| Wireless connectivity just got a whole new | | | | any Bluetooth adapter. This makes printing from |
| meaning with the advent of Bluetooth technology. | | | | any Bluetooth device easier. Pictbridge is a |
| It enables you to achieve hassle-free mobility and | | | | hardware interface technology that enables your |
| so doesn't restrict you geographically. Best of all, | | | | printer to access and print images and files from |
| you don't need to worry about printing issues - no | | | | your mobile or PDA. To perform Pictbridge |
| matter where you are. | | | | printing you need to:a. Connect the USB deviceb. |
| Tips on printing using Bluetooth | | | | Wait till both the devices recognize each otherc. |
| Using a Bluetooth adapter can convert any printer | | | | Select from the menu that appears, the set of |
| into a Bluetooth enabled one. However while using | | | | images or files you want printedd. The menu also |
| any Bluetooth enabled printers, it is important to | | | | offers options to change the size, layout and |
| know a few basics. In this section we elaborate | | | | resolution of the imagese. Select 'Print' |
| on these. | | | | 4. Hacking: Make sure you avoid setting your |
| 1. Limited range: With Bluetooth enabled printers, | | | | Bluetooth enabled device to a 'discoverable mode'. |
| you'll find that range is an issue. The range of | | | | This makes it possible for your IP address to be |
| distance within which printing is possible is from | | | | known by any person with malicious intent. Often |
| about 30 to 330 feet. This of course would | | | | such attacks are directed at mobile phones, PDAs |
| depend on the hardware configuration. The higher | | | | and computers. Hackers usually connect to your |
| the range the more the power needed, which | | | | PDA or mobile by using fictitious names that are |
| could drain out your battery in the long run. | | | | familiar to you. Therefore if you connect even |
| 2. Printing from the mobile: There are times when | | | | once to their device, chances are, the hackers |
| you just have to print that gorgeous picture or | | | | can keep connecting to your device and use it for |
| that document from your hand-held PDA to a | | | | malicious purposes - like sending a virus, crashing |
| Bluetooth enabled printer. In such cases, what you | | | | your operating system or even deleting important |
| need to do is: search for your Bluetooth enabled | | | | files. |
| printer on your mobile phone. You might find it in | | | | 5. Enable encryption: For security reasons, it's best |
| the option called BT (Bluetooth) Discovery. On | | | | to always enable encryption for any Bluetooth |
| clicking this, it will show all the available Bluetooth | | | | transfer that you may make. In order to enable |
| devices. Then you can select the printer and hit | | | | encryption in any Bluetooth enabled device, you |
| on "Print". However be careful, as the Discovery | | | | need to use the Bluetooth connection Wizard |
| stage makes your phone or handheld device | | | | (usually present on Windows XP operating |
| accessible to anyone and everyone within your | | | | systems). |
| vicinity. Therefore it can be susceptible to hacking. | | | | 6. Keep firmware updated: It is also essential to |
| Be sure to switch off the Bluetooth mode once | | | | ensure speed and agility in your mobile phone |
| you're done printing. | | | | while printing through your wireless printers. To do |
| 3. USB ports: Some printers have what is called | | | | this, ensure your mobile phone's firmware is |
| the Pictbridge USB port which is compatible with | | | | always kept updated. |