Assuming networking is set up, it should show you your computer's name and IP address. You can optionally put in the subnet mask. You really only need it if your network has multiple subnets and you expect to try to HotSync across subnets. If all of this is Greek to you, leave it alone and only worry about it if you have problems, at which point you should ask your network administrators for assistance.

After performing these configurations, click on the OK buttons until you're out of the dialog boxes. One OK will get you out of the TCP/IP Settings dialog if you were there. One more will get you out of the Setup dialog.

Whenever you want to HotSync remotely, be sure to leave your computer logged in. If you log out, HotSync Manager shuts off and can't respond to the Network HotSync attempt. You can leave the screen saver on with password protection.

Setting up the secondary computer
You use the secondary computer to physically connect your handheld. Configuring the secondary computer is very simple. The first requirement is that HotSync Manager and a cradle or cable be installed. If the computer you want to use as secondary doesn't have dedicated or compatible cradles, Palm's HotSync cables serve well.

Unfortunately, the only response I've gotten trying to combine Network HotSync with Infrared HotSync is a fatal error. I find this unfortunate, as it could provide the ultimate in HotSync portability, although it'd be a little slow.

The software configuration closely resembles that of the primary computer. You need to ensure that the Network item is checked on the HotSync Manager menu, and you need to make sure that the user name on the Setup dialogs Network tab is not checked.

Configuring the handheld
The final piece of the puzzle is the configuration of the handheld. The entire configuration takes place within the HotSync application. Palm has done a good job of packing a large amount of functionality with significant flexibility into a very small package. The key lies with the Options menu.

First choose the Primary PC Setup item from the Options menu, and you'll see the screen shown in Figure D.

FIGURE D

The Primary PC Setup dialog tells your Palm where to find its Primary PC.

This information is identical to that from the TCP/IP Settings dialog from the HotSync Manager. If you've performed a HotSync on the primary computer since you configured those settings, they should be exactly reflected here. If not, enter them here. Don't worry if you have an IP address entered but your computer uses DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). As long as the computer name is entered, the HotSync Manager knows how to find your PC.

Next choose the LANSync Prefs item from the Options menu, revealing the dialog in Figure E.

FIGURE E

The LANSync Prefs dialog turns on Network HotSync.

Choose the LANSync button. The pictures provide a good guide to the meaning of the two options.

Performing a LANSync
Now you test your new configuration. Attach your handheld to the cradle or cable on the secondary computer and press the HotSync button on the cradle or handheld. If all goes well, the secondary computer will show a HotSync Progress dialog that says "Forwarding to <primary PC name>" as shown in Figure F.