Hot Software Tips How-Tos
How To: Work with the dynamic components feature in Google SketchUp 7
Dynamic components, such as a staircase that knows it's a staircase, can add a bit of intelligence to your Google SketchUp 7 project. Add pickets to a fence or shelves to a bookshelf when using SketchUp by making use of the 'interact' tool.
How To: Work with dynamic components in Google SketchUp 7
Google SketchUp offers a new feature in the most recent version of their program - dynamic components. Dynamic components add a certain intelligence to objects within your project, as well as make interactivity easier. This series shows you how to alter your component and take full advantage of the dynamic component feature.
How To: Work with the advanced sections tool in Google SketchUp
This tutorial goes into a few more advanced uses of the sections tool in Google SketchUp. You can use this tool to control the display of section cuts, change the width and color of section planes and even create section animations.
How To: Use Google SketchUp if you've never used 3-D modeling software before
SketchUp is a free 3-D model you can download from the Google website. This tutorial introduces new users to the basic tools, features and functions in order to get started using SketchUp. This also explains a few concepts useful for 3-D modelers.
How To: Create a Google SketchUp image that you can upload to Google Earth
Import a satellite snapshot from Google Earth to Google SketchUp, then use the 3-D editing techniques and a few 2-D photograph as outlined in this tutorial so you can create your own unique image of a landscape that you then re-upload back up to Google Earth!
How To: Bake a Ptex texture onto a mesh with existing UV maps in 3-D Coat
A useful tutorial for those who like using the software program 3-D coat. If you have a Ptex file and want to keep your texture format, or use an existing UV map so you can work with your figure in Photoshop, this tutorial will demonstrate how you can 'bake' your texture.
How To: Develop a mobile application which makes use of the device's accelerometer
An accelerometer is capable of detecting how the device is being moved by the user, a feature which can add an extra level of functionality for an application which knows how to take advantage of it. This video explains several different methods for incorporating the presence of an accelerometer into your mobile content.
How To: Use free MediaMonkey software to organize your music collection
MediaMonkey is a freely available app you can download onto your music that will help you organize all your music files. No matter where they're hiding, MediaMonkey will find them and make them avaiable for organizing (and you can use MediaMonkey to listen to your music, too!)
How To: Create a 3D model of an apple in Blender 2.5
This clip presents a thorough overview of how to model a realistic apple within Blender 2.5. Whether you're new to Autodesk'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. Create a 3D model of an apple in Blender 2.5.
How To: Set up a rain system in Particle Flow in Autodesk 3ds Max 2010
Whether you're new to Autodesk'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. Set up a rain system in Particle Flow in Autodesk 3ds Max 2010.
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: Generate and loop a basic walk cycle in Blender 2.5
In this clip, you'll learn how to create a and loop a simple walk cycle within Blender 3D. 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. Generate and loop a basic walk cycle in Blender 2.5.
How To: Unwrap a model of a building in Blender 2.5
In this two-part tutorial series, you'll learn how to unwrap a building in Blender 2.5. Whether you're new to Autodesk'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. Unwrap a model of a building in Blender 2.5 - Part 1 of 2.
How To: Create a complete underwater scene in Luxology Modo 401
This three-part series presents a complete walkthrough of how to go about creating a complete underwater scene in modo 401. 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. Create a complete underwater scene in Luxology Modo 401 - Part 1 of 3.
How To: Create a 3D model of an urban stairway platform in Blender 2.5
In this multi-part tutorial, you'll learn how to model an old stairway platform in an old abandoned building. 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. Create a 3D model of an urban stairway platform in Blender 2.5 - Part 1 of 4.
How To: Create a 3D model of a styrafoam coffee cup in Blender 2.5
This two-part tutorial will walk you through the process of modeling a 3D coffee cup within Blender 2.5. Whether you're new to Autodesk'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. Create a 3D model of a styrafoam coffee cup in Blender 2.5 - Part 1 of 2.
