Registered: Dec 2001
Location:
Posts: 2

Backup

I have a question...

I new to PDAs. I'll be getting my Visor Edge for christmas.
I was just wondering. Everybody talks about backing up their data on modules and how it helps so much. Can't you just back up your data on your computer.

Don't flame me if this is stupuid, I'm new.

Thanks

Registered: Sep 2000
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 832

Sure you can, but if you're away from your computer, and you need the info you have stored on your Visor, a backup solution is priceless

Registered: Apr 2001
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 708

First, there are two types of memory in your PDA. One is ROM. This is where all the OS information is stored. This data cannot be removed from the PDA. The second is RAM, this is where add-on applications are stored as well as the data you input. This memory must have power going to it in order to store your data.

When you perform a HotSync Operation, the data on the PDA gets backed up to the Desktop PC. Should you ever perform a HardReset, which deletes everything in RAM, this data should be restored to the Visor the next time you HotSync. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Most of the time, everything should recover, but there is always the possibility something could go wrong. To protect against this, many people use an application such as BackupBuddy, available at BlueNomad .

That said, you also have to consider loss of data while on the road. This is where the Module becomes your life saver. Should you, for what ever reason, have to perform a HardReset while away from your PC, you have no way of recovering your data. In addition, should ever change the batteries and leave them out a little too long, all your data would be gone. That is the beauty of the Backup Module. Not to mention the simplicity of it. You stick it in the slot, hit "Backup" and it backs up every single thing in RAM. Should you need to restore the handheld, install the module and hit "Restore". The Visor now looks identical to the last backup.

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Registered: Sep 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 501

Excellent summary by GSR13. That's why I use both BackupBuddy and a backup module: BackupBuddy for automatic backup at hotsyncing (meaning I don't have to think about actively backing things up); Backup Module for "on the road"

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Jeff Meyer

"And he died like he lived: with his mouth wide open."