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	<title>MakeUseOf.com &#187; MakeUseOf Guides</title>
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		<title>How to Build a Gaming PC [PDF Guide]</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-build-a-gaming-pc-pdf-guide/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-build-a-gaming-pc-pdf-guide/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:01:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Simon Slangen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gaming tools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[manuals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=28853</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Gaming can be an expensive hobby, especially the hardware. If you want to keep up, you&#8217;ll have to make sure you&#8217;ve got a sufficiently strong PC.
By building your own system, you will be able to suppress these costs, saving up to a couple hundred bucks.
But what you&#8217;re planning to do isn&#8217;t easy, and we&#8217;re not [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img style="margin-right:20px" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/gamingpc.jpg" alt="gamingpc" vspace="5" align="left" />Gaming can be an expensive hobby, especially the hardware. If you want to keep up, you&#8217;ll have to make sure you&#8217;ve got a sufficiently strong PC.</p>
<p>By building your own system, you will be able to suppress these costs, saving up to a couple hundred bucks.</p>
<p>But what you&#8217;re planning to do isn&#8217;t easy, and we&#8217;re not talking about the actual <em>building</em>. First you&#8217;ll need to gather all of your components.</p>
<p>MakeUseOf presents its latest PDF release - <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/gaming"><strong>How to Build a Gaming PC</strong></a>, written by our very own PDF Manual Editor, Simon Slangen. In this guide, we&#8217;ll familiarize you with all the different computer components, from a gamer&#8217;s point of view. Instead of telling you what to buy, we&#8217;ll teach you how to weigh and judge these individual components.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/gamingsnippet.jpg" alt="gamingsnippet" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><span id="more-28853"></span><br />
In 27 illustrated pages, get to know your RAM from your CPU, and learn how to pick a decent graphics card. Go from zero to hero in no-time, and you&#8217;ll be able to buy the right components for your soon self-built PC. In the final chapter, we&#8217;ll be seeing additional hardware, and how to take extra advantage out of it as a gamer.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t wait, download the the <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/gaming"><strong>How to Build a Gaming PC</strong></a> guide now as a free PDF, or <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/gaming-online">read it online on Scribd</a>.</p>
<p>If you enjoyed this release, check out our <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/pdf-manual/">other MakeUseOf PDF Manuals</a>.
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
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	<em><h4>Related posts</h4></em>
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</ul>

