Hot Software Tips How-Tos

How To: Extract .RAR files on a Mac

In this video tutorial 'MacHelpTutorials' walks you through the process of extracting files or folders from compressed '.rar' type files on a Mac using the software UnRarX. First search and download the software as shown in the video. Install the software accepting the license agreement. After the installation download a file (if you already haven't) with the '.rar' extension.

How To: Make a setup with Visual Studio 2008 the easy way

Do you want to know how to make an installer using Visual Studio 2008? In this 9 minute video, the viewers will be taught the process of how to do so. All the viewer requires is a computer and the software. Some of the knowledge in this video is quite advance and require prior computer knowledge. However, the process itself is easy and if the viewer follows each step correctly, they should have no problem creating a setup file using Visual Studio 2008. However, prior computer knowledge is sti...

How To: Extract files from a zipped folder

Zipped files are the most popular way to transfer scattered or large amounts of files in a compact and economical way, and in this video we learn how to go about unzipping these sometimes tricky storage files. After locating the exact .zip file you wanted unzipped, so to speak, the video tells us, you then right click on it. There should be a list of options, unzip this file being one of them, click this. You must also decide, then, what folder to place the unzipped files in. Quick and easy, ...

How To: Set-up side chain compression in Reason Record

Reason Record can be a tough program to master, but with this easy to follow guide you'll be mixing like a pro in no time flat. Set up what's considered a "side chain compression" with this step by step demonstration and add a "pumping" sound to the music for great dance beats. Mix your own music and become the life of the party as this tutorial shows you what dials to adjust on the program and what wires to move to create this amazing sound. It's simple and easy to follow, so with just a few...

How To: Understand the basics of drawing in Google SketchUp

Google SketchUp is a complicated architectural software that is very innovative, but it often requires maintenance and troubleshooting for complex tasks. Before venturing onto these harder tasks, lets take a look at the basics. By watching this short and helpful video, you'll soon know your way around Google SketchUp! Be sure to download the software from Google first. Don't worry; it will download quickly because it's a small file! Try to draw a few things and get use to SketchUp. Within in ...

How To: Use MacSpeech Dictate

In this video the tutor shows how to use the Mac Speech Dictate with the built-in mic. Mac Speech Dictate is a program that you talk to and it writes for you. Its a dictation tool to which you can dictate and the application writes for you. The negative part about it is that it does not support built in microphone. This video shows how to make it change and work with the built in mic. To do this other than the MacSpeech dictate you will need the Soundflower tool. Soundflower is a really small...

How To: Use Propellerhead's Reason & Record together

The video describes how Audio Editing Software, Record, and Reason can be used together on the same computer. Once all the three are installed on the same computer, they can be merged to form one large audio editing program on the same account. After installation of both of these, ensure that the program Record recognizes the installation of program Reason. By merging these two audio editing programs, the users will be able to access the features of both programs as if it is one large editing...

How To: Add .wav samples to Fruity Loops Studio

In this Fruity Loops tutorial by PAVMusicProduction you learn how to add the Fruity Loops sample that you downloaded into your Fruity Loops studio. First go to the folder with the kit (use the program Winrar to extract from the compressed download file) and open Fruity Loops and drop the downloaded kit into the Fruity Loops library as demonstrated. If the pitch sounds funny in the sample, click on the sample and reset the pitch using the reset button in the misc settings once that's done the ...

How To: Animate photos with Adobe ImageReady

Interested in animation? Let's animate some photos with Adobe ImageReady. First, put all pictures in a single folder. Open ImageReady and import the folder with the pictures. The photos will be arranged in the timeline but they play too fast. You can adjust the timing of each picture which has an icon under it. To save it as a gift file, click Internet Explorer on the toolbar. Then right-click it to "save picture as" and save it. It will help you in making slideshows/presentations.

How To: Set-up Record in Reason for de-essing

This how-to video shows you how to reduce the "s" sound in a certain recording software program. They play a line a music where the singer emphasizes on her "s" sounds. The tutorial shows you how to reduce the "s" sound so that it clear and sharp. It also shows you how to change the frequency and the compression of the "s" sounds. The video explained that if you make the compression too high, than the "s" sounds will sound like a lisp.

How To: Use Studio One

Studio one single window interface now eliminates multiple windows and complex menus enabling to focus on music in an easy way. The important music creation and production tools are instantly accessible. Studio one directly opens into the start page by default. Here we can find the recent files that enable to easily choose the ongoing productions. The default page also helps to open tutorials and demo songs. We can create songs on the song page using hot keys to access various panels. For exa...

How To: Unzip a compressed folder file in Windows

In this video tutorial the instructor shows how to unzip files using the compressed folders. He starts by showing the examples of compressed folders and how to identify them by their unique zip icon. He shows how to right click on the folder and shows how to open the extract all wizard. There in the wizard he shows various options to set and finally unzips the folder. He shows the extracting process and also the final extracted files. This video tutorial shows how to extract folders form zipp...

How To: Create a vector from a bitmap in Xara Xtreme

This tutorial explains how to properly use Xara Xtreme to create a vector drawing from a bitmap. The tutorial explains the use of primitive shapes like ellipse tool, and combining it with the use of the Shape Editor tool for drawing of the more complex shapes. The tutorial also deals in passing with the use of fills and outlines. Another major point it discusses is rotating and positioning of objects and the use of blending to achieve gradient effects when needed.

