Massive .NET Compact Framework FAQ

[Andy Sjostrom]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://msdn.microsoft.com/mobility/prodtechinfo/devtools/netcf/faq/default.aspx' target='_blank'>http://msdn.microsoft.com/mobility/...aq/default.aspx</a><br /><br /></div>Microsoft just published a <a href="http://msdn.microsoft.com/mobility/prodtechinfo/devtools/netcf/faq/default.aspx">.NET Compact Framework FAQ</a> which in part is compiled from questions and answers posted to the public .NET Compact Framework newsgroup. The FAQ answers 201 questions. The article is approximately 90 printed pages. Go there, read and bookmark! If you know about any additional frequently asked questions, don't hesitate to send them to [email protected]!<br /><br />Here is a summary of the FAQ contents:<br />• Development (30 FAQs) example: "1.27. How do I copy files to the emulator?"<br />• Graphics (8 FAQs) example: "2.2. What can I do to optimize GDI+ rendering?"<br />• Deployment (7 FAQs) example: "3.7. How do I deploy a .NET Compact Framework Service Pack to the emulator?"<br />• Graphical User Interface (GUI): Forms (16 FAQs) example: "4.3. How do I replace the smart minimize button with a close button?"<br />• Graphical User Interface (GUI): General (42 FAQs) example: "5.30. Why is the OpenFileDialog restricted to the "My Documents" folder?"<br />• Interoperability and Native Code (18 FAQs) example: "6.9. How do I use the performance counter functions?"<br />• General (41 FAQs) example: "7.13. How can I incorporate Pocket Outlook data into my Microsoft .NET Compact Framework-based applications?"<br />• Communications and Web services (8 FAQs) example: "8.7. How do I get a map and directions with MapPoint 3.0?"<br />• SQL CE and Data (5 FAQs) example: "9.2. How do I use Merge Replication with the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework?"<br />• Additional Information (6 FAQs) example: "10.3. Developing mobile games using the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework."<br />• Connectivity (16 FAQs) example: "11.11. Why does the first Emulator deployment attempt sometimes fails?"<br />• Smartphone (4 FAQs) example: "12.2. What are the rules for Smartphone menus?"

[Kevin Daly]

Excellent FAQ.
I have often thought that the newsgroup should have a permanent (or constantly refreshed) reference to a comprehensive FAQ of this kind, considering how often the same questions come up.
It's particularly handy to have something like this since the "Official Microsoft Smart Devices Community" site seems to be in a coma. Nothing new for sooooooooooo long.
Oh well, there should be more to talk about once Magneto and the Compact Framework 2.0 are released - with all the extra features (I received my PDC DVD the other day and have been getting myself all excited again going over the mobility sessions).

Actually, that just reminded me of a question I must go and post on the newsgroup (about API support for cameras in Pocket PC Phone Edition).
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[sponge]

"This restriction is imposed by the Pocket PC operating system to help users organize their files under the standard directories."

Ugh, sounds like we need assistance organizing our stuff. Anyway, it's an interesting read otherwise, even from a non-programmer.