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		<title>15 Free Guides That Really Teach You USEFUL Stuff</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/pdf-manuals-round-up/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/pdf-manuals-round-up/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:45:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Simon Slangen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=27929</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Over the past months, we&#8217;ve written quite a few PDF manuals for you, on all kinds of diverging subjects, including BitTorrent, iTunes, iPhone, Twitter, Mac, Linux, Photoshop and several other topics. 
Initially available only for subscribers, there are now multiple manuals released every month, for everyone to enjoy. After releasing 15 manuals and nearly half [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://makeuseof.com/images/manuals.png" align=left style="margin-right:20px" vspace=5>Over the past months, we&#8217;ve written quite a few PDF manuals for you, on all kinds of diverging subjects, including BitTorrent, iTunes, iPhone, Twitter, Mac, Linux, Photoshop and several other topics. </p>
<p>Initially available only for subscribers, there are now multiple manuals released every month, for everyone to enjoy. After releasing 15 manuals and nearly half a million downloads we thought it was about time to look back and review what has been published so far. </p>
<p>Enjoy! No sign up need, downloads are free, no strings attached.</p>
<p>Do us a favor by sharing those manuals friends!</p>
<ul>
<h2>1 &#8211; Internet Guide for the Movie Addict</h2>
<p>Written by Saikat Basu, this entirely free PDF production will show you anything you’ve ever dreamed about knowing related to movies on the web. Whether you want a quick heads-up, are looking for download and streaming possibilities, or even want to fix broken AVI’s — you’ll find it in there!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/moviesnippet.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-internet-guide-to-the-movie-addict-pdf/">Original Post</a> | <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/movieguide/"><strong>Instant Download</strong></a> | <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/19584172/MakeUseOfcom-Internet-Guide-for-the-Movie-Addict">Read Online</a>.</strong></p>
<h2>2 &#8211; Internet Guidebook for An Audiophile</h2>
<p>In fourty pages, Will Mueller from tells you all you need to know about free internet listening to music, streaming audio to your computer, and free download music sites to get all your favorite songs and albums in a whim. Learn how to share music with others and track a band’s performance and album releases!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/musicsnippet.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-internet-music-guidebook-pdf/">Original Post</a> | <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/music"><strong>Instant Download</strong></a> | <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/21698803/MakeUseOf-com-The-Internet-Music-Guidebook">Read Online</a></strong></p>
<p><span id="more-27929"></span></p>
<h2>3 &#8211; The Incredible Free Manual for Every Mac User</h2>
<p>Jackson Chung, devoted Mac writer and Assistant Editor on MakeUseOf wrote this slick, sixty-odd paged monster; based on Snow Leopard – the latest release of the Mac OS X operating system. In it, he tells you everything you need to know about Mac. Jackson supplies you with numerous tips, tricks and free applications. Get the hang of the interface and discover what your Mac is really capable of.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/macsnippet.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-incredible-free-manual-for-every-mac-user-pdf/">Original Post</a> |<a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/mac"> <strong>Instant Download</strong></a> | <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/20480712/MakeUseOf-com-The-Mac-Manual">Read Online</a></strong></p>
<h2>4 &#8211; The Underground Guide to the iPhone</h2>
<p>Written by Stefan Neagu. Read about the basic user interface and a ton of incredible iPhone features you would’ve otherwise missed. Stefan explains in detail how to perform both the very simple and the most tedious tasks. Find out how to get your hands on fresh applications, how to keep your device synchronized and even how to jailbreak your iPhone!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/iphonesnippet.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-unofficial-guide-to-the-iphone-pdf/">Original Post</a> | <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/iphone"><strong>Instant Download</strong></a> | <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/17857677/MakeUseOfcom-iPhone-Guide">Read Online</a></strong></p>
<h2>5 &#8211; Twitter: Best Practices &amp; Tips</h2>
<p>In this massive guide, our very own publishing editor Mark O’Neill, tackles every Twitter feature and tips and tricks you can think of. Learn to work the interface, to Tweet from your desktop, cool Twitter bots and funniest people to follow. With this free manual, Mark will make sure you get your black belt in Twitter.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/twitexcerpt.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-complete-guide-to-twitter-pdf/">Original Post</a> | <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/twitter"><strong>Instant Download</strong></a> | <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/19976874/MakeUseOfcom-The-Complete-Guide-to-Twitter">Read Online</a></strong></p>
<h2>6 &#8211; The Ultimate Guide to your Windows Mobile Phone</h2>
<p>If you have a Windows Mobile phone, you will know that stuff can occasionally get pretty difficult. These devices, which are basically mini-computers, have endless possibilities — and thus endless possible difficulties as well.</p>
<p>This is where we come in. Whether you want to (re)discover the most basic features and applications of your device, extend it with new applications and tools, or even flash a custom ROM, the Windows Mobile Guide comes to the rescue.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/winmobextract.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-makeuseof-windows-mobile-guide-pdf/">Original Post</a> | <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/winmobile/"><strong>Instant Download</strong></a> | <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/21895009">Read Online</a></strong></p>
<h2>7 &#8211; A Computer Geek’s Smart Productivity Guide</h2>
<p>In this free twenty-paged PDF, Stefan Neagu (yes, he wrote quite a lot of manuals back then) will show you the most common productivity mistakes, as well as a number of applications to improve your touch typing, your time organization, and your global workflow.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/prodexerpt.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/a-computer-geeks-productivity-guide-pdf/">Original Post</a> | <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/productivity/"><strong>Instant Download</strong></a> | <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/21894787">Read Online</a></strong></p>
<h2>8 &#8211; Building a Media Center for your Home</h2>
