Turn your laptop into a WiFi Hotspot with Connectify
by Uzair Sajid on October 31, 2009, under Desktop Applications, Previews, Windows 7
Yeah you heard right. You can turn your ordinary laptop running Windows 7 into a Wi-Fi hotspot thanks to an undocumented Windows 7 feature called Virtual Wi-Fi. The feature, which had been under development by Microsoft Research allows you to split your wireless card into several virtual adapters, thereby turning your notebook into a wireless hotspot.
You can connect all sorts of Wi-Fi enabled devices and share internet connection among them. And if you are wondering, then no, it doesn’t setup an AdHoc network. This is regular access point, encrypted with WPA2 encryption.
Interestingly, you can still use your computer’s Wi-Fi like you do regularly while it is functioning like a hotspot, i.e. connect to other Wi-Fi connections etc. For more information, regarding the software or technology, take a look at the FAQS section on the official website.
You can participate in the public beta and download Connectify to your PC.
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Hmm, looks like an interesting application. Will surely be giving it a try.
So the other computers that are connected to this comp can share files/internet connection, just like on a regular network?
Yes. It acts just like a normal Access Point. The devices wont be able to tell the difference.
Excellent feature introduced. This will eliminate the need of separate AP.