past.

The emergence and gaining popularity of smart phones and devices that combine other features such as wireless Internet, GPS and multimedia capabilities seem to back this trend. PDAs are designed to work with desktops or laptops and to make the information in your bigger computers portable. So you need to keep the information up-to-date. PDAs have features that make this easier for you.

Each operating system has its advantages. The Palm OS is the market leader, so there is a lot of software written and being developed for it. But developers are working on software for the PocketPC systems, too. Palm OS takes up less memory and runs faster, and users say it is easier to use. PocketPC takes up more memory and is slower, and users say it is more complicated. If you keep your PDA data synchronized with your desktop computer, you'll always have a back-up copy.

So if you lose your PDA, you'll still have the data. You can also do several things to lock up your PDA's information. In most models, you can use password protection. There are security programs available, too, that can keep someone from getting to your data. And some applications provide encryption. One thing that PDA makers have done to make their devices work better for Internet access is a process called Web Clipping.

Instead of downloading whole Web pages, Web Clipping slices out bits of text information and sends it through the airwaves to your PDA. News headlines, phone numbers, e-mail and other information can be transmitted this way. Viruses have infected some PDA models. The Phage virus, for example, overwrites some of Palm's executable files. Several companies have devised anti-virus software for PDAs. If you download programs from the Internet, you can be vulnerable to viruses.

You have to watch out for the same things that you would if you downloaded a file to your desktop computer. Be cautious about downloading a file or program that comes from a source you don't know. To find out more about computer viruses, read How Computer Viruses Work. The data commonly stored on PDAs doesn't take up much memory -- it's mostly text without images, so you can store a lot before you run out of room. Some PDAs need more memory for their operating systems; and if you use your PDA for e-mail or accessing the Internet, you'll need more memory.

If you worry about having enough, you could choose a model that has expandable memory. PDA development, like the rest of the computing world, moves very quickly. The models available today have more functions and can be less expensive than the models available a few years ago. Eventually, PDAs will merge with cell phones and use a cellular network to communicate via voice as well as text.

It is also likely that PDAs will become faster and have more memory as computer technology advances. The key to buying a PDA that suits you is to consider what you will use it for, then buy the model that will fill that need. Think of the function rather than the form. For example, if your primary need is for an organizer to keep your appointments and contacts, you will be able to use any good PDA for years to come.

If you are the kind of person who develops "computer envy," then you might look for an upgradeable model and watch for the latest software. On the next page, you'll find out about PDA software programs that'll make your job simpler and easier. PDAs have always been an essential tool for the busy executive. Today's PDA software allows professionals to say organized as well as connected. They can work no matter where they are.

Most PDAs come standard with an office application suite word processor, spreadsheet, etc. Traveling executives can open e-mail attachments with their PDA, edit documents and send them back to associates while on the road. But PDAs aren't used just for business. The same software can be used to download and play games like chess, Sudoku and backgammon.

So, if you use your PDA for business or pleasure, just remember that there's software working behind the scenes to make it all possible. For more information about PDA software and related topics, check out the links on the next page. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe.

Travel Gadgets. How PDAs Work. See more pictures of essential gadgets. Types of PDAs " ". Photo courtesy HowStuffWorks Shopper. A vast library of third-party applications more than 20, that you can add to the system most devices come bundled with e-mail , productivity and multimedia software An updated version of the Graffiti handwriting-recognition application Synchronization with both Windows and Macintosh computers using the Palm Desktop Smaller displays than Pocket PCs to accommodate a dedicated Graffiti area on the device Some higher-end Palm devices now incorporate a virtual Graffiti area in the display, resulting in a larger display area.

Pocket versions of Microsoft applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook note that some formatting is lost between Pocket and standard versions of documents Synchronization with Microsoft Outlook on a Windows PC synchronization with e-mail systems other than Outlook or with Macintosh computers requires additional software Three handwriting-recognition applications: Transcriber, Letter Recognizer similar to the new version of Graffiti , and Block Recognizer similar to the original Graffiti A virtual writing area, which maximizes the display size Windows Media Player for multimedia content.

A cellular service provider to handle phone service As with cell phones, you typically purchase a cellular plan and smart phone from the service provider. Store contact information names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses Make to-do lists Take notes Track appointments date book, calendar Remind you of appointments clock, alarm functions Perform calculations.

All types of devices can run other kinds of software including games, multimedia, expense, diet and exercise, travel, medical, time and billing, and reference.

In Sync. Some devices also support synchronization and data transfer through wireless connections such as Bluetooth. Push the sync button on the device or cradle to start the synchronization process. Read More. Common PDA Functions " ". It's commonly used to sync with a notebook computer that has an IR port. Bluetooth wirelessly connects it's a radio frequency technology that doesn't require a clear line of sight to other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a headset or a printer.

Internet and corporate network connectivity through Wi-Fi and wireless access points Support for Wireless WAN Wide Area Networks ; the cellular data networks that provide Internet connectivity for smart phone devices A memory card slot that accepts flash media such as CompactFlash, MultiMediaCard, and Secure Digital cards Media cards act as additional storage for files and applications.

Audio support for MP3 files and a microphone, speaker jack and headphone jack. Integrated security features such as a biometric fingerprint reader. The PDA Computer " ". Here's an inside view of a PDA. The circuit board folds away from the screen. In the middle of the single-layer circuit board is the microprocessor, and to the left and above are the memory chips.

PDA Battery " ". This model comes in basic black, but you can buy interchangeable covers in various colors. Operating system PocketPC requires more power by virtue of its increased memory requirements More memory Wireless connections, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Backlighting on the display. Just double-click on the icon and the application will automatically open on your computer, ready for synchronizing to your PDA. Already a member or subscriber? Log in. Interested in AAFP membership? Learn more.

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This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP. Contact fpmserv aafp. Want to use this article elsewhere? Get Permissions. Read the Issue. Sign Up Now. Navigating Physician Employment Contracts. Previous: 30 Standardized Hospital Admission Orders. Previous article. Reflections From a Fam Oct Issue. Take it step by step Downloading an application from the Internet to your hand-held is usually a three-step process: Download the application to your desktop computer.

Transfer the appropriate files from your desktop to your hand-held computer. Figure 1 : Choosing the folder to store your downloaded file. Figure 2 : Monitoring the progress of the download. Figure 3 : Identifying the file to be installed. It gets easier In this article, I purposely took you through a download process requiring multiple files from different sources.

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