<p>Active MakeUseOf contributor and eBook writer Stefan Neagu, will walk you through all the steps of understanding and creating your own media center.</p>
<p>Read all about the different hardware components, software candidates and media extenders, in this manual for geek to techno-deprived.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/mcsnippet.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-build-a-great-media-center-for-your-home-pdf/">Original Post</a> | <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/mediacenter/"><strong>Instant Download</strong></a> | <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/21899099">Read Online</a></strong></p>
<h2>9 &#8211; The Only Easy Guide To Computer Networks</h2>
<p>To help you set up your networks, as well as with all that comes after, MakeUseOf proudly presents the MakeUseOf Network Manual.</p>
<p>In 33 illustrated pages, Stefan Neagu familiarizes us with the networking knowhow, from Adapters to Zimbabwe-proxies. It’s a great place to start off as a newbie, or to pick up as an already more advanced user.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/networking-overview.png" alt="" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-easy-guide-to-computer-networks-pdf/">Original Post</a> | <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/network/"><strong>Instant Download</strong></a> | <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/21894745">Read Online</a></strong></p>
<h2>10 &#8211; The Big Book of BitTorrent</h2>
<p>BitTorrent, is a great, perhaps even the best way to download files, both in concept as in use – that is, once you’ve got the hang of it. Saikat Basu takes newcomers by the hand and guides them in their first steps. Initiates, but also the more experienced users get their fair share of information.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/30-04-2009-12-31-19.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-big-book-of-bittorrent-free-pdf/">Original Post</a> | <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/bittorrent/"><strong>Instant Download</strong></a> | <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/21894615">Read Online</a></strong></p>
<h2>11 &#8211; A Newbie’s Getting Started Guide to Linux</h2>
<p>In this free ebook you’ll be introduced to the basics of the Linux operating systems. Get to know what it is all about, and familiarize yourself with the practical side. Basically, if you’re a complete Linux newbie and looking for a quick and easy guide to get you started &#8211; this is it.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/linux-extract.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/a-newbies-initiation-to-linux-free-pdf/">Original Post</a> | <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/linux-newbie/"><strong>Instant Download</strong></a> | <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/21894917">Read Online</a></strong></p>
<h2>12 &#8211; The Idiot’s Guide To Photoshop</h2>
<p>An Idiot’s Guide To Photoshop is the starter’s manual for every Photoshop initiate to carry! This guide starts right at the very bottom, assuming no knowledge at all, and walks you through all basic aspects of the application. The guide even comes with three full pages of shortcuts, cheat sheets covering all the application’s possibilities!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/photoshopguide.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/an-idiots-guide-to-photoshop/">Original Post</a> | <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/photoshop/"><strong>Instant Download</strong></a> | <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/21894772">Read Online</a></strong></p>
<h2>13 &#8211; The Big Book of iTunes</h2>
<p>50+ pages of great iTunes tips and tricks along with illustrative screenshots, written by our very own Mac writer Jackson Chung. The iTunes book has got plenty of cool iTunes tips and tricks for you, some were published on MakeUseOf before and others were collected from different parts of web.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://makeuseof.com/downloads/guides/itunes.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-big-book-of-itunes/">Original Post</a> | <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/itunes/"><strong>Instant Download</strong></a> | <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/21894601">Read Online</a></strong></p>
<h2>14 &#8211; The Idiot&#8217;s Guide to Building Your Own PC</h2>
<p>With the complete amateur in mind who has no technical knowledge whatsoever, we show you how to build your own PC! This is a guide where we literally ‘hold your hand’ every step of the way.</p>
<p>MakeUseOf has teamed up with our very own Karl Gechlik to bring you nearly 50 pages full of screenshots, links to video demos and easy how-to instructions for every step involved. The result? The Idiot’s Guide to Building Your Own PC.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://makeuseof.com/downloads/guides/how-to-build-your-own-pc.jpg" alt="" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-idiots-guide-to-building-your-own-computer/">Original Post</a> | <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/buildpc/"><strong>Instant Download</strong></a> | <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/21894681">Read Online</a></strong></p>
<h2>15 &#8211; Laptop Buying Guide for 2009</h2>
<p>MakeUseOf teamed up with Laptopical.com to give you a Laptop Buying Guide for 2009. It’s a quick 20 page guide with an abundance of screenshots and links to video reviews. This guide is intended to help buyers make an informed choice regardless of previous computer knowledge.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://makeuseof.com/downloads/guides/laptop-buying-guide.png" alt="" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-laptop-buying-guide-for-2009/">Original Post</a> | <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/laptop/"><strong>Instant Download</strong></a> | <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/21894697">Read Online</a></strong></p>
<h2>(BONUS) PSP Up- and Downgrading Guide</h2>
<p>Learn how all about up- and downgrading your PSP. We discuss the older software methods, as well as the newer, hardware tricks. With this guide in hand, you can put a modded firmware on nearly any available PSP. Explained to accommodate the absolute novice.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter" src="http://makeuseof.com/downloads/guides/psp-downgrade-upgrade.png" alt="" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-downgrade-your-psp-upgrade-to-a-custom-firmware-part-two/">Original Post</a> | <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/psp/"><strong>Instant Download</strong></a> | <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/21894962">Read Online</a></ul>
<p></strong></p>
<p>Guys. Lots of work went into those manuals. Every manuals went through several people to make sure that it offers the best tips and tricks on topics. Please, help us, spread the word! Download, digg, stumble, retweet, and share them on Facebook!</p>
<p><small>Image credit: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20408885@N03/3491465274/">Daz*</a></small>
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
<p><em><strong>New on Twitter ?</strong> Now you can follow <a href="http://twitter.com/MakeUseOf">MakeUseOf on Twitter</a> too.</em></p>

