Ask Owen

My computer is only a year old, but when I bought it I didn’t think I’d be needing Bluetooth. My new phone uses it though, and I’d like to add it to my computer. Is there something I can download?

Bluetooth is a protocol used to talk between different devices and as such requires a piece of hardware which acts as a radio across which the devices speak to each other. It’s not something you can download, but you can buy a Bluetooth dongle relatively inexpensively. It usually takes a few minutes to install the software you need and most modern operating systems will just recognise the hardware and install the drivers. It’s much easier than a quick trim fast cleanse and probably won’t set you back more than $20 from your local store.

Let me know if you don’t find one and if you tell me what country you’re in I can actually recommend one from an online retailer.

Related Questions

• Why does my 3G broadband keep dropping?
  Instead of getting broadband for my house, I decided instead to buy a 3G broadband dongle on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) contract for use with my laptop. This works reliably most of the time but sometimes ...
• How can I listen to my iPod with my Bluetooth headphones?
  I love my iPod, it goes everywhere I go, but the one thing I hate is the tangled headphone wires I have to keep sorting out. I have a Bluetooth headset, but I haven't figured out how to activate Bluet...
• What’s the best way to print to a remote printer?
  I tend to run around the house with my laptop, but our printer is attached to the main computer which is sitting up in the attic. I don't tend to print much so that's fine, but when I do I have to run...