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

Saving Search Queries

Windows Explorer has a good search utility built into it. As you use it, you may wish to save your commonly typed ...

Discover More

Using the Snipping Tool

Being able to capture portions of the screen can come in handy for a wide variety of reasons. The Windows snipping tool ...

Discover More

Restoring the Built-in Windows Libraries

Windows comes with four built-in libraries. You may accidentally (or on purpose) delete one or more of them. This tip ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

What are Modern Apps?

The capabilities of apps changed with Windows 10. What, exactly, are modern apps and how are they different from earlier ...

Discover More

Removing Spyware with Windows Defender

Despite your best efforts, it's possible that your system might still get afflicted with spyware. If that happens, you ...

Discover More

Creating a Selection Set

You may often need to work with many files at the same time. For example, you may wish to copy or delete a set of files. ...

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 3 + 9?

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


Newest Tips