	<em><h4>Related posts</h4></em>
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	<li><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-unofficial-guide-to-the-iphone-pdf/" title="The Underground Guide To The iPhone [PDF] (July 31, 2009)">The Underground Guide To The iPhone [PDF]</a> (21)</li>
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	<li><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-incredible-free-manual-for-every-mac-user-pdf/" title="The Incredible Free Manual For Every Mac User [PDF] (October 2, 2009)">The Incredible Free Manual For Every Mac User [PDF]</a> (24)</li>
</ul>

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		<item>
		<title>DOWNLOAD: The Internet Music Guidebook</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-internet-music-guidebook-pdf/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-internet-music-guidebook-pdf/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:41:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Simon Slangen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=27641</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The internet is no longer &#8216;just&#8217; a source of information. It&#8217;s riddled with online communities, and of course, online media.
More and more, media is making the switch from digital storage to the cloud. Away with digital storage, here comes the internet!
This change is becoming ever more apparent with online music stores and streaming audio portals [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-27642" title="internetmusic" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/internetmusic.jpg" alt="internetmusic" width="300" height="250" />The internet is no longer &#8216;just&#8217; a source of information. It&#8217;s riddled with online communities, and of course, online media.</p>
<p>More and more, media is making the switch from digital storage to the cloud. Away with digital storage, here comes the internet!</p>
<p>This change is becoming ever more apparent with online music stores and streaming audio portals springing up all around.</p>
<p>There&#8217;s a musical buffet waiting for the internet audiophile, but if you aren&#8217;t properly informed, you can be sure you&#8217;re missing out.</p>
<p>MakeUseOf is proud to present <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/music"><strong>The Internet Music Guidebook</strong></a>, a manual for the internet audiophile. An introduction to the World Wide Web of Sound!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-27643" title="musicsnippet" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/musicsnippet.jpg" alt="musicsnippet" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p>In fourty illustrated pages, Will Mueller from <a href="http://willm.me/">willm.me</a> tells you all you need to know about free internet listening to music, streaming audio to your computer, and free download music sites to get all your favorite songs and albums in a whim. Learn how to share music with others and track a band&#8217;s performance and album releases!</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t wait, download the <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/music"><strong>Internet Music Guidebook now in PDF</strong></a>, to view it offline and on your computer, or <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/music-online">read it online on Scribd.com</a>.</p>
<p>No strings attached, this free eBook is entirely for you to enjoy! If you liked this release, you should also check out our other <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tags/pdf-manual/">MakeUseOf PDF Manuals</a>.
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
<p><em><strong>New on Twitter ?</strong> Now you can follow <a href="http://twitter.com/MakeUseOf">MakeUseOf on Twitter</a> too.</em></p>

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	<li><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-build-a-great-media-center-for-your-home-pdf/" title="How To Build A Great Media Center For Your Home [PDF] (July 2, 2009)">How To Build A Great Media Center For Your Home [PDF]</a> (15)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/yahoo-searchmonkey-expands-with-playable-music-tracks/" title="Yahoo Searchmonkey Expands with Playable Music Tracks (September 21, 2008)">Yahoo Searchmonkey Expands with Playable Music Tracks</a> (3)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/can-you-tell-me-who-is-sharing-my-itunes-library-windows/" title="Who Is Connected To My iTunes Library? (Windows) (October 11, 2008)">Who Is Connected To My iTunes Library? (Windows)</a> (9)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/using-your-linux-computer-as-a-upnp-av-server-part-3/" title="Using Your Linux Computer As A UPnP AV Server (Part 3) (November 7, 2008)">Using Your Linux Computer As A UPnP AV Server (Part 3)</a> (5)</li>
</ul>

