CAM a password

Almost all of my friends use handheld computers, but none of them uses the built-in Pocket PC password protection of data, although it could do it: their handhelds just overcrowded private information. For example, credit card numbers, PIN-codes, passwords to web sites. But at the same protection they do not enjoy ... Work with a password to Palm'e name can not be easy, it violates the principle of a PDA - to provide fast access to any information. Therefore, my friends and I carry around a pocket recording, knowing that they had no losses. In most cases we are fooling ourselves. According to a study Gartner Group, nearly 250.000 mobile phones and PDA are lost annually in the airports, and only 25-30% of them returned to their rightful owners. In recent years the development of technologies has led to the fact that computer systems can recognize and remember the difference between the retinas of different people, a form of hands, the contours of the ears, and many other physical characteristics. All this means that the biometrics (namely the so-called the technology) can bestow your mobile phones, PDAs, laptops and other devices can automatically identify its owner and not to permit access to the information to others. In other words, the case could go so far that your boss will not know you in person, and cell phone - will be.

What is biometrics?

There are two ways to give of yourself to know the system or to a stranger. The first - to give information which you possess, such as a password or pin-code. Second - using the fact that you have, for example, key or ID card. The problem of passwords is that people constantly forget them or write on a piece of paper that is then lost. ID-card and the keys have a tendency to often be lost forever. Biometric systems solve all these issues, making a password yourself. It is unlikely that you can lose yourself (unless, of course, do not overdo it with drugs, but this case is beyond the scope of this article). Even your clone can not fool a biometric scanner, because anyway there are many differences in the retina of the eyes, fingers and other important detail. Cries and lamentations of those who have stolen a PDA or cell phone - nice music to the ears of the developers of biometric technology. In 1999, sales of their equipment was $ 100 million. In 2002. According to experts from the international trade association of biometrics (International Biometric Association trade group), this figure will increase to $ 600 million. Various biometric systems can scan different parts of the body, but as soon as data collection took place, the principle of their action is absolutely identical. The computer converts the information into binary data and compares it with pre-recorded into a database model. If they match, the computer confirms that just crawled personality - the same person as the one who wrote the original code. Please note that the database keeps the underlying code, but not the image of a finger, hands, eyes or face. It's a little easier the event, but did not soothe all worries about the full disclosure of the identity that is stored in a database that plagued some users, because any hacker can break the system and get the codes of biometric scanners.

Biometrics and mobile technology

Biometrics are already widely used in the world. For example, the U.S. Immigration and adaptation of passengers (Immigration and Naturalization Service Passenger Accelerated Service System (INSPASS)) applies a system that allows use of hand geometry to verify identity and authorization of intersection of the immigration line. At airports across the country are tested scanners to detect people terrorists. Stock Exchange Stockbroker Charles Schwab uses voice recognition technology to verify their customers. While biometrics has taken strong positions in banks, airports and the secret services, and desired a tasty morsel for it still remains the possibility of using a handheld device.A dozen companies are working on integrating the retinal scanners, fingerprint and voice recognition to mobile phones, PDAs and laptops. Scanners are smaller, cheaper and become more accurate, which can be used in mobile devices, without increasing the size, weight, cost and power consumption of the latter. Voice recognition and fingerprint - the two major biometric technologies, expected to be used in mobile and wireless devices. Both of these technologies are safer than the number of PIN-codes, and can provide users with easy access to banking information, voice and e-mail and other private records without prompting for a password. Voice - the best choice for mobile phones, as in this case they do not require additional hardware. In addition, this technology is integrated into the phone. All you need to do to the system - it is written "voice print" which is as unique as fingerprints. Biometric systems that analyze the user's voice, pay attention to the type of pronunciation, tone and intonation of voice. To protect against hackers who simply could record voice owner of the device, many systems ask users to repeat a few words, chosen randomly. This is sufficient for the device to ensure the presence of a living person, rather than recording the film. Company Nuance, Trintech and Dialogic already make similar applications of voice recognition for mobile devices. In most cases, voice recognition is ideal for identifying "mobile" user, but there are cases where this technology is totally inappropriate. For example, if you wish to make a purchase from an online store using a smart phone with a color screen, you will not be very convenient to hold the device near your ear and say something to him. In this situation much easier it would be to use fingerprint scanning. Imagine a small area on the mobile phone the size of a postage stamp. It can be placed at the location where normally at your thumb when you hold the device in hand. When you take it, the scanner sends a signal to the microprocessor phone, which compares the finger man who took it with his finger the true owner. If they match, you can work with your phone on. If you do not match, the phone is locked, and sends an appropriate signal to the operator. The company AuthenTec, based in Melbourne, Fla., recently presented the technology EntrePad-sensor array size of 6.5 square mm, recognized the world's smallest fingerprint reader. It is designed specifically for mobile devices. EntrePad fingerprint scans, located directly beneath the first layer of skin, which can be stained or injured and thus distort the results. Several employees AuthenTec for testing purposes recorded their impressions, since sufficient time has passed, but it can still be see. The company is currently working with Texas Instruments to embed their technology into chips that will be used in future wireless devices. Company Precise Biometrics, Applied Biometrics Products, Fujitsu and Mytec also offer low-cost scanners, fingerprint smallest size specifically designed for use on handheld computers.

I see you, I know you

Today, when the market appears more and more mobile phones with built-in digital cameras, biometrics opens new opportunities for themselves - the human face recognition system. Company AcSys Biometrics Inc. recently announced a technology for handheld computers, and its main competitor - the company Visionics - to create a mobile version of FaceIt for wearable computers. The system was tested Visionics U.S. military police, and she used it in conjunction with GPS to scan individuals fundamental visitors in order to avoid crossing the criminals. But let us ask ourselves the question - not whether biometrics will usher in the transition of mankind in the era of total control, supervision over all and all? Who wants to live in a society where electronic devices will remember those who use them. Remember, at what time and even in some place ... Those who expect to receive some income from the biometric systems, of course, tell us what to worry about.As a conclusive argument, it cites the fact that every time you enter a PIN-code into a mobile phone, we tell the computer who we are and what are going to do. Biometrics is doing the same and has the added benefit of preventing fraud. I unfortunately can not answer this argument, but I want to know exactly - not whether biometrics can take us there, as proponents of freedom of thought, describing the unintended consequences of systems, originally created for good purpose. As an example, then you can bring social security number that is assigned to U.S. citizens. It guarantees pensions. And when his time was introduced the numbers, the state gave the promise that they will never be used for identification. Today in the U.S. without social number, you are neither able to open a bank account or visit a doctor. Now imagine that the state wants to have access to accurate information about each of us. This information is in the hands of corrupt officials can be used for blackmail. And people who realize that watching their every move, can begin paranoia. Thus, biometrics, of course, has great advantages, but does not carry a risk of introducing it in the privacy of everyone? I can not definitely answer this question. I wonder what you think about it. Sources, Materials:

