Creating a .PDB file.

1. - Files - You will need the two essential programs to handle the files.

• DocReader - a program which residess on your computer to handle the file conversions (plural) in both directions - from a .txt file to a .pdb file and also from a .pdb file to a .txt file. That's it - it will do it all - for CREATING palm files - it DOES NOT CONVERT adobe PDF's.

I consider this program essential for creating PALM files. It offers the very easiest method of creation. Here I should mention that if there is a .PDF file you wish to convert to the PALM then you will need to get a third program - AportisDoc PDF converter. This program and it's use is described by me on another page - click here - to go to it.

1. Use of the files is as follows:

DocReader - The program should reside on your computer. It is a stand alone program that will not require installation. Simply copy it into it's own folder and unzip it - make a shortcut and copy this to your desktop.

DocReader - this handy program allows you to create files in PALM format as well as text and then save-convert them on the fly.  I prefer to create a file - changing the FONT through the OPTIONS tab to COURRIER NEW in a 10 point (this accurately mimics the appearance in the PALM - bookmark it - sync it to my PALM - and open it in AportisDoc to test the way it looks and try out the bookmarks. That's it. Remember - no formatting in a PALM - no pictures (graphics) imbedded in the file - no charts - tables - unless you can "create" them using solely the 101 characters of the keyboard - NO SPEACIAL CHARACTERS!!! NO CONTROL CHARACTERS!!! Book marks must be no longer than 15 characters each inclusive!!!

 

SmartDoc - This handy dandy little program gets loaded into your PALM (handheld) - Yes it seems nutty that you'll have AportisDoc AND SmartDoc loaded - BUT, they each perform very different functions! SmartDoc allows you to open your file as a COPY leaving the original file alone while you fool around - edit - delete - copy - paste - add-reorganize-alphabetize the book marks - or rename the copy. These things may seem trivial - but if you want to work on a large file while whiling away some time in a siding - then you might come to appreciate this aspect - as one little error - and you might want to delete the fiasco and open ANOTHER COPY to play with! Retaining the ORIGINAL file while performing all manner of operations on a copy is believe me - a blessing!!

Once opened in SmartDoc and edited - renamed - book marked - the file may be "saved" by simply closing it. Then the newly named - fully edited to perfection and accuracy and completely carefully book marked file is ready for distribution to other users!

3. After completing the operation you may want to BACK UP your PALM files to be safe. This is a simple operation for those fairly familiar with the computer.

1. Open "My Computer" or obtain access to the drives of your system.
2. Select the drive where your PALM software is installed.
3. Find the PALM folder and "double click" it to open it.
4. Several other folders will appear - select the one with YOUR PALM's NAME on it.
5. Double click this folder to open it up.
6. Upon opening it you will see several folders - one of which will be named "BACKUP". This is not a true backup as if you delete a file from your handheld - the next time you "SYNC" - the program (PALM Desktop) deletes it from this folder also - so the files are not really permanently BACKED UP in here - we intend to remedy that with this little operation!
7. Double click "BACKUP" folder and when it opens you will see all the files your handheld currently has loaded.
8. At the top of the window click once on the "EDIT" tab.
9. Click "Select All" on the drop down menu.
10. All the files in this folder will become highlighted.
11. Move the mouse cursor to any one of these highlighted files and "RIGHT CLICK".
12. In the pop up menu click on "COPY".
13. Now close up all the windows open and simply select a DRIVE or another completely DIFFERENT FOLDER.
14. If you want to make a new folder for the files open the DRIVE and create a new folder - naming it appropriately.
15. In the FOLDER you have selected - RIGHT CLICK in the vacant space (assuming you have already opened the FOLDER.) and click on "PASTE"
16. You now have a complete back up of all files currently on your handheld.
17. If you wish you may use this folder to "SEND" one of these files to anyone via EMAIL attachment.
18. Remember - these files are only current until you ADD something new to your HANDHELD!! Repeat the procedure (possibly selecting ONLY the latest addition to "COPY" and "PASTE" to the new back up folder.

Hope this little file helps some of you.