Use the BlackBerry Desktop Software
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This chapter covers how to connect the BlackBerry to a PC, backup and restore BlackBerry data, install and remove applications, and how to synchronize with a PC. (From the book,
How to Do Everything with Your Blackberry, second edition, by Curt Simmons, McGraw-Hill/Osborne, ISBN: 0072255870.)
The BlackBerry is designed to be the only portable e-mail, Internet, and personal information management system that you need. With the BlackBerry, you can stay on the move while remaining connected. However, the BlackBerry is no island either, and on a periodic basis, you may need to connect the BlackBerry to your PC in order to synchronize the BlackBerry with other personal information management (PIM) software, install new applications on the BlackBerry, and even back up or restore BlackBerry data in the event that disaster strikes. Research In Motion (RIM) makes all of these tasks easy with the Desktop Manager software, which is included on the CD-ROM that comes with your BlackBerry unit (you can also download it directly from http://www.blackberry.com/products/software/index.shtml). In this chapter, you’ll get a chance to explore the desktop software and see how to install and use it with the BlackBerry.
TIP: You should periodically check the noted URL for updates to your BlackBerry software.
Installing the BlackBerry Desktop Software
The BlackBerry desktop software is designed to be easy to use and install. The BlackBerry provides you with the Desktop Manager software on CD-ROM and a connection cable that connects to your Windows PC right out of the box. Typically, installation of the BlackBerry software on your PC is quick and painless.
Before attempting the installation of the desktop software, however, you should ensure that your system meets compatibility requirements. The latest version of the BlackBerry Desktop Manager will install and run on the following setups:
- Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, and Windows XP with at least 16MB of RAM
- Windows NT 4 with at least 32MB of RAM (you will need at least one serial port and a serial port adapter for your BlackBerry)
As I mentioned in this chapter’s introduction, the Desktop Manager allows you to synchronize personal information management (PIM) data on the BlackBerry with applications on your PC using RIM’s Intellisync software. For example, I use Outlook 2003 for mail and calendar PIM data. I can synchronize my BlackBerry with Outlook 2003 so that my mail and calendar data are always in sync between the computer and the BlackBerry.
If you want to synchronize PIM data between your computer and the BlackBerry, you must be using at least one of the supported PIM applications, listed here:
- ACT!™ 4.0.2/2000
- GroupWise 5.5/6
- Lotus Notes 4.5/4.6/5
- Lotus Organizer 5/6
- Microsoft Outlook 97/98/2000/2002 (XP)
- Microsoft Schedule+ 7.5
- Microsoft Schedule+ Default
- Netscape browser
- Any ASCII text file importer or exporter (this option is slow, but it will work.)
Some software synchronizes with the BlackBerry better than others. Although all of those listed will synchronize, some of them are slower. For example, ACT! is much slower than Outlook.
Once you are ready to install the desktop software, installation is quick and easy. Locate the BlackBerry installation CD-ROM that shipped with your unit or download the software from the website, and then follow the steps in “How to…Install the BlackBerry Desktop Software.”
 This chapter is from How to Do Everything with Your Blackberry, by Curt Simmons (McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2004, ISBN: 0072255870). Check it out at your favorite bookstore today. Buy this book now. |
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