Computers & Programming Features

How To: Create a simple java program with the printline method

Want to write Java games and applications but don't know beans about object-oriented programming? Never you fear. This free video tutorial will help you on your merry way to accomplishing just that. Specifically, this lesson will demonstrate how to create a simple Java program that utilizes Java's built-in println method. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this programmer's guide.

How To: Change the ownership & permissions of a folder

This tutorial is to explain how to change the ownership and/or permissions of a folder or file on your computer. It is very simple and easy to understand. There is a step by step guide to the process. There is a verbal as well as a visual representation of the process that you need to use to be able to change the permissions and ownership of the individual files on your computer. The computer screen video is of a computer using Microsoft Windows XP. It is a great guide for beginners and compu...

How To: Instant zoom on your social network photos

Install this new add-on for Mozilla Firefox and show full-size images from Flickr or Facebook just by hovering over the thumbnail or link. This add-on shows the full-size images in a floating panel without having to open a brand new browser page. Thumbnail Zoom also works on MySpace, Amazon, Picassa, Twitter, LinkedIn, Hi5, Twitpic, deviantART, PhotoBUcket, Tagged, last.fm and Wikipedia. Veronica from Tekzilla Daily demonstrates all the cool features.

How To: Take screenshots in Microsoft Windows 7

Need a little help figuring out how to capture screenshots in 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 get started taking your own screengrabs in Win 7, watch this PC user's guide.

How To: Defragment your hard drive for Windows Vista

This is a video tutorial in the Computers & Programming category where you are going to learn how to defragment your hard drive for Windows Vista. Running a disk defrag is a great way to improve your computer performance. Go to start > control panel > systems and maintenance. Under the administrative tools click on "defragment your hard drive". In the next window, you can schedule an automatic defragmentation or initiate a defragmentation right away. To start defragmentation, click on "defrag...

How To: Call .NET functions from JavaScript code in a Silverlight application

In this clip, you'll learn how to call .NET functions from JavaScript when working 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: Make programs start up when your computer starts

When you start your computer you can set it up so that your favorite programs automatically open as a part of the computers boot up. To do this, click “Start” and then “All Programs”. When the list opens up, click on “Startup”. Drag the program icons you want to open into the startup bar. The next time you start your computer, the programs you put in the startup will automatically open.

How To: Wash your keyboard

In this video from Defcon Computers we learn how to clean your computer keyboard. You can use cans of air, or take off your keys. But in this video we learn how to actually clean the keys themselves. With the computer off, put Windex on a paper towel, and rub the key. Put more Windex on your paper towel and continue to rub the keys. Rub them individually and also clean the spaces in between the keys with the paper towel. Again, make sure your computer is off or else you'll get all sorts of er...

How To: Use scaffold_resource in Rails

There are some really helpful people in the Rails community, but you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who helps bunny and green coders more than Ryan Bates. While this tutorial is geared towards intermediate Rails users, beginners are certain to walk away with something as well. In this video tutorial, Ryan and Miles K. Forrest provide a walkthrough of scaffold_resource. If you're even a little bit interested in learning more about Ruby on Rails, you'd be well served to take a look!

How To: Optimize your Windows PC

Has your Windows PC grown increasingly sluggish over time? In this how-to, Digital Connector James Vargas (recalling a young Jean-Pierre Léaud) guides users through speeding up and optimizing a Windows PC. Take a look. Whether you run XP, 2000 or Vista, you're certain to benefit from this tutorial.

How To: Get System Restore to use less disk space in Windows 7

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make the System Restore feature use less space in Windows 7. Begin by clicking on the Start menu. Right-click on Computer and select Properties. Under Tasks, click on System protection. In the System Properties window, select the hard drive and click Configure. Under Disk Space Usage, drag the slider to the left for a lower amount. Then click on Apply and OK to confirm. This video will benefit those viewers who have a Windows 7 computer and would l...

How To: Call into a JavaScript function with .NET code

In this clip, you'll learn how to make calls into JavaScript functions with .NET code when working 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: Match patterns with LIKE when using SQLite 3

In this clip, we learn how to match patterns with LIKE when using SQLite 3. Whether you're entirely new to the SQLite embedded relational database management system or are a seasoned developer merely looking to brush up on a few of the basics, you're sure to find much to take away. For more information, take a look!

How To: Buy a printer

Which printer is the right one for you? The Lab Rats,Andy Walker and Sean Carruthers, go over the different types of printers: laser, inkjet, and multi-function and help you choose the right one for your needs.

How To: Update a device driver in Windows 7

From "Butterscotch" tutorial Michael Callahan walks you through updating your driver for Windows 7 operating system. This will help to improve communication between your printer, scanner, or any other devices digitally connected to your Personal Computer. Simply by going through the "start" menu you can then search and find out if there is new drivers for your devices. After that it will tell you and assist you downloading the new driver. Leaving you with the best driver software for your dev...

How To: Get started with SQLite

SQLite is a small C library that implements a self-contained, embeddable, zero-configuration SQL database engine. SQLite implements a large subset of SQL-92 and stores a complete database in a single disk file. The library footprint is less than 250 KB making is suitable for use in embedded devices and applications where memory space is scarce.

How To: Use the world clock feature in Ubuntu

In this tutorial, we learn how to use the world clock feature in Ubuntu. First, you will go to the upper right hand side of the screen and click on the calendar. From here, click where it says "locations". Then, click on where it says "edit and then click from the preferences where it asks for a location name. Then you can click on the time zone drop down menu and see the times of a ton of different places. Add these to your clock and then when you're finished, you can have the weather displa...