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		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
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		<title>Twitter: Best Practices and Tips [PDF Guide]</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-complete-guide-to-twitter-pdf/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-complete-guide-to-twitter-pdf/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:43:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Simon Slangen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Twitter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=25285</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you&#8217;ve felt like tweeting for a time now, but didn&#8217;t know where to start, this post is for you.
Even though half the universe is on Twitter these days, beginning out of nothing isn&#8217;t always that evident. If you really want your Twitter to fly high, it doesn&#8217;t end with just creating an account.
Especially with [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img style="margin-right:20px" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/twitterico.jpg" alt="twitterico" vspace="5" align="left" />If you&#8217;ve felt like <em>tweeting</em> for a time now, but didn&#8217;t know where to start, this post is for you.</p>
<p>Even though half the universe is on Twitter these days, beginning out of nothing isn&#8217;t always that evident. If you really want your Twitter to fly high, it doesn&#8217;t end with just creating an account.</p>
<p><em>Especially</em> with this many people on Twitter, it&#8217;s important to know the tools you&#8217;re working with, and the dazzling reach of this innovating technology.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s for this purpose that MakeUseOf has been working on <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/twitter"><strong>The Complete Guide to Twitter</strong></a> &#8211; our next PDF manual, filled to bursting with Twitter-knowhow.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/twitexcerpt.jpg" alt="twitexcerpt" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p><span id="more-25285"></span><br />
In over forty pages (!), our very own publishing editor <a href="http://www.markoneill.org">Mark O&#8217;Neill</a>, tackles every Twitter feature, tip and trick you can think of. Learn to work the interface, to Tweet from your desktop, cool Twitter bots and funniest people to follow. With this free manual, Mark will make sure you get your black belt in Twitter.</p>
<p>Download <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/twitter"><strong>The Complete Guide to Twitter</strong></a> now in PDF, or <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/twitteronline">read it online on Scribd.com</a>, no price and no strings attached.</p>
<p>If you enjoyed this release, be sure to check out our other <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/service/pdf-manuals/">PDF manuals</a>!
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
<p><em><strong>New on Twitter ?</strong> Now you can follow <a href="http://twitter.com/MakeUseOf">MakeUseOf on Twitter</a> too.</em></p>

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	<li><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/tweet-from-inside-gmail-with-twittergadget/" title="Use Twitter From Gmail With TwitterGadget (December 12, 2008)">Use Twitter From Gmail With TwitterGadget</a> (4)</li>
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</ul>

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		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Incredible Free Manual For Every Mac User [PDF]</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-incredible-free-manual-for-every-mac-user-pdf/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-incredible-free-manual-for-every-mac-user-pdf/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:19:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Simon Slangen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mac]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[os x]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Snow Leopard]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=25965</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Perhaps it&#8217;s due to the general popularity of the iPod and iPhone, or a result of their hilarious advertisement campaigns, there&#8217;s no denying it &#8211; Macs are gaining popularity.
Gone are the days when Macs were only considered valid &#8216;office&#8217; computers. These days, Macs are the slick icons of the design and music industries &#8212; and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/macpdf.jpg" align=left style="margin-right:20px" vspace=5>Perhaps it&#8217;s due to the general popularity of the iPod and iPhone, or a result of their hilarious advertisement campaigns, there&#8217;s no denying it &#8211; Macs are gaining popularity.</p>
<p>Gone are the days when Macs were only considered valid &#8216;office&#8217; computers. These days, Macs are the slick icons of the design and music industries &#8212; and now they&#8217;re also spreading to the general consumer market.</p>
<p>But even though Macs are an overall reincarnation of simplicity and user-friendliness, most people &#8211; whether they are computer initiates or have been working with Windows their entire life &#8211; need a little help getting started.</p>
<p>Jackson Chung, devoted Mac writer and Assistant Editor on MakeUseOf, decided to do something about it. He immediately retreated to his Apple-cave and has been working tediously on <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/mac"><strong>MakeUseOf&#8217;s Incredible Mac Manual</strong></a> ever since.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-25975" title="macsnippet" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/macsnippet.jpg" alt="macsnippet" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p>This slick, sixty-odd paged monster is based on Snow Leopard &#8211; the latest release of the Mac OS X operating system &#8211; and tells you everything you need to know about Mac. Jackson supplies you with numerous tips, tricks and free applications. Get the hang of the interface and discover what your Mac is really capable of.</p>
<p>This release is presented to you by MakeUseOf, with no cost and no strings attached. <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/mac">Download the <strong>The Mac Manual</strong> now in PDF</a> to enjoy it from your desktop, or <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/maconline">read it online via Scribd.com</a>.</p>
<p>If you enjoyed this free eBook, be sure to check out our <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/service/pdf-manuals/">other PDF releases</a>!
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
<p><em><strong>New on Twitter ?</strong> Now you can follow <a href="http://twitter.com/MakeUseOf">MakeUseOf on Twitter</a> too.</em></p>

