Hot Operating Systems How-Tos
How To: Monitor memory use in Mac OS X with Activity Monitor
You can use Activity Monitor to see how your Mac is using memory. But what do free, active, inactive and wired mean? How about page ins and page outs? Plus, learn to use them to figure out if you need more memory. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from MacMost can present a full overview of the process in about four minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started monitoring your own RAM use, watch this Apple lover's g...
How To: Rip CDs & convert between file types in Apple iTunes 9
iTunes lets you use a variety of file formats for ripping CDs or converting music. Learn about each one: AIFF, WAV, MP3, AAC and Apple Lossless. Decide which format might work best for your music collection with this video guide from the folks at MacMost. For more information, and to get started mastering iTunes myriad file formats yourself, watch this video guide.
How To: Create animated chart videos in Keynote in Mac OS X
You can use Keynote to create animated charts and graphs. Then you can export them to use in iMovie and other software to make video presentations. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from MacMost can present a full overview of the process in about five minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this Apple lover's guide.
How To: Convert an ebook file to ePub format in Mac OS X
If you use iBooks on your iPad or iPhone, you can only read books in EPUB format. If you have books in text or PDF format you may want to convert them to EPUB so you can read them in iBooks. You can do this with Calibre, a free open-source e-book library application. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from MacMost can present a full overview of the process in about five minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this Apple lov...
How To: Quote emails in full or part with Mac OS X's Mail app
Want to adjust how Mac OS X Mail quotes emails in a particular conversation chain? It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from MacMost can present a full overview of the process in about five minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started quoting emails yourself, watch this Apple lover's guide.
How To: Use the Software Update feature in Mac OS X
Need a primer on how to use the Software Update feature within all versions of Mac OS X? This Mac user's guide from the folks at Mac Most provides just that. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started automatically updating your software and OS with the Software Feature app, watch this video guide.
How To: Create semi-transparent overlays in iMovie in Mac OS X
Learn how to use Seashore to create a 32-bit semi-transparent image and then use that image as an overlay to point out or highlight something in your iMovie video. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from MacMost can present a full overview of the process in about 4 minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this Apple lover's guide.
How To: Convert text to spoken word with the OS X Automator
Learn how to use Automator to convert selected text, or text from a file, to audio. You can listen to the result on your Mac, iPod or iPhone while on-the-go. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from MacMost can present a full overview of the feature in exactly four minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this Apple lover's guide.
How To: Change your desktop background in Mac OS X 10.6
Interested in creating and using custom desktop backgrounds in Mac OS X Snow Leopard? It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from MacMost can present a full overview of the process in about x minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this Apple lover's guide.
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: Make Windows 7 look like Mac OS X Snow Leopard
Interested in making Microsoft Windows 7 look a little bit more like Mac OS X 10.6? This home-computing how-to will show you precisely how it's done. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the process in just over six and a half minutes' time. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide.
How To: Install third-party themes in Microsoft Windows 7
In this home-computing how-to, you'll learn how to customize your Windows 7 desktop by installing third-party themes. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the process in just over five minutes' time. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide.
How To: Create customized keyboard shortcuts on the Mac
We love the guy who invented keyboard shortcuts. Especially now that we're all glued to our computers from sunrise until sunset (and perhaps even after that), being able to tab between pages with the click of a button or two and to open new tabs without having to drag the mouse around saves us time and energy.
How To: Update graphic drivers with Windows Device Manager
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to upgrade their graphic driver. This task is very fast, easy and simple to do. Begin by clicking on the Start menu. Then right-click on My Computer and select Properties. Now click on the Hardware tab and click on Device Manager under Manager. In the Device Manager window, select your graphic driver under Display adapters. Right-click on the driver and select Update Driver. Now follow through the instructions in the window and check for any updates. ...
How To: Spice up your desktop with free Windows 7 themes
In this video, we learn how to spice up your desktop with free Windows 7 themes. These are provided on the Windows website, where you can search through the personalization gallery. You can choose from a number of different themes that best fit your personality and preferences. You can change not only what you see, but also the sounds that you hear! If you don't see a theme that you like now, check back often because there are always new themes being uploaded to the website. These are all fre...
How To: Log on to a system without the password via Kon-Boot
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to bypass the log on system. Begin by downloading the Kon-Boot file provided in the video description. Once downloaded, burn the file onto a disc or convert it into an ISO image file to burn it onto a disc. Now wait for the file to finish loading. This will take several minutes. Once finished, users will now automatically be able to log into the password protected computer by simply pressing any key on their keyboard. This video will benefit those vie...
