Gadget Hacks How-Tos

How To: Jailbreak your iPhone 3GS on a Mac or PC

Alexosh1234, teaches you how to jailbreak your iPhone 3GS on a Mac or a PC. You will need the 3.0 firmware and the program Purplera1n. Download it, install it and run it. Connect the iPhone 3GS to the computer and click Make it rain in the Purplera1n program. Make sure iTunes is closed. Close it if iTunes starts during the jail-breaking process. Wait for it to finish. It will power off and then on and you can go to the home screen and see a Freeze application. Tap that and tap install Cydia. ...

How To: Create a non-profit Facebook page in 4 minutes

A Facebook page formatted specifically for non-profits can be created in a matter of minutes with this video tutorial from John Haydon. The first step you need to take is to search for any page. In this tutorial, Haydon searches for the page "Facebook Pages/Public Profiles" to use as the example. On the bottom left (of any Facebook page), you will notice that there is a link for "Create a Page for My Business." Click on that link, which allows you to begin the page creation process. Non-profi...

How To: Hack in your school's blocked websites

This video tutorial gives you a way to access websites that you can not normally access because of a web block or filter. What you need to do is click on the ‘Start’ button and then click on ‘Run’. In the small window, type in ‘cmd.exe’; this then opens a black window. Then type in ‘ping’ and the website; this gives you an address that you type in directly to your web browser, granting you access to a normally blocked website. This comes in very handy when you are in such locations like schoo...

How To: Control music playback in Firefox

Learn how to control music playback in Firefox by using FoxyTunes on Firefox, an add-on for the Firefox browser. It works with almost any media player, even online media players like Pandora. It runs in your status bar, allowing you to skip tracks, see info, etc. You can set it to update your Facebook or Twitter accounts with your currently playing track. It can even use your song as part of your email signature. This video is very helpful to someone wanting to not have to switch programs whe...

How To: Allow emails from known people in AOL 9 & block others

In this video the instructor shows how to allow email from people you know and block emails from all other users in AOL 9.0 for Windows. To do this, first open your AOL mail box. Go to the Mail Options menu and select the option "Block Unwanted Mail". This pops up an "AOL Unlimited Use Area" screen. You have to select "Yes" to proceed. This opens the Mail and Spam controls window. Now scroll down in the window till you find an "Additional Spam Filters" heading. Now there is a Select Filter ov...

How To: Use apostrophes on a BlackBerry

In this video Darci Lorocque from Swirl Solutions gives a very handy and useful tip for Blackberry users. She says that you don't have to type apostrophes while you are sending text messages or emails or using Blackberry messenger. The apostrophe is automatically typed by the Blackberry. So for example if you want to write the word "Don't", you will simply type "Dont" in your Blackberry and as soon as the space button is hit the apostrophe will be added automatically.

How To: Set up a Yahoo email account on your iPod Touch

This video demonstrates the technique to setup a Yahoo email on an iPod Touch. You start going into settings and then clicking account. On the next screen you will click "Other" and then click on "Pop". At this point you enter your name and email address that you use for your Yahoo email account. Incoming server or host name is "pop.mail.yahoo.com", next is the username (which is your yahoo email address without the @yahoo). You will then enter your password and the out going smtp server whic...

How To: Set up a Nexus One Android phone

This instructional video by GoogleNexusOne shows you the features and how to set up a recently unboxed Nexus One Android phone. First the functions of the indicators and buttons are explained, and the different ports and jack are highlighted. After that the back of the phone is opened and the locations of the slots for the SIM card and the microSD card are shown, as well as how to insert the battery. Set up the phone as instructed after reading the documentation, sign in with your gmail accou...

How To: Jailbreak version 3.1.2 iPhone and iPod with Blackra1n

iPodTouchHelping teaches you how to Jailbreak version 3.1.2 iPhone and iPod using Blackra1n. Connect your iPod or iPhone to your computer and make sure it appears in iTunes. You need to go to Blackra1n and click on the Windows icon. Download the program and run it. Click Make it rain in the Blackra1n application. You might get some error messages, just ignore them. The process will finish and the device will reboot. You will see the Blackra1n icon on your device, tap that and select Cydia and...

How To: Hide sent items on your BlackBerry

Darci Larocque, Blackberry Expert, explains a quick way to hide sent messages from your inbox folder with a few simple clicks, leaving clutter and needless distractions behind. This easy-to-understand tutorial is fully complete from start to save with visible screen shots and clear concise directions. There is even a simple two-button solution to see your sent messages again as needed. With a few easy steps, your inbox clutter can be a thing of the past.

How To: Operate Google Chrome without changing your PC

A video that describes how to install Google Chrome OS onto your PC without changing your current PC configuration. What this means that you can use Chrome OS without changing your current OS (Windows Linux etc) and without making any changes to your dis partition or BIOS. The first section of this video explains how to use a simple USB drive to boot into Google Chrome OS. The second section of this video explains how to install Google Chrome OS onto your computer and launch it using your hos...

