What version of the BlackBerry operating system am I running?

Unless you've got a fairly new BlackBerry smartphone, chances are you're running on a version of the operating system software that is, by now, outdated. The most recent version available is OS 6, but that's only going to be running on the new BlackBerry Torch, so for all other users - you'll be updating to OS 5.

To check what version you're running, all you need to do is:

1. Open the Options application on your device (sometimes this is within a folder called Settings).

2. Select About from the list. You'll be presented with a list of numbers.

3. The Device Software version will be the first set of numbers on the third line. (e.g: v.4.5.0.37, which means the device is running version 4.5 of the BlackBerry OS.)

QUICK TIP: Or you can use the Help Me screen shortcut directly on your BlackBerry to determine your current OS version by hitting ALT, SHIFT and the letter H.

Is my BlackBerry compatible?

BlackBerry Device Software v5.0 supports the following smartphones:

• BlackBerry Curve 8520
• BlackBerry Curve 8900
• BlackBerry Storm 9500
• BlackBerry Storm2 9520
• BlackBerry Bold 9000
• BlackBerry Bold 9700

For more info, go here.

Do I need to upgrade?

The short answer? Yes.  OS upgrades bring with them performance enhancements and new features and tweaks that will totally enhance your BlackBerry experience.

What do I need to upgrade my BlackBerry operating system?

Before you get started, you'll need the latest version of the BlackBerry Desktop Manager, which you can get by going here. Download the right one for you (Mac or PC) and install the application.

Once you've installed and opened the latest version of the BlackBerry Desktop Manager, we recommend you make a backup of your BlackBerry. Do this by selecting the Back Up icon on the menu, and confirming your back up location. Once you've done that, it's safe to proceed with the upgrade to your handset's operating system.

You'll need your BlackBerry USB cable for the next bit.

How do I upgrade my BlackBerry operating system?

Once you've connected your BlackBerry to your computer using the cable the Desktop Manager should* notfiy you that there's a new version of BlackBerry Device OS available to you for download. Follow the prompts, and the download should begin. You'll be prompted through the entire process, and it should end with a reboot and running through security verification processes, before you're fiddling with and marvelling at the shininess that is the BlackBerry Device OS v5.

If the Desktop Manager didn't notifiy you, you can check for updates manually, using the menu at the top of the navigation File > Check for updates.

What to expect from BlackBerry OS 5:

Do even more than before.

With v5 you get the following added functionality:

Email:

• Flag For Follow Up – apply different colours, assign due dates, set reminders and more - allowing you to easily manage your inbox, so that nothing goes forgotten. 
• Mail Folder Management – Add, remove or rename folders to help simplify your email management.

Calendar:

• Forward Appointments – Forward a calendar entry from the email message list or directly from the calendar and make sure the right people are there.
• Viewing Attachments – Open attachments from calendar entries in formats like JPEG, Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Files:

• Remote File Access – Find, open, view, edit, save, or email your JPEG, Adobe PDF, Microsof® Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint files directly from your BlackBerry .

Contacts:

• Wireless Contact Synchronisation – Wirelessly sync your contact list with your multiple contact folders and personal distribution lists on your desktop, so you can be sure that your contacts are in sync, always.

Gmail:

• Gmail Integration – Get many of the same great Gmail features you’ve come to love, like search, labels and stars, archive, conversation view, and report as spam on your BlackBerry.

SMS Text Messaging:

• Threaded SMS Text Messages  – Enjoy a chat-like look and feel, emoticons, display pictures and the ability to send an SMS text message with the press of the Enter key.

Time Zone Detection:

• Time Zone Change Detection – Receive automatic prompts as you travel across the country, with the option to choose a different time zone, making it easy to stay on schedule wherever life takes you.

BlackBerry Browser:

• Improved Browsing Capabilities – Enjoy a more interactive experience with colorful web pages and rich animations.

BlackBerry Maps:

• BlackBerry Map Display – Access maps, zoom in for a closer look, and plan your route faster than you could before. You can also place your cursor over an unlabeled street to make the name pop up.
• Automatic Address Detection – Simply click on an address is displayed in an email or on a web page to view the location with BlackBerry Maps.
• Points of Interest – View points of interest like hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, get directions from one to the other, and see ratings and reviews all on BlackBerry Maps.
• Navigation – Find your current location, search for an address from your contact list, or get directions to the company party from your pre-stored “work” or “home” location, all in one place.
• Photo Geotagging – View pictures you’ve taken while on the go – your geotagged photos appear as a layer on your map so you can view them as thumbnail images in BlackBerry Maps.
  
  So what are you waiting for, have you upgraded yet?