You can use Activity Monitor to see how your Mac is using memory. But what do free, active, inactive and wired mean? How about page ins and page outs? Plus, learn to use them to figure out if you need more memory. It's easy! So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to from MacMost can present a full overview of the process in about four minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started monitoring your own RAM use, watch this Apple lover's g...
Whether they exist or not, people believe in the spiritual power of angels. That's why, if you walk into any Spencer's Gifts or novelty store, you'll always manage to find tiny wallet-sized "guardian angels." You apparently slip these in your wallet to feel guided and protected.
In order to make a miniature baby doll bottle to be used in a dollhouse, you will need the following: orange paint, white paint, a paintbrush, and a light bulb from a string of white Christmas lights. The light bulb must be a standard light bulb. It can't be a replacement bulb, because it needs to be clear. The wires do not need to be removed.
Margie McCoy teaches us how to make flower corsages in this tutorial. Start by using three of your favorite flowers and take a wire and place it on the top of the flower until it reaches half way through. Then, take your floral take and tire it as tight as possible around the top of the stem until you reach the bottom, stretching as you go. Next, combine all the flowers together, and tie them together until you have the type of arrangement you want for the corsage. Now, add this on a ribbon s...
In this tutorial, we learn how to make an orchid flower with gum paste. First, roll out the gum paste and then cut it into three different shapes to make the flower. Next, place a wire in the center of the petals and then place them on a mold to get the correct texture. After this, push a ball onto the ends of the petals to make them look more realistic. Make the last flower by putting a pointed cone in the middle and wrapping it around. Now, place a ball shaped gum paste in the middle of the...
Repairs Universe demonstrates how to replace the battery on a Microsoft Zune HD. First, use a tri-ring screwdriver to remove the four screws on the back of the Zune. Then, remove the back cover. Next, remove the bottom cover by using your fingers to gently push it off. Then, use a T-5 screwdriver to remove the four screws on the back of the Zune. Release three ribbon cables from their pop connections with a safe pry tool. Use the pry tool to also release the battery from the Zune. Lift the mo...
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to convert VHS tapes to DVD. Users will need a computer with an analog input or an external converter. If the computer has an analog converter, simply connect the RCA cord from the VCR to the computer. If the computer does not have an analog input, connect it to the converter with the USB/fire wire cable. Then connect the RCA cable to the VCR and external converter. Now open a video editing software and capture the video from the VCR by pressing play....
To make a Christmas wreath with poinsettias, by using synthetic materials you will need a Christmas wreath, pine cones, ribbon, berries, poinsettias, and any other picks you may want to use. You can purchase these items at any craft store. First, shape wreath, make bow out of Christmas ribbon (or pre-purchase bow), and attach on wreath. Next, wrap excess ribbon around Christmas wreath and align evenly poinsettias around wreath. Then, wrap around wire from the ornaments, pine cones, berries, a...
This video will help you to make a Christmas centerpiece with flowers and evergreens. The materials required are a plastic centerpiece tray, floral foam, two candles, two candle cups and wired wooden pegs. Flowers like red carnations, white cushion chrysanthemums, red and white pixie carnations and roses can be used for this arrangement. Evergreens used are cedar, pine, princess pine, and variegated holly. The foam is placed in water in the tray. The candle cups with the candles are placed in...
1. This video tutorial in Music & Instruments category will show you how to replace or install a new pickup in a Telecaster guitar. First you need to remove the strings so that you can take the bridge plate off. Pull the strings out from the back of the guitar. Take a calipers and measure the distance from the back plate to the front of the bridge and note down the readings. Then remove the four screws from the bridge plate and unscrew the telecaster panel. The pick up wire is connected betwe...
How do you salvage a clogged caulk tube? In this Quick Tips with Chuck Miller video, you will see there is an ingenious and simple way to salvage a clogged caulk tube. Take a utility knife and simply make a slice on the side of the caulk tube nozzle. Probably the entire length of the nozzle is clogged and you may not be able to clear it with a wire or nail. After slicing it, take a sharp tool and remove the clogged material from the nozzle and clean it up. Then wrap the nozzle with electrical...
Learn how to make a mute plug for your computer by following the steps outlined in this tutorial. This plug can be used for anything, including computers, stereos, mp3 players, or anything else with speakers that has audio. A mute plug is useful to get back at someone that constantly plays their stereo too loud because you are essentially cutting off their audio with this plug. The plug is place into where the headphone equipment would normally go. What you need are some old headphones. Take ...
