Thank you all, these AndroidForum posts have been very helpful.
As for PdaNet, I'm glad PdaNet works for you, it's failing for me. I have: Sprint, Samsung Epic 4g, Android version 2.2 but not rooted, PdaNet (paid). On PC side, Lenovo t61p, Windows 7, PdaNet. PdaNet both sides were purchased September 2010. Installed the PC-side driver from junefabrics.com/android/driver.php and rebooted after installing (both phone and PC).
Result: PC installs 3 of the 4 USB drivers (CDC Abstract Control Module ACM hangs, but ADB succeeds). Popup says it connects, but a few seconds later PC says "usb connection dropped (code=1)" And it is not connected. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you, -Ben -- b at brss.us