mc4b

Hello All,

I just received my Dell Axim, and I think it's really cool -- definitely worth what Dell charges for it! As a longtime Windows users, I basically how to navigate through the file system and the Start menu, etc., but some of the operations in Pocket PC are not that intuitive.

First of all, how do you close programs (like Media Player, Notes, Tasks, etc). I can close them via "Switcher," but it seems like there has to be a way to close individual programs within the running program. According to "Switcher" almost every application that I run get loaded into memory even when I hit the "X" in the upper right hand corner.

Secondly, how can you change the association between file extentions and the applications that runs them. For example, I tried another MP3 player and then uninstalled it. Now, I can't tap on the file name and automatically play the MP3 with Media Player.

Sorry for the basic questions.

JakeRich

The way PocketPC is designed to work is that the X does NOT shut down the app, it just pushes it into the background. I think they did it that way so that it would be more responsive. Instead of having to start the app when you wanted it again, it would just be brought back to the foreground. However, when you get enough of these little buggers in the background, the PPC slows down because the O/S is juggling all those little proggies in memory.

So, to close them down, you can use Switcher from Dell, or ICBAR/WISBAR (available free on the internet--google for them) and other third party apps actually to CLOSE the application. I personally use ICBAR, I like how it works, but it is entirely a matter of personal choice.

Another, ugly, way to close apps is to tap Settings, Memory and then look at running programs and shut them down from there. Too many taps, to hard to do. Ugly.

For file associations you will need one of the third party file exploring programs. There are several, Resco makes one, and I believe most will let you associate files with programs. The M$ one with the Ax will not. I think most have a 30 day trial version so you shouldn't have to pay if all you want is this one use.

Hey, this is the "newbie" section...we do basic questions! Ask away!

rhyno

Good answer Jake.
Wisbar is nice. I didn't mind Task Switcher at first, but Wisbar is definitely cooler.

As for the file association switching, another suggestion is to edit the registry as described in this Aximsite Tutorial.

__________________
--RHYNO

JakeRich

Yeah, you could hack the registry, but for newbies I am a bit reluctant to suggest that. There are lots of novel ways to really screw things up in the registry and if you aren't comfortable with the Axim in general, you certainly won't be comfortable in registry. (Of course, there is always the ignorance of the innocents. You know, where angels fear to tread? )