The Tech Loft

BASIC SPEED MAXIMIZING TIPS This post will show you the basics of boosting your BitTorrent download speeds. I won’t get you to install patches or run patches…I don’t want to mess with your operating system. The best BitTorrent client to use? Look no further than uTorrent . uTorrent is a freeware, closed source BitTorrent client by BitTorrent, Inc. It is available for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X . Both versions are written in C++.It gets the “ µ ” in its name from the SI prefix “micro” meaning one one-millionth and it refers to the program’s small footprint by using the UPX executable compressor. The program is designed to use minimal computer resources while offering functionality comparable to larger BitTorrent clients such as Vuze or BitComet. What we’re going to show you is basically how to properly configure your BitTorrent client for the best possible connection without running any OS hacks or patches. You’re first going to run a few tests: 1. Ba...

GIMP Image Manipulation Adobe Photoshop is undeniably the number one choice of professional photographers and image and design professionals when it comes to editing photos. It’s a given that Photoshop will be the program they’re using. But while Photoshop is the top choice of professionals, it comes at a hefty price tag which leads many non-professional photographers to ask if they really NEED to use it. While the answer to that question can really only be answered by each person individually, there is a serious alternative to Photoshop that should be concerned. GIMP, despite it’s funny sounding name (which stands for the GNU Image Manipulation Program), is a powerful, full featured, open source photo editing program that can do a lot of what Photoshop can do. If you’re not familiar with Open Source software, it’s fantastic stuff. Basically it comes from very talented people who donate their time and skills to create software alternatives that are availabl...

For those that like to post videos like I do, you may find this product comparison useful. This is a short comparison between the 2 best video cameras used for video blogging or VLogging, the Flip UltraHD and Kodak Zi8 . Flip UltraHD – records in .MP4 format – 8 GB storage capacity – captures in 720p resolution – built in mic. – flat bottom surface to stand up device – includes rechargeable battery pack and the option to use ‘AA’ batteries – fits nicely in hand Purchase your through Amazon. Kodak Zi8 – expandable memory SD slot – capture 720p and 1080p – external mic. jack – records in .MOV format (not compatible with Sony Vegas) – case design does not let you stand the device upright – proprietary rechargeable battery – slightly thinner than Flip Ultra HD Purchase your through Amazon. Transfer .MOD Files To .MPG

Ok, so this will help you with getting started with bit torrent. For all you readers that are still not in the Torrent game. Check list: uTorrent software (aka Torrent client): http://www.utorrent.com Website to download Torrent files: http://www.isohunt.com Steps: 1. Download uTorrent on to your desktop and install it. After installing you should find a new “U” icon on your desktop. Launch uTorrent. 2. Open up Internet Explorer (or whatever you surf the internet with). Navigate to http://www.isohunt.com 3. (On IsoHunt) Use the search bar and type the movie you want. Figure 1. shows the search bar. Type ‘Iron Man’ as an example Figure 2. shows the results of your search. Pay attention to the column “S” noted by the red circle I drew around the column. “S” stands for SEEDERS. SEEDERS are the number of COMPLETE copies of the movie out there available to download from. Click “S” and you’ll organize the column by the torrents...

Here’s a video on how to connect and play music from your Apple iPod on to your XBox 360. Real easy to do; just download the ACC update from XBox Marketplace and connect your iPod. Navigate to the MUSIC section of the XBox dashboard, and play away! Check the video for details and Dashboard walk through!

LifeCam HD-5000 ANNOYANCE: Turn off Auto-Focus I’m sure the reason why you’ve stumbled upon this article was due to the horrendous auto-focus feature of Microsoft LifeCam’s. LifeCams, PRETTY NICE BUT CAN PISS OFF I like Microsoft’s LifeCams, picture quality is very good but not in low light environments. However, the auto-focus is feature is irritating when recording. THE EASY FIX THROUGH LIFECAM DASHBOARD Open the LifeCam Dashboard Uncheck TruColor Click on Properties Click on the Camera Control tab Uncheck the box next to Focus under Auto Click Apply (to save your changes) You can also follow the advice from the video below. This quick video will show you how to turn OFF the auto-focus on your Microsoft LifeCam HD-5000 web camera. It’s all in the LifeCam Dashboard! This should work for any webcam that uses Lifecam software. Amazon.com Widgets  httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ17EG4VJ0o

Stream video with subtitles on PlayStation 3 (PS3) and XBox 360 with PS3 Media Server. A guide to streaming movies / videos from your desktop PC to your gaming console (PlayStation 3, XBox 360) with subtitles using PS3 Media Server. REQUIRED FREE SOFTWARE: PS3 Media Server: http://code.google.com/p/ps3mediaserver/downloads/list AVISynth 2.5.7: http://sourceforge.net/projects/avisynth2 Win7 Codec Pack: http://www.majorgeeks.com/Win7codecs_… Be sure to setup the directory that contain your movies if it’s your first time running PS3 Media Server.       httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb9zVHHCE2s