Ipl; Partition Update Vs. File Update; Upgrade Requirements - Symbol MC3000 Integrator Manual

6-20 MC3000 Integrator Guide

IPL

IPL allows the user to upgrade the mobile computer with software updates and/or feature enhancements.

Partition Update vs. File Update

There are two types of updates supported by the mobile computer: partitions and files. The file system used by the mobile computer
is the same as the file system used on a desktop computer. A file is a unit of data that can be accessed using a file name and a location
in the file system. When a file is replaced, only the contents of the previous file are erased. The operating system must be running
for a file to be updated, so the IPL cannot perform individual file updates as it is a stand-alone program that does not require the
operating system to be running.
A typical partition is a group of files, combined into a single "partition" that represents a specific area of storage. Examples of
partitions are the flash file systems such as Platform or Application. (Using the desktop computer comparison, these partitions are
roughly equivalent to a C: or D: hard disk drive.) In addition to the "hard disk" partitions, some partitions are used for single items
such as the operating system, monitor, or splash screen. (Again using a desktop computer comparison, these partitions are roughly
the equivalent of the BIOS or special hidden system files.) When a partition is updated, all data that was previously in its storage
region is erased - i.e. it is not a merge but rather a replacement operation. Typically, the operating system is not running when
partitions are update, so IPL can perform partition updates.
Partition images for selected partitions can be created by TCM. All partition images suitable for use by IPL are in hex file format for
transfer by TCM from the development computer to the mobile computer.

Upgrade Requirements

Upgrade requirements:

• The hex files to be downloaded (on development computer)
• A connection from the host computer and the mobile computer (either serial or wireless)
• TCM (on development computer) to download the files.
Once these requirements are satisfied, the mobile computer can be upgraded by invoking IPL and navigating the menus. See
the Hex Image on page 6-9 for procedures on downloading a hex file to the mobile computer.
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