I want my CAB - but not the yellow driving type... I'm talking about CAB files - also known as Cabinet files. CAB files are basically compressed archives, similar to ZIP files. They are also the format for Smartphone and Pocket PC install files.

Back in the early days of the Pocket PC, installing programs via CAB files on the device was a bit painful. The early versions of the Pocket PC OS had no built-in way to manage or install the CAB files. When Windows Mobile 5 came out all that changed. When you ran a CAB file on WM5 it asked you where you'd like to install the application (assuming you had an SD/CF card). This was a great addition to the WM OS!

Today with so many devices having instant Internet connectivity, the desire for more over-the-air (OTA) installations have grown dramatically. While I was used to installing programs via my PC and ActiveSync/Windows Mobile Device Center, it wasn't until I recently reloaded my PC OS that I started to think about the beauty of the CAB install.

Before I reloaded my OS, I looked through all of my installed programs and was amazed at the number of Smartphone Pocket PC applications listed by Add/Remove Programs. While they weren't taking up much disk they were most definitely cluttering my list of installed programs, not to mention the fact that the installed pieces on the PC are pretty much useless (except to reinstall).

I do realize the importance of having PC installation programs - especially for the more novice users out there. But for us old timers, we love to get applications in CAB format.

While many companies provide this already, there are still some that don't. So, a message to all Windows Mobile software companies - please provide CAB file downloads!!