All About Bluetooth

“Bluetooth is an open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short length radio waves) from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs) with high levels of security.”

That’s wiki and here’s the simple version.

The Bluetooth feature on your Accord mobile helps you do everything that you normally use data cables for, except without the added mess and bother of the wires. That means transferring files, photos, videos etc in and out of your phone, talking hands-free, connecting to the internet and much more. A Bluetooth connection is wireless and automatic, and it has a number of interesting features that can simplify our daily lives.

It is necessary to know and understand how to use your mobile’s Bluetooth efficiently and safely.

So here goes.

What can it do?

With the Bluetooth feature of your mobile, you can:

· Transfer files (such as mp3s and photos) to and from your mobile

· Backup your Accord mobile to your PC

· Use a Bluetooth GPS device for satellite navigation on your mobile phone, PDA or laptop.

· Exchange business cards, calendar entries and photos with other users

· Use a Bluetooth headset for hands-free calling

· Use the phone as a wireless modem from your Bluetooth-enabled laptop or PDA

The variety of things you can do with the Bluetooth technology are mostly only limited by imagination. As you read on, you will get a better idea of the capabilities of this feature and how to use it resourcefully.

The Advantage

Bluetooth is designed to be a secure and inexpensive way of connecting and exchanging information between devices without wires. Within this simple definition are a horde of benefits:

· Its wireless! You can eliminate all the dangers and inconvenience that accompany cables and wires.

· It’s efficient! Bluetooth can instantly transfer information between various devices as long as they are all compatible. Driving directions can be sent from your car’s GPS system to your phone and all your friend’s handsets as well as to your PC, all within the same minute.

· The technology itself is cheap which means its pocket friendly. There are hardly any additional costs, if ever.

· It’s Automatic! It can be set so that you don’t have to start up or establish any connections or give any commands. Transfers will take place automatically when you come within range of 30 feet. Just keep it on the right mode and forget about it!

· It works on a standard protocol. This means that its standard wireless specification assure a high level of compatibility amidst other devices.

· It consumes lesser energy. As it uses low power signals, the Bluetooth needs only little energy which means that it utilizes less electrical power or battery. But this is as compared to other wireless technologies. Don’t use up battery power by keeping Bluetooth on when not being used. (Check How to Extend Your Battery Life)

· It offers great flexibility and mobility. With the Bluetooth standard, compatible gadgets share both voice and data communication. A Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone can share voice conversations with a compatible Bluetooth headset. The same cell phone can also create a GPRS connection to the internet. Also with the Bluetooth, the same phone can connect to a laptop and the latter can surf the web and even send and receive emails.

Connecting to the internet

If there is no source of internet connection available, you can use your mobile phone’s Bluetooth to connect your PC to the internet, provided the PC has a Bluetooth Feature.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn on the Bluetooth enabled cell phone and turn on the Bluetooth connection software.

2. Make the phone discoverable.

3. In Windows XP on the laptop go to My Bluetooth Places.

4. Select View Devices in Range.

5. After the discovery process is complete, you should see the icon for the cell phone.

6. Right-click on the icon and select Discover Available Services.

7. To connect to your cell phone right-click on the Dial-Up Networking.

8. Select Connect Dial-up networking.

9. The phone will ask if you want to accept the connection request, decline or add to paired.

10. The last step pairs the phone and laptop and performs the connection request.

11. You will be prompted to enter a PIN code to pair up the devices, the PIN is entered in the cell phone.

12. A dialogue box appears asking for user name, password and the phone number of your ISP.

13. Click on the dial button to complete the connection.

An advantage of using Bluetooth is that your phone can remain in your laptop carrying case or pocket and Bluetooth does not require direct line of sight connection.

Bluetooth Security

Know The Problem

Bluejacking involves Bluetooth users sending a business card (just a text message, really) to other Bluetooth users within a 10-meter (32-foot) radius. If the user doesn't realize what the message is, he might allow the contact to be added to his address book, and the contact can send him messages that might be automatically opened because they're coming from a known contact.

Bluebugging is more of a problem, because it allows hackers to remotely access a user's phone and use its features, including placing calls and sending text messages, and the user doesn't realize it's happening.

The Car Whisperer is a piece of software that allows hackers to send audio to and receive audio from a Bluetooth-enabled car stereo. Like a computer security hole, these vulnerabilities are an inevitable result of technological innovation, and device manufacturers are releasing firmware upgrades that address new problems as they arise.

Devices can easily grab radio waves out of the air, so people who send sensitive information over a wireless connection need to take precautions to make sure those signals aren't intercepted.

Eliminate the problem

1. You can also simply switch the Bluetooth mode to "non-discoverable" and avoid connecting with other Bluetooth devices entirely. This especially makes sense if you use Bluetooth network primarily for synching devices at home,

2. Bluetooth users can establish "trusted devices" that can exchange data without asking permission. When any other device tries to establish a connection to the user's gadget, the user has to decide to allow it.

3. Don't "pair" with unknown devices. Just like you would not open your door to a stranger, do not accept content or pair with devices from unknown users.

