we get atleast 5 or so new threads a day on this topic, so here are your options...
1) ICS - Internet Connection Sharing.. stock feature in your phone.. this enables usb tethering from your TP to your laptop or PC.. if you have sprint, you may need the reg hack to get this one going right.. (find hack cab at bottom of post-sprint only).. all this cab does it change the reg entries for you.. Will not work for VZW branded devices(VZW doesnt offer ICS)
2) HTCWifirouter - free HTC branded software for tethering via wifi.. havent tried this one personally..
http://www.1800pocketpc.com/2009/07/...le-device.html
3) PDANet - paid software $34.. this appears to be for bluetooth and usb tethering only.. again ive never used this one..
http://www.junefabrics.com/palmnet/
4) WMWIFIRouter - paid software $30(and freeware versions available upon seaching v.91 is last freeware i think-its upto v1.35 now though on the paid app).. this app allows for wifi,bluetooth,and usb tethering.. i personally use this app daily.. i certainly recommend buying a licensed copy so that your always made available the newest version...
http://www.wmwifirouter.com/
5) WalkingHotSpot - another paid app $24.99.. another wifi only tethering app.. NOT FOR VZW-you need ICS for this to run and VZW doesnt have it.. havent tried this one either...
http://walkinghotspot.com/
thats about it folks, the 4 main ways to tether you TP to your laptop or PC.. obviously noone faults you for going for the free software...
also before you all ask... YES, it is possible for your carrier to see that your tethering.. Most carrier, Sprint for sure, have a 5gb soft cap on unlimited data usage(thats right, noone has real unlimited data).. this means that if you go over, no u wont be charged, but if u have a habit of going well over the 5gb cap then you are making yourself more noticeable...
in the time ive been on PPCG, ive seen one person actually get a response from his carrier(it was telus) and they just told him theyd start charging him or he needed the right plan(phone as modem.. so go ahead, youll be fine, your carrier wont charge you, and its doubtful theyll ever even bring it to your attention