Using an Android device

Android has the most options when it comes to sharing an internet connection via Wi-Fi. For starters, any phone or tablet with Android version 2.2 or later has the personal Wi-Fi hotspot feature built in by default (without any restrictions).

To activate it, go to Settings > Wireless and Network > Mobile AP. Once you activate Mobile AP, you can configure it with a name, add an access password and even hide the network so that only trusted devices can connect to it.

There are many options for older Android devices too. PdaNet is an option for USB and Bluetooth tethering (It was earlier also available for Palm and Windows Mobile phones). You can download the app directly from the Android App Market, connect the device to your computer and access the data connection.

Another open source project is Android Wi-Fi Tether (available from code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether). The app is available even for older devices with Android version 1.1 and 1.5 (cupcake). However, to use the Android Wi-Fi Tether app with Android version 2.1, you need to have a rooted device.

Rooting an Android phone is a process similar to jailbreaking on Apple iOS devices. It allows more access to the device?s hidden settings. Rooting is not illegal but will definitely void the warranty on the phone.