Computers & Programming Features

How To: Add lighting to 3D scenes with OpenGL for C++

By now, you should know a few of the basics of programming with OpenGL and GLUT for C++ developing, like shapes, transformations, timers, and colors. Now it's time for lighting. Everything could look right in your 3D program or game, but if you're lighting isn't right, it's a sad world for all of us. This video lesson will show you how to add lighting to 3D scenes with OpenGL for C++, so you can start making your own 3D programs.

How To: Fix a wet laptop

How were you supposed to know your computer can't swim? Isn't it called a laptop? You will need paper towels or lint-free cloth, cotton swabs, a towel, lots of luck, and professional help. Warning: liquids and electricity don't mix. Please make sure your hardware and all points of electrical contact are completely dry before plugging them in.

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: Use Eclipse for Java programming

In this ShowMeDo John Montgomery demonstrates how to create a project in Eclipse, then write and run a simple "Hello World" Java application. He also demonstrates the code-completion features of Eclipse, how to use the find and replace functioning and use the CVS version control system.

How To: Auto launch and shutdown guest OS's with VMware Player

Looking for any easy way to start up and shut down guest operating systems within VMware Player? This clip provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to automatically launch and/or shut down a guest OS from within the VMware player. To see how it's done, and to get started using the VMware auto launch feature yourself, watch this helpful home-computing how-to.

How To: Hack Microsoft Windows 7 upgrade limitations

There are a couple of limitations that Microsoft put in to Windows 7 upgrades that can prevent users from upgrading and ultimately force them to do a clean install. First limitation is that they won't let you to upgrade Windows 7 if you run Windows 7 release candidate that was released earlier this year, which they won't let you to upgrade to a download Windows edition. If you are running Windows vista ultimate you cannot upgrade windows 7 professional. We have to buy an ultimate edition then...

How To: Force quit unresponsive applications on Windows

With most things in life, everything is not perfect, including computers. No matter how much speed you have or RAM or whatever, computers can run into some trouble from time to time. In this tutorial, you'll find out how to deal with just that. Discover how to force quit unresponsive applications on your Windows computer. Enjoy, good luck, and remember it's only a computer.

How To: Password protect a Mozilla Firefox profile

Ever wanted to password protect a Firefox 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 two minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Flash your BIOS

Having serious hardware problems with you computer? Unexplained blue screens or crashes? Updating your system BIOS can help resolve this problem. The Lab Rats, Andy Walker and Steve Carruthers show you how.

How To: Make a Pandora battery without opening it

So to do that you will need 5.03 firmware, ac adaptor to turn your battery to normal after this, download the easy installer from the link in the video description and check if your motherboard is capable to convert your battery by the link in the video description. Now Switch on your PSP on ac adaptor and then put your battery in. Now run the easy installer. Now go to battery options and select convert to service mode battery. It will make the Pandora battery. Now you can switch off your PSP...

How To: Create photo collages on a Microsoft Windows PC with Shape Collage

Looking for a free, effective means of creating digital photo collages on your Windows desktop or laptop computer? This clip will teach you everything you'll need to know. With Shape Collage, 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: Switch views in an iPhone application with View Controllers

In this clip, you'll learn how to switch views within an iPhone app through the use of View Controllers in Xcode. Whether you're new to the Objective-C operating language and Xcode IDE or are a seasoned developer merely looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're certain to be well served by this tutorial. For more information, including a complete overview and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this free video Objective-C programming lesson for iPhone & iPod Touch developers.

How To: Use a "do while loop" for Java programming

Learn how to use a 'do while loop' in your Java programming. 1. Set up an 'int' variable named 'counter' and assign it a '0' value. 2. Set up a standard 'do' loop. Make sure to add a counter, so the loop will end 3. Then write the 'while' condition. Make sure that you set the condition to the same variable name that you used in the counter from step 2. Set the variable to '=' 10 (or any number desired)

How To: Install a Nvidia GeForce 8600 GT graphics card

Installing new pieces into a desktop PC can be stressful for people who don't do it routinely because it constantly feels like you are going to wreck your computer. If you use the correct procedure, you won't, don't worry. This video will teach you how to install an Nvidia 8600 GT graphics card in a desktop PC. This will allow you to run games and graphics-intensive applications much more smoothly.

How To: Turn an Apple laptop into a wireless hotspot

Looking a way to share a wired Internet connection? With an Apple computer, it's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home computing how-to from the folks at CNET TV can present a complete (and somewhat talky) overview of the process in just under a minute's time. For the specifics, and to get started creating your own WiFi hotspots, just watch this handy how-to.

How To: Use the fingerprint scanner on an Lenovo X60 Tablet PC

If I were to tell you you could login to your Lenovo PC using your fingertips, you probably wouldn't be very impressed. The Lenovo X60 Tablet PC, however, is equipped with a biometric fingerprint scanner, which is, in fact, quite impressive, and which you can use to login to your Windows machine in the place of a password. To learn how to use it, watch this handy how-to.