How to share Internet from your laptop to smartphone (and other devices)

Many smartphones or other devices do not support the same network configuration that is easily shared from laptop to laptop.

This guide can show you a free way to share your network connection with these devices without also needing to install any third-party software on Windows Vista or 7 (though it's possible on XP too). Keep in mind that this works best when your laptop is connected via a cable. Ultimately, this method is ideal for sharing the Internet connection in a hotel room (many rooms have only one ethernet cable) from your laptop to other devices.

All you'll need in advance, besides a working network connection, is an up-to-date version of the Java Runtime Environment installed. You can check whether you have JRE, or even get the latest version here. 

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma)

Step 1: Open your browser of choice and navigate to www.virtualaccesspoint.com. Note that this page will need to remain open as long as you want to share your connection.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma)

Step 2: Once the page is loaded, a small window will open asking for permission to run an app. This is normal, and you'll need to grant it permission to run.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma)

Step 3: Enter the name for your access point, as well as the desired security key. Click on Turn On Soft AP to create your access point.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma)

Step 4: Right-click on the network icon in your System Tray. Click Open Network and Sharing Center.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma)

Step 5: A new network will appear in your list of active networks with the name you chose in Step 3. Click on the link next to Connections.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma)

Step 6: Click Properties in the window that appears.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma)

Step 7: Click on the Sharing tab and check the box labeled Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection. Select Local Area Connection from the drop down box and click OK.

You should be able to connect to this new access point with just about any device that supports wireless. Once you're done with the connection, simply press the Turn Off Soft AP button on the VirtualAccessPoint page.

Are you Coming to watch Olympic, Paralympic Games in UK? Then You can stay in UK for up to 6 months

If you are coming to watch the Olympic and Paralympic Games as a visitor, you will be allowed to stay in the UK for up to six months in most cases.

Also, get your papers ready. From 1 January 2012, the UK Border Agency will begin processing visitor visas for those coming from outside the UK to watch the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Games will be the biggest event that the UK has hosted and many extra visitors will arrive during the busy summer period in 2012.

The UKBA said: 1We will process your application and, if you meet the requirements, will issue your visa with a start date that will cover you for the whole Olympic and Paralympic Games period. This means that you can start your preparations for travelling to the UK for the Games from the beginning of 2012.

After Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and Monaco, Taiwan participates in UK youth mobility scheme

After Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and Monaco, its Taiwan

From 1 January 2012, Taiwan will join the list of countries and territories that participate in the UK's youth mobility scheme, under Tier 5 of the points-based system.

The scheme is for young people from participating countries and territories who want to come and experience life in the UK.

Every year, the UK government allocates a number of places on the youth mobility scheme for each country and territory.

For 2012, Taiwan, Japan and Monaco will each receive an allocation of 1,000 places. This is in line with the number of places offered to UK nationals on their reciprocal schemes.

Australia, Canada and New Zealand's allocations will match the number of UK nationals who were issued visas on their reciprocal schemes in the previous year:

Australia has 32,500 places, Canada 5,000 places and New Zealand 10,000 places

The UK Border Agency said the Immigration Rules will be amended on 1 January 2012 to reflect the addition of Taiwan to the scheme. A statement of changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 1693) was laid before Parliament on 8 December.