Hot Operating Systems How-Tos

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: Enable or disable hibernation on a PC with Windows XP

The moment when your Windows XP PC begins hibernating is one of the most frustrating in many PC users lives, causing hands to be thrown up in frustration and preparations for a hard reset to begin. Do you wish that you computer didn't even have the option of hibernating? This video will show you how to turn off hibernation in Windows XP, allowing you to use your computer's entire battery without risking a sudden faux-shutdown.

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...

How To: Access all Windows 7 settings at once

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to access every Windows 7 setting at once. Users will need to download the Windows 7 in a Box program provided in the video. Once downloaded, simply click on one of the functions (Functions, Folders, Internet Settings, Programs, Tools and Settings) on top of the window and select the option that you wish to use. This program will organize all the Windows 7 settings into an easy to comprehend layout. This video will benefit those viewers who use a Wind...

How To: Password protect a folder in Snow Leopard on your Mac

In this tutorial, we learn how to password protect a folder in Snow Leopard on your Mac. First, go to the finder and click on "utilities". Now go to "file, new, disk image from folder". Now, you can select the folder you want and then click "image". Make it a read/write folder so you still can edit the files and enable the encryption. Save this, then it will ask you for a password. Create a password and then verify it. When finished, uncheck the "remember my password", then click on "ok". Now...

How To: Find your MAC address in Windows XP

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to find their computer's MAC (or physical) address in a Windows computer. This task is very easy, simple and fast to do. Begin by clicking on the Start menu and open the Run program. Then type "cmd" in the Run box and press OK. When the black command prompt opens, type in "ipconfig /all" and press Enter. The computer's MAC address will be listed as Physical Address under Wireless Network Connection. This video will benefit those viewers who use a Wind...

How To: Type in special characters on your Mac

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to type in special characters. Begin by opening System Preferences and select International under Personal. Then click on the Input Menu tab and check Character Palette and Keyboard Viewer. Now check "Show input menu in menu bar" and click OK. Then click on the flag icon on the top of the screen and select Show Keyboard Viewer. This will allow users to type or mimic the actions of the keyboard. Users are also able to change the character by selecting ...

How To: Create a new standard user & admin in Windows 7

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to create a new standard user and administrator account. Begin by clicking on the Start menu and select Control Panel. Then click on User Accounts and Family Safety and click on User Accounts. Now select the "Manage another account" option and click on "Create a new account". Users are able to name the account and select the account type (Standard or Administrator). Finish by clicking on Create Account. Users are then able to make changes to the accou...

How To: Create animated GIFs in Mac OS X

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make an animated image on a Mac OS X computer. Users will need to download the GIFfun program. Once downloaded and installed, open the program and drag the images into the program. Then set the time delay for each image, amount of loops and configure the options. Once your finished configuring the image, click on Make Gif. The image will be produced in the small square window below. Then simply drag the image onto your desktop. This video will bene...

How To: Set custom sound volume for different applications

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to set custom sound volume for different applications in a Windows 7 computer. This task is very easy, fast and simple to do. Begin by simply clicking on the speaker icon in the system tray and select Mixer. There users will have access to the master audio mix on the left and each application listed individually, with their own volume bar. Just adjust each volume bar of the applications to your liking. This video will benefit those viewers who use a W...

How To: Use 4 different hacks to make typing easier in Windows

In this video tutorial, viewers learn 4 different hacks that will make typing easier in Windows. Begin by clicking on the Start button and select Control Panel. Then click on Ease of Access Center and select "Make keyboard easier to use". Now users are able to configure the keyboard options for easier use such as: turning on/off the mouse keys, sticky keys, toggle keys and filter keys. All the features have more specific settings for self-adjusting to the user's liking. This video will benefi...

How To: Mount ISO files using Ubuntu terminal command line

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to mount ISO files without burning DVD. This task is very fast, easy and simple to do. The first way is to simply right-click on the ISO file, go to Open With and select Open with "Archive Mounter". The second way is to open the Terminal program and type in the command line: sudo mount -o loop -t iso9660.ISO [directory]. Users will need to create a directory before using the terminal command line. Finish by pressing the Enter key. This video will bene...

