Zoomer PDA Non-commercial Add-on Software

Non-commercial software

Desktop Connectivity
Zoomer Connectivity
Utilities
Applications
Operating Environments
Development
Games

Desktop Connectivity

Zoomcomm

Zoomcomm provides simple file exchange between a PC and a Zoomer, written by John Feras. Announced as "cheapware" and "freeware" versions.

XTOZ is a freeware UNIX to Zoomer (i.e. uniX TO Zoomer) communication package, written by Keith Williamson. It's available in source code form and runs on many UNIX platforms. Details are available in a zoomer-list message, and the software itself is available from ftp.biostat.washington.edu.

ZC

ZC is a small Zoomer communications program (runs on the PC side) written by Dave Feras. It's available via ftp.

ZDOS

ZDOS is a small and "not overly stable" command-line communications program (runs on the PC side) written by Dave Goodman. It's available via ftp.

Zoomer Connectivity

America Online alternative interface

An alternative client program for accessing AOL. Permits you to access all AOL services and use 9600 baud modems. There are a few caveats in the readme file. The software is available via ftp.

Zcomm Lite

Zcomm Lite is a simple terminal emulator for a Zoomer. Available as freeware from Structured Software Designs. Look for a more full featured, commercially supported version called "Zcomm Pro" in the future. The freeware version is available via ftp.

Utilities

Palm Export

Palm Export is a freeware utility which exports text from NoteBook files into plain ASCII text files on a PC, courtesy of Palm Computing. Available via ftp from Palm or the University of Washington archives.

Palm Import

Palm Import was part of the commercial PalmUtilities package, but is now available via ftp as shareware.

Applications

Zoomer Text Editor (ZTE)

ZTE is an easy to use text editor for Zoomers, from Blue Marsh Softworks. Available via ftp.

Lector

Lector is a text scratchpad and clipboard with very fast loading and saving (using state files). Available via ftp.

Geoworks Bindery

Bindery is an electronic book authoring and reading system, from Geoworks.

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous small applications are available via ftp. For details, see the ftp index:

an ASCII text reader
clock and "fortune" programs
dump/disassembly of GEOS files (runs on PC side)
WAV file player and phone dialer programs

Operating Environments

Expert Mode Plus

Expert Mode Plus is a set of modifications to the Zoomer's GEOS operating system settings, originally developed by Arthur Tyde and improved by Chris De Hererra. It's not for the faint of heart, but promises to enable the following features:

Multitasking is fully exploitable.
Multiple open applications simultaneously. Don't run more than 3 apps at the same time - the system may run out of ram.
Windows are resizeable, moveable and layerable and iconizeable- ie. you can reduce them to icons and arrange your desktop.
Zoomer is faster.
Express Menu is visible/accessable.
You can shut down the Zoomer (as in Exit Zoomer (full power down)) and restart will bring back your desktop and applications in exactly the same place and page you might have left them. Your battery life will be significantly lengthened.
Full file system access is available.
You can execute DOS programs and batch files from GEOS. GEOS will prompt you for DOS parms when DOS programs are executed.
IZL files are recognized and run IZL.
Additional spiffs like TASK LIST and PRINT MANAGER are available
World Clock icon bar item is reprogrammed to launch File Manager. (Don't worry, you can still get to World Clock through the Express Menu.)
All documents are automatically saved after two minutes of use.
Double clicking on the screen is easier. You now have more time between clicks.
Pen click sounds are turned off.
The wait time for ink recognititon has been reduced.
The screen settings are setup to show as much text as possible.
"...and many more!"

It's available via ftp as a ZIP file with instructions from the author's WWW site.

Development

Interpreted Zoomer Language (IZL) interpreter

IZL is a interpretive language for application development requiring only the AOL text editor on the Zoomer for programming, written by Feras Information Technologies. General information about the freeware version is available from the zoomer-list announcement. The software itself is available on popular FTP sites like ftp.biostat.washington.edu, along with some sample scripts.

Version 1.0 of the cheapware product has been released. It's capabilities and ordering information is available in an announcement message. There are some sample programs available for the commercial version: a mini database, a golf score-keeper, and a dice rolling program.

Version 2.0 is now available.