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Internet Sharing

One of the new features of Windows Mobile 6 is Internet Sharing. This allows your Windows XP or Windows Vista machine to use the same internet connection as your PDA. What this means is that if your PDA has a generous data connection, you can use that with your laptop as well. This feature uses either USB or Bluetooth, this article will use the Bluetooth method.

Requirements

Windows XP or Windows Vista with Bluetooth
Windows Mobile with Bluetooth

Procedure

1. Before you begin you need to pair your PC and Windows Mobile device. Instructions on doing that are here.
2. On the Windows Mobile device, find Internet Sharing. This should be in Programs, although it is reported that some providers have moved it or hidden it.
   
   
    
3. You will be presented with the screen to configure the settings, which includes how connect to the PC and which Internet Connection will be used. Click Connect to enable the service.
   
   
    
4. After clicking Connect, the PC connection method and internet connection will be locked until you choose Disconnect.
   When you are finished you should turn off the feature so that it conserves battery life, by simply choosing Disconnect.
   
   
    
5. On the PC you need to connect to a Bluetooth PAN.
   On Windows XP, go in to Network Connections. You should have Personal Area Network which is marked as Disconnected. Double click on it to start the process to begin connecting.
   
   
   
   On Windows Vista, Choose Connect To a Network. At the end of the list is "Connect to a Bluetooth personal area network (PAN). Tap that and choose next.
   
   
    
6. The PDA should be in the list. Select it and choose Connect. You are now connected to the PDA and should be able to surf the internet from the laptop.
   
   
    
7. When you are finished, you should disconnect.
   
   
    

Questions

Q: Can I share my wireless network connection?
A: No. You can only share a specific network connection. This is basically sharing the data modem.