The Tungsten PDA

I am not a person who is no longer easily drag fashions. I always like to know what's new, but then I am not much interested in anything unless it deserves. The same thing happened to the top with Sudoku. But out of curiosity I tried to install one in my Palm, and since then I have not stopped. It's really fun and addictive.

This is the appearance of a Sudoku

For those who do not know what it is, or have not tried it, I will tell you that this is a kind of hobby, such as a scrambled letters or crossword puzzles. The game itself is very simple, contrary to what many people think that not having tried it. If we look at Wikipedia as always we will find a very clear definition:

Sudoku is a mathematical puzzle that placement was popularized in Japan in 1986 and was released in the international arena in 2005. The goal is to fill a 9x9 grid of cells (81 boxes) divided into sub 3x3 (also called "boxes" or "regions") with the numbers 1 to 9, starting with some numbers already laid some of the cells. We must not repeat any figure in the same row, column or sub. Sudoku is a well-considered if the solution is unique. The resolution of the problem requires some patience and logic skills.

So as we see, to solve this pastime is not needed nothing more than common sense. Although the rules are simple, there are certain basic techniques with which they can cope with assurances the resolution of Sudoku. The boys of RConversation have developed a series of posts with diagrams and everything, explaining step by step techniques, so the links here so that you can read it in stride. Do not worry because they are read in a moment.

• Introduction: Here are some of the earliest and most trivial of tips for beginners.
• Elimination by rows and columns: The easiest way to start solving a Sudoku is the disposal. Are removing boxes, or numbers, to stay with only one option (number) for a box. That will be the right solution for that box, as the Sudoku has only one possible solution.
• Elimination by region: In addition to removing any numbers by eliminating rows and columns of numbers by region is a technique that is very powerful when the situation of the numbers can be used.
• Number missing: Another way to solve a little bit to see what is the Sudoku numbers "missing" in the different boxes, bearing in mind that there can be any number of which already are in the same row, column or region. This system works well because it is easy to visualize what numbers' missing 'in a row or column of a quick, especially when only missing one, two or even three numbers.
• Casillas at crossings of rows and columns: There is a fairly basic but effective method to locate some numbers that no rebels were discovered using the methods of disposal. In the absence of a standard name could be called "boxes there are crosses in rows, columns," or simply "cross". Is to look at a box which is situated at an intersection of rows and columns on which there are many numbers and test them all in order, from 1 to 9, observing what can not be because they are already in those rows or columns, to see if with a little luck is only one.
• Pairs of numbers in the same row / column: This trick can be used quite frequently and allows the logical thinking a little further to discover the new position of numbers on the board of a really peculiar way. It is based on finding potential numbers "paired", usually in the same row or column.

Now we know how to play. But as pro palmeros we are, we are not going to put a search puzzles for newspapers that we have thrown in one corner: there are a lot of programs for the Palm that will allow us both to play this game, as those who are automatically resolved We crossed too. The advantages of playing at the Palm are many: according to our preferences, and what we are willing to pegarnos with the game, we will have no option to check that we introduce incorrect numbers, at any time if we made any mistakes or are we going well, when we blocked, we may ask you to tell us what the box is easier to guess at that time, and more likely to leave me in the dark. These are the two best programs in my opinion:

• Sudoku is a free program for Palm. Is graphically pleasing, with colored boxes and making "brands", which is to move in small numbers that can go into an box, and then eliminating them go on in the game until it becomes a single. The disadvantage is that we will have to put the puzzles by hand, as the generator of random games is still slow and not too effective.
• I personally use the program that is SuLite. Although it is the simplest (and free) Sudoku One, is very comprehensive. Not missing any of the caracteríuticas we need to play: brands, error control, tips, etc..
  He brings a lot of help to those that start: if we tap into one of the initial numbers, we will draw a line indicating what rows and columns can no longer contain that number. If we can tap a second time mark boxes which may contain such numbers, and with a third tap, check the boxes where we have already entered that number.
  The generated Sudokus is very good, with three levels of difficulty, to go see it going up as we take the trick. It also keeps statistics, total and by level of difficulty, the time that we have taken to resolve this, the number of times we have asked for help, etc, to check our progress. A true marvel that I recommend you try.
  

Sulite is simple yet comprehensive

We already have everything they need. To do that you an idea, when I started playing the puzzles of the easy level ended in 30 or 45 minutes. I am not a great player, let alone, but after a few weeks now takes about 30 minutes to solve the difficult level. I mean by this that with a Sudoku can have a good time entertaining. And if we have to leave nothing happens. The Palm saved the game, so the next time we have a free moment, we can continue from where we left.