Connect devices over the air

Wireless communication is gradually becoming in our lives and in our computers and mobile devices. More recently, infrared arouse admiration - should be the same! through the air, without wires - mysticism, but now it is commonplace, but still outdated - many nose gate! We now have a new fad - the wireless network when the wall is not a hindrance, and the wires under your feet (or hands) do not interfere. In the mass is still, however, is still making slow progress - the wires are still cheaper to go out, but on the horizon rapidly materialized ghost bright future when all devices within a single office or apartment, including telephones, computers, televisions and microwave ovens will be linked in a network of invisible threads. That's what most of these filaments, we are now and we'll talk.

IRDA

In fact, IrDA - is an international organization that develops and implements wireless standards. IrDA provides wireless connectivity to devices that otherwise would have used for similar purposes of the cable. To connect via IrDA device must be in direct line of sight of each other (an infrared beam emitted by a 30 ° cone) and away from full contact to one meter. Transmission speed ranges from 9600 bps to 16 Mbps. The popularity of the communication standard is explainable - the cheapness and ease of use. No need for any wires - brought the device to each other and in the bag, and implementation of such a port in the unit cost producer in the $ 1 ... Advantages and disadvantages of this method of communication are clear. Of the shortcomings of most, perhaps all, you can call one for communication devices must be in direct line of sight. Plus, some types of lighting (eg solar) may interfere with communication, as used, though invisible to the eye but luminous flux ... The next limitation - it's communication range, and a meter is not always enough. The main advantage of the same - the price, until now, as you know, continues to play a major role in the calculations of producers and serve the promotion of the format. LOS, may also be a plus - in the first place, this condition provides a simple physical security of information transmitted - to catch her because of all the limitations of infrared connection is problematic. (Except that try to "fit in" with the receiver anywhere within the 30 ° cone :-) And with the third party, often require communication between two specific devices, which provides a brilliant infrared connection. And the price, and a small power consumption, and compactness, and versatility make the IR port is ideal for our brothers pocket. On large computers, he already looks unforgivable remnant of the old - and slow and, in general, not very convenient, considering the condition of line of sight ... Bluetooth - another communication standard, which predict a bright future. If we believe the promises, predictions, and already a fact, shortly Bluetooth wireless modules will appear on all devices, including refrigerators and microwaves. Unfortunately, this standard is somehow hard to go out of its infancy. More than a year talking about him, but many more of his eyes and something not seen before. Thus, a high-speed microwave standard that allows data transfer at up to 10 meters. Bluetooth operates at a frequency of 2,56 Ghz and is able to simultaneously connect up to 8 devices. This standard does not require any skills from the user - as the only Bluetooth-enabled devices converge at a certain distance, they immediately share information and establish a small network. Bluetooth module is small and consumes about 1 mW of energy, which is not very much, even for mobile devices. Time to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of Bluetooth. The biggest advantage of this standard is that for communication devices is not required line of sight - the device begin to "see" each other as similar to each other at a certain distance.This standard transcend even the walls and it can be used to create small networks in the apartment, and for example, the compound of a handheld computer with a mobile phone can be done at all without removing the last say, out of pocket. Unfortunately, in practice it is much more complicated and lack of properly written programs and drivers for Bluetooth-enabled devices is creating a situation where the advertised ease of using it grows into a big problem ... Well, for example, if one device "sees" another, and then it - no . Here and go, smash his head, where the dog is buried - setting a minimum. On the other hand it is omnivorous Bluetooth could become one of its drawbacks. Suppose, in a room sitting at the negotiations for a number of people with Bluetooth-enabled devices. Provided that all the devices "see" each other, but you need to pass information to, say, a business card to a specific person, you may have problems in finding this man. In this case, infrared communication may be more convenient. At the same time, Bluetooth is still much more expensive than the IR port, although the promise that the situation should be in the near future to correct a little bit. Theoretically, nothing prevents the manufacturer to include both device communication standard, because, in fact, they are designed for different things. So yes, it is, in practice, and is, in any case, the first devices equipped with Bluetooth, such as PDAs or mobile phones. But unfortunately while Bluetooth is not so developed to gain popularity. For our country, its development, in particular, hampered by the fact that it has not yet received the state license though, I note, nowhere in the world licensed to such frequencies are not required. But, I think, to have little time ...

IEEE 802.11b

Another wireless protocol on the market, call names very much tongue-and at the same nezvuchnoy acronym for IEEE 802.11b. His friend, the advertising name sounds like an abbreviation Wi-Fi Wireless Fidelity or wireless impeccable and the people it is called Radio Ethernet. Commercially available, and along with popular, this format was in 1999 with the release of AirPort - the device lets you connect your computer to the Internet or local area network without wires. Standard that allows data transfer speeds of up to 11 megabits per second at distances up to 300 meters. Operates on IEEE 802.11b frequency of 2.4 gigahertz, which is close enough to the Bluetooth. Simply put, Wi-Fi transforms Ethernet into a wireless network status and is ideal for creating small local networks in those places where it is impossible to lay cables, for example, if a company has two offices located across the street ... Each of the radio outlets may, depending on the software installed serve as the end point of reception of information and hub. For handheld devices and laptops are available adapters, that's just not all necessary. For example, computers, Palm, for which there are also adapters for IEEE 802.11b is not "incarcerated" for work in the networks of Ethernet, but for the Pocket PC such an accessory in the form of Compact Flash can be a very useful thing, and greatly facilitate the work. IEEE 802.11b is not a competitor to Bluetooth, after all, in fact, they are designed for completely different tasks and, more importantly, for entirely different devices. Direct competitor of IEEE 802.11b is another interesting standard called Home RF. In fact, Home RF is the same as IEEE 802.11b, only in a more advanced version. If Radio Ethernet is designed specifically for data transmission in computer networks, the HomeRF can connect together, and computers and phones, streaming video and audio.In essence, Home RF is a symbiosis of the previously described technologies Wireless LAN and rapidly growing wireless technology, DECT. Home RF group developed Home Radio Frequency Working Group (WG), which includes more than 50 companies.

