Chapter 3. Configuring KPilot

Once KPilot is installed it needs to be configured to match your hardware. The conduits need to be configured as well. After that you can use KPilot to synchronize your PalmPilot™ with your KDE desktop or view data from your PalmPilot™ with the built-in viewers.

When you run KPilot from either the panel menu or from the command prompt for the first time it will prompt you with a dialog box to configure it. This configuration dialog can be requested later from the main application Settings->Configure KPilot menu, from the KPilot daemon pop-up menu Configure KPilot... menu item or by starting KPilot from the shell as follows:

$  kpilot --setup
In addition, if you upgrade KPilot and some new configuration options require your attention, this setup dialog will reappear.


The configuration dialog

The configuration dialog


KPilot's configuration dialog is a large one. This is because it contains not only the configuration of the device for communicating with the PalmPilot™, but also the configuration of all the installed conduits. Each group of configuration options (general and conduits) will be discussed separately. We will begin, however, by taking a look at the configuration wizard, which should make most of the general group of configuration options superfluous.

Using the Wizard

The configuration wizard helps you to set up KPilot to communicate with the PalmPilot™ and to configure the conduits as a group. It's a great start for new users, and you can always fine tune your preferences later.

In the Pilot Info dialog, type your User Name. It should match the one from the PalmPilot™. Next, type the file name of the Device you will use to connect the PalmPilot™ (The connection can be through a serial port, USB port, infrared, Bluetooth, network or the generic /dev/pilot device.) Alternatively, click the Automatically detect handheld and user name... button and press the HotSync® button on your PalmPilot™. The Wizard will try to find the correct Device and User Name.

Important

If the Device does not have the right permissions, the wizard will not be able to find it. Normal users must be able to read/write the correct device. To resolve this issue, please refer to “KPilot says Can't connect to pilot” FAQ entry, or contact your system administrator.


Configuring Wizard: The Pilot Info Dialog

Configuring Wizard: The Pilot Info Dialog


Press the HotSync® button of your PalmPilot™ to probe for the correct Device and User Name.


Configuring Wizard: The Autodetection Dialog

Configuring Wizard: The Autodetection Dialog


KPilot has the ability to sync the data on your PalmPilot™ with applications or files on your PC. The programs that perform these actions are called conduits. The sync dialog configures all applicable KPilot conduits to sync with widely used PIM suites. You can fine tune these settings later, from the Settings->Configure KPilot menu. Please check the conduits configuration section of this document for more information.


Configuring Wizard: The Sync Dialog

Configuring Wizard: The Sync Dialog