InstallBuddy is built using a modular, plugin-based architecture, so extending InstallBuddy's functionality is as simple as downloading a new plugin. InstallBuddy ships with a standard set of useful plugins.

As more plugins become available we will make them available on this page, so be sure to check back often!

Please note: Microsoft Office 97 or better is required to take advantage of the Office plugins.

Microsoft Word Plugin - translates Microsoft Word and RTF files (identified by a .doc or .rtf extension) to Doc format or iSilo format. As the Doc format is the most common PalmOS document format, the plugin defaults to saving files in Doc format. However, as the Doc format is a "text-only" format, any special formatting your document has (e.g. bold, italics, font information) will be lost after the translation. For better formatting, configure the plugin to save files in HTML format - this will generate iSilo files. If you have a registered version of iSilo, it will do an even better job of preserving the original formatting of the document.

Microsoft Excel Plugin - translates Microsoft Excel documents (identified by an .xls extension) to CSV format, then calls the CSVManager Plugin to translate the file to HandBase format. Currently, field names and formulas will not be preserved after translation.

Microsoft PowerPoint Plugin - Translates Microsoft PowerPoint documents (identified by a .ppt extension) to Doc (or iSilo format if the Word Plugin is configured to save as HTML files. Only text from the Outline view is currently translated.

Doc Plugin - translates text documents (identified by a .txt extension) to Doc format

CSVManager & CSVManager/Lite Plugin - translates CSV files (identified by a .csv extension) to CSVManager format (http://www.benc.hr/).

iSilo Plugin - translates HTML documents to iSilo format (http://www.isilo.com/).

PDF Plugin - translates PDF documents into Doc format.

ZIP Plugin - "unzip's" ZIP files and installs PalmOS files contained in the ZIP file (i.e.. PRC/PDB/PQA files).

HandBase Plugin - translates CSV files to HandBase format (http://www.ddhsoftware.com/).

If you're an application developer interested in developing a plugin, please contact support@bluenomad.com to obtain information, help, and sample plugin code. Plugins are quite easy to develop (much easier than conduits) and converting an existing translator should take less than an hour.