HomeRF USB Adapter and PC Card Adapter

Apparently, this standard can be called a home and suitable for a particular small digital microcosm within their own apartment. By the way, it works everything is at a frequency of 2,4 Hz - nothing like? The only restriction until the Home RF is that the information is transmitted at a speed of 1.6 megabits per second, so obviously no match does not go from 11 megabits to the case of IEEE 802.11b. On the other hand for the house-it can be more and do not need - where and how you drive the data with a similar rate, the more so as long as Home RF is more favorable price. Developers, of course, also do not sit on the ground and is on the way Home RF 2.0, which will provide speeds up to 10 megabits per second, but then when there will be! Remember the story with USB 2.0 - which still spoke of him, and now look at your computer - what standard it used for? Surely even 1.0. Therefore, a good spoon for dinner and talk about the updates can last for years!

Problem

Despite the reasonableness of each of the formats, divorcee use technology and differentiation in the use of the frequency of a used one and the same, and therefore may be even very serious problems associated with the intersection of information flows. All three methods operate on the principle of separation of the frequency channels. In this case, Bluetooth and Home RF «jump" from one channel to a certain pattern in the spectrum of 83.5 MHz .. IEEE802.11b divides the spectrum into crossing the 22 megahertz channels and already-nm transmit information. Understand what is happening in the room during simultaneous operation of all three standards, we can imagine 84-hour lane freeway at rush hour. On it goes a lot of small cars, which occupy less than one band, but nonetheless famously rebuilt from one to another (Bluetooth), there is heavy tracks with enormous vans that take up several pages, but rarely moving from their seats - are currently in their Right at cruising speed and everything (IEEE802.11b), but there are also all kinds of vans, small trucks, "Gazelle" and "Bulls", which, despite the fact that cars are much more, behave less rude, trying to cut and also jump from band to band (Home RF). Presented? Now tell me, whether in this case, to avoid accidents? This is now a major, but if she decides to Bluetooth, the creators of the Home RF and Wi-Fi in no hurry to agree - it was too dense, they are competitors, and the attention of computer companies, more and more pulled in toward the latter.

Outcome ...

When it's bright future and we will completely abandon the wiring is not clear, but now there is a choice and, if correctly formulated problem and a certain level of funding, the solution could be found, although the universalization not yet in sight. Nevertheless, from the infrared port does not want anyone to refuse - it was too much desire to save money, and the use of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is limited nedorabotannostyu technology and high price. What would be good - brought the printer to the computer, and it is already connected ... Hey, would be enough patience .... The authors, translation:

His words climb

Probably not less than one third of questions in different conferences on the Casio BE-300, concerning search dictionaries for this machine. Unfortunately, to date no positive responses questioning had been received. The only dictionary on the BE-300, and he is working, judging by reviews, "through time" - a built-in E-Book reader Haali Reader, designed primarily for the translation of words in the text of the book itself. Now the situation has changed. The company "Information" developed a version of its vocabulary Context, adapted for "Beshka" and offered it to us for pre-testing. The first thing that attracts attention - an unusual installation process. Need to migrate to BE-300 folder and the executable file from the archive, then run already on the PDA, this executable file. Let me remind you that the built-in file manager is not able to run applications, so we had to use third-party applications, such as GSFinder. However, the developers promise to make the final version of the usual installer. However, after installation there is a feeling that the first pancake turned out not lumpy. The program interface is in Russian, so it is easy to use, even if you do not know English.

Here is the Pocket Context for BE-300

The program window is divided into two main parts: the string to write, and the field to display the search results. The dictionary operates in four modes: translation, phrases, vocabulary, hint. If you activate the tab "Translation", simply enter the desired word and click "Search" (this little button with a magnifying glass to the right of the input string word). In the field, we obtain the result. Incidentally, in the Anglo-Russian-English dictionary, which got us to test more than 60 thousand words, but the search takes about two seconds. Search results are highlighted, so read them pretty comfortably. When searching dictionary takes into account not only the words you entered but also its possible morphological changes. So that for example, the search results for the word "day" as follows: You can then click on the tab "Phrases and vocabulary will give a list of stable expression, in which the word" day "with the translation. The compilation of this list, it takes about eight seconds.

Search by keyword phrase

Mode "vocabulary" is automatically activated when you use the "Quick Search". It allows you to enter only the first three or four letters of the word, and then choose the end of the list. They can also be used as a normal dictionary, where all the words arrayed in alphabetical order. "Hint" is needed in the event that dictionary could not find the word you wrote. In this tab you can view a list of related spelling words, in case you make a mistake in spelling.

Context helps you find the right word

At the very top of the screen is a menu bar. Here you can change the settings of the program: to specify the font glossary and a search string, choose the direction in which tab to move if the word is not found, and turn on the speed dial.Here you can register your dictionaries (the program you can connect an unlimited number of dictionaries that can be found on the website of "Information"). Edit menu allows you to add in any dictionary your own articles or edit existing ones. Nearby are the "hot keys" for writing articles for users. Under the window of search results - a line for dictionary management. You can connect the new dictionary, select a language pair and one of the thematic dictionaries for it. The direction of translation (from Russian into English or vice versa), the program determines automatically by the first letter entered by the user.

There may be any number of dictionaries

In general, the vocabulary seems to be very successful and easy to use, with one exception. I would very much like to see when you turn it looked clipboard, if it contains text (words), copy it into the search box, and immediately gave the result. However, the current version is unlikely to last and, hopefully, in the following, this function will be realized. In the rest - use a dictionary a pleasure. Now the main thing - how to get a dictionary. In the coming days crack for Casio BE-300 RussKey BE 2.0 will be completed by the license for the dictionary. A couple of weeks dictionary Context will appear on the CD with language. Context for the BE-300 can be purchased separately in stores, "The computer in the palm." Roughly the price is $ 10. The authors, translation:

Quarta Russian MUI for Pocket PC 2002 - локализация для Pocket PC 2002

Российская компания Quarta Technologies любезно предоставила редакции HPCru эксклюзивный на нынешний момент материал. Это система поддержки русского языка для карманных компьютеров Pocket PC 2002 Quarta Russian MUI. Уникальность продукта в том, что по информации, полученной от представителей компании Quarta, продукт позиционируется не для розничной продажи. Разработчики собираются поставлять ее только OEM-производителям и корпоративным заказчикам. А жаль, потому что система нам показалась очень удачной, из-за чего мы и решили о ней написать. Quarta Russian MUI, на наш взгляд - это "то-как-оно-должно-быть" в русификации Pocket PC 2002.

