Receiving SMS through your Computer

Friday, March 30, 2007

Short Message Service (SMS) is available on most digital GSM networks and there is no cell phone user that has not sent or received a text message taking advantage of this two-way service, allowing up to 160 characters communication.

Receiving messages from a cell phone directly to yours complements your mobile communication but what about receiving messages on your computer instead. There is no hard science behind it and there are some ways to setup SMS reception in your desktop.

The easier way is connecting a cell phone to your computer. For such purpose you need to run a program called HyperTerminal that comes packed with Windows, otherwise you may try any other application that allows you to send AT commands to retrieve messages, whether from a cell phone or a GSM / GPRS modem.

After typing AT, these are some basic commands to accomplish the task:

+CMGL for listing messages.
+CMGR for reading messages.
+CNMI for new message indications.
+CNMA for a new message acknowledgement.

However, many people do not understand how modem commands work and may prefer another method such as gaining access to your carrier's SMS gateway. This method provides you with a SMS gateway protocol and an on-screen interface to receive your messages with no hassles.

There are also wireless carriers providing a SMS gateway or SMS center from which all received messages are forwarded to your computer popping up on your screen.