A memorandum ( pl. : memorandums or memoranda ; from the Latin memorandum , "(that) which is to be remembered"), also known as a briefing note , is a written message that is typically used in a professional setting. Commonly abbreviated memo , these messages are usually brief and are designed to be easily and quickly understood. Memos can thus communicate important information efficiently in order to make dynamic and effective changes.
41-570: The Palm VII was a personal digital assistant made by the Palm Computing division of 3Com . The device featured an antenna used for wireless data communication, a first for a Palm device. Connectivity was provided through the Mobitex network, under the now defunct Palm.net service. Web Clipping applications, also known as Palm Query Applications (PQAs) made use of the network to request and post web data. The devices also provided PQA developers with
82-419: A CompactFlash slot or a combination of the two. Although designed for memory, Secure Digital Input/Output (SDIO) and CompactFlash cards were made available that provided peripheral accessories like Wi-Fi or digital cameras to devices with software support. Some PDAs also have a USB port, mainly for USB flash drives . Some PDAs use microSD cards, which are electronically compatible with SD cards, but have
123-612: A web browser . Sometimes, instead of buttons, later PDAs employ touchscreen technology. The first PDA, the Organiser , was released in 1984 by Psion , followed by Psion's Series 3 , in 1991. The latter began to resemble the more familiar PDA style, including a full keyboard. The term PDA was first used on 7 January 1992 by Apple Inc. CEO John Sculley at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas , Nevada , referring to
164-514: A PDA, reducing the number of textbooks students were required to carry. Brighton and SUSSEX Medical School in the UK was the first medical school to provide wide scale use of PDAs to its undergraduate students. The learning opportunities provided by having PDAs complete with a suite of key medical texts were studied with results showing that learning occurred in context with timely access to key facts and through consolidation of knowledge via repetition. The PDA
205-478: A better decision in a particular problem situation than he might otherwise have made without the analysis”. Other purposes that the briefing note can serve include: conveying information; informing decisions, making a request, providing a response to a question, making a suggestion, presenting an informal report, proposing a solution to a problem, or documenting a reference for future use. Memorandums can be used to make brief appeals or give suggestions. These actions in
246-403: A brief paper can help significantly expedite business actions to make a positive impact in an organization. As the communication mechanism of the policy analysis process, the briefing note should provide a coherent synopsis of a policy problem, identify different policy options for addressing the problem, articulate opposing perspectives and advocate a recommended option. The typical structure for
287-455: A briefing note includes a description of the proposed policy; relevant background information; a discussion of key considerations (including implementation concerns, financial considerations, stakeholder impacts, and possible unanticipated consequences), a summary of arguments for and against the policy and a recommended decision. Policy documents that start with a proposal and assemble an argument for that position are more accurately referred to as
328-574: A briefing note may be denoted as either “for information” or “for decision”. The origins of the term “briefing” lie in legal “briefs” and the derivative “military briefings”. The plural form of the Latin noun memorandum so derived is properly memoranda , but if the word is deemed to have become a word of the English language, the plural memorandums , abbreviated to memos , may be used. (See also Agenda , Corrigenda , Addenda ). “The word memorandum come from
369-727: A cable, or may use wireless technology such as infrared or Bluetooth to connect to the PDA. Newer PDAs, such as the HTC HD2 , Palm Pre , Pre Plus , Pixi , and Pixi Plus , as well as devices running the Android operating system, include more advanced forms of touchscreen that can register multiple touches simultaneously. These " multi-touch " displays allow for more sophisticated interfaces using various gestures entered with one or more fingers. Although many early PDAs did not have memory card slots, later models had either some form of Secure Digital (SD) slot,
410-448: A directional pad, and a numeric keypad or a thumb keyboard for input. To have the functions expected of a PDA, a device's software typically includes an appointment calendar , a to-do list , an address book for contacts, a calculator , and some sort of memo (or "note") program. PDAs with wireless data connections also typically include an email client and a Web browser, and may or may not include telephony functionality. Many of
