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Glossary of PDA Terms

ActiveSync
The software used by a Pocket PC to sync data between your handheld device and computer. Developed by Microsoft.

Compact Flash (CF) Card
Add-on memory used in PDAs, digital cameras, etc. to store data.

Cradle
A device that is used to connect a PDA to a computer for syncing. The PDA sits up in the cradle which is plugged into the main computer via a USB port. Cradles are more popular with Pocket PC PDAs. Please see Sync Cable for additional information.

Hard Reset
The process of deleting all your data and programs from your PDA. This is useful if you will no longer be using your PDA, or if you are having serious problems with your PDA and need to start over from scratch.

HotSync
The term for syncing data between a Palm and a computer.

Operating System
The collection of software that instructs a device such as a computer on how to use its hardware. Newer operating systems strive to look nice and be user friendly. Ex.) Windows and MAC are operating systems.

Palm
A PDA running the Palm operating system.

Palm Desktop
The software used to sync data between a Palm and a computer.

Partnership
Establishing what data will sync with your Pocket PC PDA using ActiveSync. A guest partnership can be used if you need to install data onto your PDA using a computer other than your own (calendar, contacts, e-mail, etc. items will not be synced). A standard partnership should be setup on a computer that you sync your PDA with regularly. The standard partnership will allow you to install data as well as sync items such as your calendar, contacts, e-mail, etc. between your PDA and computer.

PDA
Handheld computer used to store data (such as contacts, appointments, photos, documents, etc.) and programs (such as drug databases). The device can be used to transfer data back and forth between it and your personal computer.

Pocket PC
A PDA running the Windows Mobile operating system.

RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM is a temporary storage location for programs and files used on computing devices. More Information

Screen Resolution
The number of pixels (dots of color) that are displayed on a screen (such as a monitor, PDA, TV, etc.). The screen resolution is the number of pixels wide by the number of pixels high that can be displayed on the screen. For example 800 X 600 is read as "800 by 600" and refers to the fact that the screen can display 800 pixels wide by 600 pixels high.

Secure Digitial (SD) Card
A chip containing add-on memory used in PDAs, digital cameras, etc. to store data.

Smartphone
A cell phone with PDA capabilities.

Soft Reset
Rebooting your PDA (similar to rebooting your computer). This often "fixes" problems if PDA programs aren't responding correctly.

Software
Another term for a computer program e.g. Microsoft Word, Symantec Anti-virus, & solitaire (on your computer) are all software programs.

Software Application
Another term for a computer program; generally an application is a work-related computer program e.g. Microsoft Word is an application.

Software Utility
A computer program related to a more specific function e.g. Anti-virus software is a utility that scans for computer viruses.

Sync
The process by which a PDA connects with a computer to ensure various items (such as contacts, calendar entries, etc.) are the same (in harmony) on both devices.

Sync Cable
A device that is used to connect a PDA to a computer for syncing. The sync cable plugs into the PDA and the PDA lies flat on your desk, counter, etc. Sync cables are more popular with Palms and Smartphones. Please see Cradle for additional information.