Computers & Programming Features

How To: Burn a DVD using DVD Shrink

Remember that DVD Shrink is basically a free software that backs up DVD movies on your computer by shrinking them to a manageable size as configured by you. You would need a separate DVD/CD burning software to actually write the disc. This video is for newbies to DVD Shrink and basically gives the user a good overview of the main function(s) of the software.

How To: Password protect minimized apps in Windows

Have you ever had to close an application with private info in order to let someone else use your PC? LockThis! is a windows application that lets you secure individual programs without the hassle of having to save your progress and closing the program. To use LockThis! just hold the control key and click on the application that needs to be locked and simply enter your password on the dialog that pops up and your done. Now anyone can use your pc without you having to look over their shoulder....

How To: Use custom fonts and provide font family resources in Microsoft Silverlight

In this clip, you'll learn how to work with custom fonts when working in MS Silverlight. Whether you're new to Microsoft's popular web application framework or a seasoned web developer merely looking to improve your chops, you're sure to find benefit in this free MS Silverlight programming lesson. For more information, including a complete demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Permanently delete temporary files in Windows XP

In this how-to video, you will learn how to permanently delete temporary files on your computer with CCleaner. First, find and download the program called CCleaner. Install the program and then open it. Now, go to the settings and choose the strength of the clean up. This will determine how thorough the program will be in cleaning up these files. Go to tools if you want to uninstall programs. Go to the cleaner tab and press Run Cleaner. This will permanently remove temporary files. This is us...

How To: Remove/change the arrows on shortcut icons

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to remove/change the arrow on the shortcut icons in Windows. These arrows allows the user to know that the icon is only a shortcut. Users will need to download the program, Vista Shortcut Overlay Remover. The program allows users to display an arrow, light arrow, custom arrow or no arrow. This program also provides an option to disable the " - Shortcut" extension on any shortcut icon. This video will benefit those viewers who use a Windows Vista compu...

How To: Speed up your computer using tweak network

This is a video for people who want to speed up their computer. In this video the presenter shows various ways to speed up your Mozilla Firefox by installing various add ons. The presentation of the video is very simple to understand. The presenter shows the way of using tweak network to speed up your computer. Another way shown to speed up your computer is using Ad Block Plus. Uninstalling various programs and using virus scans also speeds up your computer.

How To: Use XNEST to log into another local user's account

Have you ever wanted to go into another user's account on your computer but had trouble finding the energy to log out, then log out, only to log back into your own account? Well, here's your solution: XNest will let you log in to another user's account from your account in a virtual way. It's very simple to set up and may just help you with your virtual account crisis!

How To: Save your server resources with PHP caching

Sometimes server space can be an issue, especially when you're talking about costly actions such as iteration, file scanning, and numerous queries. In those instances it's often best to cache! This tutorial gives you a simple example which can help your site load faster and take less abuse.

How To: Create while and for loops when programming in Python 3

Loops have you thrown for a loop? Never fear: Whether you're new to the Python Software Foundation's popular general purpose programming language or a seasoned developer looking to better acquaint yourself with the new features and functions of Python 3.0, you're sure to benefit from this free video programming lesson. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide.

How To: Save and load view state info for a custom web server

In this video tutorial, Chris Pels will show how to persist and restore information in the ViewState of a custom user control. First, learn how to persist simple values containing .NET primitive types such as String, Int32, Boolean, etc. Then see how to persist complex types such as Class which contain properties storing information. The sequence of processing View State information during the lifecycle of an ASP.NET page is also discussed.

How To: Use text clippings for Mac OS

In this video, we learn how to use text clippings for Mac OS. First, open up TextEdit and then select the text you want. After this, drag the entire bit of text into the finder window or the desktop. After this, you will have a document that is named after the first few characters in the text. To open this, double click it and it will show up in the search finder. You can also do this and open it up in a quick look window. If you want to use this, you can simply drag the file right into what ...

How To: Query a MySQL database with MYSQLI and SQL queries

In this clip, you'll learn how to use query MySQL databases 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: Use Slide and SlideToggle() Effects in jQuery

The slide effect is a popular feature of many websites that allows information to cascade out from an item on a page and the rest of the page to adjust accordingly. This effect is created using the SlideToggle() function in jQuery, the popular Javascript library. This video will teach you how to use it to make your website much easier for your users to access.

How To: Automate tasks in Mac OS X with QuicKeys 4

This quick clip presents a general introduction to creating macros and automating processes within Mac OS X using QuicKeys 4. Whether you're new to Startly Software's popular macro and automation application or are merely looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're certain to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide.

How To: Get Mac-looking foders & icons on a PC

Want your PC to look more like a Mac without having to buy a Mac? In this video, learn how to make your folders look like blue Mac folders & how to get other Apple-looking icons. Also, learn how to run the RK Launcher Dock at startup. To complete this tutorial, you will need the following links & downloads:

How To: Create the ultimate boot CD for Windows

In this video, we learn how to create the ultimate boot CD for Windows. First, go onto your computer and find the coding for all the files that are on your computer. When you have done this, insert a blank disc into your computer. Next, start to copy all of these files onto your new disk and then wait for the computer to finish loading. This will take several minutes, so just relax while it finishes. Once the files are done, you will be able to see a percentage meter come up with the ISO file...

How To: Create your own crossover cable

Watch this video and you'll learn the simplest and most effective way of creating your own ethernet crossover cable. Starting with a general overview of what you'll be needing a crossover cable for, this video walks you step-by-step through the process of stripping the cable, separating the color-coded component cables within, organizing them for easy transfer to an rj45 adapter, and finally, crimping. Special detail is payed to organizing the colored cords, since they must be placed in preci...

How To: Change Windows settings in Windows 7

Now that you've installed Microsoft Windows 7 on your computer or bought a new Windows PC, it's time that you made yourself at home. With this official Windows 7 video tutorial from the folks at Microsoft, you'll learn how to apply custom settings as well as how to keep your Windows 7 PC running smoothly.