In a busy world where home, work, and recreation aren't always separate, having an assistant to track appointments and important dates, make the internet available, and allow people to access and complete their work wherever they may be is invaluable. To meet this need, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is most often the best and most affordable answer.

For those who are first time PDA buyers, the options can be overwhelming. Although there are certainly a large number of features available, having a brief list of some of the primary characteristics to consider can make the decision making process much easier.

Choosing a PDA Size

Which size works best varies by individual. The smaller the better for some while others prefer larger as they feel it is easier to handle and operate. To assure satisfaction with a PDA purchase it is wise to put hands on and use the device before buying. For those who take advantages of the savings that can be found in shopping online, a pre-purchase excursion to a brick and mortar store can give them the face-to-face time they need with a variety of devices.

Choosing a PDA Data entry method

Keyboard entry is the old standby, touch screens are newer and generally use a stylus pen, and some have handwriting recognition. Again, if you haven't used a particular method of entry it is best to give it a trial run before making a decision to assure that using the PDA will become almost second nature. These devices are made to make life more simple or efficient not frustrating and slow.

Choosing a PDA: Get enough memory

32 MB of internal RAM is a recommended minimum and having the ability to expand memory is also suggested. Keep in mind that some software demands even more memory and therefore must also be taken into consideration. Use of Compact Flash and Secure Digital (SD) are the most common memory formats.

Choosing a PDA Functionality

How will the PDA be used on a routine basis? Will the user make phone calls with it, access the internet, play games, use it to play MP3 music or games, use it as a voice or camera recorder, or work with MS Office documents, spread sheets, etc.? PDAs can do all of these things and much more. Buyers also need to remember that with more demands for processing, more processing power is needed.

Choosing a PDA Wireless connection

Is infrared, Bluetooth, or WiFI preferred? Of course, buyers also want to be sure their new PDA will connect to their computer so that work, calendars, and other information can be communicated among work or home PCs and the PDA. A disorganized assistant that can't communicate is of little value.

Choosing a PDA Visibility

While many shoppers think to try out the key pad and controls, many fail to really look at the display. It is important to note the visibility of the screen; which is influenced by a number of things including screen size, resolution, and brightness. When possible it is best to view the PDA screen in various lighting conditions.

Certainly, a PDA can be a very useful and time saving tool. Determining which functions the individual user will need and putting hands on the device before buying can be the two most critical steps in assuring that a shopper makes a wise purchase.

There you sit...new Bluetooth phone in hand...blankly staring at your computer monitor. The sales person at the store told you it would be a snap to install the phone on your computer, but let's face facts, you are a novice when it comes to computers! You aren't sure where to begin to get this ball rolling. Isn't there a capable or something you are supposed to attach? No that is for USB connections!

The steps you need to follow in order to get your Bluetooth product working.

• Make sure your computer is on and the wireless Bluetooth adapter is on.
• Turn on your Bluetooth enabled device such as your Cell/PDA.
• Make sure your Cell/PDA has its connection on as well and the box marked discoverable is checked. If not, your PC won't see it!
• Click on "Devices" in the Windows Control Panel
• Click on "Add" and follow the steps!

And there you have it...

Some points:

Your Cell/PDA will probably ask you for a pass code. Type in whatever you like. Just be sure to remember it since the computer will as for the same code so they link up properly.

If you run into some problems with your new Bluetooth product, be sure to checkout your manufacturer's guide or go to the Microsoft Windows website. You should find plenty of information relevant to your needs. The Bluetooth technology is awesome to use when it is working properly, just remember that it isn't 100% secure.

What is Linux?

Linux is an operating system, like Microsoft Windows or MacOS. It was created as a hobby by Linus Torvalds, a student at the University of Helsinki in Finland. What most people don’t know about Linux is that its source code is available to anyone. The Linux source code is called the kernel and it is the base of the Linux operating system. Because the source code or kernel is free, it has enabled hundreds of companies and individuals to release their own operating systems based on the Linux system. These operating systems or formats are often referred to as Linux distributions.

