Hot Software Tips Posts

How To: Download WinRAR and unpack audio media files

When the amount of memory on your computer sucks, you either have two options: Buy more RAM, or make use of the storage space you've got by compressing your files. One program that will become your new BFF should you choose to do the latter is WinRAR. WinRAR is a compression and packaging software that makes it way easier to store large files on your computer.

How To: Add fonts to Photoscape

Photoscape is a pretty sweet, free photo editing software. However, it comes with a limited number of fonts installed and you'll likely want to add more yourself. This how to video shows you step by step what to do to get additional fonts and then how to install them in Photoscape. This is an excellent video designed to expand a great piece of software by letting you add more fonts. You'll need an unzip prog like winzip or winrar to help you get it done.

How To: Use the Automation Clip Toolbox in Reason 5

Learn how to create great automated effects with Reason's Automation Clip Toolbox. This official video guide from James Bernard of Propellerhead will teach you everything you'll need to know. Whether you're new to Propellerhead's virtual music studio application, Reason, or their newer DAW app, Record, you're sure to find much to take away from this brief video software tutorial.

How To: Create amazing 3D text in GIMP

In this tutorial, we learn how to create amazing 3D text in GIMP. First, start a new image with the width and height that you want. From here, select the text editor and then type in your text. After this, change the font to what you want and then change the size and color as well. From here, you will duplicate the layer and then go to layer, and then filter. Select the map button and then map the object. Select the text and then show the preview to make sure it's what you want. Change the or...

How To: Create a bootable CD with ImgBurn

Download the software from Imgburn. Choose mode, build, advanced, bootable disk. Go to allbootdisk to get a bootable image of your operating system. Choose from Windows 95 through Vista. Download the diskette image. Name and save to desktop. Choose volume and label. Click ok. Make the output burn to image file. Name the file and save it to the desktop. Download Sun Virtualbox. Test the image by choosing settings, storage, add device. Choose media manager. Select make primary slave. After test...

How To: Draw a female vector cartoon character in CorelDRAW X4

In this tutorial, we learn how to draw a female vector cartoon character in CorelDraw X4. Start out by drawing the head of the character with lines that are curved. Then, add in the pupil and color of the eye. Don't forget to add in the lines underneath and on top of the eye, as well as the creases above them. Copy and paste this to create the other eye, then add in eyelashes and eyebrows. Then, draw in a nose and shape the face. add in additional details to the face, then add in the colors t...

How To: Resize an image in MS Paint without losing resolution

In this video, we learn how to resize an image in MS Paint without losing resolution. First, you will go to the file menu and then open. From here, open up the photo you want to resize. After this, go the 'image' section on the toolbar and then click 'stretch and skew'. From here, change the vertical and horizontal stretches until you have the size of picture that you want! Continue to play with it until it's right and then save this over again. This should only take a few minutes and will ke...

How To: Create and apply an ice shader in Luxology Modo

In this clip, you'll learn how to generate and apply a realistic ice shader in modo. Whether you're new to Luxology's popular 3D modeling program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look.

How To: Use Pidgin as an IRC client

This video shows how to enter an IRC chat with a program called Pidgin, which is normally an instant messaging client. First, you should open Pidgin and open the protocol IRC, selecting or creating a username and changing the server to irc.freenode.net in order to connect to the Linuxjournal channel. After connecting to the channel, wait until you are connected. At this point, you should still not be able to see anything, so you have to go to "Add Chat" and join a channel, in this case #Linux...

How To: Use KDE konsole bookmarks

In this tutorial, we learn how to use KDE konsole bookmarks. You can add a bookmark, then go to the home directory and then you will be able to go back to where you previously were. To do this, save the bookmark of the entry that you are in. Do this by clicking the bookmark tab, then add bookmark. After this, go back to the home entry and then click on your bookmarks tab again. Once you click this, you will see your new bookmark on the bottom, when you click that it will bring you back to you...

How To: Zip and unzip files in Windows XP

In this tutorial, we learn how to zip and unzip files in Windows XP. First, find the files you want to compress, then highlight them by dragging the mouse. Next, go into the file menu and click "send to", then "compress zip folder". Now, your folder will be created and you can double click it to see the folder viewer of the compressed folder. To open these up from the zip archive, first find the file folder that has been zipped. After this, go to the file menu, then click "extract all" and yo...

How To: Compress multiple files with WinRAR

In this video, we learn how to compress multiple files with WinRaR. First, select the files that you want to compress, then right click on them and click add to archive. After this, write the name for your files and press OK. Now, WinRaR will automatically start. When it's finished loading, you will see your new file that has all your files compress into it. When you open this file up, your other files will be inside. You can do this for several files or just do one, depending on how many you...

How To: Create and use band-pass filters in Blender

In this clip, you'll see how to construct a pass filter, commonly called a high-gain or band-pass filter. To do this, you'll use the HSV channels to identify what to do, the RGB curve to make an inversion mask, or negative, so that the image is added to itself, thus evening out the contrast and making a very flat image. This image can then be tiled and used as a seamless texture. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular 3D modeling program or a seasoned graphic artist just inter...

How To: Model hair with polygons in Blender 2.49 or 2.5

This clip offers a short overview on modeling hair using mesh planes in Blender 2.49 or 2.5. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular 3D modeling program or a seasoned graphic artist just interested in better acquainting yourself with the application, you're sure to be well served by this free video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, take a look.

How To: Use and work with DOP forces in Houdini 10

This three-part series presents a look at the various forces in DOPs and how they work. This tutorial covers all the major forces except for the vortex, bouyancy and fluid forces. It covers both basic aspects and some more advanced techniques (animated masks, using RBD object position to drive a magnet force).