How To: Model and rig a stylized dragon character in Blender 2.5
Whether you're new to Autodesk'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. Model and rig a stylized dragon character in Blender 2.5 - Part 1 of 11.
How To: Create a 3D model of a Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Blender 2.5
This nine-part series presents an exhaustive overview of how to create a realistic 3D model of a Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Blender 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. Create a 3D model of a Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Blender 2.5 - Part 1...
How To: Use the bump and displacement options in the modo Shader Tree tool
In this tip tutorial we'll continue to talk about the Shader Tree feature. This time we'll take a look at basic differences between bump and displacement, then we see how to use a procedural map to create some interesting displacement effects, and we'll take a deeper look at noise procedural map with all its parameters. Use the bump and displacement options in the modo Shader Tree tool.
How To: Create and use the Human Meta-Rig tool in Blender 2.5
Learn how to create and use a human meta-rig within Blender 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. Create and use the Human Meta-Rig tool in Blender 2.5.
How To: Create a 3D model a male or female torso in Blender 2.5
This clip presents an overview of the topology of the human torso. 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: Create a 3D microscopic virus effect in Blender 2.5
This clip presents a complete guide on how to model a 3D virus within Blender 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: Retopologize a high-resolution object for rendering in Blender 2.5
In this clip, you'll learn how to retopologize a high-res sculpted object into a low-res object suitable for rendering. 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. Retopologize a high-resolution object for rendering in Blender 2.5.
How To: Fake reflections for objects without an environment in Blender 2.5
In this clip, you'll learn how to create reflections for environment-less objects in Blender 2.5 without the use of raytracing. 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. Fake reflections for objects without an environment in Blender 2.5.
How To: Create a rhythmic gate effect in Ableton Live 8
This clip provides an overview of how to create a dancy rhythmic gate effect in Ableton Live 8. Whether you're new to computer recording, new to the Ableton Live DAW (digital audio workstation) or just looking to pick up a few new tips and tricks, you're sure to benefit from this free video software tutorial from NextStepAudio. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Use modules when working with Joomla
Go to your Joomla admin page. Now go to extensions, module manager. Now on that page, click on new. Now select login button and click on next. Now type the name and set the position, it depends on the template you use like if you have the help file of that template, you can figure it out by checking that but many free template does not contain the help file. So for now, set the position left and click on save. You can arrange the order of your modules just by clicking the up icon or just by e...
How To: Create image galleries with Konqueror
You can create an image gallery of any directory on your file system with Konqueror. If you are a KDE user and you need to see the images in any directory, but if there are any other stuffs beside images in that directory then you will see that stuffs too. So if you do not want this, you need to click on tools in Konqueror menu and choose "create image gallery" for the current directory. There will be many options like folder, look etc. so set your options as you like and click on create, it ...
How To: Use dontzap to kill your X session in Ubuntu
You can kill the x in Ubuntu with dontzap. Its really convenient if you like it. First thing you need to do is to download this package called dontzap. Now you can run the command sudo dontzap -d, it will disable that feature that Ubuntu uses and it will let you kill x by just pressing the ctrl + alt + backspace. It is really simple as that and there is no chance that you accidently pres the ctrl + alt + backspace and kill your x session. So after that you need to reboot your computer and you...
How To: Make 2-layer stencils in GIMP
In this tutorial, we learn how to make 2-layer stencils in GIMP. First, cut out the background before you begin. Now, right click on your main layer and then select "add alpha layer". After this, select the magic wand tool and delete all the white areas on the outside of the picture. Now duplicate the layer, then hide the top layer and select the bottom layer. Now, go back to threshold and move it all the way to the right to get an outline of the image. From here, go back up to the top layer ...
How To: Make a new menu in Joomla
In this video, we learn how to make a new menu in Joomla with Chad. First, log into your Joomla account and go to the menu button. Click on "menu manager", then you will click on the "new" link. After this, enter in the unique name, title, description, and module title in the appropriate boxes. Once you do this, click "save", and now go to the menu items icon under the links menu. Now, go to "new", then "external link". Enter in the menu item details in the appropriate boxes, then add in the ...
