Hot Computers & Programming How-Tos

How To: Install and run Ultimate Windows Tweaker for Windows 7 & Vista

If you're not satisfied with your out-of-the-box version of Windows 7 or Vista then get ready to tweak it up good! With this video, you'll see how to use a little program called Ultimate Windows Tweaker to wrestle your software to perform the way YOU want it to. This software lets you get into the registry in a safe and easy way if you're not a computer wizard. Remember to always back up your system before toying with the registry.

How To: Identify your system specifications in Windows XP

In this video from exosploit we learn how to find your system specs in Windows XP. If someone is trying to help your computer, you might need this information. Right click My Computer, and click Properties. Here you'll see your operating system, service pack, and how much RAM you have. Also google cpuz. Go to the first link and download it. Extract it and click the main file. Here it will tell you your processor, mother board, what bios version you have, how much RAM you have, and it will tel...

How To: Burn .iso image files to a CD in Windows XP

In this tutorial, we learn how to burn .iso image files to a CD in Windows XP. To start, you will need to first burn the image with Image Burn 2.1. Decide if you are going to use a CD, DVD, or multiple CDS. If you don't already have Image Burn 2.1, you can download it from this site: download.imgburn.com/SetupImgBurn_2.4.1.­0.exe. Once it's installed, you can make a copy of your image and then verify it when it's finished. It will go through the burning process, which will take from 2 minute...

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: Create a simple chat application with WinSock in Visual Basic 6

In this clip, you'll learn how to create simple chat applications with WinSock in VB 6. Whether you're new to Microsoft's popular event-driven program language & IDE or a seasoned developer merely looking to improve your chops, you're sure to find benefit in this free Visual Basic programming lesson. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Copy and paste text in Microsoft Visual Basic 6

In this clip, you'll learn how to copy and paste text within a VB application. Whether you're new to Microsoft's popular event-driven program language & IDE or a seasoned developer merely looking to improve your chops, you're sure to find benefit in this free Visual Basic programming lesson. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Add an image to a message box in a Visual Basic 6 project

In this clip, you'll learn how to add an image to a message box in VB 6. Whether you're new to Microsoft's popular event-driven program language & IDE or a seasoned developer merely looking to improve your chops, you're sure to find benefit in this free Visual Basic programming lesson. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Encrypt and decrypt text in Microsoft Visual Basic 6

In this clip, you'll learn how to implement simple text encryption and decryption in MS VB 6. Whether you're new to Microsoft's popular event-driven program language & IDE or a seasoned developer merely looking to improve your chops, you're sure to find benefit in this free Visual Basic programming lesson. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Create a simple form letter when programming in PHP

In this clip, you'll learn how to employ variables and arrays to generate a form letter when coding in PHP. Whether you're new to the PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor scripting language or are a seasoned web developer merely looking to improve your chops, you're sure to find benefit in this free video programming lesson. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Map an FTP server in Windows 7 Explorer

To do that click on tools in windows explorer and choose map network drive. Now click on "connect to a web site that you can use to store your documents and pictures" and then click on next and next. Now you have to type your internet or network address for example you type ftp://ftp.mozilla.org. This is a public server and it does not require a user name or password. Now click on next and there make sure you selected "log on anonymously" but if your server require a password then you have to...

How To: View TCP and UDP ports on a Windows PC with MyPorts 2010

Looking for an easy way to view and inspect your Windows computer's TCP and UDP ports? This clip will teach you everything you'll need to know. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from the folks at Britec can present a complete overview of the process in just over four minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Use Process Tamer to reduce the priority of high-CPU applications on a PC

Looking for a way to reduce the amount of processing power used by a certain application? This clip will teach you everything you'll need to know. With Process Tamer, it's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from the folks at Britec can present a complete overview of the process in just over two minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Create a new Windows partition with GParted software

In this tutorial, we learn how to create a new Windows partition with GParted software. First, insert your boot CD into your computer, then turn your computer off and it will automatically boot. Next, hit enter to select the first option, then wait for the scan to complete. When done, select your type of keyboard, then hit enter. After this, select your language and then continue to wait for the boot to continue. Once loaded, you will see the main partition. To split this, select it and click...

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: Enable or disable hibernation on a PC with Windows XP

The moment when your Windows XP PC begins hibernating is one of the most frustrating in many PC users lives, causing hands to be thrown up in frustration and preparations for a hard reset to begin. Do you wish that you computer didn't even have the option of hibernating? This video will show you how to turn off hibernation in Windows XP, allowing you to use your computer's entire battery without risking a sudden faux-shutdown.

How To: Clean the keyboard on a Dell laptop

A laptop keyboard can collect a lot of dust, dirt, and breadcrumbs. In this tutorial, we learn how to clean out your laptop keyboard. Start off by removing the casing from around your laptop, making sure not to unplug any wires. You will need a screwdriver to remove the screw. Next, you will want to use a soft brush or tooth brush to clean where the keys were, and the inside underneath the screen. Next, replace the keyboard where it was and any screws. Also, plug in anything that may have com...

How To: Resize thumbnails in Windows XP

In this tutorial, we learn how to resize thumbnails in Windows XP. First, close all the windows on your computer, then go to your start menu. Next, type in "regedit" under "run" and then click "enter". Now you will see a registry editor, find your current user path when you get to this page. Now, go under the software folder, then the Microsoft folder, and then the Windows folder. Next, go under "explorer" and create a new "DWORD" value called "thumbnailsize" and set a value between 32-256. A...

How To: Set startup programs in Windows XP

This video tutorial is in the Computers & Programming category which will show you how to set startup programs in Windows XP. To begin click on the start button and go to the 'run' command, type in 'msconfig' and click OK. On the next window click on the 'startup' tab and here you will see all the programs that can run when you start up your computer. Here you check the programs that you want to run at start up and uncheck the ones you don't want to run. Then click 'apply' and in the next win...

How To: Make your game character jump with Flash CS4

One of the first daunting tasks that confronts most aspiring gamemakers is a simple one: making a character jump and land predictably. If you're gotten to this point and wonder what to do, you're in the right place. This video will teach you how to use Actionscript 3 in Flash CS4 to make your character jump like Mario (or Sonic if you prefer) making your game much closer to being the playable, fun entity that it will soon be.

How To: Use the display mode method in when Java programming

Want to program your own Java games and applications but don't know beans about object-oriented programming? Never you fear. This free video tutorial from TheNewBoston will have you coding your own Java apps in no time flat. Specifically, this lesson discusses how to utilizie the display mode method when writing code in the Java programming language. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this helpful programmer's guide.