Chapter 4 Page 65Exchanging and updating data: HotSync operationsThe HotSync process automatically synchronizes — that is, exchangesand updates — the data on your handheld and Palm Desktopsoftware. Changes you make on your handheld or Palm Desktopsoftware appear in both places after a HotSync operation. HotSynctechnology synchronizes only the needed portions of files, thusreducing synchronization time.You can synchronize your data either directly or indirectly. Directmethods include placing your handheld in the cradle attached to yourcomputer, or using infrared communications. Indirect methodsinclude using a modem, or via a network using the network HotSynctechnology. See Chapter 7 for information about performing HotSyncoperations via a modem, network, or IR port.Performing a HotSync operation for the first timeThe first time you synchronize your data, you need to enter userinformation in your Palm Desktop software. After you enter thisinformation and synchronize, the HotSync Manager recognizes yourhandheld and doesn’t ask for this information again.If you are a System Administrator preparing several handhelds for agroup of users, you may want to create a user profile. See “Creating auser profile” in Chapter 7 before performing the following steps.Important: You must perform your first HotSync operation with alocal, direct connection, rather than using a modem.The following steps assume that you have already installed the PalmDesktop software. If you have not installed this software, See “PalmDesktop organizer software” in Chapter 1 for instructions.
