dave

I asked this a week or so ago and didn't get a chance to see any replys before the melt down of the forums.

This is my first PDA so I've got some learning to do.
Actually, UPS says it out for delivery today so I don't have it yet ;) ;)

How do I go about installing software on this thing? I understand from the book that I need to do an ActiveSync from my PC to the PDA and do the install that way.
I've got a CF card and reader on my PC. Can't I just just copy the install files to the CF card and then stuff in the PDA and run the install that way?

stevo

I'm scratching my head in disbelief over this one myself. I'm new to the pocket pc world. As near as I can figure out, you need a regular PC synced to the pocket pc to install anything. For some reason I had originally thought that a pocket pc was a stand alone product (independent of needing to use anything else). I'm going to take a wild guess here and say that the Windows Pocket PC Operating System does not have the files necessary to run an install. Therefore you need to use a regular (desktop) Windows OS to run the install for you.

dave

That's pretty much the same thing I've noticed about Pocket PC's. If you don't a "real" PC to do syncs and installs then you don't have many options.
It would be nice if I could use a CF card as portable media and just move files from my PC to the PDA like was a oversized floppy.
I can use the CF to move data files like Word docs, Excel files, and some other files from the PC to the PDA.
But it looks like I can't use the CF cards to do an install of a new program.

Although I haven't actually tried it yet. I'm still waiting on the UPS guy to show up at the house with my new toy. Should be this afternoon... :)

JakeRich

There are a couple of ways to install software to PPCs.

1. Use the Activesync route - in this approach, the developer provides a desktop/laptop program that sets up the environment for installation, then triggers Activesync to move to the Axim the files necessary to install the program there. Once that is done, the files on the Axim execute to put everything where it needs to be and make registry updates, etc.
2. Direct copy - in this approach the developer provides the .exe file for the Axim directly. All you do is copy it to the Axim and run it. In this path you could remove the CF/SD card, put it in a reader on the Desktop and simply copy it to the card, reinsert in the Axim and run it.
3. CAB files - In this approach you copy the .cab file to the Axim and then tap it to run the extract routine to put everything in place where it needs to be and make registry updates, etc. You can use the direct copy method to copy the .cab file to a CF/SD card in a reader and bypass Activesync.

Most software uses option 1. That is the recommended way. Using that option Activesync can be used to reinstall it to the Axim if that is ever required for any reason (A hard reset, for example). Activesync can also delete the application from both the Axim and the desk/laptop at the same time. "Remove Programs" can delete the software from the Axim and leave it on the desktop/laptop if you want to do that.

Simple software with no registry entries or .dll files use method 2. I haven't seen that in a long time however, as most new software tends to be more sophisticated. Activesync cannot remove it because it does not know about it. Nor does Remove Programs on the Axim work because again it is unaware of the installation.

Option 3 is just option 1 without Activesync. You do the copy of the .cab, which is what Activesync does for you. You tap to run the .cab, which activesync does for you. In this method Activesync cannot remove from either location because it is unaware of the installation, but you can use "remove programs" on the Axim to delete it there.

Hope this clears up the situation some.

grumpy

Quote:

Originally posted by JakeRich@Dec 30 2002, 11:02 AM There are a couple of ways to install software to PPCs. 1. Use the Activesync route - in this approach, the developer provides a desktop/laptop program that sets up the environment for installation, then triggers Activesync to move to the Axim the files necessary to install the program there. Once that is done, the files on the Axim execute to put everything where it needs to be and make registry updates, etc. 2. Direct copy - in this approach the developer provides the .exe file for the Axim directly. All you do is copy it to the Axim and run it. In this path you could remove the CF/SD card, put it in a reader on the Desktop and simply copy it to the card, reinsert in the Axim and run it. 3. CAB files - In this approach you copy the .cab file to the Axim and then tap it to run the extract routine to put everything in place where it needs to be and make registry updates, etc. You can use the direct copy method to copy the .cab file to a CF/SD card in a reader and bypass Activesync. Most software uses option 1. That is the recommended way. Using that option Activesync can be used to reinstall it to the Axim if that is ever required for any reason (A hard reset, for example). Activesync can also delete the application from both the Axim and the desk/laptop at the same time. "Remove Programs" can delete the software from the Axim and leave it on the desktop/laptop if you want to do that. Simple software with no registry entries or .dll files use method 2. I haven't seen that in a long time however, as most new software tends to be more sophisticated. Activesync cannot remove it because it does not know about it. Nor does Remove Programs on the Axim work because again it is unaware of the installation. Option 3 is just option 1 without Activesync. You do the copy of the .cab, which is what Activesync does for you. You tap to run the .cab, which activesync does for you. In this method Activesync cannot remove from either location because it is unaware of the installation, but you can use "remove programs" on the Axim to delete it there. Hope this clears up the situation some.

I read the replys with lot of questions of My own..............
It seems that when I've tried to install downloaded software
it get unzipped or unpacked in a file folder I can never seem to find. Under Windows desktop/notebooks it use to unpack in the temp directory or in any other directory You told it to.
Now it's getting lost or directed to someware not under My control in desktop/notebook computer and now security is a issue with Me.
If I can not control the placement of the downloaded software
then it's in control or the programers control beyond My reach.










n

JakeRich

Most of the time on your desktop or laptop the install file setup is in /Programs/Microsoft Activesync/<name> where name is the name of the software or developer. Sometime you get options to put it somewhere else, sometime not. In any event, the Programs/Microsoft Activesync folder is where Activesync puts files for transfer back and forth.

Mike C

When a zip file is not self-extracting, I make a folder to hold the contents first so it's easy to find, like a sub folder to PPC downloads or whatever.
Then you can go look at the stuff to find the version for ARM type, and copy that to your sync file, or wherever you want in in the Axim.
In any case, ALWAYS read the readme info provided, for clues!

__________________
Persistence can pass for brilliance
FFR Roadster on order for 04/3/04.
Mike

grumpy

I think I can see the light now.
I just hope it's not an oncoming train !
That active/sync stuff is new to Me and I
guess the problem is <_< I don't understand
the big picture yet. (If ever !)

andrewst

Originally Posted by dave

I asked this a week or so ago and didn't get a chance to see any replys before the melt down of the forums. This is my first PDA so I've got some learning to do. Actually, UPS says it out for delivery today so I don't have it yet ;) ;) How do I go about installing software on this thing? I understand from the book that I need to do an ActiveSync from my PC to the PDA and do the install that way. I've got a CF card and reader on my PC. Can't I just just copy the install files to the CF card and then stuff in the PDA and run the install that way?

You can find catalog of Windows Mobile applications in CAB installers here: Windows Mobile CABs

Just copy this file to your storage card and start them on your device to begin installation.