Transfer Data From Palms to BlackBerrys

There's no other major item most of us own that is as confusing, unpredictable and unreliable as our personal computers. Everybody has questions about them, and we aim to help.

Here are a few questions about computers I've received recently from people like you, and my answers. I have edited and restated the questions a bit, for readability.

Q: How do I transfer contact and calendar data from the Palm devices at our small company to the new BlackBerrys we are getting?

A: There are several ways to do it, but I'd suggest using Microsoft Outlook as an intermediary, because both Palms and BlackBerrys can synchronize data with Outlook. So, I would sync your Palms to Outlook, and then sync the BlackBerrys to Outlook on the same computers. The data that had once been on the Palms will now be on the BlackBerrys. No special software is needed for this. Both devices come with built-in software for syncing to Outlook.

Q: I have a quick question related to the new iPhone. I am considering getting my daughter one, but I would like to place some restrictions on whom she can call and text and from whom she can receive calls and text messages. Is this possible?

A: The new iPhone operating system does include some parental controls. But these mainly involve Internet content and don't permit the setting of limits on calls and text messages. As far as I know, there isn't a third-party program that permits such limits, either.

So, you'd be forced to pay AT&T $4.99 a month for a service called Smart Limits. It lets parents control which numbers the phone can call or text, and from which numbers it can receive calls and texts. It also allows a variety of limits and controls to be set. More information is at: www.wireless.att.com/learn/articles-resources /parental-controls/smart-limits.jsp

Q: My Windows hard disk has been partitioned into four small volumes. Now, I want to combine them into one larger volume. What is the easiest way to do this?

A: I suggest using a program called Norton Partition Magic from Symantec.

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