Gadget Hacks How-Tos

How To: Hack Google

Learn how to hack Google with this amazing video. This video will teach you how to hack Google by using advanced search operators and esoteric search terms to find “hidden” files and mp3s quickly and easily; you'll also learn how to use Google to hack unprotected Internet-controlled devices like webcams and security cameras. For more information on Google hacking, and how to get started using these hacks yourself, take a look at this instructional video!

How To: Solder electronics

In this how-to video series, learn how to solder from soldering expert Ken Orlich. Ken has been soldering for over twenty years and will teach you what he knows about soldering, including what tools you need for soldering, how to save money soldering, and soldering safety tips.

How To: Create a custom template module in TypePad

When a design is converted to an advanced template set, it is already made up of a collection of template modules defined and maintained by TypePad. If you wish to override these template modules with your own, simply create a new local template module with the same name as the one you wish to customize. To then use this customized template module as opposed to the default TypePad template module, you will need to modify the include directive used to import the template module into another te...

How To: Get free stuff

There is a web site that you can go to and get stuff that is absolutely free from anywhere in the world. The web site is called www.craigslist.org and the first thing you do is choose your country and your state. Kipkay demonstrates.

How To: Download medical records on a cell phone

New software technology allows cell phone and PDA users to download their medical records, making them quickly accessible in case of emergency. The new software, to be available in a year, can even display animated 3D scans. Computer scientists say the technology will also enable students to do research using their portable devices. The software will be available in 2007. Download medical records on a cell phone.

How To: Make a birdcam

Have your ever wanted to build a bird feeder? Do you want to know what types of birds live in your neighborhood? If the answer to one of these questions is yes, then this video is for you. Bre Pettis will teach you how to make two different types of bird feeders and then how to attach a webcam to the feeders so you can watch the birds.

How To: Use a multimeter

Learn how to use a multimeter. Multimeters are amazing measuring devices that are an absolute necessity for anybody who wants to works with electronics. However, if you don't know how to use one, you might as well not have one, a problem this video remedies by teaching you various measuring methods and there purposes.

How To: Hack the Staples Easy Button

Hacking an Easy Button? Easy! In this video tutorial from Make Magazine's Kip Kay, you'll learn to hack the Staples Easy Button to say whatever you want it to. For more information, including step-by-step instructions on replicating this hack at home, watch this how-to video.

How To: Make a glowing ice bulb from a balloon

To make a glowing ice bulb, like the one in this how-to video, you need LEDs, batteries, wire, a balloon, and electrical tape. First, you connect the led to the wires. Then, you put the LED in the balloon, fill the balloon with water and freeze it. Once frozen, remove the balloon and attach batteries. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to make a glowing ice bulb from a balloon.

How To: Make a hovercraft

Watch as Bre Pettis teaches you how to make a hovercraft, bering-less motor, and dirigible all from materials found in your grocery store. This is a good rainy day project to do with your kids, as the most advanced tools needed are a hot glue gun and balloons.

How To: Make a hover craft and play shoverboard

This is a two part video. The first part of the video shows you a bunch of people playing shoverboard, a combination of hoverboards and shuffleboards. However, if you skip to a little less than halfway down the video you will see some of the process involved in creating hoverboards, the interesting part. Yet another fantastic time spent with Bre Pettis and Make Magazine.

How To: Make custom shaped CDs and DVDs

This instructable aims to show you how to cut any type of disk to a desired shape. It is particularly useful in cutting down cheap 12cm DVD-+R 's into more expensive (can be up to 10 times more) 8cm DVD-+R disks. The technique shown here works with all disk types. The video below shows us cutting a music CD into a heart shape, and also illustrates the basics of cutting 12cm disks into 8cm ones. The actual cutting of a disk (and the guide) can be seen here:

How To: Eavesdrop on a Bluetooth headset

Few Bluetooth users realize that Bluetooth headsets can be hacked or otherwise exploited to a remote attacker the ability to record and inject audio through the headset while the device is not in an active call. SANS Institute author and senior instructor Joshua Wright demonstrates, and explains, the security vulnerability in this how-to. For more information, including step-by-step instructions on how you can replicate this hack yourself, take a look.

How To: Optimize Skype

Looking to make better phone calls over the Internet? The Lab Rats, Andy Walker and Sean Carruthers, show you some router secrets and tips and tweaks you can use to pump up our Skype phone calls.

How To: Surf the web secretly

Kipkay details how to surf the web secretly and leave no trace behind on your computer. Many websites collect personal data without you knowing it and you should surf anonymously.

How To: Trace any email

Kipkay explains how to trace any email and then see a map of where it came from. Go to your mail service, click on options, look for received from, and copy what is listed.