Using a Windows 7 laptop

If you have a Wi-Fi enabled Windows 7 laptop (32-bit or 64-bit), a free program called Connectify (connectify.me) can create a personal hotspot, allowing other nearby laptops, phones, portable gaming consoles and tablets to use your internet connection.

Like with any Wi-Fi router, you can configure it with a name, add access passwords and hide the network (disable broadcasting). Once the software is installed, the Connectify hotspot can be started and stopped at any time from the Windows 7 notification area on the right side of the taskbar.

Connectify works with most Wi-Fi cards in laptops, though the functionality may be limited in some cases. For example, if your laptop connects to the internet using Wi-Fi itself, it may not be able to use Connectify to further share the network.

If your laptop connects to the internet using an Ethernet cable or using a USB data card, Connectify will work without an issue. However, if your laptop has a Windows 7 certified Wi-Fi card, it will support Access Point connections.

This means that even if the laptop connects to the internet using Wi-Fi, it will still be able to share the internet connection with other devices. If your laptop has a Windows 7 certified Wi-Fi card that supports Access Point connections, Connectify can also be used as a repeater or range extender for your home Wi-Fi network.

All you have to do is place your laptop towards the periphery of your existing Wi-Fi network and enable Connectify.

Unfortunately, Connectify depends on improvements made to Windows 7 to operate, hence it is not compatible with Windows XP or Vista (although it is compatible with Windows Server 2008 R2). Connectify will also soon be available for Android devices (available on the Android App Market).