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SynchroLynx for PIM Software

Synchronize

What is Synchronization?

A common problem for mobile computer users is the need to maintain two different copies of important data. There might be a copy of a contact list in use on a PC in an office and a copy of a contact list on the mobile computer, like the Zaurus. What happens when updates are made to both the PC and the Zaurus? With Synchronization, the data stored in the Zaurus and the data in PC PIM Software are compared and modifications are made to each to make them identical.

For instance, a user adds a contact in the PIM software and another user modifies a contact on the Zaurus. When Synchronization is executed, SynchroLynx adds the new contact to the Zaurus and modifies the correct entry in the PIM software.

The Synchronize feature allows you to select only those pieces of data (applications) you wish to synchronize as well as specify the fields in the PIM software that correspond to the fields on the Zaurus, since the PIM software and Zaurus do not necessarily have the same fields.

Synchronizing for the First Time

First Synchronization

When synchronization is executed for the first time, SynchroLynx executes a Full Synchronization. With Full Synchronization, SynchroLynx tries to match each entry on the Zaurus to each entry of the PIM software. When an exact match is found, those two entries are identified as the same. To make an exact match, the two entries must be identical down to the punctuation in the text fields.

Recommended methods for Synchronizing for the First time

Since full synchronization looks for exact matches, if the Zaurus and PIM both have data when the full synchronization occurs, duplicate entries may be created. For example, you have an appointment which is recorded on the Zaurus and in the PIM software. This appointment has the same data, except that the description field is slightly different. When full synchronization occurs, SynchroLynx would not be able to identify these entries as the same, so two entries would appear for this appointment.

There are two ways to synchronize for the first time:

Leave one Application blank before synchronizing. If you start with either the Zaurus or the PIM software completely blank, no duplicate entries can occur. For instance, if you use the Zaurus most frequently, start with PIM software that has no data entered.

If you have used a synchronization product before (e.g., SynchroLynx version 1.0 or Zaurus Application Partner), the field mapping may be different. To ensure that the correct data gets transferred to the Zaurus, we recommend that you start with a blank Zaurus and data in the PIM.

Synchronize, then delete duplicates. If you start with data in each, then synchronize, some duplicates may occur. Simply go through the data on one of the Applications, either Zaurus or the PIM software, deleting one of the duplicate entries. Then synchronize again. Then the two applications are aligned and there will be no more duplicate problems when future synchronization occurs.

Other situations under which a full synchronization will occur

Some other conditions will cause a full synchronization to occur:

If you change the PC data source with which you are synchronizing (e.g., the .OR3 file in Organizer or the .SCD file in Schedule+).
If you use a different Zaurus than the one with which you previously synchronized.
If you perform an ON RESET on the Zaurus, responding either Yes or No. For more information about the Zaurus ON RESET function, see the documentation accompanying your Zaurus.

How to Synchronize

For specific information about synchronizing for your PIM, see the on-line help.

To Synchronize using the Wizard screens which guide you through synchronization:

Put the Zaurus in PC Link mode.
Open the PIM Software.
From the menu, select Zaurus then Synchronize.
Select the Zaurus applications to synchronize.
Click one of the Application buttons to change PIM specific settings
For more information, see the section for your PIM in this manual, or see the on-line help.
Click the Conflict button to select settings for conflicts in data. For more information, see "Conflicts" in this manual's index.
Select whether or not to filter data. For more information, see "Filter" in this manual's index.
Click Next.
If desired, change the field mapping. For more information, see "Field Mapping" in this manual's index.
Click Next.
Click Finish.

To Synchronize NOW

Put the Zaurus in PC Link mode.
Open the PIM Software.
From the menu, select Zaurus then Synchronize NOW.

Conflicts in Data

Conflicts in Data

When SynchroLynx begins synchronizing data, sometimes there are conflicts in data. A conflict occurs when an entry is modified on both the Zaurus and PIM software. If an entry is modified on both Zaurus and the PIM, which entry should SynchroLynx consider the correct entry, representing the correct changes? This is considered a conflict in data.

If the Synchronization settings are set to resolve conflicts automatically, SynchroLynx will simply resolve the conflict based on the default conflict resolution settings.

If the Synchronization settings are set to resolve conflicts manually, when a conflict occurs during synchronization, a screen listing each conflict will be displayed allowing you to select what action to take to resolve the conflict. For instance, for an entry which was deleted on the Zaurus, but modified in the PIM software, you will be able to choose:

Add the entry to Zaurus.
Delete the entry from the PIM software.
Skip this conflict.

If you choose to skip the conflict, the conflict will appear with every synchronization until some resolution action is chosen.

Conflict Resolution

If a conflict occurs and manual conflict resolution is selected, a screen will appear during synchronization.

From this screen you make the decision about the resolution of each conflict. The default action from the Synchronize Conflicts screen will be displayed. You may change the action for the conflict if you wish before proceeding with the Synchronization.

Conflict Detail

When the Detail button is pressed from the Conflict Resolution screen, the details of the individual conflicts are displayed.

If you wish to change the action, select the action you want from the Actions pull down.

Save Conflict As

If a conflict occurs and you choose to Save the conflict record, the resulting ASCII text file looks like:

SynchroLynx - Errors & Warnings - Synchronize
S.No. 1 : Appointments
Zaurus Data : Deleted
Date = 2/13/97
Start Time = 08:00
End Time = 08:30
Description = Test
Alarm = Y
Alarm Time = 07:45
Secret = N
PC Data : Modified
Start Date = 2/13/97
Start Time = 08:00
End Date = 2/13/97
End Time = 08:30
Description = Test
some more
Where =
Reminder = Y
Reminder Time = 07:45
Private = N
Tentative = N
Notes =