451-435: A few other important features. The style and tone of a memo should always be kept professional, no matter who the audience may be. This etiquette ensures that no matter who reads the message, it is presented professionally and respectfully. It is common to also see briefing notes with numbered paragraphs, in order to create an efficient and well-organized paper. Since entering the digital age, signatures are not commonly seen at
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#1732851468731492-413: A finger (or the stylus) on the screen to make selections or scroll. Typical methods of entering text on touchscreen PDAs include: Despite research and development projects, end-users experienced mixed results with handwriting recognition systems. Some found it frustrating and inaccurate, while others were satisfied with the quality of the recognition. Touchscreen PDAs intended for business use, such as
533-480: A government white paper . A government green paper which raises a policy option and is meant to open a dialogue on the proposal is more similar in tone to a briefing note than is a white paper . A memo's concise format is relatively standardized in order to create accessibility to any reader. They open with a heading including a "to," "from," "date," and "subject". A break in the text would then be followed by an opening paragraph, which would more than likely describe
574-458: A memo is typically used by firms for internal communication, while letters are typically for external communication. Other memorandum formats include briefing notes, reports, letters, and binders. They may be considered grey literature . Memorandum formatting may vary by office or institution. For example, if the intended recipient is a cabinet minister or a senior executive, the format might be rigidly defined and limited to one or two pages. If
615-402: A memo, it is necessary to identify the sender and the receiver, to identify the subject matter. Add the place where it was written and the date.” There are many important purposes of a memorandum. Bringing notice to problems, and helping to solve a problem through clear and concise communication are two. Memos support decision making and to “help (or sometimes influence) a decision-maker to make
656-469: A much smaller physical size. While early PDAs connected to a user's personal computer via serial ports and other proprietary connections , later models connect via a USB cable. Older PDAs were unable to connect to each other via USB , as their implementations of USB did not support acting as the "host". Some early PDAs were able to connect to the Internet indirectly by means of an external modem connected via
697-473: A touchscreen or small-scale keyboard was slower than a full-size keyboard. Transferring data to a PDA via the computer was, therefore, a lot quicker than having to manually input all data on the handheld device. Most PDAs come with the ability to synchronize to a computer. This is done through synchronization software provided with the handheld, or sometimes with the computer's operating system. Examples of synchronization software include: These programs allow
738-403: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Personal digital assistant A personal digital assistant ( PDA ) is a multi-purpose mobile device which functions as a personal information manager. Following a boom in the 1990s and 2000s, PDA's were mostly displaced by the widespread adoption of more highly capable smartphones , in particular those based on iOS and Android in
779-433: Is generally understood to be a concise, coherent summary of a public policy problem with a clearly articulated logic for following a recommended course of action. ”Next to a political nose, and a logical brain, the most important skill of the good treasury [person] resides in [their] fine drafting hand. The concise, coherent and penetrating note is the final expression of all other talents.” In many governance settings based on
820-560: The Apple Newton . In 1994, IBM introduced the first PDA with analog cellular phone functionality, the IBM Simon , which can also be considered the first smartphone. Then in 1996, Nokia introduced a PDA with digital cellphone functionality, the 9000 Communicator . Another early entrant in this market was Palm , with a line of PDA products which began in March 1996. Palm would eventually be
861-472: The BlackBerry and Palm Treo , usually also offer full keyboards and scroll wheels or thumbwheels to facilitate data entry and navigation. Many touchscreen PDAs support some form of external keyboard as well. Specialized folding keyboards, which offer a full-sized keyboard but collapse into a compact size for transport, were made available for many models. External keyboards may attach to the PDA directly, using
