Search Results

Search found 5040 results on 202 pages for 'geek fun'.

Page 112/202 | < Previous Page | 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119  | Next Page >

• Book Readers As Envisioned Circa 1935

  - by Jason Fitzpatrick

  This early 20th century sketch showcases the future of books; thankfully the actual delivery of the concept proved to be a bit more lap-friendly. The sketch is from the April, 1935 issues of Everyday Science and Mechanics and presents a vision of book consumption that, thankfully, came to pass in a much more compact fashion that doesn’t require swapping rolls of film. [via Boing Boing] How To Properly Scan a Photograph (And Get An Even Better Image) The HTG Guide to Hiding Your Data in a TrueCrypt Hidden Volume Make Your Own Windows 8 Start Button with Zero Memory Usage

  Read the article

• Ask HTG: Searching Within Websites, Google Play Alternatives, and Getting Started with Dual Booting

  - by Jason Fitzpatrick

  Once a week we round up some of the reader letters we’ve answered and share the advice with everyone. This week we’re looking at how to search within web sites, downloading apps from places other than Google Play, and getting started with dual booting operating systems. The Best Free Portable Apps for Your Flash Drive Toolkit How to Own Your Own Website (Even If You Can’t Build One) Pt 3 How to Sync Your Media Across Your Entire House with XBMC

  Read the article

• Google60 Emulates Search Engine Querying with 1960s Technology

  - by Jason Fitzpatrick

  Google60 is a novel little project that mimics the interface of a 1960s-era computer and mashes it up with modern Google search queries. Take it for a spin; you’ll never appreciate the speed of even the slowest modern browser more. While playing with the actual project is enjoyable, make sure to check out the project notes below the interface for an interesting look at design choices and emulating an old machine. Google60 [via Unpluggd] Secure Yourself by Using Two-Step Verification on These 16 Web Services How to Fix a Stuck Pixel on an LCD Monitor How to Factory Reset Your Android Phone or Tablet When It Won’t Boot

  Read the article

• What You Said: How Do You Browse Securely Away From Home?

  - by Jason Fitzpatrick

  Responses to this week’s Ask the Reader question show that just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you have to give up the security and privacy that your home network provides. Earlier this week we asked you to share you browsing away from home security tips and tricks and obliged. JC offered one of the more entertaining tales of away-from-home browsing: Recently a bunch of us stayed at a high end resort down in Mexico. Internet was offered as a pay per device service at about $80/week/device. Considering we had about 12 wifi devices there among us(a few geeks), I decided to plan ahead. I setup a WRT54G as a WiFi client with a vpn back to my house and NAT. Setup a second one as a basic wireless access point with password and plugged it into the first. Onsite we setup the devices and connected to the wireless with one paid account(tied to the MAC address). Everyone connected to the other device for wireless access and it was all tunnelled through my home network with encryption. HTG Explains: Learn How Websites Are Tracking You Online Here’s How to Download Windows 8 Release Preview Right Now HTG Explains: Why Linux Doesn’t Need Defragmenting

  Read the article

• How to Stop Users From Uninstalling Metro Applications in Windows 8

  - by Taylor Gibb

  We have already shown you how you can disable the Windows Store in Windows 8, but what if you have already installed some Metro applications or intend on doing so, but don’t want them to be uninstalled? Read on to find out how you can do this. How to Banish Duplicate Photos with VisiPic How to Make Your Laptop Choose a Wired Connection Instead of Wireless HTG Explains: What Is Two-Factor Authentication and Should I Be Using It?

  Read the article

• HTG Explains: Why Do So Many Apps Want to Send Usage Statistics, and Should I Let Them?

  - by Chris Hoffman

  Many programs want to send usage statistics, error logs, and crash reports — data about how you use the application and what problems occurred — to their servers. Some people disable these options, but should you? We’ll look at the exact types of data applications want to send, what developers do with it, whether any sensitive personal data is being passed along, and the advantages and disadvantages to enabling these options.    

  Read the article

• The Evolution of Computer Keyboards

  - by Jason Fitzpatrick

  While the basic shape of keyboards has remained largely unchanged over the last thirty years, the guts have undergone several transformations. Read on to explore the history of the computer keyboard. ComputerWorld delves into the history of the modern keyboard, including the heavy influence IBM’s extensive keyboard research on early keyboards: As far as direct influences on the modern computer keyboard, IBM’s Selectric typewriter was one of the biggest. IBM released the first model of its iconic electromechanical typewriter in 1961, a time when being able to type fast and accurately was a highly sought-after skill. Dag Spicer, senior curator at the Computer History Museum, notes that as the Selectric models rose to prominence, admins grew to love the feel of the keyboard because of IBM’s dogged focus on making the ergonomics comfortable. “IBM’s probably done more than anyone to find [keyboard] ergonomics that work for everyone,” Spicer says. So when the PC hit the scene a decade or two later, the Selectric was largely viewed as the baseline to design keyboards for those newfangled computers you could put in your office or home. Hit up the link below to continue reading about how the Selectric influenced keyboards throughout the 1980s and what replaced the crisp clacking of early IBM-styled models. 6 Ways Windows 8 Is More Secure Than Windows 7 HTG Explains: Why It’s Good That Your Computer’s RAM Is Full 10 Awesome Improvements For Desktop Users in Windows 8

