Can I tether Sprint TP2 WM6.5 to other devices?

[JohnMcD348]

OK, I have a stock Sprint 6.5 TP2(upgraded from 6.1 after purchase) and I was wondering if there is a way to tether it to my Dell Axim x51v's I still have around or possibly my wife's laptop if we take it on the road.

I searched but most of the threads I come across are all related to cooked ROMs. I'd like to know if there's a way to tether using the stock option. What programs would I need to install? Do I have to root my phone? What exactly is Rooting anyway?

Thanks

JTMcD.