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What is a PDA? (And If I Had One, Would I Admit It?) |
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PDA stands for "Personal Digital Assistant", and that probably doesn't tell you any more about "what it is" and "what it does" than the acronym itself! PDA is a generic term used to describe a handheld computer. It fits comfortably in a pocket or purse, and can store phone numbers, addresses, appointments, birthday and anniversary reminders, grocery lists, games, and much more. PDA's can be a lifesaver because they replace bulky paper daytimers, address books, and all the miscellaneous paper lists that seem to accumulate (and be lost). All your information is organized and stored in one compact, convenient place. And you can set reminders so you need never forget another birthday or anniversary! PDA's are often used in conjunction with a personal computer, to access data while away from the computer. PDA's are a versatile extension of a personal computer because of their ability to synchronize ("synch") data between the computer and the PDA. You can enter appointments or addresses on your computer, press a button, and the information is automatically transferred to your PDA. The same works in reverse if you enter data on the PDA. Regardless of whether or not you own a personal computer, you can buy and use a PDA. If you don't have a computer, all your information will be stored on the PDA. If you have a computer, you can "synch" the PDA to the computer, giving you a backup copy of your data. Modern PDA's use rechargeable batteries, and a charge lasts anywhere from a few days to a week or more (depending on how much you use it). If you don't have a computer, you simply buy a PDA, and start entering your data. If you do have a computer, you buy the PDA, and then install its software on your computer. You can start entering data either into the PDA itself, or into the software on your computer. If you purchase a PDA with cell phone or email capabilities, you also need to sign up for a cellular phone and/or data program with a cell phone service provider like Rogers or Telus. The PDA gold standard for many years was the Palm Pilot. Palm still makes a wide selection of handheld devices, and now many PDA's like Blackberry, Nokia, and Palm Treo also contain cellular phone and email capabilities. In addition, some PDA's can run versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, and even contain cameras, MP3 music players, and GPS (Global Positioning System) features. Whether you choose a basic device to keep track of appointments, lists, and addresses, or the latest PDA with all the bells and whistles, you'll soon be hooked on the convenience. Your lists, contacts, reminders, and appointments will always be at your fingertips. And you'll be happy to say "I have a PDA!" By: Diane Henders, Bright Ideas Personalized Learning Inc. For more information or computer training services, please call Bright Ideas Personalized Learning at (403) 692-2255. |
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