How To: Model a realistic eyeball in Blender

Learn how to create a realistic 3D model of an eye within Blender with this video guide. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial. For more information, including step-by-step instructions, and to get started creating your own 3D eye models, take a look!

How To: Get Cyberlink Youcam 3 for free

Cyberlink Webcam 3 is a very fun piece of software to have if you use your webcam a lot. Why pay for it? This video will teach you how to get the popular software for free by downloading this file and installing it on your computer. Do this as fast as you can and then get back to Chatroulette!

How To: Adjust Window Draw Method settings in Blender 2.5

This quick tip takes a look at probably one of the most important settings to control the smoothness of Blender's UI interaction, the Window Draw Method. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions on tweaki...

How To: Model the topology of a human foot in Blender 2.5

Arguably the single most important aspect to modeling is topology. This Blender 2.5 overview tutorial takes a look at the topology of the human foot, examining each of the main edgeloops, poles, etc. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information,...

How To: Create blueprints in Blender 2.5

In this Blender 2.5 video tutorial, you'll see a method for generating neat-looking blueprint graphics. This tutorial includes using the Gears add-on, creating outline-only objects, setting up the World to look like a blueprint, and more. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the fo...

How To: Render a Star Wars light saber in Blender 2.5

This Blender 2.5 video tutorial tackles something that is on most people's "create -before-I-die" list, a Jedi light saber. This tutorial focuses in on the post-processing aspect by setting up a node network to create the effect of the glowing blade. Modeling is not covered in this tutorial. Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well s...

How To: Use the Loop Cut tool in Blender

Meet the Blender Loop Cut tool! Whether you're new to the Blender Foundation's popular open-source 3D computer graphics application or are a seasoned digital artist merely on the lookout for new tips and tricks, you're sure to be well served by this free video software tutorial from the folks at CG Cookie. For more information, including step-by-step instructions on how to use the Loop Cut tool in your own Blender projects, take a look!

How To: Clean up a scanned drawing with the GIMP image editor

In this how to video, you will learn how to clean up scanned drawings using Gimp. You will need a scanner, drawing, and Gimp installed to do this. First, open the scanned drawing in Gimp. Next, select Select by Color. Click on an area that should be white and hit ctrl + x. Next, go to filters and select soft glow under the artistic sub menu. Play around with the settings to lighten the image and darken the important lines. Click okay once you are finished. Next, go to the artistic sub menu an...

How To: Do the auto-tune effects with Mixcraft

Auto tune is a popular effect made popular by T-pain. To do this you will need two programs. The first one is Auto-tune and the other one is music editing program called Mix craft. You can also use other music editing programs of your choice. Download this programs from their website. You can also use the trial versions. Now open up Mix Craft and under the effects you can find the Auto Tune effects in VST effects. Open some kind of music. Double click and import the required music. You can al...

How To: Get iSerial Reader for Mac

In this Software video tutorial you will learn how to get iSerial Reader for Mac. With this program you can get the serial numbers to use for various programs. Almost all programs are listed. There is nothing complicated about this. Download the iSerial reader from Serial Box. Once it is downloaded, open the folder and install it. After you open the program, follow the ‘installing serial box’ instructions. The file to add when you click ‘install now’ is the ‘serial box’ file that came with th...

How To: Make a fancy border in GIMP

Learn how to make a fancy border in GIMP with this GIMP tricks video tutorial. This border can be used to frame images for YouTube videos or other things. Take your image, and go to Image and Canvas Size. The size should be made larger to allow room for your border and then click Center. On Layers, select All Layers. Then, click Resize. This allows you to make room for your Layer. On the far left side, right click on your layer and select Alpha to Selection. Go to Select, To Path, Select, and...

How To: Give your images a widescreen border in GIMP

Hulldo teaches you how to give your images a widescreen border using GIMP. Open up a picture and the click new layer. Next go to select - border and make it 3 pixels. Go to tool options and use black for foreground fill. Select none and create a new layer. Go to view and make sure snap to canvas edges is ticked. Go to rectangle select tool and go to its menu. Then select 640x30 pixels. Fill that layer with black and select none. Duplicate this layer. You place this one on the bottom and you a...

How To: Convert VHS tapes to DVD with Roxio Easy VHS to DVD

This easy-to-follow video tutorial walks you through steps of converting old VHS tapes to DVD. Roxio Easy VHS to DVD is a combination of software and hardware that allows you to easily and quickly digitize old analog recordings. You simply attach the included hardware to a free USB 2.0 port on your computer, then capture from virtually any analog video or audio source.

How To: Model a house from an image in SketchUp 6

You don't have to have an authentic 2-dimensional CAD drawing to model a house or building in SketchUp, all you really need is a floor plan or good image. If you don't have a CAD drawing to use to create your SketchUp model, learn how you can take an image of any floor plan and quickly turn it into a house in SketchUp 6.

How To: Create and use face based families in Revit

This CAD software tutorial covers how to make face based families, change a family category, and make voids in Revit Architecture. Face based families are pretty handy for a few reasons. a big one though is that they do delete when you erase the host object (this is not the case with wall based and floor based) families. Also face based families are easy to move around, re-host and rotate. See how to create and work with face based families in this Revit Architecture tutorial. Create and use ...

How To: Use reference lines to control radial shapes in Revit

This CAD software tutorial covers how to use reference lines to constrain or drive radial shapes in Revit Architecture. This can be tricky when using Reference plane but with a reference line it is quite easy. David doesn't get too much into adding parameters but one could imagine using a length parameter to drive the length of the reference line as well as the ellipse. Watch and learn how to model and control radial shapes with reference lines in Revit Architecture. Use reference lines to co...