I only have access to the Internet at the local library and I need to upgrade a Debian 7 distro to a newer (likely Debian 9) version so that I can "tether" to the Internet from a desktop using a connected "hotspot/WiFi" enabled mobile/cell phone or a 4G USB modem, the only options for my location.

Debian 7 is unable to see a yet-to-be-activated 3G USB stick bought for testing or has no driver for it. I can download onto my laptop at the library although I only made tiny downloads in the past and I still have to discover if they have size-limitations as distros are huge these days. I cannot find the distro on CD/DVD for sale in .au which I need to pay for from a debit card anyway (not every seller offer that option).

What should I download and how can I proceed precisely. I only have some experience about straight installations and it looks like the OS needs suitable network applications or driver not installed with a "minimal" system? I have a minimal download of Debian 8 on a CD which I tried but it does not install enough software to solve the problem. Needless to say I have to download on my laptop and then use the download to upgrade my desktop because my desktop is an old big box too hard to safely move around (to the library). So my idea is, if possible, to download just what is necessary to enable the desktop to access the Internet as described above and then install at home and through the Internet the rest of the distro/software needed. I can use USB sticks or DVDs to download although my preference is for DVD (never used USB for that before).

Alternatively, someone may be able to suggest how to upgrade my Debian 7 distro so it becomes able to "tether". Then I can do a proper Debian 9 netinstall.

The desktop has:
Gigabyte AB350-GAMING3 ATX mobo, Bios (original) Feb 2017
16GB ram
AMD Ryzen 5 1400 CPU
175GB SSD

Thank you for your help.

does your wifi work on the wheezy machine?

then do the following:

• do NOT connect the phone to the computer
• on the android phone: settings => wireless & networks => More... => tethering & portable hotspot => activate Wi-fi hotspot (this option has been available, one way or another, for a very long time on all my android phones)
• on the computer, select the newly created wireless network and connect to it

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Without knowing this usb modem we can't say. Is it supported in linux? Any web pages on how to use it?

We are not sure so far if you have the ability in 7 to use this device. lsusb command would be a good start.

Is it possible or practical to download a full iso of debian at library? Can you order a cheapo disc from some online place?

I got mobile broadband today ($AU30/10GB/month for 12 month with Vodafone), no need for a phone - no need to tether. Their "modem" (pocketwifi R216H) works out-of-the-box in Debian 7 and I cannot see any speed/reliability difference compared to the last $AU60.00/month wired plan I had about a year ago. Upgrading has become less important although I will look at a "netinstall" of Debian 9.

The netinstall will consume a lot of data. Be sure to watch your install choices. Some won't let you configure it as minimal as you'd think.

Seems like an OK price. 2Gb here is $20.