How To: Protect your PC in 10 ways

There are 10 major ways to protect your PC. Disable Autorun, in Windows. Make sure that your system is up to date, by setting automatic updates. Always use a log on for your computer that does not have administrative privileges. Use different passwords, and change your passwords on a regular basis. Don't use simple passwords. Be careful of using links sent to you via email. Never disclose your sensitive information in public forums: e.g. social networks. Encrypt sensitive data on your compute...

How To: Change power button settings in Windows 7

In this tutorial, we learn how to change power buttons on Windows 7. First, go to the control panel and find your hardware and sound section. Now, go to power options and change what the power buttons do. You will be able to see what your power options currently are, and change what they do when your computer sits still, the top shuts, or many other things. If you want the computer to hibernate, the computer will wake up when you touch it. If you go into a sleep state, you will have to reload...

How To: Run Windows 7 on a Mac using Parallels

In this Computers & Programming video tutorial you will learn how to run Windows 7 on a Mac using Parallels. First you got to download Windows 7. For this you will need Firefox browser. Open the browser and go to www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/download.aspx. Scroll down and under the 32 bit download link, select English and click GO. If you have a windows account, type in your email and password and sign in. You will get the download link in the email. Go to the link, it will have the pr...

How To: Troubleshoot Windows memory problems

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to quickly troubleshoot memory problems in Windows. Begin by clicking on the Start menu. Type "mdsched" into the search bar and press Enter. The Windows Memory Diagnostic window will then appear. Click on "Restart now and check for problems". Your machine will then be rebooted and will run its memory diagnostics tool. It will look for any issues that may cause problems for your system. Advanced users can press F1 when it starts to specify certain opti...

How To: Find your CPU, RAM, video card & other system specs

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to find the hardware and operating system specifications in Windows 7. Begin by clicking on the Start menu. Then right-click on Computer and select Properties. There, users will be able to see all of their computer's specifications such as: Windows edition, rating, processor, installed memory (RAM), system type, pen and touch, computer name, full computer name, computer description and work group. This video will benefit those viewers who use a Window...

How To: Find hidden taskbar shortcuts

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to find hidden task-bar shortcuts in Windows 7. Begin by pressing the Windows and T keys on the keyboard. The will focus on the task-bar, allowing the user to navigate through using the arrow keys. Users will be able to move between different icons. If the application has a window open, it will show the thumbnail. Then press the up arrow key to sort through the thumbnails. Press the down key to focus back onto the task-bar. This video will benefit tho...

How To: Restore desktop icons in Windows XP

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to restore the desktop icons in Windows XP. Begin by right-clicking on the desktop and select Properties. Then click on the Desktop tab and click on the Customize Desktop button. In the General tab, under Desktop Icons, users are able to check the 3 desktop icons to place onto the desktop. These 3 desktop icons are: My Documents, My Computer and My Network Places. Users are also able to change the icon or restore to default. When finished, click on OK...

How To: Backup your computer to an external hard drive

In this tutorial, we learn how to backup your computer to an external hard drive. All you need to do this is an external hard drive. After you connect your external hard drive to your computer, go to "my computer", then double click "external hard drive", then "setup file". Once you click on this, a setup wizard to install the program will show up, go through the steps to finish the installation. Once finished, a new window will show up, go through the different tabs to see what each has in i...

How To: Completely delete items from Mac OS X

In order to completely delete items from Mac OS X. Download Google desktop. This will search your computer and the web and your computer. Go to Applications. Right click on Google Desktop. Go to Show Package Contents. Drag contents into the trash. Next, go to Google Gadgets. Click and drag it to the trash as well.

How To: Zoom in and out on a Mac

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to zoom in and out on a Mac computer. To access the zooming tool, begin by clicking on the Apple menu and select System Preferences. Under System, select Universal Access and check On under Zoom. In Options, users are able to set specific settings such as the maximum and minimum range of zoom. The keyboard shortcut for zooming in is: Option, Command and =. The keyboard shortcut for zooming out is: Option, Command and -. This video will benefit those v...

How To: Install Linux Mint 7 inside Windows Vista

In this tutorial, we learn how to install Linux Mint 7 in Windows Vista. Use Sun Virtual box to download the Linux Mint 7. When finished, open up the program and click the install button, then go through the install process to finish installing the Linux program. You can go through the default settings or you can choose your own. When it's finished installing, create a name and password, then choose if you want to log in automatically. When finished, you will have the operating system up, the...

