Hot Computers & Programming Posts
How To: Rip CDs & convert between file types in Apple iTunes 9
iTunes lets you use a variety of file formats for ripping CDs or converting music. Learn about each one: AIFF, WAV, MP3, AAC and Apple Lossless. Decide which format might work best for your music collection with this video guide from the folks at MacMost. For more information, and to get started mastering iTunes myriad file formats yourself, watch this video guide.
How To: Create animated chart videos in Keynote in Mac OS X
You can use Keynote to create animated charts and graphs. Then you can export them to use in iMovie and other software to make video presentations. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from MacMost can present a full overview of the process in about five minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this Apple lover's guide.
How To: Convert an ebook file to ePub format in Mac OS X
If you use iBooks on your iPad or iPhone, you can only read books in EPUB format. If you have books in text or PDF format you may want to convert them to EPUB so you can read them in iBooks. You can do this with Calibre, a free open-source e-book library application. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from MacMost can present a full overview of the process in about five minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this Apple lov...
How To: Quote emails in full or part with Mac OS X's Mail app
Want to adjust how Mac OS X Mail quotes emails in a particular conversation chain? It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from MacMost can present a full overview of the process in about five minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started quoting emails yourself, watch this Apple lover's guide.
How To: Use the Software Update feature in Mac OS X
Need a primer on how to use the Software Update feature within all versions of Mac OS X? This Mac user's guide from the folks at Mac Most provides just that. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started automatically updating your software and OS with the Software Feature app, watch this video guide.
How To: Create semi-transparent overlays in iMovie in Mac OS X
Learn how to use Seashore to create a 32-bit semi-transparent image and then use that image as an overlay to point out or highlight something in your iMovie video. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from MacMost can present a full overview of the process in about 4 minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this Apple lover's guide.
How To: Convert text to spoken word with the OS X Automator
Learn how to use Automator to convert selected text, or text from a file, to audio. You can listen to the result on your Mac, iPod or iPhone while on-the-go. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from MacMost can present a full overview of the feature in exactly four minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this Apple lover's guide.
How To: Change your desktop background in Mac OS X 10.6
Interested in creating and using custom desktop backgrounds in Mac OS X Snow Leopard? It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from MacMost can present a full overview of the process in about x minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this Apple lover's guide.
How To: Use System Repair Engineer to combat viruses & malware
Your Windows computer may be experiencing some issues, and those issues may be a direct result of computer viruses and malicious software from the internet. One of the simplest ways to find these issues and repair them is by using a freeware program called System Repair Engineer (SREng). But that's not all it can do… check out the video to see a basic overview for using SREng.
How To: Make Windows 7 look like Mac OS X Snow Leopard
Interested in making Microsoft Windows 7 look a little bit more like Mac OS X 10.6? This home-computing how-to will show you precisely how it's done. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the process in just over six and a half minutes' time. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide.
How To: Install third-party themes in Microsoft Windows 7
In this home-computing how-to, you'll learn how to customize your Windows 7 desktop by installing third-party themes. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the process in just over five minutes' time. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide.
How To: Create customized keyboard shortcuts on the Mac
We love the guy who invented keyboard shortcuts. Especially now that we're all glued to our computers from sunrise until sunset (and perhaps even after that), being able to tab between pages with the click of a button or two and to open new tabs without having to drag the mouse around saves us time and energy.
How To: Insert HTML content over Photoshop slices
If you already know how to make Photoshop slices and bring them into Dreamweaver for use on your website, there's really only one more thing you need to know to utilize these slices properly on your website: how to insert HTML content over the sliced images to make your website both functional and cool-looking. What more could you want your site to be?
How To: Write code and program in C++
C++ is one the most powerful and fundamental languages commonly used to computer programming. If you've ever wanted to get started using, then please watch this video series. It's 29 parts will teach you everything you need to know about coding in this magnificent language, allowing you to create your own fairly full-featured computer programs. Honestly, if you have any questions about C++ at all, or want to learn it and don't think that you can because you've tried programming before and fai...
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. ...
How To: Create a zip file
In this Computers & Programming video tutorial you will learn how to create a zip file. You need to create a zip file in order to upload your website in to the digital dropbox in blackboard. Blackboard doesn't like folders with extra files in it. So you have to turn it into a zip file. You have created your 'my first website' inside which will have index files and image file. To get this onto blackboard in Mac, right click on the folder and select 'compress my first web site' option. Now you ...
How To: Spice up your desktop with free Windows 7 themes
In this video, we learn how to spice up your desktop with free Windows 7 themes. These are provided on the Windows website, where you can search through the personalization gallery. You can choose from a number of different themes that best fit your personality and preferences. You can change not only what you see, but also the sounds that you hear! If you don't see a theme that you like now, check back often because there are always new themes being uploaded to the website. These are all fre...
