As a general rule, you should know two thing in order to select the correct software for your Pocket PC:

1. What version of the Pocket PC Operating System (OS) is my device running?  Your Pocket PC runs either the Pocket PC 2000, Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC (also called Pocket PC 2003), Windows Mobile 2003 SE, or Windows Mobile 5 OS. You should know which version you're running before you begin your software search. Your Pocket PC packaging and/or documentation will tell you what version of the Pocket PC or Windows Mobile OS you are running.

 

 

Generally speaking, Pocket PC software that runs on Pocket PC 2000 will also run on Pocket PC 2002, most software that runs on Pocket PC 2002 will also run on Pocket PC 2003, and so on; put another way, software designed for an older OS will often run on a newer OS.  But, while this is often true, it is by no means certain. Take care when, for example, installing software on a Pocket PC 2002 device if the software documentation does not specifically state that it is Pocket PC 2002 compatible; the same goes for Pocket PC 2000, Windows Mobile 2003 and Windows Mobile 5.0. Also keep in mind that if you install software on your Pocket PC that is incompatible, it may cause errors, loss of data, resets, etc.

 

2. Which processor does my Pocket PC have?  All modern Pocket PCs have ARM-based processors (StrongArm, XScale or Samsung). Some older Pocket PC 2000 units have MIPS processors (Cassiopeia) or SH3 processors (Jornada). If you have a Pocket PC 2002, Windows Mobile 2003 or Windows Mobile 5 device, your software will always need to be ARM compliant; if you have a Pocket PC 2000 device, you need to know which processor it uses before you can begin selecting software.

Once you know which software application you want and which titles are compatible with your Pocket PC, you can begin downloading the installation files onto your desktop or notebook computer.

 

I've Downloaded the Pocket PC Software... Now What?  Once you've downloaded software and are ready to install, you'll need to sync your Pocket PC with your Windows PC; in order to do this ActiveSync must be installed (check your product software disc or download ActiveSync here). Be sure that all unnecessary programs running on the Pocket PC and computer have been shut down and connect your Pocket PC to your PC via sync cable or cradle. Allow ActiveSync's synchronization process to complete (see below).

 

Once the Pocket PC is synchronized, run the Software Package you wish to install from your Windows PC. The Software Package may install a few files on your Windows PC for installation on your handheld the next time you sync, or it may send the installation files directly to ActiveSync for immediate installation. Either way, at the end of the installation process, a screen will appear to allow you to install the software to your Pocket PC.

 

If you have a storage card, you can install software there - if not, you must install the software to the internal memory of the unit.  To store an application on your flash media card, uncheck the "Install program into the default installation folder" option and click "OK."  Then select the desired installation destination from the drop-down menu.

 

Windows Mobile 5 users, click here for instructions for installing to a storage card.

Newly released or updated software is featured on the New Software page in order of release. As new software is added to the top, older software at the bottom will be moved to the appropriate software category page.

 

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