  Read the article

• 10 Awesome Improvements For Desktop Users in Windows 8

  - by Chris Hoffman

  It’s easy to focus on how Windows 8’s new interface doesn’t feel at home on a traditional desktop PC or laptop. But that’s only one part of Windows 8 – the Windows 8 desktop includes a variety of useful improvements. If you’re a desktop user, you owe it to yourself to look over the improvements and consider upgrading. If Microsoft hadn’t removed the traditional Start menu and added a new interface, we’d all be considering Windows 8’s desktop an upgrade. How To Play DVDs on Windows 8 6 Start Menu Replacements for Windows 8 What Is the Purpose of the “Do Not Cover This Hole” Hole on Hard Drives?

  Read the article

• Media Hint Brings Hulu, Netflix, and Pandora to non-U.S. Residents

  - by Jason Fitzpatrick

  Chrome: If you’re outside the United States you know all too well how irritating it can be when you’re denied access to streaming services because of your location. Stop missing out and start streaming with Chrome extension Media Hint. So what’s the secret sauce? The extensions routes your traffic–just the traffic for the streaming service–through U.S.-based proxies so you can enjoy content unavailable in your home country. The extension requires no configuration or registration, simply install it and visit Hulu, Netflix, or Pandora to start streaming. Media Hint is a free extension, Chrome only. Media Hint [via Digital Inspiration] 6 Ways Windows 8 Is More Secure Than Windows 7 HTG Explains: Why It’s Good That Your Computer’s RAM Is Full 10 Awesome Improvements For Desktop Users in Windows 8

  Read the article

• How to Create Network File Shares with No Passwords in Windows 8

  - by Taylor Gibb

  We have all had to connect to a network share at some point only to have the authentication dialog pop up. There are many ways around it, for example mapping a network drive, but if you have a lot of users connecting to copy some files you may want to disable the password dialog instead of distributing your password. How To Delete, Move, or Rename Locked Files in Windows HTG Explains: Why Screen Savers Are No Longer Necessary 6 Ways Windows 8 Is More Secure Than Windows 7

  Read the article

• How To Remove Authorized PCs from Your Windows Store Account

  - by Taylor Gibb

  One of the awesome things about the Windows Store is you are allowed to install any app you purchase on up to 5 Windows machines. This means that the PC you install the app on gets added to your Trusted PC list. Here’s how to clean up that list. Why Does 64-Bit Windows Need a Separate “Program Files (x86)” Folder? Why Your Android Phone Isn’t Getting Operating System Updates and What You Can Do About It How To Delete, Move, or Rename Locked Files in Windows

  Read the article

• How To Change the Default Search Engine in Windows 8's Internet Explorer 10

  - by Chris Hoffman

  You can change the default search provider in the Modern version of Internet Explorer 10, but Microsoft hides this option well. You won’t find it in IE’s Settings charm – you’ll have to change this setting from the desktop. After you change this setting on the desktop, both versions of Internet Explorer will use your preferred search engine. You’ll have to use the desktop to change certain settings on Windows tablets — even Windows RT includes a limited desktop. 6 Start Menu Replacements for Windows 8 What Is the Purpose of the “Do Not Cover This Hole” Hole on Hard Drives? How To Log Into The Desktop, Add a Start Menu, and Disable Hot Corners in Windows 8

  Read the article

• How To Change the Window Border Color in Windows 8

  - by Chris Hoffman

  Windows 8’s default blue window border color isn’t the only option. Windows 8 automatically selects the appropriate color depending on your wallpaper – you can also select a different color or use a third-party tool to easily select other colors. Changing the color of the window borders also changes the color of your taskbar. The taskbar and window borders use the same colors in Windows 8, although the taskbar is still partially transparent. HTG Explains: Does Your Android Phone Need an Antivirus? How To Use USB Drives With the Nexus 7 and Other Android Devices Why Does 64-Bit Windows Need a Separate “Program Files (x86)” Folder?

