Hot Computers & Programming Posts
How To: Backup files under the Ubuntu Linux Distribution
In this video tutorial, users of the Ubuntu Linux operating system will learn how to use the Simple Backup application to either manually or automatically back important data. For more, or to get started using Simple Backup on your own Ubuntu Linux system, watch this handy how-to.
How To: Quickly rename multiple files in Windows XP
This Windows XP video tutorial offers an explanation of how to use a little-utilized and known trick that gives you the power to rename multiple files both quickly and with ease. For more, or to get started batch renaming files yourself, take a look!
How To: Install WAMP and create a MySQL database
This tutorial covers installing the WAMP (that is, Windows-Apache-MySQL-PHP) all-in-one package and creating a MySQL database using the import function of phpMyAdmin. For step-by-step instructions on the WAMP installation process, or to get started installing your own WAMP serve, take a look.
How To: Creating a custom class in Flex 3
In this programming tutorial, Mike Lively of Northern Kentucky University explains the six parts of a Flex 3 class. He demonstrates how to create and extend a class using Flex 3, and how to bring that class into a Flex project using xmlns name space. Learn how to work with custom classes in this beginners Adobe Flex Builder 3 tutorial.
How To: Get started with Papervision3D in Adobe Flex 3
In this video we cover downloading Papervision 3D using tortoise svn then using those Papervision classes with open source code in Flex 3.
How To: Embed a browser into Adobe Flex 3 with Adobe AIR
In this web application development tutorial we show you how to create an Adobe Air desktop application and how to produce an unsigned certificate. The example shows how to embed a browser into Adobe Flex 3.
How To: Create a client-server web application with Flex & PHP
This tutorial demonstrates how to create what is called a complete client-server web application which consist of a Web Application, PHP, and MySQL. The tutorial shows how to automatically generate the PHP necessary to talk to a MySQL database using Adobe Flex Builder 3.
How To: Chage the Adobe Flex 3 preloading screen
Altering the preloading screen in Flex 3 sure can be complicated, to say the least. Wouldn't it be awesome if the whole process was easier? Maybe if someone made, I don't know, a tutorial that walked you through the steps so that even a beginner could understand the procedure. Wouldn't that be fantastic? We thought so too... so here it is. Watch and learn how to change the Flex preloading screen in this programming tutorial.
How To: Put up an Adobe Air Flex 3 encryption system
This tutorial series shows you how to put up an Adobe Air Flex 3 Encryption System. One of the weak points of Adobe AIR and Flex is there is no encryption system built in, making your data and applications vulnerable. But that's ok, because this tutorial will show you how to remedy the problem by adding an AES encryption system.
How To: Use Adobe Air Content Management System
In this tutorial, Mike Lively of Northern Kentucky University gets you started in getting the Adobe Air Content Management System up and going.
How To: Install Cairngorm in Adobe Flex 3 and use MVC
In this tutorial, Mike Lively of Northern Kentucky University discusses the MVC (Model Viewer Controller) architecture, installs Cairngorm into Adobe Flex 3, and discusses one of David Tucker's examples. The MVC model is comprised of a Model (encapsulates information from the d base (XML file), View (presentation layer that the user interacts with, and Controller (processes and responds to events and invokes changes to the model and viewer). See how to use the MVC model and install Cairngorm ...
How To: Build a 3D sinc plotter in Papervison3D and Flex 3
Mike Lively of Northern Kentucky University demonstrates how to create a 3D plotting program for the sinc math function. Part 1 shows how to convert a Flash Package into a Flex application. Part 2 shows how to get the sinc function running and add different textures. Create a cool interactive 3D plotter in thie Adobe Flex Builder 3 and Papervision3D tutorial.
How To: Create a molecule viewer in Papervision3D & Flex 3
Mike Lively of Northern Kentucky University shows you how to build an interactive Molecule Viewer in Papervision3D and Flex 3. This is a fun application building project for anyone learning Adobe Flex Builder 3 and a great resource for molecule viewer for students, educators, and researchers in chemistry and biochemistry.
How To: Create a 3D Carousel in Flex 3 and Papervision3D
In this tutorial, Mike Lively of Northern Kentucky University demonstrates how to create a 3D clickable Carousel in Adobe Flex 3 and Papervision3D. All code can be downloaded from Google Code at:
How To: Deploy a Flex 3 application to the web
This web application tutorial teaches how to deploy a Flex 3 application on to a webserver for Internet use. Learn how to figure out what files you made in Flex Builder 3 need to be uploaded to the web to make your application run.
