Computers & Programming Features
How To: Choose between a desktop computer and laptop when buying a Windows PC
Need a hand figuring out whether you should buy a laptop or desktop PC when buying a Windows computer? This clip presents an overview of the pros and cons of each. For more information, and to decide whether you'd be happiest with a Microsoft Windows PC or laptop, watch this home-computing how-to.
How To: Set up external network access pt.II
A tutorial showing how to set up a free dynamic DNS address with DynDNS.org and configuring the home router/firewall to forward traffic to your webserver.
How To: Customize hot keys for Windows
By default Windows doesn't offer a lot in terms of customzing hot keys. Thankfully Tekzilla has a great little tool that lets you expand on and customize your own Windows hotkeys.
How To: Create a VMware virtual machine
In this video tutorial you will create a VMware virtual machine. This trick will save you from spending a crazy amount of cash for a workstation. Watch this video, and learn how to play around with the numerous settings involved! Create a VMware virtual machine.
How To: Set up and secure a wireless network on a laptop
In this video, Karlyn M. Campbell, an Information Technology student, goes through how to set up and secure a wireless network on a laptop. For a wireless network you will need your computer, a wireless router and its CD, and a USB wire. First the video goes through how to set up the router by using its installation CD. This video uses a Belkin router, and so shows the steps the Belkin installation CD takes the user through. The CD also lets the user decide which security settings he or she w...
How To: Maintain your Mac
Contrary to what you might think, Mac computers do require some system maintenance. The Lab Rats, Andy Walker and Sean Carruthers, show you how to tweak and maintain your Macintosh computer.
How To: Hide and lock folders in Windows
In this Computers & Programming video tutorial you will learn how to hide and lock folders in Windows. When you want a private folder that you don’t want any one else to open and see. You will need this feature. For this open a new folder. Open the folder, right click on it and go to ‘customize’. Then select ‘change icon, click on a blank icon, click OK and ‘apply. Now you will see that your folder icon on the desk top will disappear; only the name will be visible. Now rename it with a small ...
How To: Move data from one PC to another via USB cable with PCsync
Looking for instructions on how to set up an use a PCsync cable? This brief video tutorial from the folks at Butterscotch will teach you everything you need to know. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started transferring files and folders from one Microsoft Windows PC to another with PCsync yourself, take a look.
How To: Customize folder and file view options in Windows Explorer on Vista
The Windows Explorer is a great way to navigate your files and folders in Windows Vista, but sometimes the view can be a bit of an eyesore. This video will show you how to easily customize how files and folders are displayed in the Windows Explorer window. This is the perfect way to make Vista your own!
How To: Type in special characters on your Mac
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to type in special characters. Begin by opening System Preferences and select International under Personal. Then click on the Input Menu tab and check Character Palette and Keyboard Viewer. Now check "Show input menu in menu bar" and click OK. Then click on the flag icon on the top of the screen and select Show Keyboard Viewer. This will allow users to type or mimic the actions of the keyboard. Users are also able to change the character by selecting ...
How To: Add text on a website with HTML
It takes practice but helps anyone create a personal web page from scratch. Code paragraphs, text, tables and lists on an HTML website with a professional designer in this free web design video. Add text on a website with HTML - Part 1 of 65.
How To: Speed up Ubuntu using the Preload program
This video tutorial is in the Computers & Programming category which will show you how to speed up Ubuntu using the Preload program. Preload will speed up your computer by learning the way you use your computer and preload the programs you use the most to your RAM. This will not take up too much space on your RAM. Go to the Synaptic package manager and search for preload. Download and install the program. The program may take a couple of days to learn how you use your computer. Once it does t...
How To: Use Xscreensaver to change screen settings in Ubuntu
If you have the operating system Ubuntu, you can download some pretty cool software onto your computer. In this tutorial, you'll find out how to download and use Xscreensaver with your computer. Using this program will give you a lot more control over you screensaver and how it appears. Enjoy!
