Hi folks,
As a continuation from previous post, I thought I should point out some
answers to frequently asked questions on software (mostly for majority or
newbies' benefit). Some of them are old queries while others are specific
to
a type of BrailleNote or an operating system. The information is mostly
based on Apex (with variation for other models) - questions that appear
frequently on this list (well, at least those I read for the past five
years
or so):
1. What is KeySoft?
keySoft (keysoft.exe) is the program suite that powers BrailleNote.
Technically, this is the user interface system that HumanWare has
implemented on top of Windows CE (see question 2). In theory (not
confirmed
yet), KeySoft receives input from users and passes it to the operating
system and vice versa using its own way of presenting information. Not all
features on the BrailleNote are implemented on keysoft.exe - there are
modules that work together or runs in addition to keySoft, such as
Internet
Explorer for Windows CE (iexplore.exe) and media modules (kswmedia.exe)
among other things.
2. What is an operating system:
In simple words, an operating system can be thought of as a special
program
or programs which allows a user to use a computer system, which includes
hardware, software and things in between. Essentially, it is a special
software managing day to day run of a computer via memory management,
communication between programs and performing other crucial tasks so that
a
computer (such as BrailleNote) can function.
3. What is Windows CE?
Windows CE is a special operating system from Microsoft for specialized,
embedded devices. The aim of this OS (operating system) was to power
special
computers designed for industrial and specialized applications, such as
information appliance, GPS systems and so forth. Even though we have a
similar product known as Windows Mobile (now Windows Phone), these two
should not be confused - Windows CE is the backbone while Windows Mobile
(technically KeySoft for BrailleNOte) is the user interface.
4. Can a user run external programs or write one on KeySoft?
Theoretically, it is possible to run or even write an external program for
BrailleNote models. However, in order for this to happen, a crucial tool
called Software Development Kit (SDK) specific to KeySoft is required.
According to MSDN documentation, an SDK for Windows CE device is a
collection of functions and tools for a particular device so that a
programmer can write programs designed for the device in question. Since
this is not available, programmers cannot write third party programs
(although we wish we'd do it for practicing programming skills, with some
of
us writing games and other utility software to be ported to KeySoft
later).
If one wishes, one can write program code using any programming or markup
language, although in terms of actually running that program, it is not
possible. As of 2010, only programs written by HumanWare can be run under
KeySoft.
5. Can a user run programs designed for PC's on BrailleNote?
No. As it turns out, the internal "wording" (program structure)
differences
between programs for PC's and Windows CE devices prevents this. Also,
because of processor differences, programs designed for regular computers
cannot run.
6. Are there "hidden" features in KeySoft?
Yes, although some of them were not documented. Some users call them
"easter
eggs" - hidden features in programs. This includes a Tetris game, a
facility
to test WPA Personal (PSK) encryption and performing Flash Disk format.
7. Are there hacks available for KeySoft?
Yes. Should not be confused with "hidden features," as hacks use existing
features to perform "unusual" tasks. As of 2010, the best well-known hacks
are running system commands via command prompt, modifying system sounds
(with consequences), renaming file extensions to unzip compressed archives
and viewing KeySoft debug messages through serial port. Please do not ask
me
about how these can be done (at least not here), as doing it at wrong
times
or resetting an Apex (for one of them in particular) would result in loss
of
"some data".
8. Do I necessarily have to reinstall KeySoft to reinitialize data?
No. Resetting a BrailleNote or using a known command under a hidden menu
usually restores system files. For instance, if one deletes General
folder,
the next time KeySoft restarts, this folder will be recreated with default
files restored.
That is all I can think of... Anything else?
Cheers,
Joseph (UCR)
