QuickStart Guide
13
Introduction
About data synchronization
Data synchronization is a standard feature of most handheld operating
systems wherein information or records are synchronized between a
handheld device and a regular PC. This feature has been commonly known,
depending on the type of device you are using as: HotSync® for Palm OS
devices; ActiveSync for Pocket PC’s and Windows CE; and Psion
Synchronizer for EPOC devices.
As an example, if you add a new entry on your handheld devices' Address
List, this new entry is automatically added into the PC platform after
performing a data synchronization operation. To reduce the time it takes to
complete the synchronization of data on both platforms, it only changes the
data that has been modified, updated or added. (See Figure 1-2)
Figure 1-2. Example of a data synchronization procedure in progress
during a HotSync® operation of a Palm OS® handheld device
As shown in Figure 1-2, in performing a data exchange operation, a data
synchronization manager (e.g., HotSync Manager, ActiveSync or Psion
Synchronizer) must be running. This is the application that makes the data
synchronization operation possible. It monitors your computer and responds
to any data synchronization-related command when initiated from the
handheld device.
• WorkPad z50
IBM
EPOC
• Psion Series 5MX
Psion PLC
Table 1-1. Examples of handheld devices that VirusScan Wireless supports
Operating system
Handheld device
Manufacturer