  Read the article

• How to Clear Metro Application Notifications at Log Off in Windows 8

  - by Taylor Gibb

  Sometimes in Windows 8 you may find your application notifications getting stuck from time to time, the fix to this problem is to clear the notification cache at log off, here’s how. Why Enabling “Do Not Track” Doesn’t Stop You From Being Tracked HTG Explains: What is the Windows Page File and Should You Disable It? How To Get a Better Wireless Signal and Reduce Wireless Network Interference

  Read the article

• The Last Nintendo Power Subscriber

  - by Jason Fitzpatrick

  Nintendo recently announced they were discontinuing gaming magazine Nintendo Power after a 24 year run. Once our moment of sad nostalgia at the news passed we were OK, but not everyone has handled the news so calmly. [via Dorkly] HTG Explains: Why Do Hard Drives Show the Wrong Capacity in Windows? Java is Insecure and Awful, It’s Time to Disable It, and Here’s How What Are the Windows A: and B: Drives Used For?

  Read the article

• Google’s Zeitgeist 2012: A Year In Review

  - by Jason Fitzpatrick

  Once a year Google releases their Zeitgeist–an overview of what the world was searching for during the previous year. Check out the year in review video and then browse the entire project. Google Zeitgeist 2012 Secure Yourself by Using Two-Step Verification on These 16 Web Services How to Fix a Stuck Pixel on an LCD Monitor How to Factory Reset Your Android Phone or Tablet When It Won’t Boot

  Read the article

• Follow Your World Notifies You When Satellite Images Update

  - by Jason Fitzpatrick

  Satellite images update infrequently enough to make manually checking for new photos of interesting locations impractical; automate the process with notifications from Follow Your World. Courtesy of Google, the Follow Your World tool allows you to plug in locations and receive email updates when the satellite images for that location are updated. Whether you’re looking for crisp high-res images of monuments around the world or shots of your own backyard, it’s easy to set it up and wait for the updates to roll in. Follow Your World [via Google Lat Long Blog] Hack Your Kindle for Easy Font Customization HTG Explains: What Is RSS and How Can I Benefit From Using It? HTG Explains: Why You Only Have to Wipe a Disk Once to Erase It

  Read the article

• Quadcopters Play Catch [Video]

  - by Jason Fitzpatrick

  Working like a group of hive-minded bees, these quadcopters come off as almost playful with their ball throwing antics. Courtesy of the folks at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich’s Institute for Dynamic Systems and Control, we’re treated to a video of three quadcopters playing catch in the research facility’s Flying Machine Area. They explain the processes demonstrated in the video: This video shows three quadrocopters cooperatively tossing and catching a ball with the aid of an elastic net. To toss the ball, the quadrocopters accelerate rapidly outward to stretch the net tight between them and launch the ball up. Notice in the video that the quadrocopters are then pulled forcefully inward by the tension in the elastic net, and must rapidly stabilize in order to avoid a collision. Once recovered, the quadrotors cooperatively position the net below the ball in order to catch it. Because they are coupled to each other by the net, the quadrocopters experience complex forces that push the vehicles to the limits of their dynamic capabilities. To exploit the full potential of the vehicles under these circumstances requires several novel algorithms, including: HTG Explains: How Antivirus Software Works HTG Explains: Why Deleted Files Can Be Recovered and How You Can Prevent It HTG Explains: What Are the Sys Rq, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break Keys on My Keyboard?

  Read the article

• What You Said: How Do You Set Reminders?

  - by Jason Fitzpatrick

  Earlier this week we asked you to share your favorite tricks for staying on top of your tasks with timely reminders. Now we’re back to highlight some great reader tips (including a bit of software older than some of our readers). Most of us have to-do lists longer than we can do in a given day (or week!) and a constantly changing set of demands and next-actions. Having a timely and effective reminder system is the difference between dropping the ball and getting things done; how exactly that reminder system plays out, however, varied greatly from reader to reader. OJMDC sticks with analog reminders: Sticky notes in the middle of my monitor and in my wallet. I’ve tried my phone apps but I typically disregard them. HTG Explains: Is UPnP a Security Risk? How to Monitor and Control Your Children’s Computer Usage on Windows 8 What Happened to Solitaire and Minesweeper in Windows 8?

