Native Application

An application that comes already installed in a new handheld computer.

OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer. Refers to the software or hardware manufacturer before relabelling or distribution.

Operating System - The operating system is the interface between the user and the hardware of the device it is a program that controls the hardware and enables the other programs that run on the PDA Palm OS and Pocket PC are 2 Operating systems for PDA’s.

OS

Operating System

Palm, Inc.

Makes the Palm OS(r) and the line of Palm(tm) handheld devices and accessories. Palm, Inc. split from its parent company, 3Com, early in 2000.

Palm OS(r)

The operating system used on Palm(tm) handhelds and other third-party devices.

PalmPilot

Palm, Inc.'s palm-sized device that debuted in 1996. In 1998, Pilot was dropped from the name for legal reasons.

Passive Matrix Display

A common LCD technology used in laptops.

PDA - Personal Digital Assistant- a small, functional computer from credit card size to Handhelds with a clamshell case and small keyboard.

Personal Information Manager

Refers to applications for computing devices that organize personal information, such as addresses, dates, and task lists. Frequently abbreviated as PIM.

PIM

See Personal Information Manager.

Platform

Refers to the group of hardware, software, and accessories that revolve around a particular operating system. See operating system.

Pocket PC

Latest handheld operating system developed by Microsoft(r), which runs on third party devices.

Ports - The devices used to connect or sync the PDA they PC. PDA’s have both Serial and USB ports

Psion(tm)

A British handheld computer company that makes its own hardware and operating system. Utilized by the Symbian device platform.

RAM

Random Access Memory. Temporary storage for computer applications.

Reset Button - A button on the back of PDA’s that can be used to reset the PDA to its original settings. It is only to be used in extreme causes such as the existence of a virus..

SD – Secure Digital a small media type with extra connections to secure the data.

Serial port - An older type of port used significantly for the past 20 years.

USB - Universal Serial Bus- newer port found on and PC or PDA made today.

ROM

Read Only Memory. Used for static information on computing devices.

Shareware

Best described as "try before you buy" software. Either a consumer can use the program for a specific time period or has a "crippled" version of the product. In both cases, the customer must register (pay for) the product in order to utilize all of its features for an unlimited time.

Smartphone

The next generation of mobile phones with PDA functionality built in.

Soft Keyboard - Virtual keyboard that appears at the bottom of the display when it is selected.

Stylus

A pen-like pointing and writing device for handheld computers. Writes directly on the screen. It is the PDA’s version of a mouse.

Symbian Ltd.

A joint venture between Psion, Motorola, Ericsson, and Nokia to develop and support the EPOC operating system. Formerly known as Psion Software.

Sync

To synchronize the data between a handheld device and a laptop or desktop computer. See also HotSync(r).

U.S. Robotics

Manufacturers of the PalmPilot and related software until 3Com acquired the company in 1996.

WAP

Wireless Application Protocol.

WiFi

Definition: A wireless protocol for device connectivity. Usedfor LAN connections and wireless Internet. Allows handhelds, desktops and other wireless devices to exchange information at up to 11 mbs at several hundred feet.

Also Known As: 802.11a, 802.11b

Windows(r) CE