4. Pair your device in private to make the permanent connection. And if your device comes with a default Personal Identification Number (PIN), change it to one that only you know.

5. If you are not using Bluetooth, simply turn it off. This the best thing you can do as it is good for your battery and for your safety.

For Your Information

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

It’s a common question. Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are wireless technologies. So what’s the difference and why choose one over the other?

· Bluetooth runs at a lower speed and power than Wi-Fi. This means that Bluetooth consumes much less power, an asset for your mobile phone.

· Since it covers shorter distances and has a 2 level password protection, it is more secure than Wi-Fi.

· All you need is a Bluetooth adaptor on all the devices connecting with each other. On the other hand, a Wi-Fi connection requires much more hardware.

· Bluetooth is fairly simple to use. It can be used to connect up to seven devices at a time and it is easy to switch between devices or find and connect to any device. With Wi-Fi, one needs to configure the hardware and software.

Remember, the two don't interfere with each other, but the two don't talk to each other either - in other words you can't get a device with Bluetooth to communicate to a device that only supports Wi-Fi.

Cell Phone Viruses and Security

In the previous posts, we have spoken of how you can increase your cell phone’s productivity through applications, social networking and various downloads. As you learn new ways of utilising the best of your phone, it is also important to learn how to keep your phone protected from viruses.

As we open our cell phones to the internet, we need to remember that we are also opening them to the same viral threats that plague our computers. And just like we download Spy-wares to protect our computers from online threats, we also need to take steps to protect out mobile phones from mobile viruses. Awareness on this subject is highly limited. Here are some of the most crucial questions answered:

What is a mobile phone virus?
A mobile phone virus is the same as a PC virus except that it is adapted or created for the cellular environment. The first known cell phone virus appeared in 2004, named Cabir. It was simply produced to prove that viruses could be created to infect cell phones. The virus was harmless but its purpose was to get people aware and to help develop anti-spywares for a problem which was surely on the horizon.
So anti-virus researchers got down to business and thanks to them, we have some idea of the kind of viruses that affect mobile phones and what can be done to prevent them.
At present, the problem is on the threshold but it only promises to get worse. And as the say, forewarned is forearmed.

How does a mobile phone virus spread?
This, of course, is the most viable question. How can the virus enter your mobile phone in the first place?
Every time you go online through your cell phone, you need to be alert for viruses. Cell phone viruses mostly spread only through a direct download. In other words, your phone will catch the virus only if you run the infected file on the phone. this is why mobile phone viruses are typically disguised as games, security patches or other desirable applications.
There are three main ways in which mobile phone viruses spread:
- Internet downloads: This is the same way by which your PC gets infected and is the most common type of cell phone infection. Certain online files are loaded with viruses which get injected into your phone’s software when you download the file. These may include application downloads, downloads of ringtones, games etc or file-sharing.
- Wireless Connections: Bluetooth is a major cause of viruses spreading in mobile networks. The virus spreads between phones when their Bluetooth is on. If you keep your Bluetooth on and discoverable/visible to all, it is easy for the cell phone to catch a virus through other mobile phones in the vicinity. The virus spreads like an airborne illness.
- MMS: MMS messages can come with viruses in the form of attachments. The user must choose to open the attachment and then install it in order for the virus to infect the phone. Typically, a virus that spreads via MMS gets into the phone's contact list and sends itself to every phone number stored there.

What harm can they do?
Viruses, worms and trojans, under whatever category they’re classified, can cause anywhere from minor irritation to total system failure. It may give access to information on your phone including calendar, contact list, text and even photos and videos, in some cases. It might send an infected MMS to everyone in your list. It might even delete information from your phone. And if you then attach the phone to a computer, the virus can spread on to your PC as well.

Now for the good news.

How can you protect your mobile?
· While using Bluetooth: Set your phone to "hidden" so that other phones can't detect it and send it a virus. Go to the Bluetooth options to change your phone’s visibility. Always go for device pairing only when in a secure area and choose a strong PIN.

· Do not open unknown files: It’s the same rule that applies on your PC. If you don’t know what a file is or if you are not sure of it, leave it alone.

· Avoid illegal downloads: Peer-to-peer sharing websites and applications often disguise viruses as credible programs. So beware.

· Install an anti-virus: The software may simply detect and then remove the virus once it's received and installed, or it may protect your phone from getting certain viruses in the first place. There are many discussions regarding the usefulness of spyware in mobile phones. However, if you often use Bluetooth or go for Internet downloads, a good anti-virus software may be important. These can be downloaded for free or purchased.

· Keep your computer virus-free: Many applications, ringtones, music etc are added to the phone by connecting to a computer. If the computer is infected, your phone will catch the virus too. So keep you computer free of viruses and never connect your phone to a public computer.

The threat of viruses on mobile phones is looming large on the horizon. Ultimately, more connectivity means more exposure to viruses and faster spreading of infection. As our phones get smarter, the variety of viruses trying to attack them will also increase. It’s an imminent threat which is why it’s important for all cell phone users to become aware of the problem and take preventive measures. If we inculcate these habits now, it will go a long in keeping our mobile phones virus-free, in the future.