How To: Use the touchscreen on the HP TouchSmart
In this tutorial, we learn how to use the touchscreen on the HP TouchSmart pc. On the Windows desktop you will see a house that has the TouchSmart icon, double touch this, then you will see large tiles that show different shortcuts to application and websites in your computer. You will also see links to website and other items. The bottom and top row are the same, except the bottom is smaller icons than the top. Use your finger to sweep through the different tiles and choose which application...
How To: Log on to a system without the password via Kon-Boot
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to bypass the log on system. Begin by downloading the Kon-Boot file provided in the video description. Once downloaded, burn the file onto a disc or convert it into an ISO image file to burn it onto a disc. Now wait for the file to finish loading. This will take several minutes. Once finished, users will now automatically be able to log into the password protected computer by simply pressing any key on their keyboard. This video will benefit those vie...
How To: Set up a WiFi network with a Linksys wireless router
In this tutorial, we learn how to set up a Wi-Fi network with a Linksys router. First, go to your cable modem and remove the yellow Ethernet cable. After this, plug the Ethernet cable into the very first port of the router and plug the other end into your computer. After this, connect any other electronics you have with cables, then plug the router into the wall to give it power. Next, turn the power to the modem and router back on. When finished, you should see a new Wi-Fi network appear in ...
How To: Eject devices from the use of the terminal for a Mac
In this tutorial, we learn how to eject devices from the use of the terminal for Mac. First, go to the terminal of your computer where you will see a notepad sort of page. Next, type in "df" and then press return. You will now see a list displaying processes on your computer. On the bottom will be your public zoning device, which is your USB device. Next, type in "hdiutil eject -force (the code under "mounted on)- volumes-publiczone". This is not case sensitive, but don't forget or add in any...
How To: Use Avast to remove viruses and speed up your computer
Ian Brown shows us how to use Avast to remove viruses from your computer. First, go to Avast.com and download their new and free edition of their virus protection. After you have installed this program, you will receive an email with your product key to access the program. Now, change the settings on the program so it scans your computer at least once a day for viruses. Now, reboot your computer to save settings and scan your computer automatically for viruses. When you see a blue screen with...
How To: Open ports in a Windows firewall
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to open ports in Windows firewall. Begin by clicking on the Start menu, go to Control Panel and select Windows Firewall. In the Windows Firewall window, click on the Exceptions tab. Here, users are able to add, edit or delete exceptional ports. To add ports, click on Add Ports. Now name the port, input the port number, select the port type and then click on OK when finished. This video will benefit those viewers who use a Windows computer, and would l...
How To: Use Balsamiq to make apps without writing code
Balsamiq is a really cool software suite that allows you to create Apps visually without having to write any code! This two-part video lecture will introduce you to Balsamiq and show you how to use it to create your own cool Apps. If you want to learn Balsamiq, you really couldn't do any better than this.
How To: Install custom fonts in Mac OS X
This video tutorial belongs to the Computers & Programming category which is going to show you how to install custom fonts in Mac OS X. It is very quick, easy and simple. Open your browser and do a Google search for free fonts. From the search result you can choose any of the top links and download the fonts file. Then open the file and choose the font ending with 'ttf' which means true type font. Double click on it and a font book opens up. Then you click 'install font' and it is installed. ...
How To: Get started with object oriented programming or OOP
Object-oriented programming (OOP)is a school of programming that considers a computer program a group of interacting objects rather than a sequence of tasks. This makes more sense to many people than the more more old-fashioned vector model, and if you want to get started in programming, then this video is for you. It will teach you all of the basics of OOP and tell you why you should use it.
How To: Replace a fan and hard drive in a Macbook Pro laptop
Opening up your own laptop and working with it is a lot harder than doing the same to a desktop. The components are arranged more carefully in a tighter space and it is generally easier to break things. This video will show you how to replace the hard drive and a broken fan in a Macbook Pro laptop. Work on your own Apple laptop? It might sound crazy, but with this guy's help, you should be able to pull it off.
How To: Protect a Windows PC from spyware & malicious software
In this tutorial, we learn how to protect a Windows PC from spyware & malicious software with Dave. You can get spyware from downloading random things, so a great way to make sure you don't download these things, is to use Firefox and search your items before you download them. If you do happen to get these, use SpyBot to find and destroy the viruses you have downloaded. It's free to download, you just have to search it on Google, then download and install it. This will help save your compute...
