Computers & Programming Features
How To: Design a 3D background with a parallax effect
Using three layers of alpha transparent PNG files, we can can create a pseudo 3-dimensional looking background for a web page using the parallax effect. This video screencast covers how to do that from start to finish. Since Internet Explorer 6 and under do not support alpha transparency in PNG's, this screencase also covers how to create a warning message that will display only in those web browsers. You'll see how to use TextMate, Adobe Photshop, Safari, and VMware Fusion for your CSS build...
How To: Set up and customize a Wacom Bamboo Pen & Touch tablet
In this clip, you'll learn how to set up and customize a Wacoom Bamboo Pen & Touch Tablet. Special emphasis is given to the customization of ExpressKeys, the touch ring and the pen. So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just under four minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Create modules with PHP for your website
Many sites do not use any fancy Content Managment System (CMS) to generate their pages, they are just just good ol' static HTML content. A site for your grandmothers pie baking business probably only has a few pages, perhaps a homepage, about page, and contact page. Each of these pages has different main content, but much of it stays exactly the same, like the header, navigation, and footer. Think of these sections as "modules" that you can easily use PHP to insert into the page. This way, ma...
How To: Boost your Wi-Fi range with some simple household gear
This is a video tutorial on how to set up a very simple foil parabola to increase your wireless signal at your home.
Chromebook: The World's First Web-Only Laptop Computer Coming Soon
It's been about five months since Google first unveiled their prototype future computers running Chrome OS, and the time is nearly here for the Chromebooks to be unleashed on the public. But there are a lot of qualms over the release of Chromebooks, with most criticism coming from their lack of traditional laptop-based features such as an optical drive, storage space and the ability to run comprehensive software programs like Adobe Photoshop.
How To: Block access to certain websites with a Netgear router
Want to block access to certain websites for productivity or parenting reasons? With a Netgear router, it's an easy thing to do. It's easy! So easy, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in about two and a half minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide.
How To: Make a USB drive out of an old floppy disk
Want to make an old floppy disk useful again? Turn it into a USB drive. It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this free video tutorial from CNET can present a complete overview of the process in just over three minutes and a half. For detailed instructions, and to get started modifying your own floppy disks into working USB drives, watch this handy how-to.
How To: Fix missing desktop icons & missing start or task bar
Many times, the task bar and some of the desktop icons on your computer disappear. This being a common PC problem, the fun video has shown three different ways of solving the problem. The presenter has done a good job by enlarging the key images at most critical points in the presentation. He has also provided more than one way, in fact three ways of solving the problem. There are multiple solutions available with Windows but a very few presenters offer more than one solution. Each proposed s...
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: Create interactive programs in Python
If you're interested in learning a general purpose, high-powered programming language, Python might be the way to go. In this installment from his video tutorial series dedicated to programming in the Python programming language, you'll learn what's necessary to create an interactive program from a Linux shell. To get started programming with Python, take a look!
How To: Format your desktop or laptop computer with Windows XP Professional
You love your PC, and heck, it probably loves you too. But sometimes, your drive can become infested with virus', spyware, adware, and all sorts of other nasty stuff. When an anti-virus program just is not enough, it's time to reformat. In this great, two-part video, you will learn how to reformat your computer with a fresh install of Windows XP.
How To: Make a multilingual site with localization in ASP.Net
Watch this ASP.Net video tutorial to learn how to create culture-aware and locale-specific web content with no additional code. Use the Resource Editor to create page-level and application-level resources.
How To: Work with Gridview and FormView in ASP.Net
In this ASP.Net video lesson, you will learn about the GridView and FormView controls and how you can use some of the features of these controls to make editing and displaying of database content easier. Work with Gridview and FormView in ASP.Net.
How To: Set up a Cintiq 12WX as a second monitor on a Microsoft Windows PC
In this clip, you'll learn how set up and use a Wacom 12WX tablet as a secondary monitor on a Microsoft Windows PC. Happily, it's easy. So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just over three minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Program password protected forms in VB.Net
This VB.Net tutorial teaches you some tricks with duel forms and how to do create very basic password protected applications.
How To: Wash your Apple keyboard in the dishwasher
Your Apple computer keyboard, over time, can accumulate quite a lot of dirt and sticky gunk. It is only natural, then, that you should want to clean it from time to time. In this tutorial, Gary Rosenzweig talks about his success in putting his Mac keyboard in the dishwasher and the risk you take when you try this extreme method. Take a look!
How To: Set up WiFi in Ubuntu Linux
In this video tutorial, you'll learn how to use the WiFi Radar application to find wireless networks while running the Ubuntu Linux distribution. For more, and to get started finding and using wireless networks in Ubuntu for yourself, take a look!
How To: Set up and configure a Linksys wireless router
Wrestling with the whys are wherefores of WiFi? Can't figure out how to secure your network? Take heart: This remarkably thorough, seven-part home networking tutorial will get you up and running faster than you can say `Wireless G.'
How To: Change your IP address to protect your online privacy
Your IP address is what identifies your personal computer while you are online. You may want to change your IP address for privacy, to bypass website settings, to download, or for various other reasons. This tutorial will take you through the steps you need to start surfing more anonymously.
