What is flash?
The Pilot and PalmPilot used read-only memory (ROM) to store the operating system, and random access memory (RAM) to store data and programs. The Palm III came equipped with flash memory to store PalmOS. PalmOS 3.0 did not completely fill the flash memory, and TRG developed FlashBuilder III to allow Palm device users to take advantage of the extra 786K of memory available. The advantage of flash is that it is non-volatile, like ROM, but can also be written to, like RAM.

Setting up FlashPro
Install both FlashPro.prc and FlashProSetup.prc on your Palm device using your install tool of choice. Then HotSync and you're ready to begin, as shown in Figure A.

FIGURE A

Here's my Palm IIIx with the FlashPro and Flash Setup icons.

Before you can use FlashPro, you need to run Flash Setup. If you use HackMaster, Flash Setup will warn you to disable your hacks, as shown in Figure B. If you don't run HackMaster, or you've already disabled your hacks, tap the OK button to continue.

FIGURE B

Choose the "Run HackMaster" button to disable your hacks before running Flash Setup.

You'll see the TRG logo screen, and a button inviting you to "Install FlashPro Support", as shown in Figure C.

FIGURE C

Tap the Install button to prepare your Palm device for FlashPro.

You'll see a warning message advising you that the flash will be formatted, shown in Figure D. FlashBuilder III users should note that all of the apps they put in flash will be erased during this process. You might want to double-check your PC's directory for backup copies of those applications prior to formatting the flash.

FIGURE D

After careful consideration (this clears your flash), press OK to go ahead and format your Palm device's flash.

In a flash, Flash Setup will flash Recovery Mode code to your Palm device, format the flash, and configure the operating system in preparation for using FlashPro. When that process is complete, Flash Setup will tell you to reset your Palm device, as shown in Figure E.

FIGURE E

Tap OK. After your Palm unit is reset, you'll be able to begin using FlashPro.

Using FlashPro
Tap the FlashPro icon to start using FlashPro. If you run HackMaster, the first thing you'll see is a warning not to copy, move, or delete enabled hacks, as in Figure F.

FIGURE F

HackMaster users will encounter problems if they try to copy, move, or delete running hacks.

If you don't run HackMaster, you'll see a list of applications in RAM, as in Figure G.

FIGURE G

Here is a list of applications I have in my Palm IIIx's RAM.

To move an application from RAM to flash, highlight it by tapping on it, then tap the Move button at the bottom of the screen. You can move multiple items at the same time, if you wish. You'll see a helpful warning dialog, shown in Figure H.

FIGURE H

Here I'm moving DateBk3 from RAM to flash.

When you move programs from RAM to flash, you'll see a screen with two progress indicators: one denoting the program, and the other letting you know the completion percentage. A flashing square will appear on the upper right corner of the screen as the application is copied to flash, the flash directory is updated, the RAM copy is deleted, and FlashPro cleans up.