When it comes to connecting to the Internet, the Palm computer works in a manner similar to the ubiquitous PC. Ashish Gupta explains the procedure for connecting to the Net using your Palm

To access the Internet on your Palm handheld computer, you need the following:

• Palm OS-based handheld computer.
• Palm OS-based Web browser and/or e-mail client.
• An Internet connection with a dial-up ISP
• A landline or wireless modem

Dial-up connection
You will first need to configure your Palm handheld computer to dial out to an ISP. The Palm handheld computer works similar to a normal PC, in that it dials out through a modem and initialises an Internet connection with your normal ISP.

Go to the System/Prefs /Network Tab. Choose Service Unix. Overwrite the name ‘Unix’ to whatever you would like to call it, e.g. VSNL. For demonstration purposes I shall use VSNL as the ISP. Type in your dial-up Internet username and password. E.g.: Username: test@vsnl.net. Enter your VSNL password in the Password box. In the Phone column, enter 172226.

Then click on Details. Set Connection Type to PPP. Set Idle Timeout to three minutes, or Power Off, depending on your preference. Set IP Address to Automatic.

Now click on Script. Create the following script: Send CR (CR is the equivalent of hitting the Enter Key). Wait for ‘:’ (type in the colon sign, without the quotes). Send User ID. Send CR. Wait for ‘:’. Send Password. Send CR.

Send ‘ppp’ (type in ppp, without quotes). Send CR. End. Tap Ok. Typically, the connection should be established even without completing the above script, but the script makes it very easy to troubleshoot connection problems using the Prompt command from within it. This will help you identify and isolate the cause of errors in connection.
Now go to the Modem Tab. Select Standard. Speed, select 57,600 bps. Flow Ctl Automatic. Country India, or if India is not listed, United Kingdom. String AT&FX4. Set the last option to TouchTone if your phone has tone dialling, or to Rotary if your phone line does not have tone dialling.

Once your System/Prefs are configured to the above settings your Palm handheld computer should be ready to dial out. However, you still need a Web browser and/or an e-mail client in order to make use of the Internet connection. I shall list some of the popular Web browsers and e-mail clients for the Palm OS platform.

Internet Software

AvantGo
AvantGo is one of the most popular browsers for the Palm OS platform. This Web browser supports offline as well as online browsing, landline as well as wireless connections. It comes with a desktop conduit that updates your offline websites with every HotSync. This makes it extremely easy to carry your favourite websites, news channels, online magazines, etc with you wherever you go.
Available at: http://www.-avantgo.com

iSilo
A powerful document reader as well as offline Web browser. Its companion software, called iSiloX, enables you to download and carry your favourite websites with you as you travel. Has a lot fewer restrictions as compared to AvantGo in terms of the websites you are allowed to download.
Available at: http://www.is-ilo.com and http://www.isilo-x.com

Blazer
This browser developed exclusively for the Handspring product line is an extremely user-friendly and feature-rich Web browser. Blazer 2.0 incorporates 128-bit SSL encryption technology to provide safe access to secure websites. That means you can use Blazer to access Web-based e-mail, make purchases, and access personal accounts and information—without worrying about data privacy.

Eudora
Eudora offers a complete Web browser and e-mail package with its Internet suite. Eudora and EudoraWeb browser support SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) for server authentication and data privacy. The e-mail client supports extended authentication: supports SMTP AUTH (required by some ISPs for sending mail). POP and SMTP AUTH support all popular authentication mechanisms and EIS automatically selects the most secure means.

Connecting on a wireless modem
To access the Internet wirelessly on your Palm handheld computer, you would additionally need a wireless modem or a cellular phone that has an in-built infra-red modem. Many of the latest mobile phones have this option. For e.g.: Nokia 6510, 6210, etc. You will also need a data-line subscription from your cellular service provider. Once your data-line is active, you need to connect to the Internet through your Palm handheld using the Palm infra-red connection, which establishes a connection through your cellular phone.

Any difficulties you face in connecting to the Internet through the above means is almost entirely a case of misconfigured settings or an old version of the Palm OS running on your device. Correcting your settings or updating your OS version should fix your errors.

(Most applications mentioned in this and following articles are available for download from www.palmgear.com. If you still have trouble finding any application feel free to e-mail the author)

Ashish Gupta is the founder and president of The Indian Palm User Group. He can be reached at ash@notcomguys.com || Feedback, questions and comments will be entertained, and appreciated. Technical support questions will be answered. This column will feature in the first and third issues of every month. IPUG Website: www.notcomguys.com/palm