How To: Convert your MP3s to ringtones using iTunes

To convert your MP3s to ringtones using iTunes follow the instructions below. First download and install iTunes and then agree to the terms of use and open the program. Then, click "File" and then "Add to Library." Locate the MP3 file you want to convert and open it in iTunes. Now click "iTunes" at the top of your toolbar and select "Preferences", then click the "Import Settings" icon bar and select "MP3 Encoder" in the "Import Using" bar Click "OK" twice to exit to your iTunes library. Now r...

How To: Install Iphone theme on LG Cookie

Watch this video to learn how to install the iPhone theme on your LG Cookie. If done incorrectly, you may encounter some errors. Always make sure your battery and sim card are out of your iPhone to prevent damage or confusion. You will need to obtain the following file, found at http://rapidshare.com/files/331254307/InstalliPhonetheme.rar. The second file you will need is found at http://www.megaupload.com/?d=I7ZQEWL5 Do not bother with LG Utilities as this is riddled with problems, instead f...

How To: Fix the volume on your iPhone

In this video the instructor shows how to repair the volume on your iPhone. This video advices caution and is not responsible for any damage caused to your property. While using iPhone people often face different kinds of problems with volume like low volume or no volume at all. If the warranty expires then throwing away the iPhone and getting a new one because of this is not a good idea. To get around this follow the given procedure given in the video. Now open your iPhone and use a safety p...

How To: Get free ringtones from your own music using iTunes

monkeyballp teaches you how to create free ringtones from your own music using iTunes. Open up the program. Right click on the file, get info, then options. Start time should be zero and the end time 30 seconds later. Click OK Right click the song and select create aac version. This is only 30 seconds. Click and drag the new file to your desktop. Delete it from your iTunes. Close it afterwards. Right click the file and rename the extension to .m4r. Double click it to open it up in iTunes. Thi...

How To: Determine the IP address of a email

The author shows how to identify the IP address of a email. He shows how to check the 'Show Original' options in Gmail and in that content how to identify where the email came from and exactly its IP address. Now we can take that IP address and go to any of the many IP lookup websites and trace the original geographical location of that IP address. By following the steps in this tutorial you can easily trace out the origination IP address of an email from which you can extract a lot of useful...

How To: Build a spy clock

HouseholdHacker teaches you how to make a spy clock. You will need a cheap walkie talkie set and a battery powered clock. Fully disconnect the circuit board and cut the battery off from the walkie talkie. Also clip the microphone. You will want to glue the on/off button so it will always be on. Next, open up the clock and rewire the battery with the walkie talkie circuit board. Wire the walkie talkie into the speaker, inside the clock. The clock should look unopened. You're ready to go.

How To: Create a website and improve web presence

When you need a website to showcase your product or service, it can be quite confusing. Follow these easy steps to gather everything you need to have a successful website. Start your search for a domain name in the domain name registrar. (Example: www.companyname.com) Rent space from a hosting company to hold the files for your website. Set up an email account for your company. Create the content for your website (example: products, prices, services, etc). Get internet security to protect sen...

How To: Download Google Maps on your Blackberry

Dana Strauss from Best Buy teaches you how to download Google Maps onto your Blackberry. Press your Menu button, click on "Applications". Find "Maps" and click on it and your Blackberry will pull up Google Maps for you. The application will show you exactly where you are and will allow you to enter the address of your destination. It will also give you exact directions to where you're going.

How To: Build a remote-controlled camera mount

Kip Kay, from Make Magazine, shows you how to take your radio controlled vehicle and turn it into a spy car, by mounting a camera onto it. Follow Kip, as he shows you how to remove the body from your radio controlled car, mount the camera inside the chassis using the triPod mounting screw hole on your video camera, and put it all back together. In just few short steps you, too, can have your very own radio controlled spy car.

How To: Use Everyday Looper on the iPhone

This fun tutorial features Ed, who shows you how to use an iPhone application called Everyday Looper. Everyday Looper is a musical application that lets you loop music, sounds and your voice. Ed shows you all the functions of the Everyday Looper, from the playing control, to the First Loop and the merge. Watch this video if you want to get in on the fun and start using the Everyday Looper to make your day just a little more special. Check it out!

How To: Import any ringtone to an iPhone

Ringtones are such a cool invention, aren't they? They give your phone personality and can be changed on a whim..unless you have an iPhone, right? Wrong! In this tutorial, you will learn how to bypass all of iTunes' confusing fees and ringtone editing steps and make your own custom tones fast and easy.

How To: Solder a wire

This video describes how to solder a wire. The first thing you have to remember is that the wires should be cleaned, shiny, and bright. Then trim about 1/2-inch of the insulation of the wires and then make a secure mechanical connection. Next, put some soldering pencil clean and shiny 60/40 rosin core solder. Do not use 50/50 core solder. Start by making sure that the soldering iron is tint. Put the soldering iron underneath the joint. Heat tends to rise and then touch the solder to the joint...

