Audio & video software how-tos

  • Record audio with your computer

    23 Oct 2009 12:51 PM

    Learn the basics of recording voice and music onto a computer using microphones, audio cables and USB adapters.

  • Making sense of digital video files

    01 Sep 2009 11:53 AM

    CNET's Donald Bell helps make sense of the confusing world of digital video file formats and explains some common terms and concepts.

  • Do more with Last.fm

    21 Aug 2009 4:04 PM

    Learn some tips and tricks for getting the most out of internet streaming music service Last.fm.

  • DIY home surveillance with a webcam

    04 Aug 2009 3:59 PM

    Too cheap to buy a real home security system? A webcam gets you part of the way there. We examine a few inexpensive ways to do it with an old computer and some home security software.

  • Convert your videos for the iPhone or iPod for free

    16 Jul 2009 1:40 PM

    Brian Tong shows you some free programs that can be used to take all your videos and move them to your iPhone or iPod.

  • Advanced iTunes: Get more from the software

    02 Jul 2009 12:15 PM

    Here's a collection of four tips for getting more out of the software — using multiple libraries on a single machine, the best uses for Smart Playlists, getting true CD-quality rips from your CD, and tips for getting perfect album art.

  • TuneUp your iTunes music library

    20 May 2009 11:34 AM

    Does your iTunes library have lots of songs with missing tags and cover art? TuneUp Companion is a plug-in for iTunes that does all the tedious tagging and cover art retrieval work for you.

  • YouTube: Guide to advanced features

    08 May 2009 3:35 PM

    YouTube is massively popular and incredibly simple to use, but it also has a few powerful features that are tucked away. This guide aims to help you learn how to use some of these advanced features and to serve as a simple reference page.

  • Print your own CD cover in iTunes

    06 May 2009 2:49 PM

    Brian Tong shows you how to take your album art and make a custom CD cover in iTunes.

  • Get songs and playlists off the iPhone

    23 Apr 2009 4:16 PM

    It's easy to get songs on to an iPhone; it's notoriously hard to get them off. Whenever you plug someone else's iPhone or iPod into a computer, iTunes wants to erase everything on that player. Here's an easy way to get your songs and videos off your iPhone.

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Reviews

  • Apple iTunes 9

    iTunes 9 is a natural, yet relatively minor, evolution of Apple's popular media management software and is a required download for new iPod owners.

  • Windows Live Movie Maker

    All in all Windows Live Movie Maker is decent freeware that lives up to its promise of making movies fast. Regardless, Microsoft would do well, at the very least, to build more sharing plug-ins and a fleshier Help menu.

  • Skype 4.1 beta

    Skype's new screen-sharing feature is a clever addition to the VoIP communications application. The new beta also sees birthday reminders reinstated, a favourite feature of past builds.