Разработчики вписали себя в сведения о системе

Итак, дистрибутив весом чуть более мегабайта подготовлен к установке. Это так называемая RAM-версия, устанавливаемая в ОЗУ КПК. Ставим. Разработчики сразу предупредили, что во время установки в региональных настройках должен быть выбран русский язык, иначе система локализации не "встанет". Так и было сделано. После перезагрузки - на экране "обрусевший" вариант Today с меню "Пуск" вместо "Start".

Пуск вместо Start

Первое, что бросается в глаза: в меню стало меньше программ. Там только "Сегодня", "Internet Explorer", "Входящие" и "Проигрыватель". В меню "Программы" - только стандартные системные приложения (Word, Excel, калькулятор и т.д.). Происходит это от того, что после установки локализации в папке Windows появляется папка "Меню Пуск", из которой и берется содержимое главного меню. Восстановить его содержание можно, просто перетащив сюда ярлыки из Start Menu.

Меню русское, но сокращенное

Интересно, что на Casio E-200 в отличие от iPaq меню Пуск уже совсем не сокращенное, а полное. Впрочем, эксперимент не совсем чистый, поскольку русификатор был установлен на абсолютно чистую Каську, а iPaq был уже хорошо нагружен различными приложениями.

Старт-меню на Cassiopeia E-200

Русификация действительно полная. Переведены названия программ, все пункты меню и все системные диалоги. Для начинающих пользователей, безусловно, ценно то, что полностью переведена вся справочная система. Вот так это выглядит:

Встроенные приложения

Все остальные приложения из стандартного набора Pocket PC 2002 тоже щеголяют русским интерфейсом. Конечно, специфические приложения компаний-производителей остаются без перевода.

Перевод интерфейса Word

А вот так выглядит меню Excel

Календарь

Локализация почтового клиента

Список доступных кодировок

Калькулятор и конвертор национальных валют

Ввод символов кириллицы осуществляется только с помощью экранной клавиатуры, кстати, цветной и довольно симпатичной с виду. В ее настройках можно выбрать два размера клавиш(если клавиши больше, не помещается ряд цифр) и включить "жесты" - прочерки вверх-вниз, влево-вправо, заменяющие клавиши "Space", "Shift", "Backspace" и "Enter".

Вот такие красочные клавиатуры в Quarta MUI

Внутреннее устройство

Локализация работает на редкость надежно и "безглючно". Практически единственная неприятность (если не считать опустевшего меню Пуск) - в настройках аппаратных кнопок из списка приложений исчезли все установленные ранее программы. Причем сами настройки сохранились, и список программ для удаления с машинки ничуть не поредел. Еще не понравилось, что нельзя отключить перевод интерфейса (оставив клавиатуру). Впрочем, эту возможность и возможность динамического переключения между пользовательскими интерфейсами на различных языках разработчики собираются реализовать в следующих версиях. Кроме того, русификатор работает на удивление быстро: нет никаких задержек по сравнению с "чистой" машинкой, в то время как при использовании других систем локализации КПК заметно "притормаживает". Дело в том, что Quarta MUI предназначена именно для Pocket PC 2002 и работает не по старой схеме. Обычно движок системы локализации занимается подменой ресурсов (в которых содержатся данные для формирования пользовательского интерфейса, в частности, надписи на кнопках и в диалогах) некоторых системных библиотек. Сам движок находится в оперативной памяти и подменяет ресурсы "на лету", что заметно замедляет работу системы в целом. Главная проблема в том, что надо знать, в какой момент подменить какой ресурс. А для этого приходится лезть в текущие процессы (работающие программы, библиотеки) полухакерскими методами. То есть "обманывать" ОС, чтобы получить в нужный момент права доступа к определенным процессам. Понятно, что сам подход несколько порочен, однако для ранних версий Windows CE ничего лучше придумать не удалось. Собственно и современные русификаторы продолжают использовать этот подход. Кроме того, дополнительная нагрузка на оперативную память и процессор возникает при запуске отдельных локализованных программ (например Word). Решение же Quarta Technologies оказалось простым и эффективным. В Windows CE для Pocket PC 2002 есть функции, специально предусмотренные для решения вопросов локализации. Они позволяют просто указать системе, что ей нужно использовать не стандартные файлы ресурсов, а находящиеся в таком-то месте в памяти (не оперативной, а выделенной для хранения файлов). Функции, надо сказать, недокументированные, но отнюдь не закрытые и вполне работоспособные. Надо было лишь копнуть поглубже. Достаточно совсем небольшого программного кода, чтобы указать системе, какими файлами ресурсов ей пользоваться. Ну и, конечно, самих файлов ресурсов с русским языком. В результате русификация проходит на уровне самой системы, без использования каких-либо дополнительных приложений. Отсюда быстрота и надежность работы. В "рабочем" состоянии русификатор требует около 2.5 Мб оперативной памяти. В общем, система локализации оставляет отличное впечатление, в основном благодаря своей основательности и продуманности. Работает она безупречно и остается только пожалеть, что большинство пользователей ее так и не увидят. Что ж, другим разработчикам есть к чему стремиться! Авторы, перевод:

In an environment of moderation and accuracy

Casio BE-300 Pocket Manager in their own unique CPC, because it can be almost completely rewritten GUI - graphical user interface (that is what we're seeing on screen machines, then using what we have to BE-300 exchange information ). This opportunity and took advantage of some developers to create their own casings for "Beshka. The result was four separate and completely finished product, between them and divided to vote (and preference) of users. Thus, standard envelope - Top Menu, designed in the style of Windows CE.NET EpodXP, one of the first emerging alternative shells L'agenda SQPL and misunderstood KC Menu. Here is how to allocate votes: Tell me what you have installed a shell and I'll tell you who you are. If you follow this rule, it turns out that users BE-300 - people are mostly calm, thorough and conservative. They do not yearn for change, alien to them thirst risk (the risk to get more glitches than pleasure). They are satisfied that in the Top Menu can not easily add shortcuts to applications, hosts and the absence of the normal task switcher (can, however, to use separately installed applets). In addition, many users choose Top Menu because of the possibility of Russification (including, and Russification interface).