Each distribution has its own set of features and functionality that makes it unique. While Linux is generally considered free-ware and people associate that with no cost, that is not always the case. Some distributions are available for download for free and others are available on CD or floppy disk and have a small charge associated with them. You can find a list of distributions at http://www.linux.org/ and a list of applications at http://www.Linux.org/apps/

Because if the adaptability of Linux it has been embraced and supported by a number of operating systems and software programs. For example, Hewlett-Packard, IBM and other giants of the computing world have embraced Linux and support its ongoing development and OpenOffice.org and Mozilla run on Linux. US retailing giant Wal-Mart began selling Linux systems back in 2002 - if Wal-Mart isn’t mainstream, nothing is.

What are the benefits of Linux?

Many people fear that Linux is going to be difficult to work with or that it will be difficult to find software that will run on Linux however Linux is a very standard operating system, compatible with just about any software you need.

Beyond being a standard operating system, Linux supports open source software which makes it a very economical operating system, especially if you program your own software. It offers many free or low cost applications which include, basic desktop applications like web browsers, email programs, word processing programs, graphics programs, spreadsheets, and file managers.

Linux can easily operate as a central server for your business. With Linux, you can serve your own web pages up for public consumption and handle your own email.

Linux doesn’t require top of the line hardware though many recommend you have at least 256 MB of RAM and at least 4 GB of space in your hard drive.

Linux is considered to be extremely stable and doesn’t need to be rebooted periodically to maintain performance levels. Think about the last time you sat at your computer and it froze. Not fun, right? That doesn’t happen with Linux if it is configured correctly.

Linux isn’t going to be replaced anytime soon and when bugs are found in the system, a developer are quickly on the job and often times a solution is offered within a matter of hours, not months or years like many other operating systems.

Linux is also fast and can handle a number of tasks at the same time.

Linux also claims to be one of the most secure operating systems isn’t plagued with the viruses that other operating systems generally deal with.

Linux is free from having to upgrade it or deal with proprietary file formats and licensing fees. You don’t have to register it due to its open source format.

You can have both Linux and Windows on your computer. (You’ll have to partition them on your hard drive and you can only boot them one at a time.)

Drawbacks of Linux

There is no 1800 customer service number to call. However, most distributions offer a support number or email to call if you find a bug. They also generally come with installation instructions.

You cannot run applications for MS Windows on Linux. However, there are Linux emulators or applications that enable you to run some Windows apps on your Linux system. They operate like a translator. Some of these "translation or emulator" products are free and others are available for a price.

Linux is not able to run some advanced financial applications or reproduce some proprietary multimedia formats.

Tips and Advice:

Choose a popular distribution has a large developer community. A large developer community means that you’ll find the programs that you need easily and you will be able to install them with the same ease. The more well-known distributions have prepared programs in "packages" that are easy to install. On top of this, there are tools designed especially for a particular distribution to manage these packages to make sure that programs run correctly right away. The website Distrowatch.com maintains a comprehensive list of the most popular distributions.

Get the latest version of your chosen distribution. The newer the Linux distribution version, the better the hardware support. The number of glitches you’ll get in the installation process decreases with the newness of the version of Linux you choose.

Consider paying for your Linux distribution. It is true that you can get a full-featured Linux operating system free of charge by downloading it from any number of sources. This is an excellent alternative to an operating system like Windows, which either comes pre-loaded with a newly purchased computer (which gets figured into the cost), is bought separately or copied "illegally". In most people’s experience, the popular Linux distributions are easy to install. However, if you do run into some glitch (normally hardware related), you may have a frustrating experience. Although there are a number of excellent Linux support forums out there, personalized advice on your particular problem may be hard to find.

Use an appropriate computer. If you want to use Linux to do the same things that you would with Windows XP or Mac OS X, then you’ll need the newest computer you can get your hands on. Avoiding "elite" video cards and new, exotic hardware will also work in your favor because you won’t have to deal with hardware support which may be inferior to hardware support from other operating systems.