How To: Backup your entire computer for free using GFI Backup

Don't take the chance of losing all your important information on your computer. This video will show you the programs that you need to back up your computer. It will show you the best programs to use, to assure that your information is, indeed, backed up properly. This video has very extensive instructions, however, Gigafide has made it easy to follow their instructions easily. The best thing about this video is that it shows you how to do this absolutely free.

How To: Use green screen software PhotoKey

This video is about the use of PhotoKey. It is surely an excellent sales pitch. The video clearly depicts the benefits and advantages of PhotoKey. The easy and short ways to edit background, delete objects and also adjust light to make the photo look more real. PhotoKey is very user friendly and does magic to the project for which it is used. The video by itself makes the viewer feel that this is the best and easiest tool available to edit pictures to their own needs. It also gives informatio...

How To: Add sound effects and audo controls to Sony Movie

Learn to add sound effects and audio controls to Sony Movie with this video. 1. First, go to your audio track in Sony Movie Studio. Under voice (on the left) click the effects button. 2. You can use the 3 included or click the plus in the upper right corner. 3. You can use any. One is VST. If you want the radio one, then click it and then click OK. 4. You can adjust it as it is playing. Click effect removal and then the plus to try other effects. 5. To get VST effect, go to google and search ...

How To: Use Zotero to create bibliographies & citations

Learn to use Zotero to create bibliographies and citations with this tutorial. In addition, collect and organize information from all sources. So help correct the sources research paper. Before using the excitation features, make sure to select and prepare the style of your paper. If you are not sure ask your instructor. She has a preference style. You will select by clicking on the action button +preference then choose the style. It will include the number of most common style. You can downl...

How To: Export AutoCorrect features with PhraseExpress

The AutoCorrect feature in Microsoft Word is a very nice feature to prevent from making spelling mistakes, but how about having this very useful Auto Correct feature in any application, not just Word or Outlook. PhraseExpress can do that, and it can even import your existing entries from Word for use in any program. Learn how to use the PhraseExpress software to export your Word AutoCorrect and AutoText entries for use on other computers and in any other application.

How To: Understand Virtual DJ basics

Virtual DJ is an epic piece of software that allows you to become a disc jockey, without even having to get up from your chair. In this video tutorial, learn how to use the basic functionality of this great application. Download a free trial of Virtual DJ and start mixing.

How To: Pixelize an image in PhotoFiltre (GMask)

Got something to hide? Learn how to censor or "GMask" an image simply by using the Mosaic option in PhotoFiltre to pixelize the entire thing or just a small (Naughty!) area. It's not that difficult to protect the identities of the not-so-innocent, especially after following the instructions in this video.

How To: Disable the ads on Spotify

Love free streaming music but hate the annoying ads that come with it? There might just be a solution to that. Use this video to learn how to remove the ads from Spotify. Just follow along and set the Proxy to the following:

How To: Eliminate the ads on Spotify

Spotify can be a really great music streaming program, but there's nothing like a loud, annoying ad to ruin your aural zen. With this video, you'll learn how to remove ads from Spotify in just a couple easy steps. When it comes to setting the Proxy, copy and paste the following:

How To: Use the Wedge ROP in Houdini 9.5

The Wedge ROP is a render output driver, which can be used to change variables on the fly while rendering. This can be very useful when simulating, in that you can test out different parameters to see the different results. It's a relatively new feature in Houdini 9.5.

How To: Use the Creep Tool and copy stamping in Houdini 9

Find out the best ways to use the creep swab in Houdini. An architect in New York came up with a very clever means of distributing various shapes onto a surface using a creep swab. So, if you want to know how it's done, watch this two-part video, which focuses on using the creep tool in conjunction with copy stamping to achieve some unique results in Houdini 9.

How To: Render with Mantra in Houdini 9.5

The 3D animation program Houdini is automatically bundled with Mantra, Houdini's production-class renderer. In this masterclass, developer Mark Elendt shows you some of the latest features of Mantra including PBR (Physically Based Rendering) and the new volume rendering architecture. He will also review the process of rendering with different rendering engines in Mantra. See how the rendering engine works.

How To: Rebuild the fire simulator in Houdini 9.5

Check out this masterclass on Houdini 9.5 and how to rebuild the fire simulator. Houdini's Fluid Tools offer a powerful simulation environment for visual effects artists. Senior Mathematician Jeff Lait introduces you to the basic building blocks for generating fluids and low level tools that make it easier to control the simulations.

How To: Massage data in Houdini 10

Get a crash course on HScript Expressions, Variables, and Attributes in Houdini 10. If you don't even know what this means, then you probably need to check this video tutorial series out. Understanding how to massage data in Houdini is key to giving yourself the creative edge and allowing you to unleash mind-blowing visual effects. This 18-part video series covers a variety of simple yet essential weapons in your arsenal including Global, Standard and Custom Variables to Math and String Modif...

How To: Use Pyro FX fire and smoke tools in Houdini 10

Want to know how to use the Pyro FX tools in Houdini 10? This masterclass will tell you everything you need to know about using Pyro FX fire and smoke tools in Houdini 10. The discussion covers the addition of exciting new fire and smoke tools. Topics covered include a powerful new fluid up-resing technique, advanced noise and turbulence control, and a highly tweakable custom fire and smoke shader.