How to use BlackBerry Desktop Manager
The seemingly never-ending supply of great software applications, themes and games available for your BlackBerry won't do you a whole lot of good if you don't know how to install them. This BlackBerry Tip of the Week details how to use the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software that Research In Motion (RIM) ships with all new BlackBerry devices to install new programs, as well as update those apps already on your smartphone.
We've already covered some of the basics of BlackBerry Desktop Manager in past tips, including how to use the program to backup and restore handheld data, add media files to your BlackBerry and determine the amount of memory you're using at any given time.
Many applications, games and other BlackBerry software can be downloaded over the air (OTA) directly to your device, but in some cases you'll need to use BlackBerry Desktop Manager, a PC and a compatible USB connector cord when OTA downloads aren't available; unfortunately Mac users are out of luck, as Desktop Manager's only for PCs.
BlackBerry users without unlimited data plans can also save on their monthly data usage by downloading apps to their PCs and then transferring them to BlackBerrys.
Pick Up Latest Version of RIM BlackBerry Desktop Manager
Before you start updating or installing new applications on your BlackBerry, you'll want to ensure that you're running the latest version of BlackBerry Desktop Manager. If you don't already have the software on your PC, you can pick it up from the download section of RIM's website.
If you've got Desktop Manager but are unsure of the version you're using, open the program, click the Help icon and choose About BlackBerry Desktop Manager. A dialogue box will appear to tell you which version you're running. Next, surf over on over to RIM's download page, verify you've got the latest version of the software and download and install it if not.
Updating BlackBerry Applications Via RIM Desktop Manager
Depending on when you first downloaded and installed the existing applications on your BlackBerry smartphone, or when they were installed before your device was shipped, there may be updates available.
If you're using the latest version of BlackBerry Desktop Manager--at the time that this article was written, the latest version available on RIM's site is 4.5--the software will automatically search for updates as soon as you open the program and connect your device.
If you want to search for updates manually, simply open the Application Loader component of Desktop Manager and on the right side of the following screen, beneath the words "Update Applications," click Start. The program will then check your BlackBerry for device configuration and attempt to locate any updates. If any are available, they'll be listed on the following
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