# HV

> HTML viewer for HP palmtops

**Wikidata**: [Q121672452](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q121672452)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hv

## Summary
HV is a software application designed to function as an HTML viewer specifically for HP palmtop computers. Developed by D&A Software, it enables users on legacy devices, such as the HP 100LX and HP 200LX, to view HTML content. The software is classified as freeware and remains under copyright.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** Software (non-tangible executable component).
- **Function:** HTML viewer designed for HP palmtops.
- **Developer:** D&A Software, a software company established in 1995.
- **Platforms:** Compatible with HP 100LX and HP 200LX palmtops.
- **License:** Freeware (status effective as of January 10, 2008).
- **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted.
- **Download Availability:** Available via the URL `http://www.dasoft.com/ftp/pub/WWW/hv22.exe`.
- **Official Website:** `http://www.dasoft.com/HV/latest.htm`.

## FAQs
### Q: What is HV used for?
A: HV is used to view HTML files on HP palmtop computers, specifically the HP 100LX and HP 200LX models. It serves as a bridge to display web content on these legacy devices.

### Q: Is HV free to download?
A: Yes, HV is listed as freeware. This licensing status has been active since at least January 10, 2008, though the software remains copyrighted.

### Q: Who created HV?
A: HV was developed by D&A Software, a company that was founded in 1995.

## Why It Matters
HV serves as a specialized utility that extends the functional lifespan of legacy HP 100LX and HP 200LX palmtop computers. In the context of retro-computing and legacy hardware maintenance, software availability is often as critical as the hardware itself. By providing a way to render HTML, HV allows these DOS-based palmtops to interact with web content or local documentation formats that would otherwise be inaccessible on such limited hardware.

The software represents the ecosystem of third-party support that surrounded the HP LX series, illustrating how developers like D&A Software (founded in 1995) created niche solutions to fill gaps left by original manufacturers. The transition of the software to freeware in 2008 further cemented its role as a preservation tool, removing cost barriers for hobbyists and users maintaining older equipment. As a copyrighted yet freely distributed executable, it stands as an example of software licensing models designed to support abandoned or niche user bases without relinquishing intellectual property rights.

## Notable For
- **Platform Specificity:** Designed exclusively for the HP 100LX and HP 200LX palmtop form factors.
- **Long-term Availability:** Maintained by D&A Software with a specific freeware status update issued in 2008.
- **Niche Utility:** One of the few HTML viewers tailored for the specific hardware constraints of early HP palmtops.
- **Distributed Executable:** Available as a standalone executable file (`hv22.exe`), implying a simple installation process typical of the era.

## Body

### Software Classification and Function
HV is identified as an instance of software, specifically categorized as a non-tangible executable component of a computer. Its primary function is that of an HTML viewer. It is distinct from general-purpose web browsers as it is tailored for the "HP palmtops" ecosystem.

### Hardware Requirements
The software is built to run on specific legacy hardware platforms manufactured by Hewlett-Packard.
- **Primary Platform:** HP 100LX (a palmtop from HP with a sitelink count of 2 in the source database).
- **Extended Platform:** HP 200LX.

### Development and Licensing
HV was created by **D&A Software**, an entity recognized as a software company.
- **Developer History:** D&A Software has an inception date of 1995.
- **Licensing:** The software operates under a freeware license. This status is verified with a start time of January 10, 2008.
- **Legal Status:** Despite being freeware, the software retains a copyrighted status.

### Distribution and Availability
The software is distributed digitally via D&A Software's online infrastructure.
- **Primary Download:** The executable file is accessible at `http://www.dasoft.com/ftp/pub/WWW/hv22.exe`.
- **Information Source:** The latest information and releases are hosted at `http://www.dasoft.com/HV/latest.htm`.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.dasoft.com/ABOUT/about.htm)
2. [Source](http://www.dasoft.com/HV/latest.htm)