Computers & Programming Features
How To: Choose a new computer
So many choices, so little patience? That’s why we've cut to the chase for you. The most basic questions to ask yourself: a Windows (PC) OS or a Mac and laptop versus desk top computer. You'll also need to determine what you need your computer to do. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to choose a new computer.
How To: Dual boot Windows 7 for beginners
In this how to video, you will learn how to dual boot Windows 7. To do this, first back up your hard drive. Download the Microsoft Windows 7 adviser to see if your system is able to handle the operating system. Next, download and burn the Windows 7 64 bit ISO. Shrink your existing partition to at least 16 GB. Next, insert the Windows 7 CD and reboot. You should make sure that you can boot from the optical drive. Once that is done, you can begin installation of the operating system. When it is...
How To: Use parental controls in Windows 7
New user to Windows 7? Microsoft has put out a series of video tutorials explaining how to maximize your Windows 7 experience. Follow along with this computer lesson and learn how to:
How To: Get the weather report in your Microsoft Windows Taskbar
Want to keep an eye on the weather forecast? With the app demonstrated in this clip, it's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from the folks at TekZilla can present a complete overview of the process in just over two minutes. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Use the System Restore tool on a Windows Vista PC
Every time you download a game, movie, etc to your computer, you make changes to the computer. Sometimes, these downloads can make your computer unstable. By default, Windows Vista creates restore points in the background. What this means is every time you make these changes to your computer, Vista takes a snapshot of your computer before the changes are made. This enables you to go back in time and restore your computer to an earlier time. Documents, photo's and emails will still be saved. O...
How To: Create hidden partitions with Secret Disk on a Microsoft Windows PC
Interested in creating hidden partitions on your Windows desktop or laptop computer? This clip will teach you everything you'll need to know. With Secret Disk, 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 three 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: Use loops when writing a program in Python
This tutorial shows you the two basic types of loops in Python - While and For. Be careful that you don't accidentally write an infinite loop, but still be able to use them to increase the efficiency of your programs.
How To: Use tuples and dictionaries when programming in Python
A tuple's value cannot be changed at all within your Python-based program, whereas a dictionary is more like an associative array where every item has a key and a value. Here is how you can use both tuples and dictionaries within your Python program.
How To: Connect to a Celtx storyboard database with simple PHP commands
In this clip, you'll learn how to connect to a Celtx SQL database with 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: Disable Windows Vista's user account control
In Windows Vista start off by going into the control panel in the start menu. In here go into "user accounts and family safety". Inside go into "user accounts". A screen will appear where you can make changes to your user account. Here there should be an option to turn user account control on or off. Click on this will bring up another window where if you uncheck the solitary checkbox you will have succeeded in turning User Account Control off. After doing so click ok and then press restart n...
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: Build portable Java applications with Servoy
In this clip, you'll learn how to get started using Servoy to create portable Java applications. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this helpful how-to can present a complete overview of the app in just over three minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Program If and Switch statements in Java
Learn to program If & Switch Statements in Java. This tutorial uses Java 1.6 with NetBeans 5.5.1 beta
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: Use the UNION command when working in MySQL
When you use the UNION command, you are stacking one result set on top of another. This is slightly different from the JOIN command, and this video is here to explain what the difference is and the best way to use UNION in your own MySQL database programs.
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: Customize and manage shortcuts on a Microsoft Windows 7 PC with Shortcuttor
In this clip, you'll learn how to install and run the Shortcuttor shortcut management tool on a Microsoft Windows 7 PC. For details, including step-by-step instructions, and to get started using Shortcuttor to manage the shortcuts on your own Win 7 PC, watch this helpful home-computing how-to.
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: Install Blu-Ray Playback into your HTPC
Systm is the Do It Yourself show designed for the common geek who wants to quickly and easily learn how to dive into the latest and hottest tech projects. We will help you avoid pitfalls and get your project up and running fast. Search Systm on WonderHowTo for more DIY episodes from this Revision3 show.
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: Make your PC start faster with defrag and MSconfig
Learn how to use Disk Defragmenter and MsConfig to make your Windows PC boot up faster. Make your PC start faster with defrag and MSconfig.
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: Print directly from your Mac desktop
In this video from MacTipsOrg we learn how to print directly form your desktop on a Mac making printing very quick and easy. First, open your system preferences, and then click on print and fax. Now take the printer icon you see there and drag it to you desktop. Place it anywhere on your desktop. Whenever you need to print now, you can take your item, drag it, and drop the item right on the printer that is now on your desktop and it will print! This is a quick time saving technique to use for...
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: Use expansion slots to add hardware to a Microsoft Windows PC
Learn how to utilize the empty expansion slots to add new functions and features to a Windows or Linux PC. 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 understanding and using hardware expansion slots yourself, take a look.
How To: Fake an AJAX-looking form using JQuery
This form will look like it's been written with AJAX, but the dirty little secret is that it's actually a JQuery script. The reason for doing it this way is greater efficiency in your program, and a little easier to work with.
How To: Manage passwords for Windows networks
In this Webcast, Password Management for Windows and Beyond, you will learn how to: Increase security standards cross-organization by easily customizing and enforcing password policies for Windows, Unix, Linux, and Java users.
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: Download and install MAMP on your Mac so you can run web sites
If you are looking to operate a web site from your Mac, MAMP- a package of free web software programs- is an elegant solution. This video will show you how to configure MAMP on your computer, so you can get on your way running your sites.
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: Make CD and DVD images in Ubuntu Linux
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make CD and DVD images in Ubuntu. This task is very easy, fast and simple to do. Begin by right-clicking on the disc icon of the computer and select Copy Disc. When the CD/DVD Options window opens, click on Properties. Now name the disc, select a save folder and choose ISO image for the image type. When finished configuring, click on Apply and wait for the disc to finish copying. This video will benefit those viewers who use a Ubuntu computer, and ...
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: 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 font resolution (DPI) on a Microsoft Windows Vista PC
In this clip, you'll learn how to adjust font DPI settings on a desktop or laptop computer running the MS Windows Vista operating system. For more information, including a complete demonstration of the process and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this home-computing how-to.
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: 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: Use FunFx, a Ruby-based testing framework for Flex
This tutorial will show you how to use FunFX, a free, open-source, and Ruby-based automated testing framework for Adobe Flex applications. Watch this video and learn how to drive a Flex application through a web browser. Use FunFx, a Ruby-based testing framework for Flex.
How To: Install Ubuntu Linux on a Windows PC with Wubi
In need of a quick primer on how to use the Wubi Windows-based Ubuntu GNU/Linux installer? It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just under two minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Pick the right cables when setting up a home network
In this tutorial, you'll learn about the cables required for setting up a small home or office network. Fortunately, cable selection is an easy process and this video presents a complete guide. For more information, including a full demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this helpful home-computing how-to.