A final warning very important that care hitch.

The writer Carol Vorderman, in his book, Carol Vorderman's How To Do Sudoku explains why she and many other people enjoy solving puzzles.

Simplicity of the rules of the game
This makes it easy for beginners. For example, the Sudoku does not need mental arithmetic, so that one does not have to be good in math achievement to be good for solving puzzles.

The satisfaction of completing a puzzle
Sudoku puzzles are compulsive, challenging and absorbing.

Rapid improvement of skills
Completing a few rompezabezas for beginners, one can improve their abilities to solve puzzles, and solve more complex puzzles later.

Easy to store and continue
You can start a puzzle a day and continue it and finish it another day.

Easy to carry
You can trim a Sudoku from a newspaper and address them at any time.

By: Mark Gonzalez Troyes in Palm Analysis
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Users of the Palm Treo phone will find FieldPLUS an interesting utility. His goal is to make it easier to use the Treo with one hand without the need for stylus. To install it creates a new section in the Preferences menu, where you can activate two new options: select text using only the navigation pad, and show the command bar (where shares are listed as copy, paste, etc.) by simply holding the button menu.

Selecting text with one hand

Lets use the selection instantánemaente we've done to make a call, send an email, or enter this page if it is a URL. You can select a word, phrase, line or the entire text. And once selected cut or copy and then paste. Everything without using the stylus.

We have two options for use, that when we press the button chosen a menu appears with options, or directly assign a function to the buttons, so that the use is instant. The author warns that the program runs on standard text fields, such as using all the applications made by Palm, the Versamail email client and the Blazer browser, but in programs that use their own method for managing the text, as some processors Text will not work. The software is compatible with both the Treo 600 and the 650.

In short, a very useful application to use the Treo comfortably with one hand.

By: Mark Gonzalez Troyes in Palm Analysis
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Throughout this series of posts, we have seen how the new system of NVFS memory. What is your problem with the DbCache, part of the essential RAM, which can be filled to not allow big load programs. And we have learned how to release this report regularly to maintain an acceptable space. Our Palm no longer will give us a fatal error once in a while when you load the ScummVM or Little John PalmOS.

But we can improve stability. Because, as we know, when the DbCache fills the void largest contiguous memory, which limits the program than we can execute, you have to make it smaller. And we can not, at least in the case of the Tungsten E2, doing nothing more than prevent it. So how do you avoid that gradually reaches a crash in our Palm? The solution is simple, although not very elegant: the palm reset automatically every night.

With use of the Palm more or less normal, we should not reach these extremes. But if you abuse your PDA every day by reading news, with images, you are playing any game at the Legend of Zelda Gamoeboy of Color, etc, reduction of memory in the DbCache may be inevitable.

Whatever the case, to schedule a reset of the Palm every night has no problem. Do not miss any information, and the few minutes done, the Palm will go off again. For practical purposes, the next morning is not as if nothing had happened. But we will have some 5Mb again DbCache. To do this, you need two programs:

• LookAtMe: small utility that allows you to schedule the execution of another program at a particular time. We will use to program the reset. Can be downloaded directly from here.
• mReset: another small utility, in this case to run it simply will be a soft reset. Does not entail any loss of information.

I've been using this method, in combination with DbCacheTool, for weeks, and the result is a Palm completely stable. You just have to keep in mind that when we go to play ScummVM must have at least 3Mb of free memory in the Contiguous DbCache (to check, use the DA that comes with the DbCacheTool), and the same thing but with 2Mb for the LJP. If there is not enough memory, a method which I found effective is: turn off the Palm, and with it off, press the reset button which is at the rear. Nothing will be lost, and have further DbCache totally free.

And as icing on to comment that some users are having other problems with the NVFS (yes, this is an issue for improvement in the Palm, but with normal use of the PDA should not give problems almost never): Some programs poorly planned, prior to the departure of NVFS to the market, assume that the executable will always be in the same position memory. As in the new Palm periodically frees the DbCache this is no longer true. The result is that some hacks and programs that run in the background can hang and hang up the Palm.

Resco Locker fixed applications not ready for NVFS memory

The solution is a free program that has called Resco Resco Locker. This utility will allow us to define what applications should always be loaded into the DbCache. If we have problems of instability, all sorts of hacks, DAS, and applications that run in the background may be "fixed" in memory. I recommend trying a go at a time until you find the culprit, as it did not give any problems. For more information related to Resco Locker, I recommend visiting this forum.

