Below are the steps that were taken to synchronize Linux with a Pocket PC. FinchSync is the software that is used to do the synchronization. FinchSync synchronizes Mozilla Thunderbird 1.0.2 (Sarge default) addressbook and Mozilla Sunbird 0.2 (it does not work with later versions) appointments and tasks with the Pocket Outlook databases. It requires a tcp/ip connection to work. This how to assumes that a bluetooth device is installed and working and that the DUND profile is active.

Please take a look at my setup to get an idea of the type of hardware and software used to write this how to. Make sure all of the packages mentioned under “Laptop Software” are installed. The Java installation is covered in this how to.

In order to get FinchSync to work a java environment needs to be installed. I chose Sun Java rather than one of the GNU clones because that is how I stay Getting Sun Java installed was as easy as going to the site, downloading the source (I used JRE 5.0 Update 6) and running the cool Debian Java package maker then installing the package. Full instructions are available here.

Well this is a no brainer as per the FinchSync site's instructions. Begin by downloading the two files: FinchSync.jar, the server for the PC and FinchSync.cab, the Pocket PC client and checking to ensure that all the requirements are met. The server is run from the PC while the client is run from the PDA.

Essentially all you have to do is drop the FinchSync.jar file in a directory of your choice such as ”/home/me/finchsync/” and execute it at the terminal in this manner:

java -jar /home/me/finchsync/FinchSync.jar

I have to do this as root. If not I get an error message.

Thereafter please carefully follow the instructions on choosing your sync sources etc. Towards the lower left of the FinchSync program window information similar to the following is displayed:

This server: yourservername, IP:127.0.0.1

The actual name of your server will be there in place of “yourservername” in the example above. Make a note of that name as well as the names you gave to your sync sources as they are useful regarding the third point made in the Important Notes section below. The ip address will most likely be 127.0.0.1 which of course is not you real ip so just ignore that.

I simply copied the FinchSync.cab file to my sd card and transfered it to the PDA that way. Once the cab file was on the PDA I just executed it by clicking it from within Pocket Explorer. Everything is nicely covered on FinchSync's site. Once it's installed you'll need to input the ip address of your desktop that you're connecting to. When using DUND Bluetooth connection use the ip stipulated in the connection's peer file e.g ”/etc/ppp/peers/ppc” (see: my DUND how to).

• Please be sure to read the requirements, the faq, and the sync guide BEFORE attempting to sync. They are all very well done and can prevent problems.
• Be aware that some items on the PDA like complex recurring appointments will cause problems (again see the sync guide). I removed and replaced them using Pocket Informant's powerful viewing and sorting capabilities. If this is done before attempting to sync lots of problems can be avoided.
• Uncategorized appointments, contacts and tasks will not be synchronized. Earlier under the section called The Server it was requested that a note be made of the server name as displayed by the FinchSync server as well as the names chosen for the sync sources. Well in order for PIM data to sync you have to ensure that categories exist on the Pocket PC that indicate to FinchSync that you'd like those items synced. The category name should take the format yourservername:syncsourcename. So that if my server is called “qayserve” and my contacts sync source is called “thunderc”, and my appointments/tasks sync souce is called “sunbirda” then I should have a category in pocket outlook called “qayserve:thunderc” for contacts and another one called “qayserve:sunbirda” for appointments and tasks. All items on the PDA that belong to those categories will be synced with the PC.

Good! Once everything has checked out as per the FinchSync site documentation we are ready to go. Here are the steps nice and easy:

1. Ensure the FinchSync Server is running and that the bluetooth device is up and running as well.
2. Ensure that Thunderbird and Sunbird are both closed.

1. Then on the Pocket PC turn on the bluetooth and go back to the Bluetooth Manager main screen. Double click the “LAN Access Point” shortcut again and connect.
2. Once connected click the Start button > “Programs” > “FinchSync”
3. Then click “Sync it!”

Hopefully there are no errors and you should get the message “Synchronization successful!” If there are errors consult with FinchSync's site.

It's been a long journey searching for an acceptable sync solution for Linux. This is more than adequate for my needs and is making use of Mozilla software. Others may prefer something that works with Evolution- sorry I can't help in that department. I've tried the whole Synce/Multisync thing and barely escaped with my sanity! FinchSync my not be free as in speech but it works and that's good enough for me right now. I pray others will benefit from this as well and I wish the FinchSync team all the best.

Here's a screen:

That's it!