How To: Create a jQuery image slider with buttons
The image slider is a very popular feature for websites, allowing users to look through lots of images in an intuitive way that doesn't have the slowness of a slideshow or a thumbnail gallery. This video will show you how to create one using jQuery, the popular and easy-to-use Javascript library. The creator was also nice enough to include links to the code for many of the features that you'll see here:
How To: Passsword protect your files
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to password protect their files. This task can only be done on a Windows computer. Begin by creating a Microsoft Word document. Simply right-click on the desktop, go to New and select Microsoft Word Document. Then double-click on the document and create your text document. Now to save it, click on File and select Save As. Name the file. Now click on the Tools drop-down menu and select Security Options. Then type in a password, reconfirm the password a...
How To: Detect all computers connected to your wi-fi network
In this tutorial, we learn how to detect all computers connected to your Wi-Fi network. To begin, go to the website, http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-gb/netframework/aa569263.aspx. Once you are on this site, download and install the program. Once it's installed, open the program and then look for the MAC address. Once you find this, go back to the website and enter this into the MAC address line. After you do this, you will be able to see what computers are listed on your network. If you see any ...
How To: Completely uninstall a Mac application using AppZapper
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to completely uninstall a program on a Mac computer. There are 2 ways to uninstall applications. The first way is to drag the application into the trash bin. With this method, users will also have to drag the related, numerous preference and supported files. The second ways is to download an application called App Zapper. With this program, users just need to simply drag the application into the App Zapper program to completely uninstall it. This vide...
How To: Increase the virtual memory in a Windows XP computer
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to increase the virtual memory in a Windows XP computer. Begin by clicking on the Start menu. Then right-click on My Computer and select Properties. Now click on the Advanced tab and click on Settings under Performance. In the Performance Options window, click on the Advanced tab and click on Change under Virtual Memory. Change the Initial Size to 3000 and Maximum Size to 5000. Finish by click on Set, press OK and restart your computer. This video wil...
How To: Capture screenshots on a Windows PC with GIMP
This video tutorial belongs to the Computers & Programming category which is going to show you how to capture screenshots on a Windows PC with GIMP. Open up 'My Room' and make sure the box is taking up the whole screen. To take away the bubbles, press ctrl + B + B. That is you press B twice. Then you go to GIMP, click on file > create > screen shot. Then on the WinSnap window, click 'grab' and drag the box on to the My Room box. Now the picture comes in the back. Select the crop tool and crop...
How To: Use Xcode to write an Objective-C iPhone application
This programmer's guide provides an introduction to Xcode, Interface Builder and the iPhone simulator. Specifically, you'll learn how to write, build and test a simple "Hello World" application. For more information, including a complete overview of the process, take a look.
How To: Speed up Windows XP start menu for better performance
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to speed up the Windows XP Start menu. Begin by clicking on the Start menu and select the Run program. Then type in "regedit" and click on OK. Now select H KEY_CURRENT_USER, go to Control Panel and click on Desktop. On the right side of the window, scroll down the list to find Menu Show Delay. Double-click on it, change the value to 0 and click OK. This video will benefit those viewers who use a Windows computer, and would like to learn how to speed u...
How To: Make CD and DVD images in Ubuntu Linux
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make CD and DVD images in Ubuntu. This task is very easy, fast and simple to do. Begin by right-clicking on the disc icon of the computer and select Copy Disc. When the CD/DVD Options window opens, click on Properties. Now name the disc, select a save folder and choose ISO image for the image type. When finished configuring, click on Apply and wait for the disc to finish copying. This video will benefit those viewers who use a Ubuntu computer, and ...
How To: Open ports on a Linksys router for your DVR
In this tutorial, we learn how to open ports on a Linksys router for your DVR. First, make sure your internet is connected and your DVR is connected to Linksys. Next, log into your Linksys router online and set up your DVR to the "DHCP" section. When you have the information from this, enter this information on your DVR so it has the correct server name. Make sure the IP and other information displayed on your Linksys page is the same as the setup on the DVR page. When finished, change your p...
How To: Recover a Windows Vista Recycle Bin after deleting it
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to recover a recycling bin in Windows Vista. This task is very fast, easy and simple to do. Begin by right-clicking on the desktop and select Personalize. In the Tasks sidebar, click on "Change desktop icons". In the Desktop Icons tab, under Desktop check Recycle Bin and any other icons that you wish to display on your desktop. Finish by clicking OK. This video will benefit those viewers who use a Windows Vista computer, and would like to learn how to...
How To: Install an FTP server on any Windows computer
In this tutorial, we learn how to install an FTP server on any Windows computer. First, go to the website zftp server. Now, download this and install it on your computer, downloading the free version. When you install it, choose a password and enter your information, then continue to open up the program. Now open up the program and click on "run freeware". When it opens up, click on the users icon, then you can make accounts including an admin account. Create a new user for another computer, ...