Hot Computer Hardware Posts

How To: Clean crumbs out of a keyboard

Keyboards are one of the easiest things to get dirty, especially those keyboards that have the removable keys. Crumbs and all kinds of other gunk can get lodge down in those deep crevices of the keyboard, but here's a quick tip to help you out. If you have a crumb-y keyboard, use the sticky side of a post-it note to lift bits from between the keys. Ta-da!

How To: Clean an Apple keyboard with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Keyboards get really dirty from your hands, food, spilled drinks, pens, pencils and everything else that winds up on your desk. This video will show you a great way to clean you white Apple keyboard (wireless or wired) so that it shines like you just bought it. All you need is a handy cleaning product called Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. This will get all of the dirt off of your white keys that come with Mac computers. Make sure to clean the keys and the inside between all of these keys as well. Ma...

How To: Change the keyboard on an HP Pavilion laptop

This video tutorial is in the Computers & Programming category which will show you how to change the keyboard on an HP Pavilion laptop. First remove the battery and then remove the 6 screws in the battery cabinet. Now remove another screw as shown in the video. Open up the laptop and remove the panel located on top of the keyboard. Now remove the screws that hold the keyboard in place, slide out the ribbon connector and take out the keyboard. Then take the new keyboard, slide in the ribbon co...

How To: Replace a keyboard for Acer Aspire One 10.1 netbook

In this Computers & Programming video tutorial you will learn how to replace a keyboard for Acer Aspire One 10.1 netbook. Disconnect the netbook from the power supply and remove the battery. You can use a small flat screw driver or a razor blade for replacing the keyboard. You don't have to remove any screws. You need to unlatch three tabs; one located above the f8 key and two on either side of the keyboard. With the razor blade unlatch the tab above f8, and then the two side tabs as shown in...

How To: Build your own green screen

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to build a green screen. The materials required for this project are: two 10 ft long PVC pipes, measuring tape, saw, duct tape and pipe elbows and couplings. Begin by marking the two PVC pipes with 6 ft on one side and 4ft on the other. Then cut the PVC pipes in half. Now connect the frame together with the pipe elbows and couplings. Build support to the fame by adding some duct tape. Finish by attaching the green cloth on the frame and tape it at the...

How To: Replace a key on Samsung Notebook keyboard

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to replace a key on a Samsung notebook keyboard. This task is very fast, easy and simple to do. Begin by placing the small retainer clip into the small areas of the key. Make sure the retainer clip is aligned on top of the keyboard and is securely placed on. Then simply place the key over the retainer clip and press on it. Hold the bottom of the key with one finger and press down the key with another finger. to secure it in place. This video will bene...

How To: Load fine art paper into the Epson Stylus Photo R2880

If you have the Stylus Photo Printer (R2880) from Epson at home, you probably figured out how easy it is to load paper into the printer. But what about fine art paper? Paper such as Velvet Fine Art and Hot Press and Cold Press loads into the printer slightly different. This video, straight from Epson, will show you how to load these kinds of papers using the rear single sheet guide.

How To: Build a custom external hard disc drive

External hard drives are cheap and widely available. You don't want any of those models though do you? You want to make the drive yourself because you are a DIY FIEND! This video will teach you how to take an internal hard drive and a separately-bought hard drive case, put them together, and make your very own custom external hard drive. If you have an old internal drive lying around this is a great way to give it new life.

How To: Install a Nvidia GeForce 8600 GT graphics card

Installing new pieces into a desktop PC can be stressful for people who don't do it routinely because it constantly feels like you are going to wreck your computer. If you use the correct procedure, you won't, don't worry. This video will teach you how to install an Nvidia 8600 GT graphics card in a desktop PC. This will allow you to run games and graphics-intensive applications much more smoothly.

How To: Install RAM in an iBook G4

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to install RAM into an Apple iBook G4 laptop. Begin by turning off the laptop and closing it. Flip the laptop to the backside. Turn the lock and remove the back cover. Flip the laptop over and open it. Press on the keyboard notch (between esc and F1) and remove the keyboard. Then remove the Air Port Extreme card and unscrew the 4 screws underneath it. Remove the cover and carefully press down on the 2 latches that hold the RAM card. Now replace the RA...

