How-To

Install Win 7 on MacBook Air from a USB drive

So you've gotten yourself the sleek new MacBook Air and your first thought is to install Windows 7 on it. OK, that's my first thought. The problem is the laptop has no optical drive, meaning you'll probably have to buy an accessory that costs around $80 to do the job.

Well, unless you're reading this. Yes, it's totally possible to install Windows 7 (or Vista) on the MacBook Air without a DVD drive. All you'll need is a computer running Windows 7 (that has a DVD drive), a 4GB or larger USB thumbdrive, a Windows 7 installation DVD, and about an hour of free time.

Note: make sure you back up the contents of the thumbdrive as they will be completely erased during this process. Also, the actual work is a lot shorter and less intimidating than the look of this article.

Here are the detailed steps.… Read more

Cablevision subscribers: How to watch Fox

It's been six days since News Corp. pulled Fox from the 3.1 million subscribers to New York-area TV provider Cablevision, and the dispute shows no signs of ending soon.

So if you're one of the afflicted, and want to watch any of Fox's programming--including the national League Championship Series' pivotal Game 5 tonight--here's a reminder that cable TV isn't your only option. Other avenues exist, and might not cost you any extra money.

Hook up an antenna: Chances are good you have an HDTV, and chances are even better that that HDTV has an antenna input on the back. Dust it off and put it to use. Connecting an antenna--whether it's an old one on your roof, a pair of rabbit ears you find in your closet, or a new one you buy today (indoor versions are pretty cheap)--could get you Fox for free right now.

After hookup you'll need to scan for channels on your TV to find the station, and you might have to play around with the antenna location, but for many subscribers in the Cablevision area, an antenna will work. Bonus: You'll get Fox in HD, complete with surround sound, and the picture will probably look better than cable.

If you have an old antenna we recommend trying it. If you need to buy a new one, antennaweb.org is a good place to start. In New York City we've also had good luck with "silver sensor"-based units like the Philips SDV2708 ($18 at Amazon). If you're having trouble getting reception, the FCC's DTV.gov has some tips on antenna placement and a coverage map.

How To: Clean malware from your PC

There's little out there that can cause a rage seizure like a malware infection. Yet as annoying and dangerous to your privacy as they are, malware infections can be removed from your computer. We've written up a FAQ to help guide you to safety, and in the How To video above, we'll show you some concrete steps first for making sure that you actually have been infected, and then for how to eradicate the infection.

How to download all your data from Facebook

In this video, CNET Editor Josh Lowensohn shows you how to download all your Facebook data onto your computer.

How to find and fix missing art in iTunes

In this video, CNET Editor Donald Bell shows you how to find and fix album art in iTunes.

Keyboard shortcuts for Android phones

If you rely solely on your Android's touch screen for navigation, you're missing out. Instead, try using Android's built-in keyboard shortcuts for faster maneuvering.

Not all Android phones have a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, but if yours does, check out some of these essential shortcuts in our latest How To video.

For those of you who want to fully control your Android smartphone with your keyboard, refer to the list of shortcuts below.

Shortcuts for opening Android apps

Search-B: Open Web browserSearch-C: Open contactsSearch-E: Open e-mailSearch-G: Open GmailSearch-P: Open musicSearch-S: Open text messagingSearch-Y: Open YouTube

You … Read more