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ABOUT ANNALS

Frequently Asked Questions for the Annals.org PDA Reader

• How do I install the program?
• Palm
  • You must have Palm OS 3 or a more recent version. After downloading the installation program, HotSync® it to your PDA. After HotSync®, there will be a new program with an arrow that is labeled "install." Tap it. It may ask about replacing files. Answer yes unless the the program wants to install files that are older than the files already on your PDA. The program will automatically be launched after installation. The installation file will delete itself.
• PocketPC
  • A third-party, commerical program call StyleTap can emulate programs for the Palm OS, like the Annals reader, on Pocket PC devices. Consider downloading the trial version of StyleTap to see if your device supports the Annals reader. Note, the Annals reader will not be able to store issues in the external memory of your Pocket PC device.
  • Please note that Pocket PC devices with Internet access can view the current issue of the Annals.
• How will I know if new issues are published?
• Register to receive Annals table of contents by e-mail. This e-mail will have a link to the issue for downloading to your desktop computer. You may then HotSync® the issue to your PDA.
• How will I know if the Annals reader program is updated?
• Announcements will be distributed through this list.
• I HotSynced a new issue and it does not show on the list of issues.
• If you installed the file directly to external memory, it will not show on the list until you tap the "Scan" button (above the list of issues). It is easier to install new issues onto your PDA, then use the Annals reader to move the issues to external memory.
• Check the install log of the HotSync® manager on your desktop computer and verify that the issue was placed on your PDA. You can do this by clicking with the right-side mouse button on the HotSync® icon in the system tray . Then click "View log...".
• How can I use the Reader to save individual articles? Load the entire issue that contains the article you want onto your PDA. Open the article and add it to your favorites. You can now delete the issue and still have article in your favorites. You may store up to 25 favorite articles.
• Can more issues be moved back and forth from ROM and external memory? Yes. On the list of issues, those with "·" (a raised dot) following the name are in external memory. Click the box labeled "Move" and you can change the location of individual files.
• How much space will the program take in the external memory of my PDA?
• The Annals.org reader installation program is 350 kb. Some of the files it installs may already be on your PDA, and will be updated. These files are a total of 125 kb and are the NSBasic runtime files. Programs that use these files include MedRules (pbrain.hypermart.net/medrules.html) and the Annals Decision Aids for Palm OS. The Annals Decision Aids program and help files are about 50 kb.
• There are two version of each issue.
• The issues whose name ends in "F" have full text (except for graphics and references) for all articles in each issue. These files are typically 250 kb to 300 kb.
• Issues whose name does not end in "F" do not have full text of research articles and correspondence. These files are typically 150 kb to 200 kb.
• Can issues and collections be stored in external memory?
• Yes. Issues may be either on the PDA or in the launcher directory of external memory. Launcher is the default directory when you HotSync® directly to external memory.
• Which files must stay in ROM on the PDA?
• The following files must stay on your PDA:
• We strongly recommend that the Annals.org reader file stay in ROM on the PDA. However, there are a few PDAs whose operating system will allow the program to reside in external memory. The only way to find out is to try it; however, you may have to reset your PDA if a problem occurs.
• The NSBasic runtime files. These files are "mathlib," "screenlib", and all files that start with the letters "nsb."
• "Annals-SaveStatePrefs", "AnnalsReaderHelp"
• Files whose name contain the word "favorites."
• My files in external memory no longer show on the main screen.
• Make sure your external memory card is working. Is your PDA able to access other data in external memory?
• If only the Annals is affected, your PDA may be missing the NSBasic system file, "NSBVFSLib.prc". You can fix this by re-installing the Annals reader.
• Does the Reader support high-resolution screens? The Annals Reader will display the same on a high-resolution screen as on a standard screen. The Reader will not expand to the extra large screen of the Sony Clie.
• Other problems?
• If you encounter unusual problems with the program and you have a PDA with Palm 3.5 operating system that has 8 meg RAM and was made between October 1999 through May 2000, you may have a hardware defect that affects this program. More information is available at www.palmone.com/us/support/dram/ and www.handspring.c om/support/ts_errors.jhtml.
• The Annals Reader is not an official product of the American College of Physicians. We will evaluate its usage over the next 6-12 months. During this time, the product is free to subscribers of the Annals. We will offer support as able, but can not promise resolution of all problems. For technical problems or comments not covered above, please contact:

Bob Badgett, MD
Associate Editor for Electronic Publication
Annals of Internal Medicine
bbadgett{at}acponline.org