Computer Advice: To Sync Or Not To Sync

Air Date:
Heard On The Larry Meiller Show
Larry Meiller finds out how to sync your phone, computer, tablet and other gadgets, and whether there are times when you might want to keep them isolated from each other.

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  • Keep Data Current By Syncing Devices, Says Computer Expert

    Many people haven’t only a computer, but also a smartphone and possibly, a tablet and an MP3 player as well. When someone wants to access up-to-date data like contacts or calendar entries across all of these platforms, the process of syncing becomes integral.

    Syncing is short for synchronizing, and it means that information on one device are brought up to date on other devices with the same application. While that process has been common for several years, it’s now often an automatic system, according to Peter Greene, a computer consultant with InfoStar.com.

    “Most people like to sync with their smartphone,” Greene said, “because that’s what they’re carrying with them.”

    Even if a device, like a smartphone, doesn’t rely on a wireless internet connection to function, Greene said that by making sure that its Wi-Fi is enabled will allow for automatic syncing to take place. But he cautioned not to assume that the specific data a user wants to sync is being copied over.

    “There are defaults, and then there are options,” he said.

    Looking through the preferences listed in the device’s operating system will ensure that what the user wants to sync is coming through and that unnecessary data isn’t. Greene emphasized that for people with a limit on their data usage for their smartphone, it can be expensive to sync items that aren’t really needed. In addition, memory is limited on all electronic devices — “and it does take up space when you sync things,” he said.

    On the computer side of the equation, having Bluetooth enabled is a good idea. Greene explained that Bluetooth is “a communication protocol that allows devices to communicate with each other within a reasonable range of, say, 30 feet. … It’s a simple way for them to communicate with each other as long as they’re in close proximity, and (Bluetooth is) turned on.”

    In addition to being turned on, Greene said, Bluetooth permission has to be granted between different devices. That can include a pre-set Bluetooth pass code assigned to a device.

    Older desktop computers might not have the Bluetooth function, Greene warned, so checking the specs is a good place to start. Even if it doesn’t come installed, there are add-ons that can provide the functionality if needed.

Episode Credits

  • Larry Meiller Host
  • Judith Siers-Poisson Producer
  • Peter Greene Guest

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