This tutorial demonstrates how to make simple yet beautiful paper roses using only a few materials. The image displayed at the end of this video is just one example of how realistic a paper rose can look. In order to do this, you will need at least one sheet of plain or colored paper, tacky glue, wire and a pair of scissors. Initially, you must first cut your paper in to the shape of your pedals, then crumple them up. Crumpling your pedals not only makes them more flexible, but can also add a...
He starts with a pumpkin and some flowers from the supermarket, and some greens that he trimmed from a bush in his yard. He first cuts off the top of the pumpkin and cleans it out. He put newspaper in the bottom of the pumpkin, then puts a container with floral foam inside the pumpkin so the foam is sticking up a bit. He attaches the lid of the pumpkin to the foam with a piece of wire. He starts with the foliage and then begins adding flowers. He puts a tall stem of Japanese Lantern in the mi...
The self-proclaimed "Flower God" was shopping the other day when he came across a vase that he could not resist purchasing. He shows us how to create a beautiful flower arrangement. He works with two different heights: a high plain and a low plain. He wires up some flowers so that they hold their shape better, clustering them down at the bottom. He then accents the low section with some Japanese Lanterns which project outward from the lower section. Next come the flowers for the height, tall ...
In the video 8-year-old Emma makes the play dough. The ingredients needed for the play dough are flour, water, salt, oil, cream of tartar, and some food coloring to give it the color.
This video solves the problem of getting the right crate for your puppy. You should visualize the size of your puppy after six months and get a crate of that size. If you have a mature dog, get a crate in which the dog can move and turn around easily. The presenter recommends a plastic crate. It is designed well. The door can be opened in both directions. The top can be removed easily and there are holes for the air to come inside. The wire cage is not recommended. Its door is fixed and the c...
In this video from Polymer Clay Productions, we are shown how to make earrings out of polymer clay marshmallow Peeps. They use holographic yellow glitter for the sugar, polymer clay, and Sunny Side Up yellow coloring. Use a clay color and glitter color that match. Have some real Peeps handy for reference.
In this video tutorial, viewers will learn how to make two pairs of simple earrings. The video provides all the materials required to make the earrings. The materials required include: freshwater pearl disk, 4 mm Swarovski crystal, bally bead accent, 2 mm silver bead, head pin, flat nose pliers, round nose pliers and wire cutter pliers. This video provides step-by-step instructions and a visual demonstration for viewers to easily understand and follow along. This video will benefit those view...
The Mad Hatter from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland not only makes a great costume but a great project. The hour-glass shaped hat, the striped pants, the fingerless gloves, and the Hatter's signature scarf are the most important components in this costume. If you're fairly skilled with costuming already, this shouldn't take more than four or so hours.
Keep your grill clean for both health and taste reasons. When it builds up old crust it will give off a burned flavor and the blackened bits create carbon, a carcinogen. With a clean grate, you'll get those gorgeous charred cross marks -- the sign of a healthy grill.
Never be frustrated by a rusted nut and bolt again with this foolproof removal method. Loosen as much rust as possible off the nut with a wire brush. Tap the sides of the nut with a hammer to help the rust separate and fall off. Apply heat to the side of the nut for about a minute. When the bolt is cool enough to touch, spray WD-40 on and around the nut and bolt. Tap the end of the bolt with a hammer to loosen the threads and allow the oil to penetrate. Wait another minute or so for the oil t...
How to prepare a thermocouple for attachment to a printed circuit board (PCB) for profiling a reflow or wave soldering system. This is advanced PCB circuitry and you need to watch all videos in the series to understand all the steps of wiring a printed circuit board entails.
The EVMODE electric only option is a must have Toyota Prius Hybrid accessory. Prius owners, improve hybrid MPG, activate the factory EV MOD option for electric only mode. Known as EV Mode or EVMODE allows you to switch to electric-only mode for increased fuel efficiency and performance up to 34mph. Easy installation with no wire cutting necessary. Make your green car more eco-friendly. Stop using gas!!
A nifty step-by-step guide to making your very own laundry detergent lamp. Upcycle that recyclable detergent bottle and gain a swell lighting fixture for your home! This involves some basic circuitry and wiring of a cheap lamp fixture. You use the laundry detergent bottle as the base of the lamp. It's a bit arts & crafts project and a bit conservation! Help our mother nature with this nifty at-home craft decoration project!
