Linux for palm os

Using Palm with Unix : Non-Linux users have to dig deep to discover source code that complies with handheld units

Did you know that if you have almost any flavour of Unix at work, you can still use your Palm-based PDA?

My Palm IIIc has never been connected to a Windows or Mac machine, as I run Linux both at work and at home. But under Linux I can do virtually anything with my PDA that others do under other operating systems, including backup, synchronizing with a contact manager, installing software and data entry.

If you run Linux, you have a wealth of software to choose from, while users of xBSD, Solaris and other Unixes may have to dig a little deeper or download source code to compile. More importantly, you will require a program to transfer files between your PDA and desktop computer. Secondly, it is desirable to have some type of desktop software for large amounts of data entry and desktop usage.

Of course, if you don't mind something with limited Palm support, there are other software packages that interface with the PDA and are not standalone applications.

For example, Evolution from Ximian Software expands upon the GNOME-pilot utilities and fully integrates Palm support into its own address and datebook programs. Even Sun's own StarOffice Suite can be used with your Palm for synchronizing tasks and events.

Pilot-Link

The main program you will need to use for file transfers between your PDA and computer is Pilot-Link. This package has a plethora of command line utilities, which enable you to install files onto your PDA, copy files from your PDA to your desktop, download your ROM image (great for debugging programs with a PC emulator), backup and/or restore every file on your PDA, install a "User Name" and convert formats between the default Palm OS databases and ASC text.

Pilot-Link is available in both binary packages and source code, so you should be able to compile it under any Unix. It claims support for Linux, Solaris, and xBSD, and the latest version supports USB devices.

GUI Software

Most people would prefer not to use command line utilities to access their PDA. But not to worry as there are numerous desktop software packages available for Unix, which are add-on GUIs to the Pilot-Link package. The two main Linux desktops also each have their own: GNOME users use GNOME-pilot and KDE users run KPilot.

KPilot for the K Desktop Environment strives to be a replacement for Palm's own desktop software and includes plug-ins for KOrganizer and POP3/SMTP mail servers and supports Palm III and V units with serial or IR syncing, and Handspring Visors with USB support. KPilot does not currently support the newer USB Palms (most of the "m" series devices) but it is currently being tested.

GNOME-pilot for the GNOME desktop does not appear to be well documented, but it integrates with the GNOME calendar and address book applications and enables e-mail synchronization.

JPilot

I recommend you take a look at JPilot,which acts and looks like the Palm desktop software for Windows, therefore, working with multiple OSes is painless. Working with any Linux distribution with X-Window support, JPilot enables you to backup, sync and even enter information on your desktop for transfer to your Palm. The latest version claims to support all serial and USB Palm units as well as the Sony Clie.

It provides synchronization support for the main Palm applications (Datebook, Address, To Do List, MemoPad) and, with third-party plug-ins, you can sync the Expense application and the time on the Palm. JPilot also enables you to import and export records, print to postscript printers, perform multiple backups, and install programs and databases to the Palm unit. Best of all, lots of documentation is available.

Other Sources

If you run Solaris, check out PilotManager at moshpit.org/pilotmgr. Handspring Visor users should visit usbvisor.sourceforge.net for information on getting your Visor working with Linux. Note that USB support has been implemented in the latest pilot-link software so this page may now be out of date.

Kevin Linfield is a freelance technology writer specializing in operating systems and PDAs. linfield@rocketmail.com