Smartphone Credit Card Apps, Partition Resizing & Android Tethering - HTG

Reader Mailbag: Tech Questions Answered

Each week, we address the technical inquiries submitted by our readership. This installment focuses on several key areas. We will be examining mobile credit card processing solutions for Android devices, methods for adjusting hard drive partition sizes, and the process of tethering an Android phone to a laptop computer.

Mobile Credit Card Processing on Android

A common question concerns accepting credit card payments using Android smartphones. Several applications facilitate this functionality, transforming your device into a portable point-of-sale system.

These apps typically require a compatible card reader that connects to your Android device via Bluetooth or the headphone jack. Square and PayPal Here are popular choices, offering competitive transaction fees and ease of use.

Resizing Hard Drive Partitions

Another frequently asked topic involves modifying the size of hard drive partitions. This can be necessary to allocate more space to a particular operating system or application.

Windows users can utilize the built-in Disk Management tool for this purpose. Alternatively, third-party partitioning software, such as EaseUS Partition Master, provides more advanced features and a user-friendly interface.

Important Note: Before resizing partitions, it is crucial to back up your data. Incorrect partitioning can lead to data loss.

Android Tethering to a Laptop

Many readers inquire about using their Android phone as a mobile hotspot to provide internet access to their laptops. This process, known as tethering, is relatively straightforward.

On most Android devices, tethering can be enabled through the Settings menu, under Connections or Network & Internet. You can choose to tether via USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi hotspot.

Be mindful of your mobile data plan, as tethering can consume a significant amount of data. Check with your carrier regarding any associated charges or limitations.

Tethering via USB often provides the fastest and most stable connection, while Wi-Fi hotspot is convenient for connecting multiple devices.

Mobile Credit Card Processing for Android

A business owner inquired about accepting credit card payments in the field using an Android device, currently limited to cash and checks.

Expanding payment options to include credit cards is seen as a potential growth strategy for the business.

Seeking a Solution

The question focuses on identifying the most secure, cost-effective, and reliable Android application for processing credit card transactions.

The goal is to enable convenient credit card acceptance directly from a smartphone.

Recommended Option: Square

While the How-To Geek team lacks direct experience with mobile credit card readers, reader input is valuable.

However, Square is highlighted as a leading solution in the mobile payment processing sector.

Square initially gained prominence with its iPhone app and complimentary mobile reader.

They have successfully extended this service to the Android platform, offering a similar experience.

Features and Benefits

The Square application allows for credit card acceptance through a mobile interface.

A free magnetic stripe reader is provided, enabling card swiping for enhanced security.

The fee structure is transparent and simple: 2.75% per transaction.

There are no hidden fees, service charges, or ongoing maintenance costs associated with the service.

Resources

You can obtain the Android application from here.

Further details regarding the service can be found on the official Square website here.

Adjusting Partition Sizes in Windows 7

Dear How-To Geek,

I am experiencing a lack of space on the main partition of my Windows 7 computer. Is it feasible to increase its size by reclaiming space from another, secondary partition?

Sincerely,

Squeezed in Syracuse

Dear Squeezed,

Prior to any partition adjustments, a complete data backup is strongly recommended. While the process has become more user-friendly, safeguarding your data remains crucial. Subsequently, you have two primary methods to address this issue.

Utilizing Windows Built-in Tools

Windows provides integrated tools for partition management. These are readily accessible and suitable for basic resizing operations. However, they may offer less granular control compared to third-party solutions.

Employing GParted Live CD

Alternatively, the GParted Live CD offers a more comprehensive and flexible approach. This allows for precise control over partition resizing and manipulation. It’s a powerful tool for advanced users.

Here’s a breakdown of considerations for each method:

• Windows Disk Management: Simpler to use, but potentially limited in functionality.
• GParted: Offers greater control and supports a wider range of partition types.

Regardless of the chosen method, proceed with caution and double-check all settings before applying any changes. Incorrect partition adjustments can lead to data loss.

Remember to defragment your hard drive before resizing partitions for optimal performance. This consolidates files and creates contiguous free space.

Leveraging Your Android Phone for Data Connectivity

A reader recently inquired about utilizing their Android phone as a data modem, expressing envy over a friend’s device equipped with a built-in Hot Spot feature.

The primary goal is to establish a connection between the Android phone and a laptop while traveling, without resorting to rooting the device or risking warranty issues.

Utilizing USB Tethering with PDAnet

Fortunately, achieving this functionality is readily possible without the need for rooting. All that is required is a USB sync cable compatible with the Android phone.

Our guide details the process of tethering an Android phone to a laptop using PDAnet, providing a straightforward solution for mobile data access.

PDAnet offers a convenient method to share your phone’s cellular data connection with your computer via a USB cable.

This approach bypasses the need for Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities and avoids any potential warranty complications.

Seeking Tech Assistance

Do you have a challenging tech question that needs answering?

Feel free to submit your inquiries via email to tips@howtogeek.com, and we will endeavor to provide a helpful response.

We are committed to assisting our readers with their technical challenges and offering practical solutions.