Computers & Programming Features

How To: Use the Microsoft Windows Firewall

In order to keep your PC safe from annoying or potentially dangerous threats on the Internet, a properly-configured firewall is a crucial item in helping prevent your system from becoming compromised. The Windows Firewall in Windows Vista™ is the first line of defense in helping to keep your computer safe. By preventing your computer from being infected by malware, Windows Firewall is designed to be easy to use and is automatically enabled to protect your computer as soon as Windows starts. T...

How To: Set up a Windows 7 HomeGroup network

Want to access files from multiple computers at work or home? An expert from PC Remedies explains how to set up a Home Group network on Windows 7 systems. Includes a how-to of setting up your location, and managing the set-up wizard. Finally maximize your current resources by networking your work and entertainment files, as well as hardware such as printers. The excellent video gives you an exact snapshot of what you can expect to see on your own Windows 7 system. Includes advice on setting u...

How To: Make your wireless network secure

In this tutorial, Brian teaches us how to make your wireless network secure. First, go to the start menu, then go to run and type in "cmd", then type in "iconfig /all". Now a new window will pop up and you will look for the default gateway. Find the IP address to log onto the routers you have. Now, type in your IP address into your address bar on your internet browser. You will be asked to log into your account with your password and user name, which you can find at the manufacturers website....

How To: Install the Java Development Kit to start programming

If you want to learn how to program in the Java language, then the first thing you're going to need to do is download and install the JDK. That stands for Java Development Kit, and is the basis for anyone begging in Java, and you need it to get the Javac (Java compiler) running. This video will show you what to do, and will show you how to set a new variable name and value in the Environment Variables under Advanced System Settings on your Windows PC.

How To: Take apart a 1st generation iPod Nano

This video shows the correct procedure to dismantle a first generation iPod Nano. The presenter starts by using a putty knife (aka the iPod take apart tool) and separates the casing. Next, the presenter removes the battery from the internal circuit board by using a soldering iron to melt the soldered battery connections. A small Phillips head screw driver is then used to remove three screws from the logic board. Finally removing two small ribbon cables will free the logic board from the plast...

How To: Choose what stays in the system tray

Vanessa from Tekzilla Daily gives us a very helpful video guide on how to edit or tweak icons in the system tray on Windows 7. Typing "notification area" in the search box of the Start Menu calls up the Notification Area control panel. This control panel shows the different processes and programs that are on the system tray. It is where you can edit the settings for each process or icon, with options of "always appear, never appear or show up only when needed". You can also control the basic ...

How To: Program a mouselook scroll for Java game development

Want to write Java applications but don't know beans about object-oriented programming? Never you fear. This free video tutorial from TheNewBoston will help you on your merry way to accomplishing just that. Specifically, this lesson will demonstrate how to work with the MouseLook class for a free look effect in Java game development. For detailed instructions, watch this programmer's guide.

How To: Use the ViewStack container in Adobe Flash Builder 4

Looking for a guide on how to work with the ViewStack container in Adobe Flash Builder 4? Look no further. Whether you're new to Adobe's popular Flash IDE (previously titled Adobe Flex Builder) or simply wish to become better acquainted with the program, you're sure to find benefit in this free video software tutorial. For more information, including specific, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Recover files on your PC after reformat

Sometimes data is lost on your hard drive by accidental deletion from recycle bin, or due to reformat or other reasons. In this video the instructor shows how to recover data even after a reformat. Contrary to popular belief that data is completely lost after a permanent deletion or reformat, it is possible to retrieve the lost data using some tools. It is only that windows cannot locate the data after deletion which is still present in the lower levels of you hard disk and to retrieve this y...

How To: Use the Auslogics disk defrag on your computer

In this video, we learn how to use the Auslogics disk defrag on your computer. Fragmenting your computer will help move around your files and clean out items that you don't ever use so it can run quicker and perform better. First, open up the Disk Defragmenter on your computer and then go to the Auslogics website to download their disk defrag. After you have this installed, run it on your computer and let it go through the process of cleaning out your computer. Once it's finished, you will be...

How To: Use the File Upload control in Visual Web Developer

Interested in creating your own dynamic, web-based applications using Visual Web Developer 2005 Express? In this installment from the Absolute Beginner's Series of Visual Web Developer C#/ASP.NET video tutorials, you will learn how to use the File Upload control on your web page to allow users to upload files to your web server. . This lesson will be particularly helpful to programmers to those with experience using both Visual Basic and simple HTML syntax. For more information, as well as ti...

How To: Use the CSS management tools in Visual Studio 2008

Microsoft ASP.NET is a free technology that allows programmers to create dynamic web applications. ASP.NET can be used to create anything from small, personal websites through to large, enterprise-class web applications. All you need to get started with ASP.NET is the free .NET Framework and the free Visual Web Developer. In this video tutorial, you'll learn how to use the new CSS, or Cascading Style Sheet, management tools in Visual Studio 2008 in the service of enhancing an existing stylesh...

How To: Find, download & install Firefox themes or skins

This is a video tutorial in the Computers & Programming category where you are going to learn how to find, download & install Firefox themes or skins. Open up Firefox 3, go to tools, click on "add-ons". On the next window, click on "get add-ons" and click on "browse all add-ons". On the next page, on left hand side scroll down and click on "themes" button. This will display all Firefox 3 themes. Select the theme that you want and click on "add to Firefox" and then click on "install now". You ...