So you’ve just activated a shiny new BlackBerry and you’re all set, roaring and ready to go. Your BES server is set up, the email is coming in, and you’ve already called five people. BlackBerry glory is now waiting for you. The only thing left is to figure out how to download applications.

Basically, there are two ways to download apps. One is an OTA (over the air) download and the second is a side upload. The OTA download option allows you to download directly to your BlackBerry. In a device-centric download experience, the application is downloaded and installed on your BlackBerry without the need for a computer or cables. It all happens through a series of clicks on your BlackBerry and is seen as the easiest and most straightforward download option. For those new to BlackBerry or downloading apps, this is the preferred download experience.

The second way to download apps is through sideloading. Basically, this means that you’ll download an application to your computer, and then use the software on your computer to upload the application to your BlackBerry. To perform this process, you will need to have the BlackBerry Desktop Manager installed on your computer. Once installed, download the application setup file to a destination you can find on your computer. This will often download as a zip file. To access the contents you will need to unzip or unzip the file. Next, you’ll need to connect your BlackBerry to your computer with a USB cable. Once your BlackBerry is connected to your computer, you can open the BlackBerry Desktop Manager, open the “Application Loader” option, and click the Add button. Once selected, use the dialog to point to the downloaded, uncompressed application folder where you’ll see an .alx file. (If you don’t see this type of file, you’ll need to contact the app developer or the app store from which you downloaded the software, as they didn’t provide you with the complete and necessary files.) After choosing the .alx file, press “OK” and the software will be installed. Once complete, the application will appear in your list of uploaded applications and you will be able to disconnect the BlackBerry from your computer and use the application.