How To: Optimize a PC for the best performance

In this Computers & Programming video tutorial you will learn how to optimize a PC for the best performance. Head over to Smart PC Utilities and click on downloads. Here you can download and install Vista Services Optimizer. This works perfectly well for Windows 7 as well. Open the program and select Automatic Tune Up, where it will ask you a few questions about how you use your machine so it gets an idea what services are unnecessary for you. You can also use Manual Tune Up or even Gaming Mo...

How To: Create a heart symbol on your computer

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a heart and other symbols on a computer. To make a heart, you will want to click on "run" and type in symbols inside of the white space. A new window will come up with a number of different symbols for you to choose from. You can choose the heart symbol on this, or you can choose any other symbol you would like to use. This isn't like clip art, it's just a simple symbol that anyone can use while they are in a word processing program and need a symbol tha...

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: Use a webcam on MSN for Mac

In this Computers & Programming video tutorial you will learn how to use a webcam on MSN for Mac. Go to Google and carry out a search for aMSN and click on the 2nd result which has the download link. Then click on 'Mac OS X Universal', download the program and open it. Next you start a conversation by typing in your text. Then click on the button on the right side for webcam as shown in the video. There is also a button for sending an audio clip. This will open the webcam and then you can use...

How To: Buy the right desktop PC for you

There are so many computers available today, from laptops to desktops to netbooks and everywhere in between. If you are considering going the stationary route, check out this tutorial. In this video, learn how to choose a desktop PC that is right for you. The experts at PCWorld will walk you through brands, capabilities and price ranges so that you can walk into your local office store with confidence and pick out your model.

How To: Make your keyboard work properly with the Num Lock key

Go to type something on your keyboard only to receive a string of numbers? Your Num Lock key might be engaged. Luckily, it's an easy problem to fix! So easy, in fact, that this home computing how-to from the folks at CNET TV can present a complete (and somewhat talky) overview of the process in just over a minute's time. For the specifics, just watch this handy how-to.

How To: Back up your data to an external hard drive

Want to know how to back up your data to an external hard drive? Protect yourself against data loss and heartbreak with this free home computing how-to from the folks at CNET TV, which offers complete instructions on how to back up your important files either manually or automatically. For specifics, and to get started backing up your own stuff, watch this handy how-to.

How To: Disassemble, clean & reassemble an IBM 5100 keyboard

Accidents will happen. This brief how-to will guide you through the process of disassembling, cleaning and reassembling an IBM 5100 series mobile smartphone quickly and efficiently without damaging any of the components, the first necessary step of any successful repair or restoration. This tutorial will also be of use to those who wish to learn more about the guts of the old clunkers without actually disassembling their units.

How To: Make cheap homemade cleaning solution for your PC

Are you sick of spending a ton of money on not so great cleaning supplies? Well, if cleaning the screens around your home are the problem, check out this tutorial. In this video you will learn how to make a super effective cleaning solution for your TV, PC, laptop, iPod screens, etc for about a dollar! This couldn't be easier to do, and your screens will be clear and shiny in no time.

How To: Remove personal anti-virus & other rogue applications

The Internet is full of crooks just waiting and waiting for the chance to steal your information. One way that people are getting into your system these days is with fake or rogue applications. These viruses sneak themselves onto your PC either through hacked websites or when you download other types of files. They piggyback on other things you do and install themselves. If you think you have been infected, have a look at this tutorial.

How To: Use a flash drive

Flash drives are great handy devices used for so many different reasons, but one being the ability to take your files wherever you want. These miniature versions of computer hard drives are so convenient to use and easy enough to carry. This tutorial will show you exactly how to use one wherever you go. Enjoy!

How To: Partition your external hard drive for Time Machine

This video tells us the method to partition the external hard drive for Time Machine. This process consists of a couple of steps. In the first step, go to 'Finder'. The second step involves clicking on the 'Applications' option on it. After choosing the 'Applications' and go to the next step involving going to 'Utilities'. Choose 'Disk Utility' from the options displayed. This step will open a new window. Choose the hard drive on the window opened after choosing 'Disk Utility'. Click on the '...

How To: Remove the front case from a G5 iMac

In this how-to video, you will learn how to remove the front case of an iMac G5. First, lay the case on its back. Remove the screws in order to get the ram bay cover off. Once this is done, pull on the release tabs to remove the ram modules. Next, remove the torx screws on the bottom side of the casing. Once these are removed, work your way around the casing to remove the front from the back. Do not pull too far as you might damage the wires to the camera. Unplug the camera once you are able ...

How To: Permanently delete files without the recycle bin

This video from Tekzilla.com tells viewers how to permanently delete a file from their computer without sending the file to the Recycle Bin. This is especially useful if you are low on space on your computer. However, make sure that you want to delete the file forever if you use this method! You will have a very, very hard time getting it back, assuming you are able to retrieve it at all.

How To: Convert Youtube videos to MP3

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to convert You Tube videos to MP3. Begin by going to the You Tube website and find the video that you want to take the audio from. Once you have found your video, copy the URL of the video. Then go to this website: and paste the You Tube URL. Change the Convert to format to MP3 and click Start. Now wait for the website to finish loading the MP3 and provide you with a download link. This video will benefit those viewers who enjoy lis...

How To: Remove the hard disk drive (HDD) from a G5 iMac

In this how to video, you will learn how to remove your hard drive from an iMac G5. First, open the cover of your iMac. There will be torx screws that have to be removed from the left hand side of the hard drive. Once this is done, you will have to unplug the two cables located on the bottom of the drive. From here, remove the hard drive up and out. Unscrew the screws attaching a bracket to the hard drive. Once this is done, you can swap in your old drive for a new one, or make modifications ...

How To: Remove the speaker assembly from a G5 iMac

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to remove the speakers on a G5 i-Mac computer. In order to remove the speakers, user will need to first remove the ambient light sensor. Remove the 2 torx 6 screws and remove the middle bracket. Now on each speaker, users will need to remove 2 torx 8 screws. Once the screws are removed, the speakers simply slide out of place. Under the right speaker, there will be a cable that will need to be unplugged from the logic board. This video will benefit tho...

How To: Open ports in Windows 7

This video tells us the method to open ports in Windows 7. Click on myu icon and go to 'Preferences'. Copy the port number from the resulting window. Go to 'Start', 'Control Panel' and 'System and Security'. Go to 'Windows Firewall' and 'Advanced Settings'. Go to 'Inbound Rules' and 'New Rule'. Click on 'Port' and select 'TCP' and 'Specific Local Port'. Type the port number in the text box. Click 'Next' and 'Allow Connection'. Press 'Next' twice and put the name in the space provided for it. ...

How To: Create a partition & format an external hard drive

This video teaches us to partition a hard drive. Open 'Disk Utility' and go to 'Seagate FreeAgent Media'. Go to 'Partitions' and select '2 partitions' in the 'Volume Scheme'. Click on 'Untitled 1' and put the name of the partition, its format as Mac OS Extended (journaled) and Partition Table from 'Options'. Name the second partition and choose 'MS DOS (FAT)' in format. Choose 'Master Boot Record' in 'Options'. Click 'Apply' and 'Partition'. This creates the two partitions of the hard drive a...

How To: Format/partition an external hard drive on a Mac

In this Computers & Programming video tutorial you will learn how to format/partition an external hard drive on a Mac. This is really very easy and simple to do and takes practically no time. Click on spotlight search and look for disk utility. That will bring up the list of hard drives. Click on the external hard drive and click ‘erase’. Then on ‘security options’ select ‘zero out data’ and click OK. This will remove everything from the hard drive. Your external hard drive is now...

How To: Partition an external hard drive on a Macintosh

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to partition an external hard drive on a Mac computer. Begin by open Macintosh HD. Scroll down the list on the left and click on Applications. Double-click on Utilities and select Disk Utility. Under Volume Schemes, select 2 Partitions. Select the name of the partition and choose the format that you want for the drive. Select the second partition and do the same. Now click on Apply and click on Partition. This video will benefit those viewers who use ...

How To: Remove the LCD display from a G5 iMac

In this Computers & Programming video tutorial you will learn how to remove the LCD display from a G5 iMac. This video is from powerbookmedic.com. First, loosen the rubber band around the display by inserting a pointed object and freeing it slightly with your fingers. On the bottom, free the lower end of the sheet and lift it up. Now remove the two screws and dismantle the part as shown in the video. Then on the top of the display unstuck the two stick pads and remove four screws from the fro...