Ripcord is a 32-bit PC utility that allows you to install an entire set of programs and databases into your Pilot in one go. In addition, it attempts to organise that the files are installed so as to minimise the amount of memory fragmentation that occurs.

This is particularly useful for people who install a lot of Doc books or HTML browser documents, since they tend to fragment memory fairly quickly. For example, my 1MB Pilot currently has over 980kb of its memory used, by a heap of programs, HTML documents, and a Doc books; previously, I could get nowhere near this level of memory utilisation.

You can download a fully-working, time-limited version here. The archive includes the program, this HTML file and an example of a ripcord.ini file (see below for an explanation of this).

This is beta version 0.11, which has now been given a fair bit of testing by quite a few people.

Here are some release notes.

Introduction

The idea behind Ripcord is to allow you to define all of the programs you normally have installed, so that if you need to reset your Pilot for some reason, you don't have to go through and install them all one by one.

In addition, you can use Ripcord to de-fragment your Pilot's memory, by HotSync-ing to update your Pilot Desktop databases, performing a hard reset, and then running Ripcord.

Ripcord provides a GUI that allows you to select those files you wish to install. It stores this list in a file called "ripcord.ini" in the directory from which you run the program.

This file is simply a list of all the programs (.prc files) and databases (.pdb files) you want installed. The files can be scattered all over your system. I tend to keep all of mine in one directory, but there is no real need to do so.

The idea is that, each time you find a nice program that is useful to you, and install it on your Pilot, you add it to Ripcord's database. That way, you always have a list of all the things you currently can't live without :-). With Ripcord, you can install them all in one shot if you ever have to.

Once you've set up this list, if your Pilot needs to be hard reset at any time, you can restore its entire contents in a couple of simple steps.

Features

• It allows you to install many programs and databases in one go.

• It attempts to compact your Pilot's memory.

• It primes the windows registry, so it's ready to install everything without you having to run InstApp.

• It can be associated with .prc and .pdb files, so that double clicking on them will start Ripcord.

• You can drag files from other windows, like Expolorer, onto Ripcord's window and they will be added to the list.

• You can drag a single file onto it's icon and Ripcord will start up and handle it.

• It starts HotSync if it's not already running.

How to Run Ripcord

Once you have backed up your directory tree, follow these steps ...

1. HotSync your Pilot to get your datebook, memopad etc. databases backed up in Pilot Desktop.

2. Hard reset your Pilot ... this is the bit that requires you to have a little faith in Ripcord, just like jumping out of a plane :-).

3. Run Ripcord.

4. Register all the files you want to be included in your "standard" Pilot installation, using the Add button.

5. Press the Full Re-Install button to install everything.

6. Press the HotSync button on your Pilot's cradle.

What Ripcord does is ...

1. Work out the best order to install the apps so as to minimise memory fragmentation.

2. Copy them to the Backup directory under your user name in the Pilot directory tree.

3. Prime the registry so that HotSync will install everything.

4. Start HotSync, if it's not already running.

Then, all you have to do is press the button on your cradle and a few minutes later everything should be installed, compacted so that there is as little fragmentation as possible.

What Does it Cost?

To obtain a non-expiring version, send a cheque for $US10 to

or, if you live in Australia, send a cheque for $A10 to

Future Enhancements

1. Write a GUI front-end, so you can just browse the file system to choose the .prc and .pdb files you want installed.

2. Make the installation smarter, by having it look inside database files, to work out an even more optimal installation order.

Now ... The Legal Stuff

The demonstration version is provided as shareware, with the provision that no attempt is made to by-pass the time limitations. 

The non-time-limited version of Ripcord is to be considered commercial software and cannot be distributed without the express permission, in writing, of Industrial Software Engineering (contact harryo@ise.com.au). 

You may not upload the non-time-limited version to any on-line service, commercial or private, or post it to any archive, web or FTP site without the express written permission of Industrial Software Engineering. 

You may not distribute the non-time-limited version on any CD-ROM collection, floppy or other electronic media without the express written permision of Industrial Software Engineering. 

The non-time-limited version may only be used on one PC at a time. Just to make that clear: if you would like each of your employees to have a copy then you have to buy one copy for each of them.

Unauthorised use or duplication of the non-time-limited version is strictly prohibited. 

Industrial Software Engineering and its employees cannot be held responsible for any damages incurred, directly or indirectly, as a result of the use of this product. 

This includes, but is not limited to, hardware damage, software loss, data loss, loss of time or income. We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding this product or any other. 

You use Ripcord at your own risk. 

Doesn't that make you feel so much more comfortable :-)?  It does me!