Non Ad-hoc WiFi for Android Devices?

[moviebuff_1990]

Sorry if I sound like a complete novice (because I am one) but the problem basically presents itself.
I have a Dell Inspiron with Windows Vista (don't ask me why) which is connected to the internet via an ethernet port (because I live in a college dorm).
So I tried to convert this into a wifi for my Samsung phone and tablet androids by making it into an adhoc connection, but they didnt register it. After much Google-ing I realised that androids don't support ad-hoc connections.
I even tried installing Connectify. But once again it created an ad-hoc connection as my laptop is Vista, which is incompatible.

I also read all this stuff about rooting your phone etc. which basically scared the hell out of me because I don't want to damage my devices and I'm afraid I might just, if I mess it up. They work absolutely fine otherwise.

So basically my question is, is there ANY way (an app, a software; no configuration required please) in which I can connect an android device to an Ethernet internet connection via Vista?

Thanks in advance. Especially to those who can explain in easy language.

Complete NOVICE

 

[prunejuice]

Your school may be using strict MAC address allocation (one student...one machine).

Speak to the school's IT about this.

 

[moviebuff_1990]

Naah, i don't think so. My friends who have Macs, iPads and iPhones or Windows XP use the internet on multiple devices. I'm pretty sure that's not the issue.