How To Install Apps/Themes on S60v3
One of the biggest issues for an S60 newb is how to install applications. One of the greatest strengths of the S60 community is the amount of and diversity of 3rd party applications. However, no one’s written a good guide on installing them, so I will. As with anything, there’s several ways to do this. I will go over both in this post, and then you’ll be on your way to adding new functionality to your S60v3 device!
There’s three ways in which to do this. The first is to download the app directly to your device from the internet. You can do this by browsing on your mobile device, or some developers will offer to send you an SMS with the download link contained. The second method is to transfer the .sis (or .jar) file to your handset, and then use a file explorer to install it. The third method is to use Nokia’s PC Suite application to install either via bluetooth or USB Cable.
They all work just the same, so click through to learn each way, and discover which is easier for you!
The first and obviously easiest way is to download the application directly from the internet. You can do this through the M.Symbian-Guru.com site, in my Applications Directory, or if the developer sends you a direct link through SMS. Fring and ShoZu are examples of sites that will send you a download link.
Once the device has downloaded the file, it will immediately launch the installer, which will ask you a series of questions during the process. The most important question is where do you want to install the application. You can choose either the phone’s internal memory, or the external memory card. There’s plenty of debate as to which is better, but here’s the Guru’s suggestion (and practice):
Any application that the phone will be accessing constantly should ALWAYS be installed to the internal memory. I also put themes and small utilities (such as Y-browser and Screenshot) on the internal memory). Everything else should go on the external memory card. The reason is because it’s MUCH faster for the phone to access data on its internal memory than to access the memory card.
Once you’ve installed the application, you’ll find the icon in the "Applications" folder on your S60 device, and you can move it wherever you wish from there. Easy as pie.
But now lets venture into the more confusing parts. We’ll start with the on-phone installation, because that’s also how users with a Mac or a Linux machine will be doing things. So you’ve found your application, and you’ve saved the .sis(x) file to your computer. You will now connect your phone in Mass Storage mode and simply drag-and-drop that .sis(x) file onto your device’s memory card. The root folder is fine, as you can delete this after installation.
Now on your phone, open the File Browser (the built-in one can be found under Tools/Settings) and navigate to the file. Click on it, and the installation process will begin. Follow the same directions above, and click through to install. Wa-La! You’re done, and once it’s installed, you can go back to your file browser and delete the .sis(x) file, to save space.
The third option is through Nokia’s PC Suite application. You’ll need to have this installed on your computer, you can download it here. Once you have it installed, 
the .sis(x) files on your computer should have this icon next to them.
With your phone connected to PC Suite either through Bluetooth or USB cable, double-click on the file. You will see a little box pop-up, asking if you want to install the application. Click yes, and you will see the installation process begin on your phone. Again, follow the directions, and BOOM!
A few pointers:
1. I always keep a folder on my PC full of the installation files for my applications labelled "Phone Stuff". This way, should I need to format my phone or update the firmware, I can easily install all of my applications again, without having to hunt them down. It’s also a good idea to keep a text file in this folder listing out your registration codes for purchased software.
2. If you find you’re not using an application, delete it from your phone. It will save space, and ensure that your phone runs at its fullest potential.
3. Don’t install applications from untrusted sources. While S60 is a secure OS, there are still files out there that can cause damage and make things not run as they should.
Enjoy the added functionality of your S60 device now with 3rd party applications!
great post ricky. thanks. i think the next one should be about file formats and their nature/use JAR, SIS, SiS(X), etc.
regards.
Luis S.
I think this link will help others out as well, but it’s definitely not as rich as what you’ve posted.
http://www.softwaremarket.nokia.com/images/installation/symbian/tutorial_symbian.html
Apr 13th, 2008 at 5:23 am
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