  Read the article

• Turn a Kindle into a Weather Display Station

  - by Jason Fitzpatrick

  The e-ink display, network connectivity, and low-power consumption of Kindle ebook readers make them a perfect candidate for an infrequently refreshed high-visibility display–like a weather display. Read on to see how to hack a Kindle to serve up the local weather. Tinker and hardware hacker Matt Petroff hacked his Kindle to accept input from a web server and then, graciously and in the spirit of geeky projects everywhere, shared his source code. He explains the heart of the project: The server side of the system uses shell and Python scripts to convert weather forecast data into an image for the Kindle. The scripts first download and parse forecast data from NOAA via the National Digital Forecast Database XML/SOAP Service. After parsing the data, the data then needs to be converted into an image. This is accomplished by preprocessing a specially crafted SVG file to insert temperatures, forecast symbols, and days of the week. This SVG is then rendered as a PNG using rsvg-convert and converted to a grayscale, no transparency color space as required by the Kindle using pngcrush. Finally, it is copied to a public location on the web server. The Kindle is set to refresh twice a day (you could easily tweak the scripts for a more frequent refresh) and displays the forecast as seen in the photo above–with crisp and easy to read text and icons. Hit up the link below for more information and the project’s source code. How To Create a Customized Windows 7 Installation Disc With Integrated Updates How to Get Pro Features in Windows Home Versions with Third Party Tools HTG Explains: Is ReadyBoost Worth Using?

  Read the article

• What You Said: Are You A Second Screen Multi-Tasker?

  - by Jason Fitzpatrick

  Earlier this week we asked you if you used a second screen while watching television or movies–such as a smartphone or tablet. Now we’re back to highlight how HTG readers are engaging (or disengaging) with their mobile devices. Image courtesy of Umani, a TV-companion application for iPad. By far and away the biggest trend was the use of the second screen as a filler for commercials and/or and outright diversion from lackluster programming. Jack in TN writes: Yes. I keep a laptop going 7×24 pretty much, and TV in going normally. Pretty much my ‘throne’ in the family room. I have almost always multi-tasked, before laptop it was a book or magazine or 3 at my side. My wife has accused me of using TV as a radio more than once, and I can’t say she is wrong. How to Get Pro Features in Windows Home Versions with Third Party Tools HTG Explains: Is ReadyBoost Worth Using? HTG Explains: What The Windows Event Viewer Is and How You Can Use It

  Read the article

• DIY Wirelessly Charged LED Lanterns

  - by Jason Fitzpatrick

  Earlier this year we shared a clever project that turned LEDs, batteries, and PVC into mini, waterproof, and virtually indestructible lanterns. This remake of the project makes the units rechargeable. Our favorite part about this project–the upgrade to an older project and the introduction of wireless charging aside–is the fact that the maker behind it is 15 years old. It’s great to see younger people taking an interest in tinkering! Wirelessly Charged Indestructible Lantern [via Hacked Gadgets] HTG Explains: What Is Two-Factor Authentication and Should I Be Using It? HTG Explains: What Is Windows RT and What Does It Mean To Me? HTG Explains: How Windows 8′s Secure Boot Feature Works & What It Means for Linux

  Read the article

• Windows 8 Style Ultimate Tile Theme Backgrounds [Wallpaper Pack]

  - by Asian Angel

  Are you excited about Windows 8? Then add a Windows 8 Tile look to your desktop with this awesome wallpaper pack! Note 1: The wallpapers are set up in a .themepack format but can be easily opened/unzipped with a file zipping software such as IZarc, 7-Zip, PeaZip, etc. Note 2: The wallpapers come in two groups. Group #1 (1920*1080) comes with red, yellow, green, blue, and black wallpapers while Group #2 (1728*1080) comes with red, yellow, green, and blue wallpapers. Ultimate Tile Themepack [deviantART] What is a Histogram, and How Can I Use it to Improve My Photos?How To Easily Access Your Home Network From Anywhere With DDNSHow To Recover After Your Email Password Is Compromised

  Read the article

• 6 Alternatives to iGoogle For Personalized Homepages

  - by Chris Hoffman

  iGoogle has less than a year to go before it’s shut down for good on November 1, 2013. While Google seems to think that iGoogle isn’t necessary anymore, there are other services waiting to take its place. Google says that “with modern apps that run on platforms like Chrome and Android, the need for iGoogle has eroded over time.” If you disagree, try one of the services below. How To Delete, Move, or Rename Locked Files in Windows HTG Explains: Why Screen Savers Are No Longer Necessary 6 Ways Windows 8 Is More Secure Than Windows 7

  Read the article

• Download this Beautiful Iceland Theme for Windows 7

  - by Asian Angel

  Are you looking for some majestic, quiet nature scenery for your desktop? Then you will definitely want a look at the Iceland Theme for Windows 7. The theme comes with twelve images featuring gigantic arctic waterfalls, glacial blue waters, majestic fjords, masses of green hills, cavernous craters, and active volcanoes. Download the Iceland Theme [via Softpedia] HTG Explains: Is ReadyBoost Worth Using? HTG Explains: What The Windows Event Viewer Is and How You Can Use It HTG Explains: How Windows Uses The Task Scheduler for System Tasks

  Read the article

< Previous Page | 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119  | Next Page >