4) Protect Your Personal Files: Encrypt That microSD Card

Encrypting files on your media card can help protect the personal data you store on your device. BlackBerry smartphones let you encrypt the files on your microSD card using a media card-specific encryption key, your existing handheld password or both. You can also decide whether or not to include certain types of media files in the encryption.

To do so, you need to return to your Media Card options screen by clicking the Options icon on your BlackBerry icon screen and then choosing Media Card from the list.

Next, set the Media Card Support field to "On." If you wish to use a random key generated by your smartphone to encrypt your files, set the Encryption Mode to Device. If you want to use your handheld's password to encrypt the files, set Encryption Mode to Security Password. If you want to use both to protect your media card files, choose Security Password & Device. Finally, set the Encrypt Media Files field to "Yes," and then save your changes when you exit.

5) BlackBerry as a USB Memory Stick: Turn Mass Storage Mode On and Off

When you equip your BlackBerry with a microSD card, you enable the device to be used just like a traditional USB memory key. However, the proper settings are required in order to store files on your card.

First, you should return to your Media Card screen by clicking the Options icon on your icon screen and selecting Media Card. On that screen, set the Mass Storage Mode Support field to "On." Then scroll down to the Auto Enable Mass Storage Mode When Connected field and choose "Yes" from the associated dropdown menu. Or if you want to choose whether or not to turn on Mass Storage Mode yourself each time your BlackBerry is connected to your computer, set the Auto Enable Mass Storage Mode When Connected field to "Prompt."

One of the simplest way to add media files to your microSD memory card is via the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software that ships with new BlackBerry devices. You can also obtain the most recent version of the desktop manager from your wireless carrier or from RIM's website. Refer to your device user guide for further information on how to use RIM's desktop manager software.