Motorola DROID 2 Global, Manual

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CHAPTER 5: Wi-Fi and 3G Connectivity
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If you aren’t required to log into anything, you don’t need to click
OK
to agree to the
access rules, and you don’t need a password to get onto the network – then chances
are that you’re using an open Wi-Fi access point. A skilled hacker may be able to
intercept your signal.
CAUTION: Unless you’ve installed security software, avoid entering passwords or sending
sensitive information on open Wi-Fi networks.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a super short-range technology meant as more of a wire replacement than a
way to get onto the Internet. Bluetooth can be used to communicate with a wireless
headset or your laptop, and some apps can use Bluetooth to transfer files between your
phone and your computer.
For more on Bluetooth, read Chapter 8: “Bluetooth on Your DROID.”
GPS
GPS
stands for global positioning system. It’s one of the few acronyms in this chapter
worth spelling out, because the long name explains what it does. GPS triangulates your
position through satellite signals. This isn’t the only way your phone can tell where you
are, but it’s the most commonly used method.
Devices that use maps or tag your photos by location typically rely on a GPS signal to
do this. Android can also supplement this with the location of nearby cell towers and the
location of any Wi-Fi networks you’re using. However, plenty of apps require a GPS
signal to tell you what movies are showing nearby or the location of the nearest Thai
restaurant.
GPS activity is represented on the top of your screen as a satellite. If you have the
GPS feature activated, you may notice it activating when you open your Web browser,
even if you aren’t doing anything directly map related. This is usually to sense your
location for local search results and ads. You can turn GPS off when you’re not using it
to save your phone’s battery.
Creating a Wi-Fi Hotspot with Your DROID
If you pay for mobile hotspot access, which is an add-on service for DROID phones, you
can use Verizon’s
3G Mobile Hotspot
app to turn your DROID into a wireless modem
for your laptop or other device, as shown in Figure 5–3. It’s still sharing a 3G connection
to a laptop, so it is not super fast; however, it will let you use your laptop’s larger screen
and keyboard while you’re out of Wi-Fi range. You can share your connection with up to
five devices, so you could also share a connection with a friend.