Computer Hardware Features
How To: Connect your laptop to your television
You can utilize your television to display your videos and other files that are on your laptop. Connect your laptop to your television.
News: Hackintosh = Ghetto Mac-in-a-Box
Sometimes going ghetto is the best route, especially when you can save about $1200 big ones. Just ask the guys over at 1 Block Off the Grid. When they needed a fancy Mac to run Adobe After Effects, they decided to Hackintosh it. Meaning they built a Mac in a box -literally (a cardboard Amazon box acts as the "case").
How To: Turn a Pogoplug into a cheap Linux-based server with Apache, MySQL, and PHP
The Pogoplug is a great device for accessing your info from anywhere, but did you know that with a little bit of work you can install Apache, Linux, MySQL, and PHP on the Pogoplug and use it as a cheap, functional, Linux-friendly web server.
How To: Record straight from a video camera to a computer
Recording home movies is quite a joy - how else would you remember that time your son shot milk out of his nose from laughing too hard, or when your shih tzu did a headstand? But it's often a pain transfering all your film files from your video camera to your computer.
How To: Turn a USB power supply into a hidden hard drive
This instructable will show you how to turn the dead UPS Power Backup into a discreet external hard drive for under $20.00!
How To: Install memory in a MacBook Pro
The more memory your MacBook Pro has, the more it will be able do it once, the faster your MacBook will feel and, presumably, the happier you'll be. This video tutorial will walk you through the mechanical process of removing and upgrading your MacBook Pro's RAM cards. If you're interested in upgrading the RAM in your own MacBook Pro, you would be well served to take a look.
News: Build-It-Yourself PCs Ranging From $131 to $647
Yes, you can build a PC for dirt, dirt cheap. However, how cheap is too cheap? Gizmodo breaks down exactly what you get for your money, with the help of Maximum PC's Will Smith. Check out the price breakdowns below- you can actually build a functioning PC (essentially a nettop) for just $131.
How To: Upgrade your Mac Mini G4
In this video you will learn how to disassemble and completely upgrade a Mac Mini (G4) by installing memory, an optical drive and a hard drive. You'd be surprised, the hardest part of this "surgery" is getting the computer open!
How To: Enable or Disable USB Port in Your PC
This video will show you how to enable or disable USB port in your PC. If you disable USB port nobody could insert a USB device on your computer and could not copy your data. You could enable the port whenever you needed. Watch the video and follow all the steps.
How To: Clean up your computer keyboard easily
If you want to know how to clean your computer keyboard in 3 simple steps, you should watch this video. To clean your computer keyboard, you will need Hydrogen peroxide, soap dish, spoon, cotton buds, and a small bowl. Just follow these 3 simple steps: Put 1 part soap dish and 1 part Hydrogen peroxide into a small bowl depending on how much you need. Mix it well with a spoon. Dip the tip of the cotton bud into the mixture and scrub it against your dirty computer keyboard. Remember to change t...
News: Why Not? Computer With Built-in BBQ Grill
I've seen lots of cool case mods, but this FIFA 10 PC case mod with an integrated working BBQ grill pretty much blows all the others right out of the water.
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: Hack together a WiFi radio for under $50
In this clip, you'll learn how to create a WiFi radio with an Asus WL-520GU and a WL-520GU-ASUS wireless router. It's 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.
How To: Clean the scroll ball on an Apple Mighty Mouse with a sheet of printer paper
Faced with a mucked-up Mighty Mouse? Never fear; this quick clip demonstrates an effective (if somewhat unconventional) method for cleaning your Mac mouse using a sheet of standard 8x11" printer paper. For details, including a step-by-step overview, and to get started cleaning your own Mighty Mouse, watch this video guide.
How To: Install a serial ATA hard drive in a G5 Power Mac
If your Power Mac is running out of disk space, you might consider installing a second hard drive. In this video tutorial, you'll find instructions for installing a second serial ATA drive into a Power Mac G5 system. For more on the hard drive installation process, watch this how-to and, remember: take proper anti-static precautions when working on any computer.
How To: Eject and recover a stuck CD or DVD on a Mac
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: Clean up your registry
Your registry is probably a mess, but you don't even have to know what a registry is in order to clean it. Your PC will thank you and probably run a little better. Watch this computer tutorial video to learn how to clean your registry, and soon your computer will be running better.
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: Burn an img file to dvd on the Mac
In this quick video tutorial Mike will show you how to burn an IMG file to DVD on the Mac. Follow these steps to burn an IMG file to DVD on the Mac: Click on Finder Applications Utilities Disk Utility. Highlight the file, click Burn. You will be asked if you want to burn it to the superdrive. Click Burn. It may take a while, but when you are done you will have a CD or DVD that is ready to use.
How To: Replace a hard drive in a late 2008 MacBook Pro
In this how-to video, you will learn how to replace a hard drive in a 2008 Macbook Pro. Make sure you use the proper anti-static precautions before replacing the device. You will need a T6 screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver. Make sure you transfer your data from the old drive to the new one before installing. Shut down the computer, close the lid and turn the laptop over. Remove the battery cover and battery. The hard drive is held by a plastic retaining bar. Loosen the screw holding the ...
How To: Get free anti-virus software
Don't pay for virus protection. You can get basic non-intrusive virus protection from Avira. Check out this quick video tip from Tinkernut to see how and where to get the Avira free anti-virus software program for free!
How To: Fix a computer that doesn't power up or has no power
This quick video tutorial will show you how to fix a computer that has no power. If your computer won't power up, follow these steps: Check the back of the computer to make sure the power cord is plugged in, and check the other end of the cable to make sure it's plugged into your power strip, and that the power strip is turned on. Try plugging your computer directly into the wall. Check the switch at the back of your computer to see if it is in the 'off' position. Unplug the power cord. Hold ...
How To: Repair a MacBook 13" - Unibody glass LCD 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: Identify computer parts
This video tutorial helps you identify the various components within a desktop computer. The CPU, a circular windmill-looking piece, consists of a fan that keeps the CPU cool. The CPU chip is located underneath this fan. There are four RAM slots in this particular motherboard featured in the video. The video card connects toward the middle and clicks into a PCI Express slot, which provides video. On the bottom there are expansion slots, which audio or network cards can be connected into. The ...
How To: Clean a laptop screen
A dirty laptop screen can be distracting and make it difficult to see what your are trying to work on. Don’t suffer though this for another moment. With products you have at home you can get that screen looking like new.
How To: Make your own computer batteries
Kipkay teaches you how to make your own computer batteries because the real computer batteries are expensive. You should buy six lithium ion batteries, but you always want to go higher in miliamps and not lower.
How To: Troubleshoot a no-video problem on a Wacom Cintiq 21
In this clip, you'll learn how fix no-video problems when using a Cintiq 21 as a monitor. Happily, it's easy. So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just over two minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Use the HP Compaq 2710p Notebook PC fingerprint sensor
You can feel confident the important files and information stored on your HP Compaq 2710p business notebook is safe and protected and only accessible by you, with the Fingerprint Sensor.
How To: Repair a MacBook Pro 15" - SuperDrive 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: Power a computer with car batteries
The original idea was to turn a small home UPS into a giant UPS but because the UPS was only able to run the RAID-wielding desktop for three minutes before shutting down, he decided to add two 24V car batteries to the equation (the maximum that his UPS could tolerate). The good news: it worked, and will run his computer for an hour plus.
How To: Use multi-touch gestures with a Wacom Bamboo tablet
In this clip, you'll learn how to use multi-touch (or multitouch) gestures on a Wacom Bamboo pen tablet. Happily, 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 four minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started using multi-touch gestures on your own Bamboo tablet, take a look.
How To: Clean an Apple Mighty Mouse
If your Apple Mighty Mouse is covered in fingerprints or its surface has become soiled, it can be gently wiped with a clean lint-free cloth. If necessary, moisten the cloth using only water, making sure not to oversaturate it. Be aware that the mouse contains electronic components that may be damaged if water drips from the cloth into the mouse via the seam around the scroll ball or around its underside.
How To: Repair a MacBook Pro 13" - Speaker 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: Install a 2.5" hard drive in an external enclosure
In this how-to video, you will learn how to install a 2.5" hard drive into an external closure. This will take only about five minutes. You will need a small Phillips screwdriver. Make sure you use anti-static precautions before performing this procedure. Take off the top of the enclosure. Line the SATA connector of the hard drive to the enclosure. There is a tab on the top part of the enclosure. Make sure that it connects to the other part of the lower part of the enclosure. Take the screws ...
How To: Replacing keys on a laptop keyboard to Dvorak layout
I changed my laptop keyboard over to the Dvorak layout and someone asked it if was hard to do so I made a short video to show how its basically done.
How To: Easily upgrade your hard drive without re-installing
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.
How To: Install your EMBARQ Modem for High-Speed Internet
Learn a little bit about technology with help from EMBARQ. Watch this how-to video tutorial on installing your EMBARQ 660 Modem. This will cover exactly how to install your EMBARQ Modem for EMBARQ High Speed Internet service. This is the complete process step-by-step from box to connected online.
How To: Repair a MacBook Air - Hard drive 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: Conserve your laptops battery life
Five simple tricks to keep your laptop running longer.
How To: Partition an external hard drive on Windows Vista
To format an external hard drive on Windows Vista, plug the hard drive in, then click on start menu, right click on "computer", and select "manage". Go to "storage" on the left hand menu and select "disk management". Right click on the letter of your external hard drive, and select "Shrink Volume". Choose the size of the partition you want to create, and click shrink. After it is done, there will be 2 seperate drives, with the new one being allocated. Right click on the unallocated drive and ...