Downloading Apps to Your BlackBerry (By Luthando)

So you just activated a shiny new BlackBerry and your rip, roaring and ready to go. Your BES server is set up, email is coming in, and you’ve already pocket dialed five people. BlackBerry glory is now awaiting you. The only thing left is figuring out how to download apps.

There are basically two ways to download apps. One is an OTA (over the air) download and the second is a side load. The OTA download option enables you to download directly to your BlackBerry. In one device-centric download experience the app is downloaded and installed on your BlackBerry without the need of a computer or cords. It all happens through a series of clicks on your BlackBerry and is seen as the easiest and more direct download option. For those new to BlackBerry or downloading apps this is the preferred download experience.

The second way to download apps is via a side load. This basically means that you will download an app to your computer and then use software on your computer to load the app onto your BlackBerry. To go through this process you’ll have to have BlackBerry Desktop Manager installed on your computer. Once installed, download the app install file to a destination you can find on your computer. This will oftentimes download as a compressed file. To access the contents you’ll need to unzip or uncompress the file. Next you’ll need to hook up your BlackBerry to your computer with a USB cord. Once your BlackBerry is connected to your computer you can open BlackBerry Desktop Manager, open the “Application Loader” option and click the Add button. Once selected, use the dialogue box to point to the downloaded and uncompressed app folder where you’ll see an.alx file. (If you do not see this file type you will need to contact the developer of the app or the app store your downloaded the software from as they did not provide you with the complete and necessary files.) After choosing the.alx file hit “OK” and the software will installed. Once complete the app will appear in your listed of loaded applications and you’re free to disconnect the BlackBerry from your computer and use the application.

Source: www.askpaccosi.com