How To: Remove unwanted formatting from text on a Windows PC with CleanHaven
In this handy home-computing how-to from WonderHowTo favorites Tekzilla, we learn how to use CleanHaven, an application that will remove unwanted formatting from snippets of text. For details on how to download, install and run CleanHaven on your own Microsoft Windows PC, watch this video guide.
How To: Supercharge your old internet router with third-party firmware
In this clip, you'll learn how to breathe new life into an old router from its factory-default firmware to a custom third-party firmware like Tomato. For a complete demonstration of the process and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this handy home-computing how-to from the folks at CNET.
How To: Use Fast User Switching for multiple users
You can create a multiple user accounts and enable fast user switching. To do this go to system preferences and open accounts. Now authenticate yourself by clicking the lock icon to be able to make changes. Now click + button
How To: Install any version of Linux on your computer
Tired of Windows? Want to see what all the buzz is about Linux but you're not a computer expert? In this video, you'll learn how to use a free program called "Wubi" that lets you effortlessly install any flavor of Linux onto your Windows PC, without changing or damaging your existing Windows installation! Wubi handles all the installation and configuration for you, and allows you to dual-boot both Windows and Linux on the same computer.
How To: Clean your computer mouse
Is your computer mouse filthy? It wouldn't be unlikely considering computer users have their hands on their mouses all day, collecting dirt & grime in its crevices. In this two-part video tutorial, learn how to clean it up to make it look like new! This process is fairly easy to do. The first video of two, will show you the basics of why your mouse gets dirty, how to take it apart and tools you will need. The second video, will go into more depth about how to clean the hard to reach places.
How To: Program your own web server using Ruby on Rails
This is a three part video programming tutorial series on Ruby on Rails. These screencasts allow you to program your own web server using Ruby on Rails!
How To: Use multiple monitors with your Mac
Sometimes just one computer monitor is not enough. Whether you are working on a detailed art project, multiple files at once, or simple wish to open more windows, you may need to connect multiple monitors to your Mac. In this video, Gary Rosenzweig from MacMost.com shows you how to hook up another screen to your computer and make the most out of your desktop space. It is actually very easy to hook up a second monitor to most Macs. Once you get a monitor and the proper cables you are good to g...
How To: Install Windows 7 on your computer
In this video, we learn how to install Windows 7 on your computer. First, place the disk inside your computer and start the installation process. Setup will start, then it will start to copy files, expand files, install features, install updates, and then complete. As it runs through each of these, it will show you a percentage of how far through the process it is. Once it has finished installing, you will be able to set up your user account. After this, you will need to enter in the product ...
How To: Burn an ISO image when running Microsoft Windows 7
Want to burn an ISO disc image from within Microsoft Windows 7? It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this free home computing how-to can present a complete (and somewhat talky) overview of the process in just over a minute's time. For specifics, and to start burning CDs from ISO image files yourself, watch this PC user's guide.
How To: Manage ESX(i), booting ISO files and more
In this web TV presentation the host is talking about Grub 2. In Grub 2 you can mount an ISO file like a device with the loop back function. In Grub 1 you can use tack tack mem to mount iso files if the files are not fragmented by using the map command. Grub 2 is an application available for download that will be available after download as a chain from Grub 1 to Grub 2 to your operating system. Grub is a program that compresses all of your favorite boot programs into one.
How To: Display kernel times in task manager
A quick tutorial showing how to, with one click, show kernel times in your task manager.
How To: Shield Windows from viruses without antivirus software
New to Windows? 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 protect Windows from viruses without an antivirus software.
How To: Install a new internal hard drive in your MacBook
Have a new internal hard drive for your MacBook but not sure how to go about installing it? Take a look at this instructional video and learn how. The internal hard drive being installed in this video is the SATA Go hard drive.
How To: Merge separate PDF files into one for free
In this video from SocialMacbook he shows how to merge separate PDF files into one. There is a free way to do it. It will work on Mac and PC. Go to MergePDF. There is a link in the description. Here you can upload your PDF files you want joined together. Click pick files and select the files one at a time that you want merged together. You can only upload files 5 MB less each. It will tell you the size. Now you can click Merge PDF. It will say please wait, and then a box comes up where you ca...