How To: Install plug-ins on a Joomla website
In this tutorial, we learn how to install plug-ins on a Joomla website. First, download the AllVideos plug-in through extensions.joomla.org. To upload, go to the extension manager and then enable to plug-in. Now, go to extensions, then plug-in manager. Once here, you will have access to all your plug-ins. From here, you can control which ones you want enabled and disabled. After you do this, you will be able to use the plug-in that you just uploaded to your website. Do this with all the diffe...
How To: Use KeePass password generator
In this video, we learn how to use KeePass password generator. First, open the entry to edit the existing password and type in your username and e-mail address. Type in notes if you need it, then click on the bottom key icon. This will generate a password for you when you click on it and cover it up. If you click it once more, it will uncover what the password is. You can decide what kind of password you want and make one specific for the account you're using. When finished, you will have a n...
How To: Draw a funny cartoon bird in CorelDRAW X4
In this video, we learn how to draw a funny cartoon bird in CorelDraw X4. Start out by opening up CorelDraw and using the pen to sketch out the shape of the bird. There is no set way to draw this, just be creative with the drawing. Add in the hair, eyes, beak, and body to the bird. Give it crazy eyes that are different sizes and wacky colors. Fill in the bird with different colors, also filling in the colors of the eyes and adding in details to the beak. Continue on to fill in details and col...
How To: Draw a vector art palm tree in CorelDRAW X4
In this tutorial, we learn how to draw a vector art palm tree in CorelDraw X4. Start off in the CorelDraw program and create the base of the tree with a drawing tool in black. After this, draw small triangles inside of the base of the tree and then draw the leaves and branches of the palm tree. Fill this in with small spikes and then erase the middle nodes. From here, use a shaping tool to make the spikes on the palm tree more rounded and lifelike. After you do this, start to color in the ent...
How To: Clone yourself in GIMP
In this tutorial, we learn how to clone yourself in GIMP. First, open up GIMP on your computer and then open the picture where you want to clone yourself. After this, open the other picture where you want to copy yourself and right click to copy it. Now, create a new background layer for your main picture. Use the lasso tool to cut out one of yourself inside of a picture, then transition it into the main picture. Exit out of the other image, then start to edit the colors and opacity in the fr...
How To: Rename groups of files from the command line
The Linux command shell provides a very powerful interface for doing various system tasks. This video explains with an example, how to use a bit of programming techniques to batch rename files with similar naming conventions.
How To: Archive web pages using MHT files
So to do this in IE 8, open any webpage and go to file and choose save as, the default file type is web archive. Now choose the location where you want to save it and click on save. Now if you want to open that save file, double click on that, it will open the webpage right from your hard drive and not from the Internet. But if you use Firefox, you will need to download the UnMHT add-on. So Google and install it into your Firefox. Now open any webpage and go to file and click on save as mht o...
How To: Tweak Aero Peek and Desktop Live Preview on Windows 7
In this video, we learn how to tweak Aero Peek and Desktop Live Preview on Windows 7. First, go to registry editor, then current user, then software, then Microsoft, and go down to Windows. After this, click on current version, explorer, and advanced. Now, right click on the white space and click "new keyword value" and name it "desktoplivepreviewhovertime". After this, double lick and change it to decimal, then change the value data to 10. Next, create another keyword value and name it "Exte...
How To: Create a simple slideshow in Adobe Flash Professional CS5
In this clip, you'll learn how to create custom, dynamic slideshows with Adobe Flash Professional CS5. Whether you're new to Adobe Flash or merely unfamiliar with Flash Professional CS5, you're sure to benefit from this free video software tutorial from Lynda. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Make and design Legos using Autodesk Inventor
If you've downloaded Autodesk Inventor and are kind of confused how everything is supposed to work, you're in luck! In this great video series you will learn all the steps how to do some of the basic functions of Inventor, including: Extruding the bass, shelling the brick, adding nubs and more!