How To: Make windows full screen on a Mac

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make windows full screen on a Mac computer. This task is very easy, fast and simple to do. Users will need to download the application, Right Zoom. The link to download this application is: Right Zoom. Once downloaded and installed, double-click on the application to operate it. Now whenever users click on the + on the top of a window to maximize the screen, the window will enlarge to full screen. This video will benefit those viewers who use a Mac...

How To: Take a screenshot on your laptop PC

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to take a screen-shot on a laptop. Begin by finding the display image that you would like to take a screen-shot of. Then press the End and Insert key on the keyboard to take a screen-shot of the displaying image. Now open the Paint program. Click on Edit and select Paste. The screen-shot image will then be pasted into the Paint program. User are now able to edit or save the image. This video will benefit those viewers who use a laptop, and would like ...

How To: Find your Windows product key

In this video, we learn how to find your Windows product key. Start off by going to Magical Jellybean Keyfinder. This website has a download that will find your product key for your Windows program. This is a great and necessary tool if you happened to loose the product key that came with your computer. This is also great for computers that already had Windows installed, and you never had the product key in the first place. Once you install this on your computer, you just open it up on your d...

How To: Upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 with Cnet TV

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to upgrade a computer from Windows Vista to Windows 7. Users are able to do an in-place upgrade as long as both the Windows Vista and Windows 7 versions are the same. Users will need to export all their data, erase the hard drive and then reinstall all the applications. To do an in-place upgrade, begin by backing-up your data. Then insert the install DVD and select run it. Then click on Install Now and wait for it to install and setup. This video will...

How To: Test your system performance in Windows 7

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to test their system performance. Begin by clicking on the Start menu and select Control Panel. Then click on System and Security, and select "Check the Windows Experience Index" under System. Now click on "Rate this computer". The system will then begin to run some tests. This will take about 1-2 minutes. The Windows Experience Index assesses key system components on a scale of 1.0 to 7.9. This video will benefit those viewers who use a Windows 7 com...

How To: Automatically change your Mac OS X desktop background

This clip shows how to create two Automator, Service workflows that can be used to quickly change desktop images in Mac OS X. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this Apple user's guide can present a detailed, step-by-step overview of the process in just over seven minutes' time. For more information, and to get started automatically rotating your desktop images, take a look.

How To: Create & use trigger grouping in QuicKeys 4

The tutorial shows how to use trigger grouping in QuicKeys, which essentially means instead of assigning a single trigger to activate shortcuts, you can use a group of keys as a trigger. In this example, you'll see how to set up a macro to launch Calculator by simply typing the letters “cal” (short for Calculator) in the Finder. Whether you're new to Startly Software's popular macro and automation application or are merely looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're certain to be wel...

How To: Use QuicKeys in dual monitor mode in Mac OS X

This video explains how to use the Resize Windows shortcut in QuicKeys with a dual monitor set up. Basically, you can configure QuicKeys to automatically assign designated windows of any application to resize and appear on your main or secondary monitory. It’s really great for keeping your desktop a little more organized. Whether you're new to Startly Software's popular macro and automation application or are merely looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're certain to be well serve...

How To: Automate OS X menu items the QuicKeys toolbar feature

This quick clip demonstrates how to use the toolbar feature in QuicKeys to automate menu bar items in an application. QuicKeys toolbars are a great way to add more functionality to an application. Whether you're new to Startly Software's popular macro and automation application or are merely looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're certain to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this video g...

How To: Copy & paste multiple items in Mac OS X with QuicKeys

This is a very handy QuicKeys shortcut that you can download right from within the QuicKeys editor. The action allows you to copy multiple items at a time and them paste them in the order you were copied. Really a nice little time saver. Whether you're new to Startly Software's popular macro and automation application or are merely looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're certain to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step...

How To: Use the instant record & replay tools in QuicKeys 4.0

QuicKeys 4.0 includes a nifty feature for quickly automating a task. This quick video tutorial will show you how to use the program's instant recording and replaying feature. Whether you're new to Startly Software's popular macro and automation application or are merely looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're certain to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide.

How To: Using Web Actions in QuicKeys 4.0

QuicKeys includes a feature shortcut for what's called Web Actions that work in Safari and provide the ability to control websites using simple triggers. Whether you're new to Startly Software's popular macro and automation application or are merely looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're certain to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide.Note: if you're a QuicKeys 4.0 user, y...