How To: Speed up Windows XP boot time through system settings
If you want to speed up Windows XP boot time with simple steps then you need to watch this video. To speed up Windows XP boot time: Type msconfig in Run textbox and click OK. You can see run textbox if you click Start menu and select Run. System Configuration Utility appears. Uncheck all programs in Startup tab that you don't want to load during boot then click Apply button. Tips: If you want all to be unchecked, click Disable All. Check hide all Microsoft services in Service tab. Uncheck all...
How To: Connect a Mac to an ethernet network, For Dummies
From the people who brought you the Dummies instructional book series, brings you the same non-intimidating guides in video form. This is Mac for Dummies. Just watch this video tutorial to learn how to connect a Mac to an ethernet network, For Dummies.
How To: Program advanced arrays in Java
A tutorial on how to unroll and append elements to an array when programming in Java.
How To: Use the Grid, Canvas and Stack panels in Microsoft Silverlight
In this clip, you'll learn how to use the Grid, Canvas and Stack panels in 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: Get DVDs on your Mac using the Ripit Mac app
The perfect solution to get your movies onto your computer! The Ripit app is simple, and does exactly what it says it does: Ripit! Just put your DVD in your drive, open Ripit, and press the rip button. Ripping your DVDs can be a useful step in organization of your movies and keeping them safe. You can scratch a DVD but a file on your Mac won't be easily hurt. Recent studies have also shown that your Mac uses less battery power reading a file on your hard drive than reading a DVD. So why carry...
How To: Defragment your computer step-by-step
This video tutorial is in the Computers & Programming category which will show you how to defragment your computer step-by-step. This will make your computer run efficiently and faster. Do a Google search for auslogics disk defrag and download and save the program. This program allows you to continue using your computer while the defrag is in progress. Then run the set up, accept the license agreement and launch the program. Here you can select the drive that you want to defrag and click on n...
How To: Use arrays when programming in C++
Interested to know how to create and use arrays in your C++ programs? Whether you're new to Microsoft's popular general-purpose programming language or a seasoned programmer merely looking to brush up on the basics, you're sure to find much to take away from this helpful video lesson. For all of the relevant details, and to get started using arrays in your own applications, take a look.
How To: Update your nVidia graphics card drivers
In this video, we learn how to update your nVidia graphics card drivers. First, go to your start menu and type in "dxdiag", then search for this. After this, go to the display table to get the information for your card. Now, go to the website for the manufacturer through your web browser. After this, click the link where you can download drivers and search for new drivers for your graphics card. Once these are finished downloading, go to your control panel, then uninstall your previous driver...
How To: Create an invisible hard drive partition on a Microsoft Windows XP or Vista PC
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: Remove and reinstall devices in Windows XP
The beyourownit shows you how to remove and reinstall devices in Windows XP. The first thing he shows what to do is Right click on the My Computer icon and select properties then select then choose the hardware TAB. When you click on the Device Manager button, the Device Manager will appear where you can make changes to your computer. The user explains more to help you understand better. If you watch this video, you will find out how to reinstall devices in Windows XP.
How To: Fix a disabled registry editor or task manager problem on a Windows XP PC
Need help resolving a disabled task manager or registry editor problem (as caused by a virus or malware) on a Microsoft Windows XP? 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 under ten minutes. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Repair a MacBook Pro 17" - Battery removal
PowerBook Medic is the ultimate resource for Mac computers and electronics repair. They have helpful tutorials on most Apple products including the MacBook, MacBook Pro, PowerBook, iBook, iPhone, iPod, and more, covering topics from disassemblies, to RAM upgrades, to replacement hard drives.
How To: Program if statements and boolean tests with C#
A C# (C sharp) programming tutorial on creating if, else, and elseif statements as well as boolean tests.