How To: Setup VNC on your computer for your Mac Mini server
How to Use Your Mac as a Server: Turn your Mac Mini into a server! Yes, that's right, with a little know-how and a little spunk, you can turn an inexpensive Mac Mini computer into a server to provide services over you network. You won't even need the Mac OS X Server, just the Mac OS X Client, so there is no extra software to buy, just the Mac Mini and it's operating system.
How To: Use a laptop computer
In this video series, learn from computer specialist Don Procunier how to use laptop computers. Explore the difference between laptops and desktops, the advantages and disadvantages of buying a laptop, how to buy a laptop, how USB ports work on laptops, different features on laptops, and different accessories for laptop computers.
How To: Refill an ink cartridge
If you use your inkjet printer regularly, you’ve probably discovered that the cost of replacing the cartridges can quickly exceed that the printer itself. Refill the cartridges yourself to save some money.
How To: Retrieve a lost Windows password easily
Have you lost the password to your Windows PC? Learn how to retrieve your Windows password with several different approaches.
How To: Build your very own computer
See how to build your very own computer! Just watch this video tutorial, in 22 parts, on how to make a homemade computer from scratch! This is a very detailed how-to on creating your own computer tower.
How To: Install an internal 3G HSDPA modem in an ASUS Eee PC
Going mobile? While the ASUS Eee PC is undeniably one of the most portable travel laptops available, it's by no means the the most mobile, because mobility also implies mobile connectivity. In this video tutorial, you'll learn how to install a 3G HSPDA modem in an Asus Eee PC. This mod will work on any Eee PC without the extra PCIE slot. For step-by-step instructions, watch this how-to.
How To: Create a friend adding & management app with PHP, MySQL an jQuery
In this clip, you'll learn how to implement a simple friend management application with PHP, MySQL and jQuery. 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: Connect a Nokia Booklet 3G to the internet via a network or 3G connection
If you hit the FN + F10 keys on your Nokia Booklet 3G, you'll see the available internet connections methods for your netbook including Bluetooth, wifi, and 3G.
How To: Use CakePHP to create and develop websites
CakePHP is the Ruby on Rails of the PHP world, an open-source web application framework that allows users to create really cool websites and software without spending money on expensive programs. This extensive video series will teach you everything you need to know about working with CakePHP and should make your website a lot more interesting.
How To: Use Xbox Media Center, or XMBC, on your PC
Interested in running Xbox media center, or XMBC, on your Windows PC? In this video tutorial, you'll learn how to install Xbox media center on an USB drive and boot to it from any computer with the capability to boot to USB devices. Take a look.
How To: Make a Flash object rotate with ActionScript
This clip demonstrates an easy way to make an object rotate using Flash ActionScript. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular Flash-development platform or a seasoned web developer looking to better acquaint yourself with the new features and functions of the latest iteration of the application, you're sure to benefit from this free software tutorial. For more information, and to get started rotating elements with ActionScript in your own Adobe Flash projects, watch this video guide.
How To: Format and reinstall Windows XP
This video shows people how to format and reinstall Windows XP on their PC from a CD.
How To: Use the Infragistics UltraWebGrid
Looking for an easy way to implement Ajax into your ASP.NET projects? This ASP.NET video tutorial takes a look at the Infragistics UltraWebGrid, which will allow you Ajax data access without writing any code. For more information on this handy UI tool, as well as to get started using UltraWebGrid for yourself, take a look.
How To: Connect a Windows Vista PC to an XP computer using Remote Desktop
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to use Remote Desktop on Windows Vista to connect to another computer over a network connection, specifically Windows XP. You can get access to your Vista applications or data stored on a remote computer from your XP PC.
How To: Install cool themes on Ubuntu Linux
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 install cool themes on Ubuntu Linux.
How To: Install an Apple AirPort wireless router
Want to connect your Mac to an AirPort or AirPort Extreme wireless router? This video guide will show you how. For step-by-step instructions on setting up your own WiFi, take a look at this Apple AirPort installation guide. Install an Apple AirPort wireless router.
News: The 15 Best Keyboard Shortcuts (Mac & PC)
There's no denying it- keyboard shortcuts make life a little simpler, a little faster. Cut down on those small annoyances, and pick up some tips from CNET. Image Credit.
How To: Overclock your Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 CPU
Is your Intel Core 2 Duo processor not fast enough to you? Want to obtain processor speeds in excess of 3.5GHz? This tutorial will walk you through the process of overclocking your Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 central processing unit by modifying your system's BIOS settings.
How To: Turn a Microsoft Windows laptop into a wireless hotspot
In this clip, you'll learn how to turn your laptop PC into a WiFi hotspot. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started turning your own laptop into a wireless hotspot (or hot spot), watch this handy home-computing how-to from the folks at CNET TV.
How To: Install Wordpress on a computer for a Mac Mini server
How to Use Your Mac as a Server: Turn your Mac Mini into a server! Yes, that's right, with a little know-how and a little spunk, you can turn an inexpensive Mac Mini computer into a server to provide services over you network. You won't even need the Mac OS X Server, just the Mac OS X Client, so there is no extra software to buy, just the Mac Mini and it's operating system.
How To: Clean white apple keyboards
This is a brief overview of how to clean the surface of a white Apple Keyboard using Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser. This works well on MacBook, iBook G4, and Apple desktop keyboards (both slim aluminum and older PowerMac keyboards).