Top Menu

In second place EpodXP 2.0. I think that those 3.2%, which is now used by older versions of this shell, soon will pass no less "buggy" 2.0, if only among these users BE-300 is no fan of endless open windows when you try to start Internet Explorer. Those who choose EpodXP, sensitively catch the wind of change and extend to the new. In fact, the owners of earlier versions were able to see firsthand how some would look externally Windows CE.NET, when the machines with the OS in nature was not yet. The familiar Start button in the lower left corner of the screen, Taskbar, System Tray, Windows Media Player, desktop with shortcuts to programs and screen Today, as in the machine with the Pocket PC, - that's what gets to those who dare to set EpodXP. True, gets together with some firmware glitches and occasional lockups. In this latest version is still much more reliable than previous ones.

EpodXP

In third place - SQ - the golden mean for calm and practical. This shell - a custom desktop, where you can add labels, not only programs but also frequently used documents, quick menu to display applications, a convenient switch tasks, the ability to "hang" beautiful "wallpaper", an excellent built-in file manager with a function to launch programs.

SQPL

At the last place was KC Menu - choice of eccentrics. It is difficult to say why this shell is not very popular. Perhaps the reason is that the KC Menu pay ($ 5), although, to be frank, that in Russia very few people stop - there is a warez. Maybe KC Menu gained so few votes because there are no any additional software, as in the installation package, the other shells.There's just a pretty picture on your desktop (you can change) and a folder to store shortcuts.

KC Menu

Well, despite the many cries of rage against the Top Menu in various conferences, programmers (and designers) Casio - ahead. Incidentally, the number of polkonnikov likely to increase when the famous Russian users (but totally unknown to us :-) sites will Top Menu, not working on Windows CE 3.0 (truncated), and the Windows CE.NET (also, however, truncated). More details about the various shells for the Casio BE-300 can be read here, here and here. PS Please do not take seriously my characteristics of users:) The authors, translation:

Symbian OS smartphone: what's what

Introduction

Smartphones and communicators - those words are already firmly entrenched in our everyday vocabulary. Handheld devices are increasingly part of our lives. Of the expensive toys that are available only a very secured the people, they are gradually becoming an essential attribute of modern humans, and not only a businessman. Mobility - that is the keyword of modern information technology. For a start I would like some clarification of terminology. Under the usual smartphone is commonly understood bezklaviaturnoe device (like a Sony Ericsson P800), primarily designed for data access and designed for a wide range of users, the communicator is commonly called a functional device with keyboard, large screen and oriented generally more " professional "users. Equipped with high-speed data functions such as GPRS or HSCSD, such a device allows a person to constantly be on the "edge" of events, receive email, browse Web pages, work with documents, faxes and so on. Not all agree to wear a bag or briefcase heavy full-sized notebook. Apart from the fact that most of the computing power just idling, the low battery life does not give the opportunity to work, for example, all the time during a long flight or trip. In addition, the low reliability of widespread operating system for desktop machines (especially the notorious family of Windows 9x), their poor suitability for use in mobile devices, excessive requirements to hardware resources (especially memory and disk space), the possibility of mechanical damage to computer components (especially refers to hard drives) make use of these expensive and bulky devices unjustified. High demands of modern mobile devices, particularly in terms of power consumption and reliability of operating systems and programs to fail food that caused the market for new operating systems designed with these requirements. It is for these devices and was created by Symbian OS (formerly EPOC 32).

The story of Symbian OS

Operating System Symbian OS (EPOC 32) was developed by Symbian - a joint venture firms Motorola, Ericsson, Nokia and Psion-based Psion Software division of Psion. Later they were joined by company Matsushita, Kenwood, Fujitsu, Siemens and others. The first release ("Release») EPOC 32 in April 1997 marked the birth of a new generation of operating systems based on extensive experience in the industry the company Psion handheld mobile devices. For thirteen years before, in 1984, the company Psion has invented a personal organizer. With sales of the next model - Organiser II - corporate and private clients with more than one million units. This model had an 8-bit CPU, and could be programmed in assembly language or BASIC-like high level language OPL (Organiser Programming Language). Since 1991, a series of devices under a common brand Psion Series 3 Take a personal digital organizer popular and affordable mass-market device. The new OS is called SIBO (SIxteen-Bit Organiser), often it is also called SYMBIAN OS16. In the system of SIBO was first applied technology is the core allocation and application interfaces into separate components, which subsequently became an integral and important part of the 32-bit SYMBIAN OS. However, since most of the core system was written in assembly language, but also because of the restrictions for 16-bit architecture x86, SIBO system could not be used anywhere except processors x86. Graphical frontend SIBO was an object-oriented, and built-in editor and translator of the language OPL allows them to be directly on your PDA. Platform SIBO A myriad of applications. At the same time for the corporate market has been developed industrial terminal WorkAbout, first introduced in 1995. Total sales of devices has exceeded 1.5 million units.In the period of greatest popularity in the share of Series 3 accounted for 35% of world market organizers. One major reason for this was the convenience and functionality of applications SIBO, reliability and efficiency of multi-tasking operating system (which throughout its existence was virtually no errors found), high quality built-in ROM software, long battery life and stylish design firm. Over time, handheld computers become more powerful. By 1994, a limit of 64KB, which is characteristic for 16-bit systems have become a serious obstacle to the development of software is also becoming clear that the system of this class should be portable to a wider range of devices. So a new system SYMBIAN OS. Retaining the best features of previous OS Psion, it was to be fully 32-bit portable to any hardware platform and architecture. This would allow SYMBIAN OS to become an open system, available for licensing to third-party manufacturers of mobile devices. To this end, the group Psion has been allocated an independent company to develop software - Psion Software. The new system was to become the standard for wireless information devices by licensing a broad range of manufacturers of this industry. In April 1997 came the first version SYMBIAN OS - Release 1 - and immediately at its base the new product: Psion Series 5. Licensing of the new OS had begun even before its official publication. SYMBIAN OS, with its efficiency and flexibility, as well as high technical standard Symbian (formerly Psion Software) have formed a very good basis for creating a new system software for wireless devices. The company Psion Software was selected from a group of companies Psion Group, and changed its name to Symbian Ltd, becoming a joint venture between Ericsson, Nokia, Motorola and Psion. From the outset the system was designed as a fully object-oriented. As the language has been chosen C + + as the most powerful and most complex to date, object-oriented programming language.

