Basic info on how to transfer software to your mobile

GetJar gets many questions from new mobile phone owners about how to transfer applications from GetJar to their phones. Here are some important things to know

What kind of phone you have and who makes it

• Samsung SGH-E250
  
• Nokia-1
  
• Sony Ericsson W800i

GetJar has a large database of mobile phone models and specifications. Once you tell us what kind of phone you have we provide you with a filtered list of only the software that works with it. Keep reading though to find out how to download and install the software on your phone.

Do you have a built-in mobile browser on the phone?

Does your phone support Java (known as J2ME or Java ME)?

Most downloadable mobile applications like games are based on Java ME. GetJar has a very large database of phone specifications. You can also search on the Internet for information about your phone like this:

You will get a large list of web sites with information for your phone. Look for things like "Java", "MIDP" or "CLDC" on the pages. If you don't see anything like that your phone probably does not support Java.

Does your phone support Bluetooth?

Unfortunately some bluetooth phones only let you use a headset with the phone and do not let you transfer files. If this is the case with your phone check the next question for options.

You can move files from a PC to your phone if your phone supports Bluetooth OBEX (also called Bluetooth File Transfer or Bluetooth Object Exchange). Here's what you need to do

• make sure you have bluetooth software and drivers on your PC
  
• use your PC software to "pair" your phone to the PC
  
• use your PC's bluetooth file transfer utility to "send" or "put" the files on your phone.

NOTE: You need to make sure you transfer the software files to the right place on your phone. This could be a folder called "Applications" or "Downloads". Check your mobile phone documentation if you are not sure or don't see those folders in your file manager application.

Do you have a USB cable for your phone, or deos your phone support infrared (IR)?

• If your phone came with PC file manager software, use it to do the transfer
  
• Some phones have a storage card which often looks like a "disk" to the PC.

  In that situation you can just click on the disk and drag the software to the right folder on the 'disk'. When you're done you can 'eject' the disk on the PC.
  

  What if the mobile software I am trying to install is not a Java application?

  
  Some phones support other ways to run mobile software, including what's known as "native" and "web-based" applications. There are also "widgets". Here are some examples of ways to run applications on a mobile phone without Java:
  

  
  

• point to a website on the mobile browser. no download is needed for this. Google Mobile is a good example of this kind of software.
  
• install a special application that allows you to run other non-Java applications with it. Yahoo! Go is an example of this.
  
• Flash Lite applications use a different type of software. If your phone supports Flash Lite there is probably a way to download Flash Lite applications using software that is already on your phone
  
• "Open OS" or "Smartphone" software such as Symbian or Windows Mobile. Nokia S60 and Sony Ericsson UIQ smartphones can support native Symbian apps, and Windows Mobile smartphones like those from HTC can run Windows Mobile applications. If you have a smartphone chances are you are not reading this howto guide :-)