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