Goal of creating a Symbian OS (SYMBIAN OS 32)

Attractiveness to Users

Mobile devices are intended for personal use. They should be easy to use, and always provide information on demand (the principle of "Instant-On"). System graphical user interface and firmware must be attractive and intuitive. An efficient multi-tasking. Power management should allow the computer when you switch instantly restore the state in which he was at the time off without the long process of booting the system. When replacing the power source (batteries) data should be preserved. Software in ROM should be of the highest quality. These lessons the company learned Psion back in time Organiser II, when the majority of desktop PCs were running DOS, a "portable" computer was the size of a diplomat. Suite of applications - a critical factor for creating attractive from the standpoint of the end user. SYMBIAN OS applications are designed with the expectation and the beginner and professional. About ten major applications and the entire operating system had to fit in a ROM, which amounts to about 1 / 10 of the average application for the PC. Such a compact has been achieved by the highest degree of reusability, the use of object-oriented design, C + + language and the tight junction development teams dealing with various aspects of the OS and applications. Digital communications are widely used in today's world. SIBO architecture was designed for organizers who are independent units, which only rarely had to communicate with other devices for data backup. Devices based on SIBO well have existed without connection to a PC.Currently, communications using the Internet, fax and mobile phones has become commonplace, and synchronized with the data on the desktop, at home and at work, has become extremely important for mobile devices. Mechanisms of synchronization and data sharing were originally built into the Symbian OS.

Attractive for OEM-manufacturers

OS Series devices Organiser and SIBO was used only in products of companies of the group Psion. Symbian OS was designed from the outset in order to license a wide range of telecom equipment manufacturers. The main requirement was portability for different types of processors. This, in turn, required the use of high-level language, which could simply be transferred to another platform. Assembly language is used only for implementation of components, which is especially important for speed of execution. In Symbian OS is also widely used abstraction from a particular type of equipment that make it easier to adapt for different variants of a single processor architecture. Despite the fact that SYMBIAN OS is a portable system as the main platform was chosen by Symbian architecture ARM. ARM architecture is exceptionally efficient RISC-strutura providing optimal ratio of performance / power consumption - which is especially important for devices that must operate for weeks on one set of batteries. In addition, through effective use of chip area and correct the company's policy ARM Ltd in respect of licensing ARM architecture provides the best ratio performance / price. ARM architecture licensed these "whales" as Intel, Nokia, etc. Mobile devices are no standards for screen size, keyboard shortcuts, or digitizer. Producers receive complete freedom to create any types of devices, any price range, size and weight. Symbian company made a strategic decision to make a clear separation between the graphical user interface (GUI) and other components. For devices that require non-standard means of user interaction, graphical interface system and applications can be modified or completely redesigned. For example, it will easily adapt to any size and screen resolution, absence / presence of a touch screen, etc. Compared with other platforms it will allow manufacturers of devices based on SYMBIAN OS to create devices with "branded" look and feel of hardware. SYMBIAN OS is an international operating system. Platform SIBO was localized for the UK and the U.S., almost all the languages ​​of Western Europe, and parts of Eastern European languages: Czech, Hungarian, Greek and Russian. IN SYMBIAN OS built-in support for 16-bit encoding UNICODE and special means of data entry to adapt to the languages ​​of Asia and the Far East, such as Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Thai.

Attractive to developers

In order to develop efficient applications using a wide range of advanced development tools. The main requirement was a 32-bit OS, since the writing of applications for SIBO (as for DOS / Windows 3.1) required a significant effort to overcome the limitations in the 64K at the size of the segment caused by using 16-bit architecture to x86. SYMBIAN OS is fully 32-bit, there is no support for older 16-bit programming interfaces (API) is missing. Symbian provides a wide range of development tools for SYMBIAN OS. Program in standard C + + language are created on a PC using an interactive development environment Microsoft Visual Studio and emulator. Then the source code is recompiled and transferred to a PC based on ARM processor with the compiler GNU C + +. It is also possible to develop applications in OPL (similar to the BASIC language), whose roots go back in the days Organiser II. There is also the possibility of writing Java programs using any of the existing development tools for the language Java. On creation of development tools for Symbian OS announced by companies such as Metrowerks (known for its tools CodeWarrior), AppForge (presented the means to develop software for Symbian OS language Visual Basic) and Borland, traditionally strong in the field of visual development tools.

Development History SYMBIAN OS

Version	Release date	Features	Where Used
Release 1	April 1997	First edition. The new OS with a set of office applications.	Psion Series 5 1.00 ROM
Release 2	July 1997	Released a package for PC EPOC Connect, fixes some bugs, added the application EasyFax	Psion Series 5 1.01 ROM, PsiWin 2.0
Release 3	November 1997	Email applications are included and the Web, support for remote access and TCP / IP	Geofox One, PCC Synergy

