Over the past several years of writing software reviews for various Web sites and publications, I've discovered a handful of "must-have" utility applications. These applications have a wide range of uses, but the bottom line is that they either enhance the features of your device, make it easier to use, or make it safer. In some cases, they do all three! While these 5 programs are in no way exhaustive of the countless number of utilities available, they are the ones that I personally use and would recommend to any Windows Mobile user.
Spb Backup
Backing up your data is one of the least glamorous activities you can perform—but also one of the most important. A backup lets you quickly recover from the loss or destruction of your device or a hard reset, allowing you to quickly restore vital contacts, appointments, etc. In addition, it's good to have a current backup on hand when you install new software on your device. That way, if the application misbehaves, you can easily restore the device.
All Pocket PCs and Smartphones come with ActiveSync, which lets you keep Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, and your e-mail synchronized with your desktop PC. In addition, most Pocket PCs and some Smartphones come with a basic backup utility built into the device, allowing you to save a complete system backup to a storage card. If your device does not have this utility, or if you want a more feature-rich solution, you should check out Spb Backup from Spb Software House.
Spb Backup was a finalist in this year's Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine Best Software Awards. Once installed on your Pocket PC, it allows you to create a complete backup of your device— which can include the information on your storage card(s)—and save it to any folder on your device, including folders on your storage card. These backup files can be compressed to reduce file size and encrypted to protect the information. The backups are actually executable files. To restore your device, simply find the backup file using File Explorer and tap on it. It will restore your device, even if Spb Backup was deleted because of a hard reset.
Many people are just too busy and often forget to back up their device. The most useful feature found on this program is Schedule Backup, which allows you to back up your device automatically, at specified intervals. I set mine to backup every Friday morning at 6:00AM, a time when I know I won't be using my device and is connected to its dock on external power. (Spb Backup will back up on battery power, but recommends that you have it on external power.)
Spb Backup is available for $19.95 from Spb Soft Warehouse (http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com) and through other online retailers. For more information, visit the Spb Soft Warehouse Web site. You can read a full review on my Web site (http://www.clintonfitch.com/reviews/spb/backup-1-5/default.asp).
Spb Backup offers enhanced backup capabilities to Pocket PCs.
Resco Explorer 2005 for the Pocket PC and Smartphone
Every Pocket PC has File Explorer built into it, and most of the newer Smartphones have File Manager. These programs allow you to browse the file folders on your device, copy and delete folders, and more. Unfortunately, these are pretty basic programs that, at times, can be challenging to use. If you want a more feature-rich program, check out the winner of the File Management category in this year's Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine Best Software Awards—Resco Explorer 2005.
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