How To: Convert Fahrenheit, Celsius, Rankine & Kelvin online

Need to easily convert Fahrenheit to Celsius? What about Rankine and Kelvin? There's an easy way to do it online, and this video tutorial shows you how. Navigate your browser to Tampile, where you'll find an easy to use temperature converter. The drop-down menu in the center of the page allows you to choose between Fahrenheit, Celsius, Rankine, and Kelvin. All you have to do is input a temperature and then press the "Convert Temperature" button. The results will appear in a table directly bel...

How To: Make a light bulb glow with an electrical circuit

One of the basics of electronics is knowing how an electrical current works. For this video, you will need a 1.2V battery, a lightbulb, and 2 copper wires. First, take the wires and attach one end of each wire to opposite sides of the battery. Have a friend hold the wires there, or tape the wires down. Then, take the unattached ends of the wires. Take one wire and touch it to the upper part of the base of the lightbulb. Take the other wire, and touch it to the bottom. The lightbulb should now...

How To: Access the hidden service menu on the Lg enV3

In this video from ereshkigal19 we learn how to access the hidden service menu on the LG enV3. To do this, open your phone and type ##5473784236368 (##lgservicemenu) and press Send. When it prompts you to enter the service code, it is all 0 for the entire thing. This will get you into the menu. He also warns not to mess with everything in the menu because it might mess up your phone. After watching this video you will know how to access the menu but also are warned that it could cause problem...

How To: Make an image your YouTube profile background

This video shows you how to give your YouTube account a background image. Basically what you do is take any image that you would like to have as your background and upload it to a image uploader of your choice. Once the image is hosted it should show a url link to the file, copy this link. Then under your YouTube account settings scroll down to channel design. From here you should see a box that asks for a background image url, paste the url into this box click yes for background image and up...

How To: Create a website with Google Sites

Radford Education teaches you how to create a website using Google Sites. You need to have a Gmail account for this. Go to Google and click More - Sites. After the login, click Create new site in the upper left corner. Complete all the fields, starting with the name of your site. You can also select your site theme below. Hit the Create Site button at the bottom, when you're done. You will then be taken to your brand new site.

Get free redirecting domains: (.co.cc, .co.nr, & .tk)

In this video from VvCompHelpvV we learn how to get a free redirecting domain name which would be any one of these: .co, .cc, .co, .nr, and .tk. This is basically a redirection URL that brings you to the same site but with better words o more professional looking. The first way he shows is and then the next one is [http://www.freedomain.co.nr] and the final one he shows is [http://www.dot.tk]. He recommends using the co.cc domain because those get indexed apparently.

How To: Screencast directly from an iPhone or iPod Touch

This video shows us how to do a screen cast directly from an iPhone or an iPod touch in the Mac. One thing to keep in mind is that this can only be done on a jailbroken iPod. The first thing to do is to download and install the application from Cydia called Screen splitter. After downloading screen splitter launch the application and go into Safari and go to Bonjour and click on your iPod. Once you've down that you should see your iPhone displaying on your Mac. From here you'll need screen ca...

How To: Download music from MySpace with Gopher

This video shows how to download songs from MySpace using the software Gopher. First the software should be downloaded from the site indicated. After the download is completed install the program and head over to the MySpace page where the song can be streamed. Next the MySpace friend ID should be found as indicated and the code should be entered into Gopher. Select the song to be downloaded from the list and save it to your hard drive following the steps of the video closely. Happy downloading!

How To: Make a neon sign In Adobe Photoshop

Metacafe user bigcaj0nes shows you several easy steps to making a neon sign simply using Adobe Photoshop. Whether you want to use the sign to display for business or just for fun, this video guides you step by step on how to make a neon sign. He shows you how to change your text, how to change the way the text bends, the glow and color or the sign, and the various effects that you can use on the sign. This sign will attract people in a matter of minutes.

How To: Convert online videos for your MP3 player

You just listened to a very cool song, or watched a nice video on YouTube, and you want it on your IPod or MP3 player. Simply downloading a video from YouTube is not enough, you still have to convert it so that your MP3 Player can read it. To download a video, use http://www.SaveVid.com . Enter the site, then put the link to your video and start downloading. Watch this how-to video to get some more information and tips so you can learn how to convert downloaded videos.

How To: Delete corrupt files on USB pen drives

A quick tutorial on how to effectively removed corrupted files from your USB pen drive Insert USB drive into computer. Click on "My computer". Right click on your USB drive (e.g., Removable Disk Drive E: )Go to "Properties" and select "Tools". Under "Error Checking" select "Check now". On the "Check Disk Options" menu select "Automatically fix file systems errors and scan". Click start. Once completed the corrupted files should be removed. It is advisable to also get virus software to scan yo...