Pocket PC Phone Edition 2002: a white car black

They say that in the early twentieth century, the era of "tin Lizzie" (the legendary creation of Henry Ford - passenger cars brand "T") existed such advertisements - "You can order a car of any color, provided that he is black." Like it or not, is not so important. Most importantly, history may repeat itself, but in a different area - the industry's mobile communicator ... Say that the fight against manufacturers of wireless access to global network resources intensifies - to say nothing. Battles promise to be so with serious that, that and look, fly chips (each the size of a decent piece of wood). And the ads in this confrontation - one of the most effective weapons. However, if we talk about computing in general, there is special promotional techniques and are not required since the work was carried out giant. Who is arguing about the advantages of Linux over Windows or the browser Opera (about Netscape already otshumeli) in front of Internet Explorer? Those who have to work with Windows and IE (except where such experience ?)... Moreover, for a huge number of PC users without Windows computer does not. Therefore, the judge Microsoft for monopolistic aspirations of pointless, or at least, hopelessly late. Near superkorporatsiey long ago no one. She was not even a monopolist. She - the legislator ... It is sad, but what attracts attention of specialists Microsoft, soon loses its identity. Look at what is happening on the personal computer market. The dominance of Microsoft operating systems has led to the fact that computer models from different manufacturers differ only in the form of buttons on the body and the brand label. Any technical not expressly approved by Bill Gates innovations impossible. For the end user is a big plus. Completely removes the problem of incompatibility, and the computers themselves are unified so that a repair is reduced to a trivial replacement of a faulty unit ... Who, after all, need this diversity? And why? If the computer is used to work as a support tool, it comes to the forefront just work. What a difference to us what is installed on our desktop? Would be Linux, it would be mastered and worked exactly as it is now working under Windows ... But there is in this and the considerable disadvantage. It is hidden outswing on various frets advertising idea, saying, "real computer - a computer with MS Windows and no other." Namely - every day, every hour spent at the keyboard of a personal computer, we are forced to make a lot of unnecessary, irrational actions. We are launching the program, looking at the "funny stuff" icons, finds mouse line submenus, select the deeply hidden options to stray on file wilds hard drive, read, save, delete ... This style is intended to Microsoft. We meekly accept it. We can not change, since those to whom it was by force, long run on "Big Bill". We are not even aware of - and whether it is possible to change anything in principle. We are quite convinced that the wheel must be round, and other operating systems other than Windows, do not exist ... Roughly the same could soon happen with the industry of smartphones and communicators. Today we still have a choice. We can get your device based on the EPOC operating system, or Palm OS. We can take advantage of proprietary features Motorola or any third party (the communicator on the mobile version of Linux - is it not curious?). What will happen tomorrow - here's a question ... History indeed repeats itself. Remember the eighties, when the personal computer market has competed a dozen platforms, all these "Amiga", "Yamaha", "Atari". And today there were two - Apple and Wintel ...

Private life of a single user

Do not believe that gloomy, almost apocalyptic preface. Life is amazing and beautiful.Personal computers are improved, and the means of cellular booming. And no Microsoft is not able to prevent it, because she participates in the race for the rights of a running horse ... I like the user does not care what system will be my device. The main thing is that it worked properly and fully carry out his duties. Even a PDA I chose on principle - "that all take it, I will." However, in the Palm and not believe what is now a little bit sorry. Around the same principle is ready to select and communicator ... My requirements are (again as an ordinary user, not as outstanding in all respects, the author of brilliant papers - do not think that God knows what) are modest, and even primitive. The first - the communicator must be small in size, lightweight, long-lived source of autonomous power supply. The second - at negligible amounts device screen should be just a huge (at-oh-so from), and if this is impossible, at least not too small. The third - the connection should be carried out without any kind of problems, and the cost of services - tend to zero. Fourth - I do not even have to worry about the installed device in the processor, memory and other nonsense ... Ask any intelligent car owner, who only knows how to drive, but does not delve into the car kishochkah, about some technical details of the device of his car. In addition to horsepower and speed, it is unlikely that he knows ... If it is, of course, Lada, but something more dignified ... So, I want my device was not a Lada! The fifth and sixth stand in a separate paragraph, since in fact it is the number "one" and "time-with-plus." Thus, the fifth - the price of the communicator must be so small that I could easily buy it, but not so low that I no longer respect themselves ... In Paris, for example, mobile phones, worth 400 euros give for 1 euro. Condition - The conclusion of the contract with provider. I want to because it was in Russia! But this is a separate issue ... Finally, the sixth - control communicator should be as simple as possible at all. I do not want to know anything about the software installed and some special methods of its use. There is a text editor, I have to write it as I write, first picking up a handheld Psion. There is a mail program, I should be able to use it the same way as the use thereof on the desktop. And so on. Do not get me wrong, if I am a regular user of the communicator, I and the chief buyer of your bullshit. If I am the main buyer, I will certainly make money (option "steal" emphatically swept aside). If I earn, I'm in the same breath and work. And to work, keep in mind the wisdom of the desktop version of Windows in parallel to comprehend the mysteries of control communicator - can do it just inveterate geeks. Which, in turn, is unlikely to earn good money so easily spend on a trendy mobile device ... Outlining a range of requirements, take a look at the proposals today. Who of the contenders for monopoly of the market has moved more often? Who among them will become tomorrow the same "family father", which for all of us is Mr. Gates?

