Hot Computers & Programming Posts
How To: Find the "hidden" mic boost on Realtek HD sound cards
Need to adjust your microphone's input volume using the Realtek Sound Manager but aren't sure how? The 20db mic boost gain appears to be in a buried spot in the Realtek HD sound cards software, but it's there! In this video tutorial you'll see how to get to it.
How To: Fix your computer when it won't recognize your CD or DVD disc drive
One of the most annoying of the many annoying types of errors on Windows computers is when you computer won't recognize parts that have always been a part of it, like the drives or keyboard. If your computer has stopped recognizing your CD or DVD disc drive, watch this video. As long as the drive is still connected, the steps in this video should allow you to fix the problem and continue using your drive.
How To: Open Windows mail attachments on a Mac
When you're a Windows OS user it's very easy to send out attachments on emails as .doc documents, made in Microsoft Office or Excel. But just because you're a Windows user doesn't mean your friend or coworker is. Or say that you're a MAC user and your friend keeps loading you with Microsoft Office documents. What do you do, other than telling him to stop already?
How To: Capture packets with the Wireshark packet sniffer
Wireshark is the world's foremost network protocol analyzer, and is the de facto (and often de jure) standard across many industries and educational institutions. This video tutorial demonstrates how to get the Wireshark packet sniffer up and running to do a capture as well as how to run a traceroute command. To get started hacking with Wireshark, watch this how-to.
How To: Take apart a computer's keybaord & clean it
In this video, we learn how to take apart a computer's keyboard & clean it. First, turn the keyboard upside down and remove the screws from the side with a screwdriver. After this, flip it back over and remove the keys from the top. Put the keys into a bowl of soap and water and let them soak. Then, remove the screws from the top of the keyboard and set them aside. Open up the keyboard and then dust and clean the inside of it until clean. Next, you will replace all of the parts you removed in...
How To: Create custom templates in Apple iMovie
Looking for a quick guide on how to create templates in Apple iMovie? It's easier than you'd think! So easy, in fact, that this free video tutorial can present a complete overview of the process in just over three minutes' time. For specifics, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Use the Memory in the Windows Calculator
For the purpose of simplicity, we shall consider the Windows version to be used as Windows XP. How to start the calculator in Windows XP?
How To: Detect hackers with netstat
Netstat (network statistics) is a command-line tool that displays network connections (both incoming and outgoing), routing tables, and a number of network interface statistics. It is available on Unix, Unix-like, and Windows NT-based operating systems. This video tutorial presents a basic introduction to working with the netstat tool. Determine whether you've been hacked with this how-to.
How To: Hack LAN passwords with Ettercap
Want to hack a LAN? Well, hacking local area networks is easier than you'd think. And by watching a few short videos, you can become a master hacker, something every techie wants to achieve. And what's the best way to hack a LAN? Ettercap, a password sniffing program.
How To: Create HD from low quality vids in Avidemux on Ubuntu
New to Ubuntu Linux? This computer operating system could be a bit tricky for beginners, but fret not, help is here. Check out this video tutorial on how to create fake HD from low quality vids in Avidemux on Ubuntu.
How To: Update graphic drivers with Windows Device Manager
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to upgrade their graphic driver. This task is very fast, easy and simple to do. Begin by clicking on the Start menu. Then right-click on My Computer and select Properties. Now click on the Hardware tab and click on Device Manager under Manager. In the Device Manager window, select your graphic driver under Display adapters. Right-click on the driver and select Update Driver. Now follow through the instructions in the window and check for any updates. ...
Tech Tip: Clean Your LCD Screen With a Coffee Filter
Apparently paper towel + Windex is a no-no when it comes to cleaning your computer or television's LCD screen. Apple's official guidelines for proper cleaning are as follows:
How To: Pair a wireless keyboard or mouse to a Microsoft Windows PC
In this clip, you'll learn how to go about pairing a Bluetooth-enabled wireless keyboard or mouse to a Microsoft Windows (Vista, XP, 7) PC. For more information, including a complete demonstration, and to get started setting up your own wireless peripherals, take a look.
How To: Hack the Google version of the Pac-Man game
To pay homage to the 30 year anniversary of Pac-Man, Google turned their home page into a fully playable version of the game. This video shows you a fun way to hack the game to earn a higher score when you play.
How To: Format an SD card
Is your SD memory card getting a little too full? Is it not working? Try reformatting it. It's the first and sometimes last step to troubleshooting card problems. So, if your SD card has become too cluttered, this guide will restore it to a like-new condition with a simple format.
How To: Connect your PS3 wirelessly to your Windows PC
This video will show you how to connect your Playstation 3 to your Windows computer via WiFi, which will allow you, in turn, to stream media from your computer to your television. Watch this how-to for a step-by-step walkthrough.
How To: Hook your computer up to stereo speakers
Ready to rock and roll? You don't have to listen to music through those teeny tiny computer speakers anymore! Check out this cool tutorial, and learn how to connect stereo speakers to your laptop or PC and get the most out of your music.
How To: Install Mac OS on Windows 7
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to install Mac OS on Windows 7 on Virtual Box. Video: .
How To: Import modules into IDLE in Python
Bucky from The New Boston serves up this Python video tutorial on how to import modules into IDLE in Python. This is the program you use to write all of your Python code down. Fun with importing modules!
How To: Clean Up Hard Drive Space by Deleting iOS Device Backup Folders from iTunes
By now, you probably know that your iPhone secretly tracks and stores the locations you've visited in a backup folder on your computer's hard drive. The files are unencrypted, which means anyone with access to your computer or device can retrieve the information, which is downright scary. But Pete Warden and Alasdair Allan are making it fun with their iPhone Tracker application, which lets you map out everywhere you've been with your smartphone.
How To: Hack websites using cross-site scripting (XSS)
In this episode of Full Disclosure we are explaining the website attack known as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). Cross-Site Scripting is a type of security vulnerability that affects web applications that do not sanitize user input properly. This kind of vulnerability allows an "attacker" to inject HTML or client side script like JavaScript into the website. Cross-Site Scripting is most commonly used to steal cookies. Cookies are used for authenticating, tracking, and maintaining specific informa...
How To: Test your system performance in Windows 7
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to test their system performance. Begin by clicking on the Start menu and select Control Panel. Then click on System and Security, and select "Check the Windows Experience Index" under System. Now click on "Rate this computer". The system will then begin to run some tests. This will take about 1-2 minutes. The Windows Experience Index assesses key system components on a scale of 1.0 to 7.9. This video will benefit those viewers who use a Windows 7 com...
How To: Fix a broken or unresponsive keyboard key on your PC
This quick fix is really easy and super useful. Every once in a while we all get a key on our keyboards that starts to act up. Whether the key is unresponsive, tempermental or just plain annoying you can fix it with this easy method.
How To: Add, save & retrieve data in SQL Server using C# programming & Visual Studio
This five-part series on C# programming covers many things. First, you learn how to save to the Microsoft SQL Server. Then, you'll learn how to retrieve that data. You'll also learn how to navigate the DataSet, edit SQL data, and delete data. If you have Microsoft Visual Studio and SQL Server, give this lesson a try.
How To: Permanently delete previously deleted files on a Mac
The guy in this video shows us how to permanently delete files on a Mac. First one would click on your desktop so the finder pops up and one would go to "utilities" and click "disk utilities". Next, one would click on the disk which they would like to clear, then click "erase" and then click "erase free space". After clicking, a box will pop up asking if you want to erase 0 times which clears the disk 1 time, 7 times which clears the disk 7 times to delete unwanted files, or 35 times, which r...
How To: Get your webcam working under Linux with GSPCA
Webcams are notorious for their lack of support under Linux. But thanks to GSPCA, many webcams now have functional V4L drivers. This tutorial from Linux Journal Online covers the building, installation, and configuration of the GSPCA drivers, including how to adjust color balance and brightness directly at the kernel module level.
How To: Delete unwanted files to free up disk space on Windows XP or Vista PCs
Disk space is a valuable commodity on your PC, and if you're running low, it's time to sell some of that unneeded property! This video shows you the steps to freeing up space on the hard drive of your Windows XP or Vista computer. There are many areas in Windows from which you can delete temporary files and hence, decrease your overall disk usage.
