Control Your Computer Based On Proximity And Location

By Ricky Buchanan • September 17, 2008

Lifehacker’s Adam Pash has written a great primer on how to set up your computer so it will do different things depending on whether you are close with your Bluetooth phone, and on what wireless networks are available.

Using network and Bluetooth detection software, you can do things like mount networked drives, set default printers, enable/disable your screensaver, and launch applications based on what networks are available, what network you’re connected to, and what Bluetooth devices are in range. Today I’ll show you how.

These programs could be used, for example, to automatically start assistive software such as SmartNav or SwitchXS when you come close to the computer with your bluetooth phone, and to disable them when you leave so other family members can use the same computer.

The “wireless network detector” part is often good for detecting your location - home or school or work - and you can then change settings appropriately.

Website: Automate proximity and location-based computer actions

- Ricky Buchanan

Categories: Environmental control, Geek, Information, Mobility Impaired, Neurologically Impaired, New Software, Other Impairment, Primary Mouse Users, Primary Switch Users, Supporters, Users
Tags: bluetooth, cell phone, eadl, ecu, efficiency, Environmental control, mobile phone, start computer automatically, turn computer off automatically, turn computer on automatically, unusual input devices

About the Author

Ricky Buchanan

Ricky Buchanan is 34 years old and the founder and main writer for ATMac. She's bedridden with severe CFS/ME or perhaps a primary mitochondrial disorder - the doctors are not sure. When she's not working on ATMac or her other websites she composes music, listens to audio books, does other disability advocacy, watches TV with her flatmate, and enjoys her cat.

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