The latest versions of the HotSync manager are equipped with back-up capabilities. During every HotSync the data on your Palm is automatically backed up on your PC. This can be a lifesaver if you're ever forced to do a hard reset, but it can extend the amount of time necessary for a HotSync considerably. I have used nearly all of the available memory on my Palm IIIc and my Visor Prism, and I also sync with multiple AvantGo channels so a 'normal' HotSync can often last several minutes.

I evaluate a lot of software and often perform a HotSync just to add one or two pieces of software. On these occasions it is very tedious to wait several minutes, which can occur even if I've disabled all of the conduits. Pilot Install is a wonderful software application that allows me to install software to my Palm without the need to perform a HotSync. Using Pilot Install saves me time, and the headache that goes along with having to constantly open my HotSync manager and disabling the conduits every time I only want to install a few files on my Palm.

Installing Files With Pilot Install
Using Pilot Install is incredibly simple. After opening Pilot Install you click on the 'Add' button and select the software that you would like to install on your Palm. You can select multiple files to be installed by using the 'shift' or 'control' keys. You can also drop files directly onto the Pilot Install window to have them added to the queue. When you are ready to have the files installed onto your Palm simply press the HotSync button on your cradle and the files installed. Note: Although you are pressing the HotSync button no HotSync will be performed. The files that you have selected will be installed on your computer.

View Images without an image viewer
A nice added feature of Pilot Install is the ability to install and view pictures on your Palm without any special PalmOS image viewer. Pilot Install can even compress the images for those of you concerned about the memory limitations of your Palm.

The hardware buttons are used for viewing images that are larger than your Palm screen. This is a great feature if you're interested in beaming your images to other people. Pilot Install converts your plain image into a Palm application. Tap on the icon for your image and it will open like an ordinary program.