How To: Install Ubuntu in a RAID 0 array
RAID, or Redundant Array of Independent Disks, lets you divide and replicate data among multiple hard disk drives for information storage security. This video tutorial demonstrates how to install Ubuntu in a RAID 0 array. Before starting, you'll need at least 2 hard drives and an Ubuntu alternate installation CD. RAID 0, or striped disks, let's you install an operating system, such as Ubuntu, on a partition, while using others for data storage, as illustrated in this instructional segment.
How To: Capture Desktop Screen with VB.NET
Hello there. Today I wanna share on how to create a screen capture program. Requirement:
How To: Map network drives from a remote server
In this tutorial, we learn how to map network driers from a remote server. First, go to run on your start menu, then type in the id address or server name for what you want to access and press enter. Now, right click on the folder you want to map and click on map network drives. Choose any letter you want from the drop down menu, then click next to the "reconnect on logon" text. Click on the finish button, then open your newly mapped network drive from your computer. You can do this for any s...
How To: Detect network intrusions with Wireshark and Snort
This hacking tutorial presents a crash course on the subject of packet analysis and intrusion detection. Two programs receive special emphasis, Wireshark and Snort. For more information, watch this network security video tutorial.
'Tis the Season to Be Naughty: 10 Awfully Inexcusable Office Pranks
Tomorrow's the 1st of April which means it's the one day of the year you can put aside the daily grind, and go at it Dwight Schrute and Jim Halpert style. Yes, there are easy apps to do your dirty work, but if you're old school and you like to do it the old fashioned way, here are 10 simple pranks for torturing your co-workers.
How To: Make an annoying batch file to prank friends
To make an annoying batch file to prank your friends you need to first right click on your screen and go to New and then Folder. In this New folder make a Text file and type in "for /l %%n in (1,1,10) DO md %%n" and that is it. Now this will loop from 1 - 10 and make a new folder for whatever n is. You can change the command if you would like to! Now, you can change this text file to 'Folder' and allow for this to be clicked. You can change the number "10" to any large number so the folder co...
How To: Use HTML and open & closed brackets
To open the body of an HTML first open the HTML document, to do so write an open bracket, then html, the close the bracket. Next press enter. Type another open bracket, then type the word body, then type a closed bracket. Next press enter again. Now you can type an open bracket, then a backwards slash. Next type the word body again. Now type a closed bracket. Press enter once again. Now type another open bracket and then type html. Then type a closed bracket. Now you have just opened and clos...
How To: Delete temporary files in Windows XP
In this video it is demonstrated that how to delete temporary files in Windows XP. There are two different methods for deleting temporary files. First of all go to and click "start" then go to "run" and type temp now click on ok, then a window will appear, in this window there are all useless files, select all files and delete it. Now the other method is go to "run" and type %TEMP%, after clicking ok a window will appear in which there are useless folders and files, select all folders and fil...
How To: Record your screen in Windows 7
If you've ever wished you could record your screen without having to download a third-party application, look no further! Windows 7 has a new built-in utility that allows you to record your screen with a few simple clicks.
How To: Configure a standard modem/router to the Internet
Steps to Configure Your Modem/Router are: 1. Open Network connection and click properties
How To: Upgrade the RAM on a Samsung Q1 Ultra Premium
The process is a little more complicated than the older Samsung UMPCs, but if you're game, here's how to take the device apart and upgrade the RAM
How To: Clean an aluminum Apple keyboard by removing its keys
In this tutorial, we learn how to clean an aluminum Apple keyboard. You will need: soap , q-tips, and water. First, remove each individual key to your keyboard gently, then, clean off the keys and the inside with a mixture of soap and water on a q-tip. When finished, place your key back onto the keyboard. Repeat this step for your entire keyboard, making sure to be gentle when you remove and replace the keys back on. Don't do more than two at a time or you run the risk of forgetting where the...
How To: Create a Bootable USB Drive for Ubuntu Using Mac or Windows
If you've ever wiped your computer without having a proper backup of your operating system, or just wanted to cause some havoc online, chances are you've had to rely on Linux to help you out, specifically the Ubuntu distro.