A look at the trinity

Three major platforms can be arranged as follows - Palm OS and communicators on its base, a consortium of Symbian OS and EPOC, Microsoft and its Windows CE operating system for PCs Pocket PC 2002, as amended Phone Edition. True, there is another platform that is difficult to deduce from the category leaders, as the company to develop it - the manufacturer of the first row. It's operating system Wisdom from Motorola, which is installed on your device family Accompli. But there is one "but." Speaking about the full device, we mean a kind of "continuity program" with handheld computers.Indeed, any of the devices is the leading trio are able to perceive and properly run most software for Pocket PC "kin" family. Restrictions apply only to communicators based on EPOC, but not so significant. Programs for Psion computers easily ported to communicators running EPOC, need only a relatively small correction of the screen resolution, input methods and so on ... Communicators Motorola incompatible with anything except themselves. Moreover, the software basic models Accompli sewn into the permanent memory and modernization can not be (at least, in a conventional manner - in sync with the PC). The downside of such isolation Motorola - its communicators are sold at affordable prices, steady work and excellent performance of their functions. For Russian users a great advantage of these communicators is a quality Russification ... So choose a product from Motorola and forget about competing platforms reason is. Actually, many have come (to whom the device is needed today, not tomorrow, in a hypothetical), but to say that devices from Motorola (no phones!) Sold us tens or hundreds of thousands, probably not ... The simplicity and abundance of software do communicators based on Palm OS is very attractive. Only trouble is that the devices actually produced in the Russian market there. We look forward to a broad sell model Treo from Handspring, even though obviously overpriced ... However, on the background of other devices Treo does not look expensive. Palm `s been and remain the most affordable handheld computers. Perhaps this pattern continue in the field communicators. Imagine Palm as a communicator is as easy as it is easy to use it as a calculator. Large soft buttons calculator - the same screen phone A keypad. Communications programs, starting with the address book, easy to use and comfortable. Information input by Graffiti or button keypad (such as in one of the models of Treo) will not cause any problems. Well, the ability to download thousands of third-party programs can not be overestimated. In fact, we get the same Palm, equipped with a solid phone makeweight. But what about the support GPRS? Tomorrow, the new models of smartphones, it will certainly appear. But what about today? Or Palm OS is not designed principally for the exchange of large volumes of information? Why, then, such a device, if you receive regular e-mails will fly to the owner a pretty penny? The advantage of GPRS in the fact that wireless access to Internet resources are cheaper wire. The few users until Moscow GPRS services in the already convinced, the rest to come. Question - what technology in their hands? .. Communicators based on the EPOC operating system, many users have found hardly any perfect solution for today. They echo and analysts, noting the high stability of most EPOC and usability written for her programs. Like the Palm OS, EPOC (almost all of its release) do not need a "race megahertz, more encompassing producers Pocket PC. The code is optimized so that for fast work communicator enough processor with an operating frequency of 36 MHz and 8-16 MB of RAM (in fact even less). Issued today (and successfully sold worldwide, including in Russia) Communicators - Nokia 9210i and Ericsson R380e - the most real candidate on our pocket (in all senses) today. Despite the fact that R380e machine is obsolete, it is wonderful to meet its objectives, although does not support GPRS. This device will long be topical, and pay for it, those $ 250 that the request for him today, do not throw good money after bad ... But only if you can find it in stores of cellular communication.Ericsson R380 (and shaped as letters "e", and without it) is present in the price, almost all of the Moscow firms. But it is not for sale. This suggests that the unit is no longer available, and the shops are selling stocks. Sorry if this is so - the device is wonderful. As for Nokia 9210i, this is the only device that allows you to work with texts in a way. In this regard, it will handicap any PDA, even a keyboard or a class of machines Psion Handheld PC. The reason is not only a comfortable keyboard (small buttons, but the work is not worse than the keys of the same or Revo Psion 5mx), but also in communicative functions. Few type text or correct already recruited and loaded into memory machines, this text should also refer to the destination. Owner keyboard Pocket PC will be forced to either return home to rewrite the text in memory desktop machine and send it by e-mail, or carry a sync cable and a CD with the appropriate program for the "foreign" (eg, drafting) computer (who else would installed on its working machine wrong program). And with the Nokia's simple. Prepared the text and sent him an e-mail where necessary. No problem ... Less of this wonderful technology is only one - the high cost of equipment. The case of the R380 is not the rule. What Nokia 9210i, the new model (with color screens, with cameras, multimedia impossibly!) Cost a lot. This is a real "kommunikatorny» Hi-end, which may compete with only devices based on Windows CE ... And here comes the turn of communicators with OSes from Microsoft ... Curious, very curious. This is also our future, our tomorrow. Although the impression is somehow ambiguous. I will start from afar. Long ago I came upon an operating system from Microsoft for Tablet PCs with touch-screen input. She was a 16-bit and was based on the core Windows 3.1 ... But not so. She did not based on anything, it was Windows 3.1 with nehily package of additional tools (in the name of the system present the word «Pen» - whether «Windows for Pen», it is still a "degree", now can not remember) . The system was badly curve and did not like the very Gates. But not in this case ... Windows CE operating system version of Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition - Pocket PC is common to makeweight telephone utilities. All other differences (without a magnifying glass in hand) you hardly notice. Accordingly, the shortcomings of Pocket PC and go to the Phone Edition, and along with it - and communicators of this family. What kind of flaws? The ones that look like PDA or dignity, or proprietary feature. First of all, it's high demands on the operating system and programs written for it to computing resources of the communicator. Processor clock speed 206 MHz for today is weak, so all anxiously waiting for the 400 megahertz and a "rapid-fire" options. 64 megabytes of memory and seems to be sufficient, but almost all Pocket PC users collect money on flash cards, it is reasonable considering that memory is never enough. Taking into account the size of the program for Windows CE, so it is. Next - outstanding multimedia capabilities of handheld do little communicators, which in the first place high-speed connection. However, in the PPC device has a digital voice recorder, high-quality color screen (by the standards of considerable size portable devices), built-in speakers (speaker) and a lot more, but use it as a phone is inconvenient. Communicator - it's also a telephone.It is ridiculous to buy a kit to expensive budget phone device to a human call. Source of discomfort - the organization of the working environment Pocket PC. In addition to the on-screen keypad - the buttons, which you press to dial the phone number - on-screen device, like a pocket computer hangs at the top of the menu at the bottom - the taskbar. Miss it with his finger on the button - launch any application or vyzovesh absolutely worthless in this situation, the virtual keyboard letter. No pen can not do ... But for communicators, Palm and EPOC can do without a pen! In Palm `s screen, though small, but not overloaded. At Ericsson R380 phone keypad is located on a flip flip. And the Nokia 9210 screen, in general, do not touch. That is, practice your heart's content - not go wrong ... The most serious drawback PDA Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition is the price. It is prohibitive and exceeds $ 1000. Some models are twice as popular iPaq. Involuntarily think - but what ass accordion? Is it not better to stay on something more traditional? Say, on the phone and PDA alone. Or on the device of another family. Plus, just one, but very, very significant. It's all the same Pocket PC - the most perfect for today handheld computer.

Cheerful prospects

Whatever we say today about the competition, EPOC, and Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition (and the main battle is between them), but suprotiv Microsoft chances consortium Symbian little. Remember the same cynical truth - that money can not buy, you can buy a lot of money? Available: Microsoft focuses much capital. Cause and investment opportunities are practically limitless ... It is not excluded that after a while, a company belonging to the opposing consortium, will conclude a truce with MS or even go into the camp of the current competitor. So be it - you know perseverance BG. By the way, if Henry Ford's name was Bill Gates, the pipeline would necessarily proprietary technology. And the world is still produced cars would be a single brand - "Ford." Plus a few thousand stamps handmade small-batch assembly ... But until that happens, we will observe the peace process carnage. We have something with you from this fun. The farther into the forest, the cheaper the phone ... Just imagine, "Ford" instead of, God forgive me, "Lada ... And what Henry Ford did not name Bill Gates? The authors, translation: