Computer Hardware Features

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: 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.

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...

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: 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: 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: Manually open a jammed CD or DVD drive on a computer

This video will show you how to manually open a jammed CD or DVD drive on your computer. Follow these instructions to open up a jammed CD or DVD drive on your computer: You will need a fine tipped Allen wrench, very thin screwdriver or even a paper clip. Find the very small hole on the front of the drive, and carefully insert your screwdriver in there. Push it all the way to the back and the tray will slide out, either half way or all the way.

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: 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: 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: 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 ...