Warning: this video does not demonstrate the actual instructions for making this spooky Halloween LED light up pumpkin that blasts a truck horn. Check out http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/10/howto_tuesday_scariest_pu.html for more information and a complete build process. Learn how to make it with the text and image process step by step. Halloween fun!!
One day, your car may break down and you won't be able to afford to hire a mechanic, so what do you do... you look on the web for some how-to vehicle repair videos and become your own car mechanic, that's what. You don't need any advanced training to perform repairs and simple maintenance on your automobile, but you may need a few tools. Invest in the basic tools and you'll be prepared for just about any car malfunction you can think of. These tutorials will help get you on your way, as long ...
One day, your car may break down and you won't be able to afford to hire a mechanic, so what do you do... you look on the web for some how-to vehicle repair videos and become your own car mechanic, that's what. You don't need any advanced training to perform repairs and simple maintenance on your automobile, but you may need a few tools. Invest in the basic tools and you'll be prepared for just about any car malfunction you can think of. These tutorials will help get you on your way, as long ...
An emergency battery charger for your mobile phone comes in handy, but it's not the ultimate solution; once it's dead it's useless (what a waste). If you want to really get off the metaphorical grid, you can follow the steps in this video to construct a more robust circuit that will not only bail you out of an inconvenient situation but also recharge in between uses. The simple addition of a low voltage solar panel and rechargeable batteries makes this possible. Enjoy!
Building a DIY Alarm System: The Concept So, you want to protect your property, or maybe a room, car, or even your backyard. The concept of an alarm system is to notify the "alarm administrator" that there is an intruder entering the previously designated boundaries. The triggers for this boundary could be as simple as a pressure sensor, or as complicated as a laser network. They all do the same thing, but some work better than others.
In order to build a trip wire, you will need the following: a knife, fishing line, a rope/string, sticks, and a large stone.
BBQ season is just around the corner, so why not mix it up a bit this year? Instead of cooking on the same old boring grill, try out the steps in this tutorial. This video will show you how to cook using wood and add a unique, smokey taste to your meat.
It's easy to find yourself drowning in a pile of papers and nick-nacks if you're not armed with a good organization system. By taking the time to set up a system where everything is condensed and has a place you'll find it much easier to keep it that way.
Entertain your friends by turning your traditional personal headphones into a mini loud speaker with just an old mint tin and a playing card. This might not be the most advanced or prettiest way of listening to music but sure is a fun way to kill some time.
If you want to save money on your electric bill, try building some of these solar panels using solar cells wired in a series. You can save money by using extra glass you or a friend may already own if it isn't being used. Soon you can harness the power of the sun by creating your own solar electricity.
Because who wants to mess with all those wires, programming and power sources? You can make your own origami robot out of paper or cardboard! Though it probably won't do as much as a real robot would, it's nevertheless a fun project to do! All you need are a few sheets of paper (you can also used cardstock or a thin cardboard, depending on how sturdy you want your robot to be). Then just follow the steps in this tutorial!
You don't have to pay a mechanic half a fortune when it's so easy to do yourself. This video can be a tutorial for changing the valve cover gasket on nearly any model of truck or van, but is specifically aimed at those who drive a Dodge Caravan. You'll have to get at the back of the engine block, but that's not too difficult - all you have to do is move a few wires and parts out of the way, then move them back when you're done.
Redstone is versatile and can be put to a myriad of uses when constructing things on your island in MineCraft. This tutorial shows you a couple basic ways to start building with redstone, such as wired doors and solid walls.
With the first installment of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" out, don't be surprised if you find yourself more than ever wanting to whip out a twelve inch phoenix feather wand and wrist twirl your way to defeating your own personal Voldemort. While this video won't teach you how to do magic (so sad), it will teach you how to craft a very cool-looking "Harry Potter" wand that can do the "lumos" spell.
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a robot car. To start, you will need to prepare the sensors by placing in the pins and soldering. After this, you will need to connect the wires to these and solder them into the correct places. Use a map to find the correct placement for everything. After this, you will take your sensor boxes and bolt them into place on the base of the car. From here, you will need to use a band saw to cut out the cover for the car and the sides/back. Glue the sensors i...
