You need to install .NET Compact Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2 Redistributable on your device. You can download it from Microsoft’s website.

Why is the phone dropping my VPN connection?

One known problem with Pocket PC communications is how the Connection Manager (CM) switches between modes. The design of CM has broadly divided the types of connections into two realms, “The Internet” (My ISP) and “Work” (My Work Network). The VPN is associated with Work, and will automatically drop when the CM switches to The Internet.

The CM switches between these two realms (Internet and Work) by looking at the destination address. If the destination address includes any periods, the CM will decide it needs to enter the Internet realm, and drop any VPN connection it may have in progress. You can override this automatic switching by identifying “Work URL Exceptions”.

You can get to the settings screen that allows you to enter “Work URL Exceptions” by navigating: Start > Settings > Connections > Connections > Advanced. Then depending on the version of Windows Mobile, either tap Exceptions or Select Networks > Exceptions. This will get you to a screen titled “Work URL Exceptions” You can enter the URL of the host server here and this should cure the VPN drop problem.

Tap the ? in the blue circle next to the title to get further information on how to use the exceptions. Note that the exceptions apply to the default VPN and if you are using multiple VPN’s, you may need to redesignate the default VPN exception configuration.

Can I use any font or font size with Aton Connect?

You can select the font face and font size that displays on the screen. Mainframe applications are best viewed with fixed spacing (fixed pitch) fonts. All Windows Mobile Professional PDAs and Phones come standard with the fixed pitch “Courier New” font face that is legible down to about 7 point size. SmartPhones may not have a fixed pitch font. Our product includes a free font for your use in these phones.

Many enterprises choose to license additional fonts for company use. While it is possible to download fonts installed on your desktop to the device, this type of use may not be included in your company’s software/font license. If in doubt, check with your company’s Administrator.

Aton Connect for Windows Mobile 8.1 will automatically detect all fixed pitch font faces installed on your Pocket PC to allow you to select the one you want to display. Fonts are selected from a drop down box on the Display Options screen. We have tested a number of fixed spacing fonts for use with Aton Connect. “Courier New” works reliably for most uses.  Note that the fonts are not continuously scalable, the viewed size of the font may not change for several settings of the font size selection. This is a normal behavior of the TrueType fonts.

At any time, you can use the built in integrated help system of the Pocket PC for information on basic operation and details about the Aton implementation of TN3270, TN5250 and VT220. An extensive implementation of “Tooltips” is available on the host display screen.  By tapping and holding a soft keyboard button or status line icon, a more descriptive caption will be displayed for that key or icon.