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	<li><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/tweak-mac-leopards-hidden-setting-with-xmod/" title="Tweak Mac Leopard&#8217;s Hidden Settings With xMod (September 24, 2008)">Tweak Mac Leopard&#8217;s Hidden Settings With xMod</a> (3)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/supercharge-your-dock-with-these-4-tools-mac-only/" title="Supercharge your Mac Dock with these 4 tools [Mac only] (September 14, 2008)">Supercharge your Mac Dock with these 4 tools [Mac only]</a> (19)</li>
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</ul>

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		<slash:comments>11</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>The Awesome Internet Guide to the Movie Addict</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-internet-guide-to-the-movie-addict-pdf/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-internet-guide-to-the-movie-addict-pdf/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:34:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Simon Slangen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[movies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online videos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=24488</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Everyone loves movies. You do, we do, even John Doe does. Nevertheless, everyone experiences movies in their own, personal way. Some people prefer to go to the theatre, SFX blazing. Other people prefer a quiet, sociable night at home with friends and loved ones.
However you enjoy your movies, word of mouth and newspapers aren&#8217;t the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/moveguide.jpg" align=left style="margin-right:20px" vspace=5>Everyone loves movies. You do, we do, even John Doe does. Nevertheless, everyone experiences movies in their own, personal way. Some people prefer to go to the theatre, SFX blazing. Other people prefer a quiet, sociable night at home with friends and loved ones.</p>
<p>However you enjoy your movies, word of mouth and newspapers aren&#8217;t the primary sources of information anymore. Not everyone still goes to the local Best Buy or DVD rental. The Internet is on the rise.</p>
<p>The Internet, still growing steadily, is now bulging with hundreds of movie sources, with thousands of websites telling you what to watch. So how can you ever find your way in this maze? With our help, you can.</p>
<p>MakeUseOf.com is proud to present to you <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/movieguide/"><strong>The Internet Guide to the Movie Addict</strong></a>, by the skilled hand of <strong>Saikat Basu</strong> from <a href="http://www.grafittisplash.blogspot.com/"><em>The Things I Do</em></a>.</p>
<p>This entirely free PDF production will show you anything you&#8217;ve ever dreamed about knowing. Whether you want a quick heads-up, are looking for download and streaming possibilities, or even want to fix broken AVI&#8217;s &#8212; you&#8217;ll find it in there!<br />
<span id="more-24488"></span><br />
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-24491" title="moviesnippet" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/moviesnippet.jpg" alt="moviesnippet" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p>In forty-odd illustrated pages, you&#8217;ll learn everything of importance to a computer-enabled movie addict. Accessible for (nearly) all ages, this is the one manual you will ever really need!</p>
<p>Completely free and no strings attached &#8212; download <strong><a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/movieguide/">The Internet Guide to the Movie Addict</a></strong> now in PDF, or <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/19584172/MakeUseOfcom-Internet-Guide-for-the-Movie-Addict">read it online on Scribd.com</a>.
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
<p><em><strong>New on Twitter ?</strong> Now you can follow <a href="http://twitter.com/MakeUseOf">MakeUseOf on Twitter</a> too.</em></p>

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	<li><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/what-movie-should-i-watch-next/" title="What Movie Should I Watch Next? (October 27, 2008)">What Movie Should I Watch Next?</a> (29)</li>
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</ul>