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#1732851468731902-491: The Westminster system , policy analysts are expected to analyze the issue and write the briefing note from a neutral civil service perspective. However, the briefing note “for decision” must contain a recommendation, acknowledging that “to say anything of importance in public policy requires value judgments, which must be explained and justified”. In addition to keeping a proper memo concise and easily comprehensible, there are
943-414: The 1990's to 2006, typically had an IrDA ( infrared ) port allowing short-range, line-of-sight wireless communication. Few later models used this technology, as it had been supplanted by Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. IrDA allows communication between two PDAs, or between a PDA and any device with an IrDA port or adapter. Some contemporary printers have IrDA receivers, allowing IrDA-equipped PDAs to print to them, if
984-470: The Latin, from the verb remind in Latin (memorare). For the decade 1540 meant the note itself. This word was introduced in Spain in the year 1824. This type of document is usually use in the business world, or official documents. The items for do this document are the next: This document must be brief, the information that you want to transmit must be clear and concise, it’s don´t need request. Finally, when writing
1025-685: The PDA and Google's servers. RIM sells BlackBerry Enterprise Server to corporations so that corporate BlackBerry users can wirelessly synchronize their PDAs with the company's Microsoft Exchange Server , IBM Lotus Domino , or Novell GroupWise servers. Email, calendar entries, contacts, tasks, and memos kept on the company's server are automatically synchronized with the BlackBerry. The most common operating systems pre-installed on PDAs are: Other, rarely used operating systems: Some PDAs include Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. Other PDAs are compatible with external GPS-receiver add-ons that use
1066-458: The PDA manufacturers (for example, GoldMine and IBM Lotus Notes ). Some PDAs can synchronize some or all of their data using their wireless networking capabilities, rather than having to be directly connected to a personal computer via a cable. Devices running Palm's webOS or Google's Android operating system primarily sync with the cloud . For example, if Gmail is used, information in contacts, email, and calendars can be synchronized between
1107-521: The PDA to be synchronized with a personal information manager, which may be part of the computer's operating system, provided with the PDA, or sold separately by a third party. For example, the RIM BlackBerry came with RIM's Desktop Manager program, which can synchronize to both Microsoft Outlook and ACT!. Other PDAs come only with their own proprietary software. For example, some early Palm OS PDAs came only with Palm Desktop, while later Palm PDAs—such as
1148-432: The PDA's operating system supports it. Universal PDA keyboards designed for these older PDAs use infrared technology, due to cost and a lack of wireless interference. Most PDAs can synchronize their data with applications on a user's computer, allowing the user to update contact, schedule, or other information on their computer, using software such as Microsoft Outlook or ACT! , and have that same data transferred to
1189-409: The PDA's GPS functions can be used for navigation. Underwater divers can use PDAs to plan breathing gas mixtures and decompression schedules using software such as "V-Planner". Memorandum In law , a memorandum is a record of the terms of a transaction or contract, such as a policy memo, memorandum of understanding , memorandum of agreement , or memorandum of association . In business,
1230-927: The PDA's processor and screen to display location information. PDAs with GPS functionality can be used for automotive navigation. Integrated PDA's were fitted as standard on new cars throughout the 2000's. PDA-based GPS can also display traffic conditions, perform dynamic routing, and show known locations of roadside mobile radar guns. TomTom , Garmin , and iGO offered GPS navigation software for PDAs. Some businesses and government organizations rely upon rugged PDAs, sometimes known as enterprise digital assistants (EDAs) or mobile computers , for mobile data applications. These PDAs have features that make them more robust and able to handle inclement weather, jolts, and moisture. EDAs often have extra features for data capture, such as barcode readers , radio-frequency identification (RFID) readers, magnetic stripe card readers, or smart card readers. These features are designed to facilitate
