Technology and Electronics
COMPUTERS/TABLETS
OpenOffice spell checker not working? If OpenOffice shows every word you type as misspelled and your spellcheck dictionary is empty, here's how to fix it.
Help! The camera is following me! Tired of your iPad camera following you around on Zoom? Here's how to make it stop!
Destroy hard drive data! Erasing your hard drive isn't enough to eliminate sensitive data. You must be sure to "securely erase" it. And if you're really serious, give your hard drive the "workshop treatment."
DVD/CD PLAYERS
Jammed tray in your DVD or CD player? You might be able to fix it using the "Star Wars" technique! Or you might try a more workable suggestion below for the price of a plumbing part.
DVD or CD player won't open? Before shelling out money for a new one, try this simple repair for less than a couple of bucks! The part is easily obtainable at your hardware store or home center.
ELECTRONIC TRASH CAN
"Star Wars" fans! This trash can looks like the famous droid of "Star Wars" fame and even talks like it when the lid pops open! This two-part video shows how to make your own R2D2 trash can that sounds like R2D2! Download the materials list and template for the markings.
- Part 1: The Sound System
- Part 2: The Main Body
- Materials list and template for the markings
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Electronic keyboard: Note won't play? It's likely not making contact with the circuitry -- a result of dust buildup. Here's how to open the case and perform a simple cleaning that will fix the problem.
TELEVISION
Ready to "cut the cord?" Make this powerful, digital TV antenna and watch TV for free! Here are complete, detailed step-by-step instructions, right down to what size screws you need.
Set up your TV antenna! Here's how to set up your do-it-yourself digital TV antenna -- or most any TV antenna -- and how to configure your TV to receive antenna signals.