How to Install Applications and Games on a PocketPC / PDA

To install applications on a PC is quite simple, and there are 2 ways that are the most used, one method is just run the setup and you are done, then there is another method of having a Zip file and just extracting it.

Well on a PocketPC there are more steps to be included, to start off with there are 3 mostly used methods on how to install applications on a PocketPC. Although it is pretty simple, still you need to make certain steps, and take precautions too!

All these methods need that the PocketPC is first of all connected to the computer via Bluetooth, Infra-Red, Cradle, or USB cable. Then it needs to be synced with ActiveSync or similar programs, if this is not done, of course nothing will be installed on your PocketPC

Anyways, to start off with you need too see if the program you are going to install is compatible with your PocketPC, because PocketPC's are not as compatible as normal Windows computers are, for example most, nearly all the programs are compatible with Windows 98, 2000, ME, XP and nearly all the other Operating Systems, but to PocketPC's it is different, a program might or might not be fully compatible with your PocketPC. There are various factors that affect this like, what ROM version you are running, your PocketPC processor and much more things.

Secondly you need to have one of the following to install a program on your PocketPC, you need either a Zipped version of the program (or standalone version), or a CAB installation file, or a normal Setup (the same as when installing a normal PC application)

Thirdly check that you have enough Memory for Storage on your PocketPC and that after installation you will have enough memory for Programs to run (like RAM) the program. It is highly advisable to buy a Storage Card, something like SD, or miniSD or whatever your PocketPC takes.

Now as to the actual installation, so check that the program is compatible and that your PocketPC is synced with ActiveSync. Now that everything is ready here are the main 3 ways of installation:-