How To: Eject devices from the use of the terminal for a Mac
In this tutorial, we learn how to eject devices from the use of the terminal for Mac. First, go to the terminal of your computer where you will see a notepad sort of page. Next, type in "df" and then press return. You will now see a list displaying processes on your computer. On the bottom will be your public zoning device, which is your USB device. Next, type in "hdiutil eject -force (the code under "mounted on)- volumes-publiczone". This is not case sensitive, but don't forget or add in any...
How To: Use Avast to remove viruses and speed up your computer
Ian Brown shows us how to use Avast to remove viruses from your computer. First, go to Avast.com and download their new and free edition of their virus protection. After you have installed this program, you will receive an email with your product key to access the program. Now, change the settings on the program so it scans your computer at least once a day for viruses. Now, reboot your computer to save settings and scan your computer automatically for viruses. When you see a blue screen with...
How To: Install custom fonts in Mac OS X
This video tutorial belongs to the Computers & Programming category which is going to show you how to install custom fonts in Mac OS X. It is very quick, easy and simple. Open your browser and do a Google search for free fonts. From the search result you can choose any of the top links and download the fonts file. Then open the file and choose the font ending with 'ttf' which means true type font. Double click on it and a font book opens up. Then you click 'install font' and it is installed. ...
How To: Protect a Windows PC from spyware & malicious software
In this tutorial, we learn how to protect a Windows PC from spyware & malicious software with Dave. You can get spyware from downloading random things, so a great way to make sure you don't download these things, is to use Firefox and search your items before you download them. If you do happen to get these, use SpyBot to find and destroy the viruses you have downloaded. It's free to download, you just have to search it on Google, then download and install it. This will help save your compute...
How To: Passsword protect your files
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to password protect their files. This task can only be done on a Windows computer. Begin by creating a Microsoft Word document. Simply right-click on the desktop, go to New and select Microsoft Word Document. Then double-click on the document and create your text document. Now to save it, click on File and select Save As. Name the file. Now click on the Tools drop-down menu and select Security Options. Then type in a password, reconfirm the password a...
How To: Completely uninstall a Mac application using AppZapper
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to completely uninstall a program on a Mac computer. There are 2 ways to uninstall applications. The first way is to drag the application into the trash bin. With this method, users will also have to drag the related, numerous preference and supported files. The second ways is to download an application called App Zapper. With this program, users just need to simply drag the application into the App Zapper program to completely uninstall it. This vide...
How To: Increase the virtual memory in a Windows XP computer
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to increase the virtual memory in a Windows XP computer. Begin by clicking on the Start menu. Then right-click on My Computer and select Properties. Now click on the Advanced tab and click on Settings under Performance. In the Performance Options window, click on the Advanced tab and click on Change under Virtual Memory. Change the Initial Size to 3000 and Maximum Size to 5000. Finish by click on Set, press OK and restart your computer. This video wil...
How To: Capture screenshots on a Windows PC with GIMP
This video tutorial belongs to the Computers & Programming category which is going to show you how to capture screenshots on a Windows PC with GIMP. Open up 'My Room' and make sure the box is taking up the whole screen. To take away the bubbles, press ctrl + B + B. That is you press B twice. Then you go to GIMP, click on file > create > screen shot. Then on the WinSnap window, click 'grab' and drag the box on to the My Room box. Now the picture comes in the back. Select the crop tool and crop...
How To: Speed up Windows XP start menu for better performance
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to speed up the Windows XP Start menu. Begin by clicking on the Start menu and select the Run program. Then type in "regedit" and click on OK. Now select H KEY_CURRENT_USER, go to Control Panel and click on Desktop. On the right side of the window, scroll down the list to find Menu Show Delay. Double-click on it, change the value to 0 and click OK. This video will benefit those viewers who use a Windows computer, and would like to learn how to speed u...
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: Recover a Windows Vista Recycle Bin after deleting it
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to recover a recycling bin in Windows Vista. This task is very fast, easy and simple to do. Begin by right-clicking on the desktop and select Personalize. In the Tasks sidebar, click on "Change desktop icons". In the Desktop Icons tab, under Desktop check Recycle Bin and any other icons that you wish to display on your desktop. Finish by clicking OK. This video will benefit those viewers who use a Windows Vista computer, and would like to learn how to...
