What is Bluetooth?

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated March 15, 2021)

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows for the exchanging of data. This exchange of data can cover short distances (i.e., just a few yards), up to 30 feet (10 meters) via radio waves, depending on the class of Bluetooth. Bluetooth devices became popular when paired with cell phones because you could put a Bluetooth device on your ear and thereby be able to use it to communicate wirelessly with your phone. It's possible, though, to use Bluetooth technology with computer systems as well. For example, you could use Bluetooth with wireless headsets, mice, keyboards, etc.

There are different standards for Bluetooth and different data rates. The way to use Bluetooth with your computer is to ensure that your Bluetooth device (e.g., a headset) is compatible with its corresponding adapter that's plugged into your computer. Because it is wireless, it frees you from dealing with wires and cables for your peripheral devices. And you can be more mobile (so long as you stay within the Bluetooth range).

 This tip (13055) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Understanding XPS Documents

XPS Documents have been around for several years and are now making their way into the native Windows environment. They ...

Discover More

Using Sync Center

Sync Center is a centralized place where you can deal with your offline files. You can do a manual sync, set up a sync ...

Discover More

Understanding the Command Line For Loop

A niche command that sometimes comes in handy is the FOR loop. It has several forms and therefore can serve several ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Using Windows in Safe Mode

There may come a time when your system is no longer operating properly. This could be the result of Registry changes, a ...

Discover More

Running a Program as Administrator

Sometimes a program you're trying to run needs to run with elevated privileges. Assuming you have the authority to do ...

Discover More

Moving and Sizing Windows Using the Keyboard

Moving and sizing windows is a normal part of using the Windows operating system. There are times when you may want to do ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is one less than 9?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips