Hot Computers & Programming How-Tos
How To: Create a fax through email using 2003 server & Outlook
The first step to create a fax using Outlook 2003 and 2003 server. Using add/remove windows component make sure your fax equipment is properly installed. Under the start menu select the printers and fax option and select the share option. Then under administrator tools/users/new/users/fax to enter your password to turn our fax information transfer on. You must now select fax user and select advanced settings and double check to make sure the fax is able to see the object it needs to send the ...
How To: Fix the VAIO SZ spacebar
In this video, we learn how to fix the VAIO SZ space bar. First, gently lift up on the space bar until the top is removed from the bottom of the board. After this, take a scrap piece of paper and place it underneath the middle of the metal that's on the space bar. After this, click the bar back into place on the keyboard. Now, test out the space bar to see if it works! It should be working without any problems now. If you do experience more problems, just repeat this same procedure and you wi...
How To: Fix a computer that has no sound
This video explains how to diagnose and fix issues involving having no sound on your computer. How to figure out if you have on board sound or a sound board is shown based on how the audio plugs are positioned on the back of the computer. The narrator explains the importance of checking your speakers using an iPod to make sure the speakers are in working condition. The next trouble shooting technique shown is to go into control panel/device manager. Using device manager make sure your audio d...
How To: Clean dust & dirt from your desktop computer
In this tutorial, we learn how to clean dust & dirt from your desktop computer. First, take the front panel off of the tower and then clean the area around the fan off as well. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck the dirt out but make sure not to touch the surface on the system. On the inside you can use cotton swabs and wash cloths that are slightly damp. You can also use a small straw and remove the dirt and dust from the fan and the areas around it. When finished, your computer should be running ...
How To: Import unsupported video into iMovie with MacMost
In this video from macmostvideo we learn how to import unsupported video in iMovie. This happens sometimes when you buy a camera that is not compatible with iMovie. You can add certain video formats to your Mac to make your Mac understand these video formats that don't work with your iMovie. A common one is called mpeg2. You can get this trough Apple. In other cases you get the software with the camera. If you need to convert a video file, try to open it through QuickTime first. If that works...
How To: Wash your keyboard
In this video from Defcon Computers we learn how to clean your computer keyboard. You can use cans of air, or take off your keys. But in this video we learn how to actually clean the keys themselves. With the computer off, put Windex on a paper towel, and rub the key. Put more Windex on your paper towel and continue to rub the keys. Rub them individually and also clean the spaces in between the keys with the paper towel. Again, make sure your computer is off or else you'll get all sorts of er...
How To: Find out what an unknown device is in device manager
This video narrates and explains how to figure out how to install an unknown device using the device manager. The first step is to access the device manager through the control panel/system. Once in device manager you must select the show devices options. Once the device menu is visible you then find the unknown device section and copy the name of the device driver. The next step is to open Google search engine and paste the unknown device ID name. After the search is complete you will see ma...
How To: Clean dirt & deposits off of sensitive electronics
Any electronic equipment is bound to accumulate dust, slight moisture, dirt or any combination of the above on its sensitive parts over time. The delicate nature of items also means further care is required.
How To: Install Windows 7 on your computer
In this video, we learn how to install Windows 7 on your computer. First, place the disk inside your computer and start the installation process. Setup will start, then it will start to copy files, expand files, install features, install updates, and then complete. As it runs through each of these, it will show you a percentage of how far through the process it is. Once it has finished installing, you will be able to set up your user account. After this, you will need to enter in the product ...
How To: Turn off user account control (UAC) in Windows 7
In this video, we learn how to turn off user account control (UAC) in Windows 7. First, go to your desktop and then the start menu. From here, go to the control menu and then user accounts. After this, go to change your user account control settings and a new window will pop up. From here, change the bar from the top to the bottom where it does not notify you, or wherever you want it to be that suits you the best. To finish, you will save this and then exit out of all the windows and your set...
How To: Burn DVDs that play on standard DVD players in Windows
This video explains how to burn DVDs that will play on a standard DVD player in Windows. The programs needed to complete this project include IMG Burn and DeVeDe which has been modeled for Windows. The final burn product created with this program will allow the DVDs to play on computers and actual DVD players. The first step is to hit open to select the file you wish to burn. You must then select burn ISO or Bin file in IMG Burn or DeVeDE. You can then select a title for your burned disk leav...
How To: Do a clean install of Snow Leopard
In this video, we learn how to do a clean install of Snow Leopard. First, restart your Mac and when it gives you the chime, hold down the option key. Now, put the disc into the computer and it will load the disk. Click the disk, then it will boot from the Snow Leopard disk. Once it does this, come up with a normal menu named Mac OS X. Choose your language, then run through the rest of the windows that pop up. Choose the options that work best for you and then re-boot your computer. When finis...
How To: Install the Ubuntu Linux distribution on a Microsoft Windows PC
Learn how to install Ubuntu Linux on a Windows PC. This clip will teach you everything you'll need to know. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this video guide can present a complete overview of the process in just over a minute. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Use the string class when programming in C++
Want to know how to use the string Class in C++? Let this video be your guide. Whether you're new to Microsoft's popular general-purpose programming language or a seasoned programmer merely looking to brush up on the basics, you're sure to find much to take away from this helpful video lesson. For all of the details, take a look.
How To: Store text in an array when programming in C++
Interested in storing text in an array within C++? Let this video be your guide. Whether you're new to Microsoft's popular general-purpose programming language or a seasoned programmer merely looking to brush up on the basics, you're sure to find much to take away from this helpful video lesson. For all of the details, take a look.
How To: Create and use char arrays when using C++
Want to create a char array in your next C++ project? Let this video be your guide. Whether you're new to Microsoft's popular general-purpose programming language or a seasoned programmer merely looking to brush up on the basics, you're sure to find much to take away from this helpful video lesson. For all of the details, take a look.
How To: Decide whether Ruby on Rails 3 is right for your next project
Need some help figuring out whether Ruby on Rails 3 is right for your next project? This clip provides some help. Whether you're entirely new to Ruby on Rails 3 or are a seasoned developer merely looking to brush up on a few of the basics, you're sure to find much to take away. For all of the details, watch this quality video guide from the folks at Lynda.
How To: Create an admin user CRUD in Ruby on Rails 3
In this free video programming lesson, we learn how to create an admin user CRUD in Ruby on Rails 3. Whether you're entirely new to Ruby on Rails 3 or are a seasoned developer merely looking to brush up on a few of the basics, you're sure to find much to take away. For all of the details, watch this quality video guide from the folks at Lynda.
How To: Apply stylesheets when using Ruby on Rails 3
In this free video programming lesson, we learn how to use stylesheets within Ruby on Rails 3. Whether you're entirely new to Ruby on Rails 3 or are a seasoned developer merely looking to brush up on a few of the basics, you're sure to find much to take away. For all of the details, watch this quality video guide from the folks at Lynda.
How To: Create and apply layouts when using Ruby on Rails 3
In this free video programming lesson, we learn about layouts within Ruby on Rails 3. Whether you're entirely new to Ruby on Rails 3 or are a seasoned developer merely looking to brush up on a few of the basics, you're sure to find much to take away. For all of the details, watch this quality video guide from the folks at Lynda.
How To: Use one-to-one association when using Ruby on Rails 3
In this free video programming lesson, we learn how to use one-to-one association within Ruby on Rails 3. Whether you're entirely new to Ruby on Rails 3 or are a seasoned developer merely looking to brush up on a few of the basics, you're sure to find much to take away. For all of the details, watch this quality video guide from the folks at Lynda.
How To: Apply conditions when using query methods in Ruby on Rails 3
In this clip, we learn how to use conditions when using query methods in Ruby on Rails 3. Whether you're entirely new to Ruby on Rails 3 or are a seasoned developer merely looking to brush up on a few of the basics, you're sure to find much to take away. For all of the details, watch this quality video guide from the folks at Lynda.
How To: Print from a shared printer in Ubuntu
In this video, we learn how to print from a shared printer in Ubuntu. First, turn your computer on and then go to your system. From here, go to admin and then printing. After this, you will get a pop up window. Click on 'new' and then it will search for the printer. Next, you will click on 'network printers' and then go to 'windows printer via samba'. Then, click on browse and expand the workgroup. Then, expand the name of the computer and you will find the name of the computer as well. Now, ...
How To: Change your thumbnail icon size in Windows XP
If you have a folder that contains many images (say anything in excess of 200) and you open it in Windows Explorer with the thumbnail view turned on. You would notice that it takes some time for all the thumbnails to load completely.
How To: Clear your java cache
In this tutorial, we learn how to clear your Java cache. First, go to the control panel and then open up Java from the thumbnails menu. After this, you will right click on the program and then go to 'view cache'. From here, select all of the Java and click inside the boxes to do this. Then, push 'ctrl+a" and it will start to clear. After this the cache will clear out and you will be finished. It may take a few minutes to load depending on how much information you have loaded in the cache. Exi...
How To: Remotely assist someone in Ubuntu
Remote assistance is a feature that, as its name suggests allows a user to remotely control another computer. The user can then use the remote computer in the same way as if the user is physically present there. Most modern operating systems support this feature.
How To: Clean your Windows XP context and dropdown menu
Context menus are menus that pop up when you right click an windows element (icons, windows, bars etc.). Sometimes, you would notice that many of the menu items are really not required.
How To: Upgrade the firmware on a Linksys router
In this tutorial, we learn how to upgrade the firmware on a Linksys router. First, you will need to know what you already have, go to 192.168.1.1 on your browser to find this. Next, search for the name of your router that you got from the site. From here, click on the downloads on the page. Then, you will pick the model number for it. Download this on your computer and it will run through the download process. When done, go back to the router website to make sure it was upgraded and then you'...
How To: Use the world clock feature in Ubuntu
In this tutorial, we learn how to use the world clock feature in Ubuntu. First, you will go to the upper right hand side of the screen and click on the calendar. From here, click where it says "locations". Then, click on where it says "edit and then click from the preferences where it asks for a location name. Then you can click on the time zone drop down menu and see the times of a ton of different places. Add these to your clock and then when you're finished, you can have the weather displa...
How To: Password protect your folders on a Mac coomputer
In this tutorial, we learn how to password protect your folders on a Mac computer. First, use the spotlight tool to type in "disk" and then click on disk utility on the drop down menu. From here, go to the save as menu and enter in the name for the volume. After this, change the size of the desktop and change the encryption choice. Use the one that is recommended and then click on 'ok'. Form here you will be asked for a password, then you will need to verify that password. From here, click on...
How To: Password protect a folder on Windows Vista
In this tutorial, we learn how to password protect a folder on Windows Vista. To do this, you will first need to have WinRAR downloaded on your computer, you can get it here: http://download.cnet.com/WinRAR-32-bit/3000-2250_4-10007677.html. Next, you will right click on your screen and click "new" and "folder". Then, you will rename your folder to anything you'd like. From here, you will right click and then click "add to archive". Then, go to advanced and set password from the toolbar. Enter...
How To: Access Hotmail and Gmail through a local email client
In this tutorial, we learn how to access Hotmail and Gmail through a local email client. First, Google search "webmail Mozilla" and go to the official website. From here, you will click on the hotmail link and any other e-mail links you want for the add-on. Next, you will right click and save this to your computer. After this, go into your e-mail and go to the settings. From here, you will click on the "forwarding" tab at the top and then click "enable pop for all mail". Save these changes an...
How To: Tell if your hard drive is failing in Ubuntu Linux
With this video, we learn how to tell if your hard drive is failing in Ubuntu Linux. If you have a failing hard drive, it will start making noises like clicking or grinding. If you hear these noises coming from your hard drive, you will need to get a new one before it fails completely and you lose all your data. You could have a failing hard drive but it doesn't make any noises. Hard drives come with a monitoring system so you can see what shape the hard drive is in. To see this, open up the ...
How To: Change the mouse sensitivity on Vista
In this video, we learn how to change the mouse sensitivity on Vista. First, you will go to the start menu, then the control menu. From here, scroll down to where it says 'mouse' and double click on that. After this, you will see a section for the double click speed. Change that if you would like. Then, click on the tabs on the top of the window to change the pointers, pointer options, wheel, and hardware. Once you have changed all the options that you want, you will be able to apply them and...
How To: Remove a program from your startup menu in Windows XP
In this tutorial, we learn how to remove a program from your startup menu in Windows XP. First, hold down the start key on your keyboard, then hit 'r'. After this, type in 'msconfig' into the box that appears. Click 'ok' and then go to the start up tab. Find the applications that you don't want to start on your computer when you restart or turn it on. Check the check mark next to the ones that you want and remove it for the ones that you don't. When you're finished and have all the correct bo...
How To: Clear the ARP cache
In this tutorial, we learn how to clear the ARP cache. First, go the command prompt on your computer and type in "C:/>netsh interface ip delete arpcache Ok". Press 'enter' on your keyboard and then it should be cleared out. If you want to view your ARP cache, type in the command "C:/>arp -a". If this fails, then you will need to use Microsoft Windows to repair the network connection. If this doesn't work, talk to the person that manages your connection. If successful, this will help make your...
How To: Boot into safe mode in Windows XP operating system
This video will show you how to boot in safe mode on Windows XP. Just follow these instructions from the video. Now go to Start -> Run and type in msconfig. and click OK. Now select the BOOT.INI tab and select /SAFEBOOT, click apply and close and then it will prompt you to restart. After you restart a message will appear. Click Yes and you will notice that your screen resolution is small and you will have the classic theme. To return to normal mode just repeat the steps and uncheck the BOOT.I...
How To: Pin files and folders to the Microsoft Windows 7 taskbar
In this handy home-computing how-to from WonderHowTo favorites Tekzilla, we learn how to pin items to the Windows 7 taskbar with the Windows 7 Taskbar Pinner app. For details on how to download, install and running this useful app on your own Microsoft Windows 7 PC, watch this video guide.
How To: Remove unwanted formatting from text on a Windows PC with CleanHaven
In this handy home-computing how-to from WonderHowTo favorites Tekzilla, we learn how to use CleanHaven, an application that will remove unwanted formatting from snippets of text. For details on how to download, install and run CleanHaven on your own Microsoft Windows PC, watch this video guide.
How To: Program your Mac to turn itself on and off automatically
In this home-computing how-to from the folks at Tekzilla, we learn how to use the Energy Saver preference pane to program an Apple Mac OS X computer to shut itself off or turn itself on at a specified time. For all of the details, and to get started using this lesser-known trick on your own Mac, watch this video guide.