Resco Locker is not always necessary. In fact I do not even need this program on my Palm. It is useful for dealing with programs that have not been updated for a long time. The programs that are still in development, will surely have already resolved the issue of incopatibilidad with NVFS for months, so it is essential to update the latest version.

And here come all the methods we have to get a Palm as stable as if you do not use NVFS. Even if you've tried so thoroughly this issue, remember that this is a problem that is usually not very serious, and only occurs when we reset our Palm loaded with programs, and also very plaintiffs memory. This goes against the Palm philosophy of which we spoke earlier in the post, it is understood that the situation is that it is. I hope you be able to help as much as me.

Posts in this series:

• Avoid crashing into the new Palm with NVFS (I)
• Avoid crashing into the new Palm with NVFS (II)
• Avoid crashing into the new Palm with NVFS (and III)

By: Mark Gonzalez Troyes in Palm Tricks
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Today I read an article that made me understand many things. This is another contribution of Leo, which has been published in PDAMexico. I strongly recommend that you read the whole, but broadly Leo makes us reflect on the approach that was designed under the PalmOS.

As he tells us, the Palm began to be aparatitos bringing a calendar, a contact list, a list of tasks, notes, a clock, a calculator ... simple but useful things. And that's the key to its great value: simplicity.

the premise Palm has always been the simplicity of use; want to delete a program, go to the menu, choose the program and bórralo, you want to write a small memo .. go to notebook and compose it, you want to find a contact, press the button and there you have your contacts, you want to view your calendar, another button, you want to return to the beginning, without any open program, HOME button.

Why? Because that allows to make it very stable and easy to use. Not all users want a device capable of doing everything a PC can do and more. Therefore, Palm decided to start from a simple operating system, and add options if they were necessary. The result is a lightweight system, which needs few resources, and is extremely stable. The other approach is followed by Microsoft: from a PC operating system, try to reduce the size to put it in a PDA. The result is somewhat slow and heavy, unstable, with features disposable, which requires a lot more machine.

From the first until the PalmOS Cobalt: simplicity and usefulness

The extra features were added to Palm either by software or by third-party accessories have always been the "Plus" of the operating system, the incursion of some void facilitating these characteristics "Plus" is surely to follow that pattern of simplicity that has characterized the PalmOS, unfortunately, some users do not perceive it as well .. They want the Palm functions that would make a pocket PC, when that was never the target of Palms, which was designed to operate an electronic calendar, fortunately for us users many of the functions of a pocket Pc are possible in a Palm with extra software, modifications, etc., but remember that this is ONLY IF the user is required

That is the key: with a Palm, the user is the one who decides.

If a person who has never had a Palm will use the purchase that will be the core, Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, Notepad and more recently Office automation, new users are not looking for a PDA in the movies or listen to his collection Comprehensive CdŽs not surf wirelessly anywhere, or via remote access to your PC, much less find their place in the world via GPS, all these are needs that require the same user goes according to the roles to play, then comes The solution, software or third-party accessories ...

Does this mean that Palm users are less advanced than for the PocketPC? Not at all. Leo appreciates as much as I do that Palm is so easy to use. For a person on foot is much more useful than a PPC. But if we take them to the extreme, surprisingly the Palm give much of themselves. I write this blog is living proof: emulators consoles, adventure games, scientific calculators, playing podcasts and movies ... I have not really seen any thing that makes a PocketPC, you can not make a Palm. And the great advantage is: if we do not want to put so much into the Palm, we do not do well and we have a team practice. We will choose the complexity of our Palm, which we can not do with a PocketPC.

Surely with time and under the pressure of competition the Palm evolve into an OS with the features that users unsatisfied demand, but that is for sure that will require a complete reprogramming of the nucleus of Palms, which is seen in the already announced development of the platform on Linux, but that only time will tell ...

I only hope that the philosophy of simplicity never abandon the Palm computers.

By: Mark Gonzalez Troyes in Palm News
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Any explanation that it was like being organized on the internal memory of the earlier Palm, and they bring the new System NVFS, trying to explain the existence of the DbCache.

In short, the DbCache is the area of RAM in which the files are copied from one application each time we ran one, since the executable files can not operate directly in flash memory that is used for storage at the Palm with NVFS . If you have not heard anything, it is because you tried to skip the first part of this post. The conclusion is that, however much memory you have a Palm, the data that uses a program can not occupy more space in your DbCache. An example? You have a Tungsten E2, with 10Mb free memory space and 4Mb in the Dynamic Heap, but your DbCache has only 2Mb free. Loads a program that consumes 3Mb. Result: Your E2 crashes. It's that simple.

