Addressbook
One of the most popular native applications on the Palm®. Keep and edit contact information.

Application

A program, such as a word processor or a spreadsheet, that performs one of the important tasks for which a desktop or handheld computer is used. This term is sometimes used in place of or in conjunction with "software."

Backlight Display (also called backlighting)

Refers to an optional function in which the handheld display glows from behind for easier reading in the dark.

Battery Type

Some handheld PCs use standard alkaline batteries. Others have built-in rechargeable batteries. The most common type of rechargeable battery is lithium-ion, which is ideal for portable devices because its lightness and high energy density. Lithium-polymer is a newer battery type that theoretically delivers longer battery life, ounce-for-ounce.

Beaming (Also called Infrared Transfer or IR Transfer)

The act of transferring data from one handheld PC to another via the infrared port.

BlackBerryTM

Handheld device developed by RIM® which focuses on wireless e-mail communications, but can also run other applications.

Datebook

A popular native application on Palm® devices that allows you to keep track of appointments.

Display

Short for display screen. Handheld PCs use a thin display screen known as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). There are several types of LCD displays.

Doc

Document. Usually referred to when discussing electronic documents.

Doc Reader

A computer application designed to read Doc files. See Doc.

Docking Cradle

Some handheld PCs include a cradle into which you can insert the device to synchronize data and upload programs from a host PC and/or recharge the batteries. Less-costly models only include a data cable, not a full cradle.

Expansion Slots

Refers to the physical slots found on some handheld PCs that can accept certain types of media such as CompactFlash, MMC (MultiMedia Card), Sony's Memory Stick and Handspring's Springboard modules. Depending on the type, these cards may be used for additional storage, peripherals such as modems and network adapters or third-party programs, such as games.

Flash Memory (ROM)

In contrast to RAM, ROM (acronym for read-only memory) is a type of memory on which data has been prerecorded. Generally, once data has been written onto a ROM chip, it cannot be removed and can only be read. Unlike main memory (RAM), ROM is non-volatile, meaning it retains its contents even when the computer is turned off. All handheld PCs include a small amount of ROM where critical programs such as the operating system are stored. The amount of ROM on a handheld PC is also measured in megabytes -- typically anywhere from 2 to 16 MB depending on the operating system. Some handheld PCs, but not all, have upgradeable ROM, which means that you can upgrade to new versions of the operating system as they become available.

Freeware

Software offered free of charge by the developer to anyone wishing to use it.

Graffiti® Writing

An abbreviated form of writing alphabetic and numeric characters and symbols that allows you to input data to your handheld PC without using the on-screen keyboard. A graffiti tutorial is included in the basic Palm® software.

Handspring

A venture-backed company started by the co-founders of Palm® Computing. This company makes hardware and handheld PCs geared toward the education and consumer market.

HotSync®

The process by which data is transferred from your handheld PC to your desktop PC and vice versa. HotSync is usually accomplished by connecting a handheld cradle to your PC, placing your handheld PC in the cradle and pressing the HotSync button. HotSync is also used to install applications onto your handheld PC.

Internal Memory (RAM)

All PCs including handhelds have internal storage in the form of computer chips. The main memory is known as RAM (random access memory). The term RAM refers to read and write memory; that is, you can both write data into RAM and read data from RAM. Known as volatile memory, RAM requires a steady flow of electricity to maintain its contents. As soon as the power is turned off, whatever data was in RAM is lost. RAM is measured in megabytes and the amount in handheld PCs varies widely (currently anywhere from 2 to 32 MB) depending on the operating system and applications.

LCD Type

There are tow basic types of color LCD displays. Thin film transistor (TFT) or active-matrix displays produce color images that are as sharp as traditional CRT displays (your desktop PC's monitor), but the technology is expensive. Passive matrix is less expensive, but images are not as crisp and bright. Newer passive matrix technologies such CSTN and DSTN are closing the gap with active matrix displays.

Memopad

A popular native application on Palm® devices that allows you to jot down or type in notes on your handheld.

MP3 Player

Derives from the file extension for audio files that use MPEG, audio layer 3 compression. Since this is the most common format, it has become shorthand for digital audio. Some handheld PCs, specifically Pocket PC, include a player program that can play both MP3 and Windows Media audio files.

Note Pad - A popular native application on Palm® devices that allows you to view and manage the handwritten notes you create

Palm OS® Software

The operating software for your Palm®. Comparable to Windows or Mac OS on your PC

Palm® Desktop Software

Use some of your Palm® applications on your PC and then use your HotSync cradle to transfer data to your Palm®. Palm® Desktop Software is also used to install additional applications.

PC

Personal Computer. A traditional desktop computer.

PDA

Personal digital assistant. Refers to a wide variety of handheld and palm-size PCs, electronic organizers, Smartphones and pagers.

Personal Information Manager

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

Platform

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

Pocket PC

Latest handheld operating system developed by Microsoft®, which runs on third party devices.

Resolution

Refers to the sharpness and clarity of an image. For screen displays, the resolution signifies the number of dots (pixels) on the entire screen. For example, a 640 by 480 pixel screen is capable of displaying 640 distinct dots on each of 480 lines, or about 300,000 pixels.

RIM

Stands for Research In Motion, which is the name of the company that produces the BlackBerryTM wireless device. See BlackBerryTM.

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.

Sled (Docking Cradle)

Some handheld PCs include a cradle into which you can insert the device to synchronize data and upload programs from a host PC and/or recharge the batteries. Less-costly models only include a data cable, not a full cradle.

Soft Reset

Resetting your Palm® by pushing the reset button recess in the back of the Palm® unit. This can be done using a straightened paper clip. This is the Palm equivalent to re-booting a PC. Caution - do a HotSync before resetting your Palm®, if possible to retain all data.

Source Code

Text used to create computer applications.

Stylus

A pen-like pointing and writing device for handheld PCs. Writes directly on the screen.

Touchscreen

Refers to display screens that have a clear overlay that is pressure-sensitive so that you can enter instructions and data by touching the screen. Though these are less common on notebook PCs, they are virtually a requirement on handheld PCs where you use a stylus, rather than a keyboard, to enter data.

Windows® CE

Microsoft's operating system for handheld and mobile devices. Although there has been speculation on the origin for the "CE," Microsoft claims that CE doesn't represent a single concept, but rather implies a number of Windows® CE design precepts, including "Compact, Connectable, Compatible and Companion."