As a natural extension of my desire to share information, like this blog site with others, there is also a desire to share information with my other devices. You have some options that can be easily implemented, and others may require a more deliberate and coordinated method. CNET has some good weekend projects, and setting up a wireless network is by far one of my all time Favorites on their site.
So you have a network, now what?
Sharing photos and other digital media like documents and music is easy. Microsoft provides some excellent articles, a key one for any beginner is Windows XP Networking: Sharing in the Home Office. Just a word of caution, that sharing on unprotected home networks is not a good idea. Protect those files using the firewall or router security features in addition to the protection offered by the Windows file sharing features.
If you have any media files that contain music, video or recorded TV, software like iTunes and Windows Media Player also allow these to be shared once they are added to the library and the sharing features have been enabled. Digital Books in the Microsoft Reader or Palm Digital Media format can also be shared.
What about sharing with devices that are not PC’s?
The Pocket PC handheld using the Windows Mobile software makes an excellent portable player for your digital media library.
Pocket PCs use the Microsoft Activesync software usually provided on the support CD with the handheld to transfer those files to your handheld, and then playback if they are formatted in the correct media format. Other great software products can be purchased for reasonable prices on sites like PocketGear.com and PalmGear.com.
Music files in WMA or MP3 format can be played without conversion.
JPEG photos can be viewed using either the Pocket Internet Explorer feature of the Image Zone software that can be downloaded from HP.
Movies and recorded TV, once converted and formatted to fit on the smaller device displays, can be quite enjoyable during a cross-country flight.
Wired and Bluetooth networking is similarly completed for these devices, but features vary widely between devices.
Make sure that you use the help and tutorial materials packaged with the device and update the software or firmware if you have problems establishing a connection.
Usually forums that support these devices like Dave’s iPaq Forum on Mobility Today (also a podcast!) and the HP Business Support Forum for iPaq and Aero devices are also good sources for any specific questions.
Bluetooth networking using a cell phone for dial-up networking in a manner similar to a PC modem is an excellent way to stay connected on the go. The fees are generally higher than wireless access charges. I have successfully networked three computers at home and regularly connect all of my handheld devices with complete success. I’m use Bluetooth networking for Printing and a wireless headphone connection.
