Computers & Programming Features

How To: Change filenames in bulk on a Mac running OS X

Want to rename a group of files on your Mac computer without going through them one at a time? Rename them en masse with a free application! This clip will show you how it's done. It's simple! So simple, in fact, that this home-computing how-to can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just under two minutes. For more information, including complete, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Use the $_Server Superglobal when programming in PHP

In this clip, you'll learn how to use the $_Server Superglobal when writing code 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: Set up and customize a Wacom Bamboo Touch digital tablet

In this clip, you'll learn how to set up and customize a Wacoom Bamboo 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: Upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 with Cnet TV

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to upgrade a computer from Windows Vista to Windows 7. Users are able to do an in-place upgrade as long as both the Windows Vista and Windows 7 versions are the same. Users will need to export all their data, erase the hard drive and then reinstall all the applications. To do an in-place upgrade, begin by backing-up your data. Then insert the install DVD and select run it. Then click on Install Now and wait for it to install and setup. This video will...

How To: Restore files in Windows using Data Recovery Wizard

In this video the instructor shows how to restore lost data. When you delete your files you can restore them from the recycle bin. But if a hard drive is formatted all the data is lost and you can not even recover it from recycle bin. In such cases you will need to use data recovery tools to recover that lost data. In this video the instructor uses the Data Recovery Wizard software to recover the data. Start the Data Recovery Wizard. In that there are three options by which you can recover yo...

How To: Rotate your Windows desktop images with photos from Flickr with a free utility

Having cool photos as your desktop can make your computer a welcome sight, but having to find a fresh one every so often can get pretty stale fast. Thankfully, freeware utility Flickr Wallpaper Rotator for Windows PC's can import images for your desktop from Flickr automatically at intervals you set. You can even set it to use photos from a Flickr search or show favorites from a specific user.

How To: Set up an IMAP account in the Apple Mail application

Need some help figuring out how to set up an IMAP account in the Mac OS X Mail application? Once you know how, it's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home computing how-to from the folks at Easily can present a complete (and somewhat talky) overview of the process in just under three minutes' time. For the specifics, and to get started setting up and using your IMAP email account in Apple's Mail app, just watch this handy how-to.

How To: Make a Windows 7 system repair disc

Need some help figuring out how to burn a Microsoft Windows 7 system repair CD? 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 making your own Windows 7 restore discs, watch this PC user's guide.

How To: Switch applications in Mac OS X

The University of South Florida screencast teaches you how to switch applications in Mac OS X. The application switcher gives you a quick way to switch through the running programs on your computer. To do this, simply press Command + Tab. You can keep pressing Tab to switch to another program. You can also use the application switcher to quit a program. When it is selected in the application switcher, press the Q key on your keyboard. You can also use the mouse to switch between programs, whi...

How To: Create a Silverlight DataGrid column at runtime

In this clip, you'll learn how to create a DataGrid column dynamically at runtime. 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: Use System Repair Engineer to combat viruses & malware

Your Windows computer may be experiencing some issues, and those issues may be a direct result of computer viruses and malicious software from the internet. One of the simplest ways to find these issues and repair them is by using a freeware program called System Repair Engineer (SREng). But that's not all it can do… check out the video to see a basic overview for using SREng.

How To: Uninstall Internet Explorer 8 from Microsoft Windows 7

If Internet Explorer 8 is being a nuisance in Windows 7 watch this video to learn how to uninstall it! Start by clicking your Start Menu, then to Control Panel and then to Programs. From there click Uninstall Programs. It will bring you to a list of all the programs that are currently on your hard drive. Next click Turn Windows features on or off. From there another list of programs will appear, but these programs are all Windows programs that come with Windows 7 Operating system. Watch the r...

How To: Understand the PC BIOS and use it change your boot order

The built-in operating system (BIOS) of your PC is the first thing it runs when it starts, and if you're having problems with your OS or other issues it's usually the place to go to fix them. Watch this video to learn the basics of the BIOS and how it can be used to change your boot order to make you PC boot from a CD. Understand the PC BIOS and use it change your boot order.

How To: Burn an .iso disc image with one click

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to quickly burn ISO disc images in Windows 7. Users will not need to download any third party software. This task is very fast, easy and simple to do. Simply double-click on the ISO file to Open Windows Disc Image Burner. Then select your disc drive and click on Burn. Users may also right-click on the ISO file an select Burn disc image. This video will benefit those viewers who use a Windows 7 computer, and would like to learn how to easily burn ISO d...

How To: Change the sound on your PC

Change the sound on your PC in Windows Vista with this video tutorial. In Windows Vista, left click on desktop. Go to "Personal Modes" and select "Sounds". Click "Test" button in the Sound's tab window to hear sounds for different actions. To replace a sound: place the sounds, in a .WAV format only, in a folder on your C: Drive. Select sound to be replaced in Sound's tab and click “Browse” to find the file you are replacing the current one with. Click "Ok" when done to complete change.

How To: Clean up the Microsoft Windows 7 system registry

The registry is like a filing cabinet for your operating system; it contains everything from the last web site you visited to the last program you opened. Over time, it gets loaded with junk and that slows things down. Fortunately, cleaning it up is easy. So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from the folks at Butterscotch can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just over four minutes' time. For detailed instructions, and to get started tidying up your own ...

How To: Use event handlers for Java programming

Want to write Java games and 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 event handlers when coding in Java. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this programmer's guide.

How To: Install RAM in a 13" MacBook Pro

You can change your RAM in a 13" MacBook Pro. To do this you need a screw driver and a new ram. So first put your notebook on the table and take all the screws out of the notebook but be careful when doing this. Now place your fingers on top and the bottom and leisurely take out the back cover. Now there are two slots located at the right side and you have to push it out to remove the old rams. Now take the new ram and make sure you put it as the video showing and place it where you removed t...

How To: Preview Firefox tabs in your Microsoft Windows taskbar

Learn how to force the Windows 7 taskbar to display a preview for each and every one of your Mozilla Firefox tabs upon mouse-over. This home-computing how-to from the people at Tekzilla will show you a quick and easy about:config Firefox hack that will permit you to do just that. For more information, and to get started using this hack yourself, give this clip a look.

How To: Run Windows & Mac side-by-side with Parallels

The video shows you how it is possible to be running windows and mac in parallel. Both operating systems, mac and windows, are installed in the computer and the video shows us how one can flip back-and-forth between operating systems. First the video shows us the desktop for mac and then the image flips, as if it were a cube, and it shows us the desktop for windows. Then the video flips again between both systems, but this time there's a demonstration where some windows are opened and some wo...

How To: Protect your computer from snoops

Keep private info from prying eyes and earn some peace of mind when you safeguard your PC or Mac against nosy intruders. You will need several great passwords, virtual desktop software, snoopware blockers, a screen filter, a mirror, a healthy sense of paranoia, WPA encryption, and an understanding IT specialist.