How To: Drag and drop in Ubuntu Linux
Drag and drop doesn't work automatically in the Ubuntu Linux distribution. You'll need to make some settings changes to enable it. For a step-by-step look at the process to enabling drag and drop file management in Ubuntu, watch this Ubuntu tutorial.
How To: Start programs automatically in Ubuntu Linux
New to the Ubuntu Linux distribution (or one of its derivatives) and looking for a way to start programs automatically when you boot up your machine? Take heart: This video tutorial will show you how to accomplish just that using your system preferences. Take a look!
How To: Using the Evolution address book in Ubuntu Linux
New to the Ubuntu Linux distribution and interested in setting up an address book for to keep track of your contacts? In this how-to, you'll learn how to make maximum use of the address book built into the Evolution email client. Take a look!
How To: Switch between applications in Windows, Ubuntu & OS X
Ever wanted a quick way to toggle between programs? If so, you're in luck: This video tutorial demonstrates how to use the keyboard shortcut for switching among open applications, an often-overlooked feature available in Windows, Ubuntu Linux, and Mac OS X. Make time for this time-saving how-to.
How To: Install an optical drive in a Power Mac G4 system
Installing a second optical drive on your Power Mac is a simple project, provided you know what you're doing. In this video tutorial, you'll find detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to install an optical drive in a Power Mac G4 mirrored drive door system. For more, watch this optical drive installation how-to.
How To: Install a serial ATA hard drive in a G5 Power Mac
If your Power Mac is running out of disk space, you might consider installing a second hard drive. In this video tutorial, you'll find instructions for installing a second serial ATA drive into a Power Mac G5 system. For more on the hard drive installation process, watch this how-to and, remember: take proper anti-static precautions when working on any computer.
How To: All my desktop icons are gone, missing, disappeared
Have you woken up to discover all of your Windows XP or Vista desktop icons are missing or otherwise departed or gone? Are all of your shortcuts missing? In this video tutorial, you'll find instructions for bringing your errant icons back, restoring them to their normal place. For more, watch this Windows video tutorial.
How To: Backup your photos in Apple iPhoto
Backing up your digital photos with Apple iPhoto while running Mac OS X can give you peace of mind of knowing that you will not accidentally lose your precious photos. In this video tutorial, you'll learn how. For more, or to get started backing up your own photos in Apple iPhoto, watch this how-to.
How To: Set up a network tarpit or teergrube
A network Tarpit, sometimes know by the German word Teergrube, is a service or set of hosts that deliberately try to slow malicious network connections down to a crawl. The idea is to put up unused hosts or services on the network that respond to an attacker, but do things to waste their time and greatly slow their scanning (or spreading in the case of Worms). To follow along with this video tutorial, you'll need a package called LaBrea by Tom Liston and an unused IP address to tarpit. Set up...
How To: Run an Adobe Flex Project from Google Code
This simple Adobe Flex tutorial shows how to download source code from Google Code and get it running in Adobe Flex. If you are new to programming and building applications with Adobe Flex, this project is a great way to practice or get started learning about Adobe Flex.
How To: Use Flex Photo Viewer on Google Code
This is a simple Adobe Flex Photo Viewer. It uses a number of techniques that are not found in any one place in the literature - data shorting, tile repeater, xml http services, inline mxml actionscripting, click on double functions, use of CDATA Tags, tooltip, glow and fade effects - all done in less than 100 lines of code (once you take out the blank lines). This was created by Mike Lively Director of Instructional Design at Northern Kentucky University for the Over The Rhine project.
How To: Compile and configure dhcpd from source in Fedora 9
Devil2005 has created a video on compiling and configuring dhcp daemon, or dhcpd, from source. He's using the Fedora 9 distribution of Linux for the video, but the lessons learned should be applicable to other distros. For that matter, even if you are not interested in installing dhcp in this way it's still a good lesson on how to download and compile various applications from source. Compile and configure dhcpd from source in Fedora 9.
How To: Use the Nmap security tool
This hour-long hacking tutorial looks at the Nmap security scanner. In particular, this Nmap tutorial looks at port scanning concepts, TCP three way handshake, stealth scans, idle scans, bounce scans, version detection, OS detection, NSE/LUA scripting and firewall logs. To get started using Nmap, watch this video tutorial. Use the Nmap security tool.
