[Tips & Tricks: For Using Your Device]

Looking for the latest Service Pack updates? Visit the Software Download Center and select your current software for the latest releases: blackberry.com/support/downloads

Look for the latest new documents and “How to” articles in the Technical Knowledge Center:

Connecting a computer to the Internet using a BlackBerry device as a tethered modem

A BlackBerry® device (with tethered modem capability) can be used as an external modem to connect a personal computer or laptop to the Internet. Ask your service provider if you require a user name and password to configure dial-up networking (see Task 4 in the articles linked to below) and if additional charges are incurred. The following articles are applicable for Microsoft® Windows® 2000 and Windows XP environments:

• Using a CDMA BlackBerry device as a tethered modem
• Using a GPRS, EDGE, or UMTS BlackBerry device as a tethered modem

Security for BlackBerry Devices with Bluetooth Wireless Technology

This updated document provides an overview of Bluetooth wireless technology and its uses with BlackBerry Device Software. It covers:

• security measures and strategies that help to protect Bluetooth®-enabled BlackBerry devices from attacks,
• how to reduce the risk of attacks when using Bluetooth wireless technology on a BlackBerry device and
• the IT policy rule configurations designed to control the use of Bluetooth wireless technology on BlackBerry devices.

Download the PDF

Differences between BlackBerry Desktop Manager v4.1 and BlackBerry Desktop Manager v4.2

Here is a summary of the differences between versions of BlackBerry® Desktop Manager software, including the software interface and support for the new features of the BlackBerry® Pearl™ 8100 smartphone. (View article within Technical Knowledge Center)

BlackBerry Desktop Manager Interface Changes

There are some interface differences between the BlackBerry Desktop Manager v4.2 and v4.1.

BlackBerry Desktop Manager v4.2

BlackBerry Desktop Manager v4.1

BlackBerry Desktop Manager v4.2 Modifications

Applications

BlackBerry Desktop Manager v4.2 includes the following applications designed to support the new features of the BlackBerry Pearl 8100 smartphone:

• Media Manager (see KB-05398 for more information)
• Switch Device Wizard (see KB-05421 for more information)

Menu Changes and Naming

Some layout changes have been applied to the BlackBerry Desktop Manager v4.2; however, the functionality of all the previous components of BlackBerry Desktop Manager have remained the same. The enhancements that have been added to BlackBerry Desktop Manager v4.2 are described in the following table.

Support links:

• Technical Support Subscriptions – now includes BlackBerry® Enterprise Server Advanced Administrator Training for Tx3, Tx4, Tx5 subscribers.
• BlackBerry Training
• Technical Knowledge Center
  

Tips & Tricks: For Using Your Device

Dialing from the Home Screen

To be able to dial right from the Home Screen, within the Phone application, choose Options and then make sure “Dial from Home screen” is set to “Yes”.

The new BlackBerry® 8700 Series, BlackBerry® Pearl™ 8100 Series and BlackBerry 7100 Series also support SEND (green) and END (red) keys for speeding access to dial and end call functions.

• Hot Tip: Press and hold the SEND key to quickly “Dial from Address Book” (requires BlackBerry Software v4.0 and higher).

Dialing Letters

BlackBerry devices don"t have the same keys as a phone, so you need to use ALT + letter keys to dial letters. For example, for 1-888-BLKBRRY you would type 1888 then hold the alt key and type the letters. The BlackBerry device will automatically send the appropriate DTMF tones (2 = ABC, 3 = DEF, 4 = GHI, 5 = JKL, 6 = MNO, 7 = PQRS, etc…).

This same mechanism also applies when connected to a phone call and, for example, the corporate phone system asks you to enter a Last Name.

Speed Dialing

You can assign all 26 letters A – Z (Full QWERTY) or 1 – 9 (BlackBerry 7100 Series) to quickly dial numbers from the Home Screen or Phone application. Note: the “1” key is defaulted to speed dial Voicemail.

A Speed Dial entry can be set up by either holding a key to assign it or by selecting "View Speed Dial List" from the Phone application.

Once configured you can simply hold the appropriate key for 1 second to call the assigned number or contact.

The “Hot List” or Call Log

In the Phone application a list of calls that have been placed or received are conveniently displayed depending on your user preference as: Most Recent, Most Used, Call Log or by Name (alphabetical). Call Log is the default setting.

Reminder: To quickly access the Call Log/Hot List Phone application and the Hot List simply press the Phone button or SEND (green) key. You can also use the P key, but this option must be turned on. If you find when you put your device in your purse or briefcase that numbers are getting dialed, you have the ability to disable this setting within Phone > Options.

You can also have your Call Log set to be included within the Message List if you want to see a log that includes both your calls and emails.

Bluetooth for Hands-Free Operation

For real mobility, you can pair your BlackBerry device with Bluetooth® headsets and car kits using Bluetooth.  

When you pair your BlackBerry device with another Bluetooth-enabled device  you should be able to connect over a wireless network when it is within range of your BlackBerry device (typically within 30 feet or 10 metres).

To pair your Bluetooth devices from the Home Screen select Options > Bluetooth. Then select the device you want to pair with, for example the BlackBerry HS-655 Bluetooth Headset featured in this issue.

A quick Bluetooth On/Off icon then appears once at least 1 Bluetooth device is paired.

For more tips view one of these webcasts:

Tips and Tricks On-Demand Webcast for QWERTY Devices
Tips and Tricks On-Demand Webcast for SureType™ Devices  (BlackBerry 7100 Series)
Tips and Tricks for the BlackBerry® Pearl™ 8100 Smartphone