How To: Reformate your computer acer hard drive
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to reformat an Acer computer hard drive. Begin by clicking on the "Empowering Technology" logo on the top of the screen and select Recovery Management. Then click on the Restore button and click on Restore system to factory default. Enter the password if you have one and click on Yes in the next process confirmation window. The system will begin to shut down. Now just wait for the computer to finish loading up and input all the system information. Thi...
How To: Make your own back-up program with script
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make their own backup program. Begin by clicking on the Start menu and open the Notepad program. Then type:
How To: Extract zip archive files with Winrar
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to extract zip archives files with the WinRaR program. Begin by double-clicking on the zipped file to open it. Users are able to explore the content in the archive, similar to navigating through a windows folder. To extract it, click on Extract To. Now select the save destination and click OK to start the extraction. When the file is finished extracting, find the extraction destination to access the content of the zipped file. This video will benefit ...
How To: Optimize Mac OS X for running Digidesign's Pro Tools 8
This video explains how to optimize your Mac, for maximum performance when using Pro Tools. Whether you're new to Digidesign's Pro Tools 8 or simply looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you are certain to benefit from this free software video tutorial. For complete instructions, take a look.
How To: Free up system resources for Pro Tools 8 in Mac OS X
This video describes how to free up system resources on your Mac, resulting in better Pro Tools performance. Whether you're new to Digidesign's Pro Tools 8 or simply looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you are certain to benefit from this free software video tutorial. For complete instructions, take a look.
How To: Trash Pro Tools user preferences in Mac OS X
Want to delete your Pro Tools user preferences in Mac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6)? Whether you're new to Digidesign's Pro Tools 8 or simply looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you are certain to benefit from this free software video tutorial, which presents a complete overview of how to trash your Pro Tools user preferences.
How To: Center icons in the Microsoft Windows 7 taskbar
Interested in centering icons within the MS Windows 7 taskbar without third-party software? It can be done! And quite easily. So easily, in fact, that this home computing how-to can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in about five minutes. For complete instructions, and to get started using this Win 7 trick yourself, take a look.
How To: Auto launch and shutdown guest OS's with VMware Player
Looking for any easy way to start up and shut down guest operating systems within VMware Player? This clip provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to automatically launch and/or shut down a guest OS from within the VMware player. To see how it's done, and to get started using the VMware auto launch feature yourself, watch this helpful home-computing how-to.
How To: Unrar or unzip any .zip or .rar folder
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to unzip any zip or rar folders. Users will need to begin by downloading the program provided in the video. This program application is only available on Mac computers. It is able to expand archives and restore corrupted or missing archives. Once you have downloaded the program, double-click on it to open it. To unzip a folder, select a destination to extract the folder to simply drag the folder into the program. This video will benefit those viewers ...
How To: Speed up Windows XP and Vista boot performance
In this tutorial, we learn how to speed up Widows XP and Vista using boot performance. Disabling programs in the background you don't need will really increase the speed of your computer. To turn the programs off, click "start", then "run", then "msconfig", and press "ok". A new window will appear, choose "startup". You will see check marks next to programs that start when you turn on your computer. Click the check marks next to the boxes to disable or enable the programs you want to run when...
How To: Save and swap OS X icons
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to save and swap icons on a Mac OS X computer. Begin by selecting the application that you want to get the icon from, and copy it. Then open preview, go to the File menu and click on "Create new clipboard". Users are also able to apply the icons on other applications or drives. After you have copied the desired icon, select the application with the icon that you want to replace, press the Command and I buttons, select the icon and paste the copied ico...
How To: Fix a window position on Windows 7 desktop
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to remember Windows Explorer positions. Users will need to download the Shell Folder Fix program provided in the video. Once downloaded and installed, the program will remember the position of every Windows Explorer window that is opened. Now whenever ever the user opens that folder in the future, it will be displayed in the same location as before. There are also some additional features to the program such as: displaying the windows title and saving...
How To: Manage multiple Finder windows with tab browsing
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to get tabs in Finder. This can only be done on the Mac OS X computers. Users will need to download the Total Finder application from the site provided in the video. Once downloaded and installed, this program will allow users to manage multiple Finder windows in a series of tabs in a single window. In the Finder Preferences, users are able to configure the sidebar, label color, file name and trash options. This video will benefit those viewers who us...