JurisPDA@NYLS.edu

Palm OS® Glossary

Application: A software program for a handheld.

Beam: To send a file or application from one handheld to another handheld, to a printer, or to a desktop PC via the infra red port.

Bluetooth: A wireless internet access standard.

CompactFlash: A flash memory module.  Available for HandEra 330 & Pocket PC handhelds.

Conduit: An application that passes data between a desktop computer and a handheld.

Cradle: The device in which a handheld sits while syncronizing with the desktop computer.

Digitizer: Calibrates the screen so that the handheld understands how to interperet taps.

Expansion slot: Location for a peripheral device, such as a modem or camera, to plug into a handheld device.

Freeware: A software program that is distributed free of charge.

Hack: A system extension or small program designed to enhance the Palm OS.  Requires a hack manager to function.

HotSync: To syncronize data.

IR: Infra red.

LCD: Liquid-Crystal Display.

Linux OS: The operating system  used on handheld computers made by Agenda Computing, G.Mate, and others.

m-commerce: Electronic commerce transacted on a mobile handheld device.

Memory: The amount of space available on a handheld for storage of applications and files. Measured in mega bytes of RAM. Most Palm OS handhelds have 2 - 8 MB of RAM.

Memory Stick: Add-on device to boost the memory on Sony Clié handhelds up to 64 MB of RAM.

MMC: MultiMediaCard.

Palm OS: The operating system  used on handheld computers made by Palm, Handspring, Sony, and others.

PDA: Personal digital assistant. Any handheld computer.

.pdf: Portable Digital File.  For Adobe Acrobat reader.

.pdb: Pilot Database.  Palm OS data files.

PIM: Personal Information Manager. Any desktop computer based calendar and address book program.

Pocket PC: A device that runs on Microsoft's Windows CE operating system.

PQA: Palm Query Application. A web clipping program that downloads specially formatted web pages into a wireless handheld.

.prc: Pilot Resource Code.  Palm OS software files.

RAM: Random Access Memory.  Temporary storage for computer applications -- data is lost when battery power is removed.

ROM: Read Only Memory.  Used for built-in applications and the PDA operating system -- data is preserved when battery power is removed.

SD Card: Secure Digital card. A flash memory module.  Available for Palm m130, m500, m515 & i705 handhelds.

.sit: Macintosh compressed archive file.

Stylus: A plastic or metal inkless pen used to write on a handheld screen.

Synchronize: The coordination of data between desktop and handheld computers so that any new information on either device is copied to the other.

TFT: Thin Film Transistor.

vCard: The electronic business card format used by Palm OS handhelds, Outlook Express, and others.

vCalendar: The electronic scheduling format used by Palm OS handhelds, Outlook Express, and others.

WAP: Wireless Access Protocol.

Wi-Fi: A wireless internet access standard that is up to 7 times faster than a T1 connection.

Windows CE: The Microsoft operating system used on handheld computers made by Casio, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, and others.

.zip: Windows compressed archive file.