How To: Install and configure DD-WRT firmware on your router
DD-WRT is a Linux firmware available for many Linksys, NetGear, Belkin, D-Link, Fon, Dell, Asus and other vendor's wireless routers. DD-WRT is far more feature rich than the stock firmware that comes with most routers. This video covers the basics of installing and configuring DD-WRT. Install and configure DD-WRT firmware on your router.
How To: Set up and use parental controls in Mac OS X Leopard
Parental controls let you manage, monitor, and control how much time your kids spend on their Mac, the websites they visit, and the people they email and chat with. Parental controls are set up and managed in system preferences. Before setting up your parental controls, you'll need to create an account for your child. In this video tutorial, you'll learn how to configure and use the parental controls that are built into the Leopard operating system. Watch this video tutorial for more.
How To: Use smart folders in Mac OS X Leopard
With Leopard, several preset folders are in the Finder sidebar. In this video tutorial, you'll find a cool way to create your own custom smart folder. For more, or to learn how to create your own smart folders in Mac OS X Leopard, watch this video lesson from Apple.
How To: Burn to a CD-R multiple times in Mac OS X Leopard
Sometimes you want to burn to a CD-R multiple times to make the best use of the available space on the disc. In Mac OS X Leopard, you can create what's known as a multi-session disc and burn to a CD-R multiple times. For more, and to learn how to create your own multi-session discs, watch this video tutorial from Apple.
How To: Get the most out of a MacBook or MacBook Pro battery
When you're on the road using your MacBook or MacBook Pro laptop on battery power, there are a few things you can adjust to get the most out of your battery charge. This video tutorial offers a number of tips and suggestions to ensure your computer uses the least amount of energy.
How To: Open multiple tabs with one click in Apple Safari
Find yourself going to the same websites or blogs every morning? In this video tutorial, you'll learn how to open them all using a single click. First, view all of your bookmarks. Then, create a new bookmark folder in your bookmarks bar. Add the desired books and check the autoclick box. Whenever you click on the bookmark folder in your bookmarks toolbar, your Safari client will launch all of the websites in separate tabs. For more, watch this OS X video tutorial from Apple.
How To: Delete files securely in Mac OS X Leopard
Have sensitive data that you want to make sure you securely delete? Or maybe you're getting an external drive ready to recycle or to give to a colleague. In this video tutorial, you'll find instructions for securely emptying your trash and also securely delete the contents of an external hard drive. For more, and to learn how to remove data from your Mac computer securely, watch this video tutorial from Apple.
How To: Access symbols & accent characters on Mac keyboard
When creating business documents or communicating with colleagues in other countries with your Apple computer, it's often necessary to use certain typographic symbols. In this video, you'll learn how you can use quick key combinations to access certain characters. For more on accessing symbols and accent characters on your keyboard in Mac OS X, watch this video tutorial from Apple.
How To: Use groups in Apple Address Book
If you're like most people running Mac OS X, you've got quite a large number of entries in your Apple Address Book. In this how-to, you'll find instructions for organizing your addresses into groups for easy access in Address Book, other applications, and even sync devices such as other Macs, iPods and iPhones. For more on using groups in Apple Address Book for Mac OS X, watch this video tutorial.
How To: Managing Browser Tabs
Safari makes it easy to browse multiple web sites in the same browser window using tabs. In the latest version of Safari in Leopard, you'll find even greater flexibility in the way you deal with tabs. For a survey of the new features available to users of Apple Safarin in the Mac OS X Leopard operating system, watch this video tutorial.
How To: Using .Mac to sync your Apple computers and devices
With .Mac Sync, you can ensure your contacts, bookmarks and other information is synchronized between all of your Apple devices. For more, and to learn how to synchronize your own Apple devices using .Mac Sync, watch this video tutorial from Apple.
How To: Use advanced features in Mac OS X Spotlight
The Apple Spotlight application in Mac OS X can do more than just searches for documents. Throughout your day, you may need to perform a calculation or look up a definition for a word. You can now do that directly from Spotlight. To acccess Spotlight, you can either click on the magnifying glass icon at the top right of your screen or hit command spacebar to bring up the search field. To learn more about using advanced features in OS X Spotlight, watch this video tutorial.