1271-615: The PDA's serial port or "sync" connector, or directly by using an expansion card that provided an Ethernet port. Most PDAs use Bluetooth, a popular wireless protocol for mobile devices. Bluetooth can be used to connect keyboards, headsets, GPS receivers , and other nearby accessories. It is also possible to transfer files between PDAs that have Bluetooth. Many PDAs have Wi-Fi wireless network connectivity and can connect to Wi-Fi hotspots. All smartphones, and some other PDAs, can connect to Wireless Wide Area Networks, such as those provided by cellular telecommunications companies. Older PDAs, from
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1312-513: The PDA—or transfer updated information from the PDA back to the computer, eliminating the need for the user to update their data in two places. Synchronization also prevents the loss of information stored on the device if it is lost, stolen, or destroyed. When the PDA is repaired or replaced, it can be "re-synced" with the computer, restoring the user's data. Some users found that data input was quicker on their computer than on their PDA since text input via
1353-495: The Treo 650—have the ability to sync to Palm Desktop or Microsoft Outlook. Microsoft's ActiveSync and Windows Mobile Device Center only synchronized with Microsoft Outlook or a Microsoft Exchange server. Third-party synchronization software was also available for some PDAs from companies like CommonTime and CompanionLink . Third-party software can be used to synchronize PDAs to other personal information managers that are not supported by
1394-429: The dominant vendor of PDAs until the rising popularity of Pocket PC devices in the early 2000s. By the mid-2000s most PDAs had morphed into smartphones as classic PDAs without cellular radios were increasingly becoming uncommon. A typical PDA has a touchscreen for navigation, a memory card slot for data storage, and IrDA , Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi . However, some PDAs may not have a touchscreen , using soft keys ,
1435-411: The late 2000's, and thus saw a rapid decline. A PDA has an electronic visual display . Most models also have audio capabilities, allowing usage as a portable media player , and also enabling many of them to be used as telephones. By the early 2000s, nearly all PDA models had the ability to access the Internet, intranets or extranets via Wi-Fi or Wireless WANs , and since then generally included
1476-418: The original PDAs, such as the Apple Newton and Palm Pilot , featured a touchscreen for user interaction, having only a few buttons—usually reserved for shortcuts to often-used programs. Some touchscreen PDAs, including Windows Mobile devices, had a detachable stylus to facilitate making selections. The user interacts with the device by tapping the screen to select buttons or issue commands, or by dragging
1517-414: The purpose of the memo. Context is then added to the document, followed by a section of specific actions. Examples could include "You asked that I look at...." or "To determine the best method of promoting the new fall line, I will....". Actions are followed by discussion, which is typically the longest part of a memo, before concluding the message. There is no universal standard for a briefing note, but it
1558-412: The recipient is a colleague, the formatting requirements are usually more flexible. A specific type of memorandum is the policy briefing note (alternatively referred to in various jurisdictions and governing traditions as policy issues paper, policy memoranda, or cabinet submission amongst other terms), a document for transmitting policy analysis into the political decision making sphere. Typically,
1599-432: The use of these devices to scan product or item codes. Typical applications include: PDAs and handheld devices were allowed in many classrooms for digital note-taking. Students could spell-check, modify, and amend their class notes on a PDA. Some educators distributed course material through the Internet or infrared file-sharing functions of the PDA. Textbook publishers released e-books , which can be uploaded directly to
1640-541: The user's position, in the form of a zipcode, making the Palm VII the first web-enabled Location-Based Services mobile platform. The cost of service was $ 14.95 per month, and allowed a limited number of web pages to be viewed. The Palm VII was the most expensive Palm sold to date, with unit pricing starting at US$ 599. Despite the high price tag, the Palm VII proved popular as one of the first truly wireless data-capable information devices. This technology-related article
1681-559: Was an important addition to the learning ecology rather than a replacement. Software companies also developed PDA programs to meet the instructional needs of educational institutions, such as dictionaries, thesauri , word processing software, encyclopedias, webinars and digital lesson planners. PDAs were used by music enthusiasts to play a variety of music file formats. Many PDAs include the functionality of an MP3 player. Road rally enthusiasts can use PDAs to calculate distance, speed, and time. This information may be used for navigation, or