Tue, August 19, 2008 — CIO — The seemingly never-ending supply of great software applications, themes and games available for your BlackBerry won't do you a whole lot of good if you don't know how to install them. This BlackBerry Tip of the Week details how to use the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software that Research In Motion (RIM) ships with all new BlackBerry devices to install new programs, as well as update those apps already on your smartphone.

We've already covered some of the basics of BlackBerry Desktop Manager in past tips, including how to use the program to backup and restore handheld data, add media files to your BlackBerry and determine the amount of memory you're using at any given time.

Many applications, games and other BlackBerry software can be downloaded over the air (OTA) directly to your device, but in some cases you'll need to use BlackBerry Desktop Manager, a PC and a compatible USB connector cord when OTA downloads aren't available; unfortunately Mac users are out of luck, as Desktop Manager's only for PCs.

BlackBerry users without unlimited data plans can also save on their monthly data usage by downloading apps to their PCs and then transferring them to BlackBerrys.

Pick Up Latest Version of RIM BlackBerry Desktop Manager

Before you start updating or installing new applications on your BlackBerry, you'll want to ensure that you're running the latest version of BlackBerry Desktop Manager. If you don't already have the software on your PC, you can pick it up from the download section of RIM's website.

If you've got Desktop Manager but are unsure of the version you're using, open the program, click the Help icon and choose About BlackBerry Desktop Manager. A dialogue box will appear to tell you which version you're running. Next, surf over on over to RIM's download page, verify you've got the latest version of the software and download and install it if not.

  On to Updating Apps With Desktop Manager >>