Hot Gadget Hacks How-Tos

How To: Customize the Mozilla Firefox "Awesome Bar" search engine

In this tutorial, we learn how to make adjustments to Mozilla Firefox's "Awesome Bar" search engine, a feature which first appeared in version 3 of the web browser. It's an easy process and this video presents a complete guide. For more information, including a full demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this helpful home-computing how-to.

How To: Use and manage tabs in the Mozilla Firefox web browser

In this tutorial, we learn how to use a browser extension to add enhance the tabbed browsing experience within the Mozilla Firefox browser. Using the extension is an easy process and this video presents a complete guide. For more information, including a full demonstration and detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this helpful home-computing how-to.

How To: Take apart a Google Nexus One

In this tutorial, we learn how to take apart the Google Nexus One. First, take the battery cover off, then remove all the screws along the side and top of the phone on the back. Next, use an opening tool to pry the case off of the back. Then, pry the bottom cover off and then remove the two T5 screws underneath that. After this, take the casing tool off of the back and then remove all the Philips screws. Now, remove the three flex connections and the cable connected and set them aside. Pry th...

How To: Increase the power of a 5mw green laser pointer

In this tutorial, we learn how to increase the power of a 5mw green laser pointer. First, you will need to gather the parts you will need, which include a vise, the laser, a soldering iron, and a block of wood. After this, cut the block of wood in half and then put your laser pointer in the middle. Pull and twist so the module comes out, then pull the foam protector off. Don't lose any small parts that come out. Next, unscrew the silver cap and then put on your new laser module. Replace all p...

How To: Display zip code boundaries with Google Earth

In this clip, you'll learn how to view zip code boundaries with Google Earth. It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just over two minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Root a Samsung Epic 4G Google Android smartphone

In this clip, you'll learn how to gain root access on a Samsung Epic 4G mobile phone. Whether you're the proud owner of a Sprint Samsung Epic 4G Google Android smartphone or are merely considering picking one up, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including a complete demonstration of the rooting process and detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started rooting and running custom ROMs on your own Samsung Epic cell phone, take a look.

How To: Use the Calendar and Contacts apps on a BlackBerry Torch 9800 smartphone

This quick clip provides a lesson on how to use the newly-updated Calendar and Contacts applications on a BlackBerry Torch 9800 smartphone running version 6 of the BlackBerry OS. Whether you're the proud owner of a BlackBerry smartphone or are merely considering picking one up, you're sure to be well served by this official video guide from the folks at Blackberry. For detailed information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Add and follow friends on Tumblr

Can't quite figure out how to add a new friend on Tumblr? It's easy. And this brief video tutorial from the folks at Butterscotch will teach you everything you need to know. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get keep track of your own friends' Tumblr blogs, take a look.

How To: Automatically Clear Browser Cache in Internet Explorer

In this video, we learn how to automatically clear browser cache in Internet Explorer. This will help your internet run faster and it will also help protect your computer from your personal information being store. First, open up Internet Explorer, then click on the tools drop down menu and go to internet options. From here, go to temporary internet files and click on the button that says "automatically", then adjust the disk space to use to what you prefer. After you have changed the setting...

How To: Do a free reverse cell phone lookup for call records

In this video, we learn how to do a free reverse cell phone look up for call records. This will work for some cell phones, but not all of them. First, go to the website Your Spying Eyes. This is a great search tool where you can look through records of cell phones to find out who someone is and more information about them. There is a small fee you will have to pay to get this information, but it's worth it. You can also look up phone numbers on Google, by simply searching for the phone number...

How To: Install Steam games on a Mac without Windows

In order to install steam games on a Mac without Windows, you'll to download the Crossover application. After you have the Crossover software, place the CD in your hard drive. Click on "Install Unsupported Software, after you highlight it in the list. Click "continue". Rename the bottle. Click on create. Click continue. Follow the install wizard through, accepting the terms and clicking "next". Register your product ID, if you haven't already done so.

How To: Extract a spy quality camera & mini-DVR from a Barbie Video Girl fashion doll

Barbie has joined the espionage community, in the form of Barbie Video Girl, and it's time for you to interrogate her to extract those military-grade secrets she has stored in her spy equipment. That's right, Barbie is now equipped with a fully functional digital camera and mini-DVR (digital video recorder), with 256MB of internal memory, which equals roughly 30 minutes or video recording time.

How To: Write and send SMS and MMS text messages on a BlackBerry phone

Learn how to compose and send both SMS and MMS text messages on a BlackBerry phone running version 5 of the BlackBerry OS. This clip will show you how it's done. Whether you're the proud owner of a BlackBerry smartphone or are merely considering picking one up, you're sure to be well served by this video guide. For detailed information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Untethered jailbreak any iDevice with Spirit (<3.2)

Now that you're officially allowed to do it, jailbreaking your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad is a better idea than ever before! This video will show you everything you need to jailbreak a wide variety of Apple devices, including the iPhone 3G and 3GS, the iPod Touch 2G and 3G, and the iPad wifi or 3G model. All you need is a program called Spirit, iTunes version 9.2, and you device and you're good to go! This particular method is great because the jailbreak is untethered, meaning that you can t...

How To: Root the Motorola Droid X smartphone with ADB

Yes, the Droid X from Motorola can be rooted, and yes, you can do it at home. Just make sure you follow the directions precisely. If you succeed, you'll have a completely rooted smartphone. eFuse doesn't matter. If you want to expand your options on Verizon Wireless's Droid X, then you just have to take a chance… use this video in conjunction with the links and description below.

How To: Make a custom ringtone for your iPhone through iTunes

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make free custom ring tones for an iPhone. Begin by clicking on the Start menu and select Control Panel. Then click on the Folder Options and deselect "Hide extensions for known file types". Now open iTunes and select the desired song. Right-click on it and select Get Info. Click on the Options tab and make the song lasts only 29 seconds. Then right-click on the song and select Create AAC version and wait for it to finish converting. Now open the c...

How To: Create a homepage with links to your favorite websites

Interested in creating your own custom start page with links to all of your favorite webpages? This clip will show you how it's done. It's simple! So simple, in fact, that this home-computing how-to can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just over two minutes. For more information, including complete, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Make menu fonts bigger in the Mozilla Firefox browser

Having trouble reading menu fonts in Mozilla Firefox? Make them bigger with Theme Font Size Changer! This clip will show you how it's done. It's simple! So simple, in fact, that this home-computing how-to can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just under two minutes. For more information, including complete, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Adjust privacy settings with the Foursquare iPhone app

Want to change your privacy settings on Foursquare? This clip will show you how it's done using the iPhone Foursquare application. It's easy! So easy, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in about two minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, watch this video guide.

How To: Use the chompSMS messaging app on your Android phone

Addicted to text messaging? If so, you might want to consider giving chompSMS a go. This clip will show you how to use it. It's easy! So easy, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in about two and a half minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started using chompSMS on your own Android smartphone, watch this video guide.

How To: Install and use Adblock Plus in Mozilla Firefox

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to install and use Ad Block Plus in Mozilla Firefox. Begin by clicking on Tools and select Add-on. Then click on Get Add on and search for the extension in the search box. Now install the add on and restart the browser. Users will be able to selectively block out text ads or even just elements of web page that is not wanted to be seen. This video will benefit those viewers who use the Mozilla Firefox web browser, and would like to learn how to install...

How To: Reset Blackberry Bold 9000 / 9700 with three methods

This video tutorial belongs to the Electronics category which is going to show you how to reset the Blackberry Bold 9000 / 9700 with three methods. In the first method you hold down the Alt key, the Caps lock key and hit Delete. Your Blackberry will start resetting. This process will take about 2 minutes to complete. The second method is the double reset. Hold down the Alt key, the Caps lock key and hit Delete twice. This method is helpful if your Blackberry is frozen. The third method is cal...

How To: Work around the Apple iPhone 4G antenna problem

See how to solve iPhone antenna woes. Whether you're the proud owner of an Apple iPhone 4G HD or perhaps just considering picking one up, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial, which presents a complete overview how to solve the unfortunate GSM/WiFi antenna bridge problem. For details, to get full bars on an iPhone 4G yourself, take a look.

How To: Data clear and erase a LG Shine

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to data clear and erase an LG CU720 Shine mobile phone. This task is very fast, easy and simple to do. Begin by clicking on the Menu button and select Settings. Then scroll down the list or press the # sign to select Reset Settings. Now select Master Clear and select Handset. If there is data in the memory card, clear it as well. Click on Yes to confirm the resetting and type in your security code. This video will benefit those viewers who have a LG S...

How To: View pictures on your Apple iPad with the Photos app

The Photos app is used to view pictures on your iPad that you sync from iPhoto or iTunes. Although the app is very limited, photos do look great on the iPad screen. In this video guide from MacMost, you'll learn how work view and manipulate digital photos on an Apple iPad. For detailed instructions, and to get started sharing and displaying digital images on your own iPad, take a look.

How To: Update your Nook software via USB connection

Keeping your Nook e-reader from Barnes and Noble up to date is a great idea because each new firmware update includes cool new features. If you are having trouble updating your Nook or are not sure how to get started, follow along with this tutorial. In this clip you will get a step by step on how to install your updates via USB.

How To: Hook up your Sony Dash to any WiFi network

The Sony Dash is similar to an iPad and works like a PC without a keyboard. In this tutorial, learn how to connect your Dash to your home wireless Internet network so that you can go online and download updates. This clip comes straight from the pros at Sony and tells you everything you need to know about accessing WiFi on your Sony Dash.

How To: Delete your Facebook account

In this tutorial, we learn how to delete a Facebook account. First, log onto the internet and log into your Facebook account. Once you are logged in, you will be presented with your home page. Now, click on the account settings on the right hand side and find the button that says you want to cancel your account. Once you have confirmed you want to cancel your account, Facebook will send you an e-mail that asks you to confirm it one last time. After you are done with this, your account will be...

How To: Fix a HP tx1000 laptop black screen with a penny

If your HP tx1000 tablet PC is stuck on a black screen, you are not alone. The HP tx1000 tablet has a defective NVIDIA chip which sometimes causes the laptop to get stuck at a black screen and not boot over time. This often happens (conveniently) after your 1 year warranty ends. If you are having this problem with your HP, check out this step by step tutorial. In it, you will learn how to open up your computer and easily fix the motherboard to prevent this from happening.

How To: Send and receive text messages in Gmail

Want to know how to send and receive SMS text messages from your Google Gmail account? It's easy. 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, watch this handy how-to.