Of course, should never come to this. My E2 nothing else to do a soft reset is about 5Mb of DbCache free. I run a large program and to 2Mb drops, but as soon as you leave that program, PalmOS release that memory and again I have 5Mb for the next application. Spending this? Not really. PalmOS DbCache not released until it is not necessary, to avoid slow downs. What is the problem: that the cleaning of the DbCache not always work as it should.

The most unstable Palm were the first that came with the NVFS: the Treo 650 and Tungsten T5. But some time ago that the home page of Palm updates that improve these points, so if you have not updated your computers are not you hope for. Now, with the normal use does not usually have problems. But when we open such a large file with many images within Plucker, or charge a big game, such as GameboyColor in the LJP, or the Day of the Tentacle in ScummVM, if we do not have 2 or 3Mb free in the DbCache is certain that we hang the Palm.

And what can we do to fix this? Fortunately Hiroaki Imazeki created DbCacheTool. I do not know if the program page will help you much as it is in Japanese, but I've compiled enough information on this program in the months I have been researching the subject. The program you can download by clicking on the link below for the entire page. This application monitors the level of DbCache freedom that exists in every moment, and we can set it so that when this lower level of a certain threshold we decide, for whatever method you know (it is assumed that you can load a program very big and little by little then download it from memory) release all DbCache I can. The process takes about 15 seconds.

The configuration of DbCacheTool

Once installed this software, we can run it. It consists of a single window where everything is set. Step to explain what everything is:

• Cache Size is the size of our DbCache Palm, while Free indicates how much of this memory is currently free. But MaxAlloc is the size of the largest contiguous block of memory is free. And is that a large program may not use anything more than this amount, because it can be loaded on several holes. So this value, which is the smallest of the three, is the most interest us.
• Clear Type gives us to choose which method to use to free up memory. Will choose between DB (which is the method I explained here) Sync and the truth I did not know that it is achieved, although it is assumed that liberating the DbCache during Hotsync.
• Auto Clear means if the program does anything or not. It's the switch.
• In Apps ... can define settings for one program in particular, for example, for programs that require lots of RAM.
• And now we have to decide when to check the DbCache:
• App Stop: when we get out of an application.
• Ctrl Tap: within an application, every time you press a button.
• First Open form: when we open an application. This option is available only for the configuration of a program specifically.
• Dequeue event: the setup for a program in cocnreto activates or deactivates DbCache to do something or not.
• Ask at soft reset gives us the option to ask if the program is started or not to make soft reset, to avoid problems if it does not let us start the Palm. Clear at soft reset would make the program every time we do a reset, so start with the DbCache as empty as possible.
• Finally, it means free from that value (in Mb), if the DbCache has less space than those named, will try to release more; max is the same, but relative to the size of the contiguous block of free memory bigger.

This is what it means everything but now give What values? You can say that normally with 2Mb of free DbCache almost all programs will load fine. One thing that I noticed is that although the executed frees DbCache lot, which does not increase the size of the largest free slot, which is also where we are really limited. So if it is done very little that will reset the Palm to release this memory again. The DbCacheTool addition to the program itself, brings a Desktop Assistant (DA) which is a kind of Hack for PalmOS 5. If you instaláis the DALauncher for example, can charge this DA, and in the command bar that comes when you do a diagonal line (typical for copy, paste, etc.). You will see the option to see the status of the DbCache, what which is very convenient.

Values that I have posts at present: after several tests, as you see what I have left in the catch. 4MB of total and 0MB of max. QuÚ Why? the max I do not care, because when it is very small so I will not be able to increase, the program does not work. So I look at the free, the total value, if lower 4Mb, the max does not fall from about 3Mb, because the two often go hand in hand ALUES. It is difficult to explain how this works, we need to install it and see how low the DbCache according to the programs and decide the value that we need more. If we put a very low threshold, we can fill the DbCache with a big crash and the Palm. If we put a very high threshold, the program will be run very often and is a nuisance.

As you can see this solution is compromise, but it can work very well. You need a process of trial and error, but with this and other programs that I will discuss in the next post we have a Palm solid as a rock. I know it is hard to digest, but I strongly recommend that you read it in stride, because it works.

Posts in this series:

• Avoid crashing into the new Palm with NVFS (I)
• Avoid crashing into the new Palm with NVFS (II)
• Avoid crashing into the new Palm with NVFS (and III)

By: Mark Gonzalez Troyes in Palm Tricks
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