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		<slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Guide to Biggest File Sharing Networks: Pros &amp; Cons</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-guide-to-biggest-file-sharing-networks-pros-cons/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-guide-to-biggest-file-sharing-networks-pros-cons/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:01:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mark O&#39;Neill</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[edonkey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[file sharing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gnutella]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[manuals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[p2p]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[torrent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[usenet]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=23099</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Have you ever wondered what are the biggest file sharing networks out there? Have you ever wanted to know the pros and the cons for each but didn&#8217;t know where to look? Want to know which file sharing network gives you best download speed or highest level of privacy? In that case, this short [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://makeuseof.com/images/file-sharing-manual.png" alt="" align="left"/> Have you ever wondered what are the biggest file sharing networks out there? Have you ever wanted to know the pros and the cons for each but didn&#8217;t know where to look? Want to know which file sharing network gives you best download speed or highest level of privacy? In that case, this short manual should be just the thing to help you out.</p>
<p>Here today for your viewing and educational pleasure is the <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/file-sharing/">MakeUseOf Guide To The Biggest File Sharing Networks</a>. Written by Stefan Neagu of <a href="http://www.tuxgeek.me">TuxGeek</a> and put together by our very own Manuals Editor, Simon Slangen.</p>
<p>We look at what P2P is, the popular file sharing networks and how to use them as well as the pros and cons for each. We also look at privacy issues and share some excellent tools helping you to protect your privacy on these networks. By the end, any questions you have about file sharing networks should hopefully be answered. If not, leave a comment below and we&#8217;ll see if we can answer it for you.</p>
<p><span id="more-23099"></span></p>
<div align="center"><img src="http://makeuseof.com/images/file-sharing-manual2.png" alt="MakeUseOf File Sharing Manual" /></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Download: <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/file-sharing/">The MakeUseOf Guide to Biggest File Sharing Networks</a></strong></p>
<p>If you enjoyed this release, you should also check out other available <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/service/pdf-manuals/">MakeUseOf manuals</a>.
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
<p><em><strong>New on Twitter ?</strong> Now you can follow <a href="http://twitter.com/MakeUseOf">MakeUseOf on Twitter</a> too.</em></p>

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</ul>

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		<slash:comments>12</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Underground Guide To The iPhone [PDF]</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-unofficial-guide-to-the-iphone-pdf/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-unofficial-guide-to-the-iphone-pdf/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 01 Aug 2009 01:57:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Simon Slangen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iphone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=21976</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The iPhone is &#8211; if I may say so &#8211; one of the greatest mobile revolutions of the past decade. More and more, mobile phones seem to materialize out of our wildest dreams.
Because of the tight integration of third-party applications, you can do nearly everything with your device &#8212; be it gaming, working, fooling around, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img style="margin-right:20px" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/iphone.jpg" alt="iphone" vspace="5" align="left" />The iPhone is &#8211; if I may say so &#8211; one of the greatest mobile revolutions of the past decade. More and more, mobile phones seem to materialize out of our wildest dreams.</p>
<p>Because of the tight integration of third-party applications, you can do nearly everything with your device &#8212; be it gaming, working, fooling around, and of course phoning.</p>
<p>However, because of the sheer vastness of possibilities, not a lot of people are using their iPhone to the full extent of its capabilities. As of such, a lot of great features are missed on the users.<br />
<span id="more-21976"></span><br />
MakeUseOf.com is proud to present <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/iphone"><strong>The Unofficial Guide to the iPhone</strong></a> to you, written by <strong>Stefan Neagu</strong> from <a href="http://tuxgeek.me/">Tux Geek</a>.</p>
<p>Read about the basic user interface and a ton of incredible iPhone features you would&#8217;ve otherwise missed. Stefan explains in detail how to perform both the very simple and the most tedious tasks. Find out how to get your hands on fresh applications, how to keep your device synchronized and even how to jailbreak your iPhone!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21992" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/iphonesnippet.jpg" alt="iphonesnippet" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p>Get started today! <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/iphone">Download <strong>The </strong><strong>Unofficial Guide to the iPhone</strong></a> now in PDF, or <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/iphone-online/"><strong>read it online</strong></a> on Scribd &#8211; completely free, with no strings attached. For young and old, this guide comes highly recommended.</p>
<p>If you enjoyed this release, you should also check out other available <a href="../service/pdf-manuals/">MakeUseOf manuals</a>.
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
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</ul>

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		<item>
		<title>The Ultimate Guide To Your Windows Mobile Phone [PDF]</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-makeuseof-windows-mobile-guide-pdf/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-makeuseof-windows-mobile-guide-pdf/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:18:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Aibek</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mobile Apps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mobile tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows mobile]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=21383</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have a Windows Mobile phone, you will know that stuff can occasionally get pretty difficult. These devices, which are basically mini-computers, have endless possibilities &#8212; and thus endless possible difficulties as well.
With that in mind, one of our long-time staff writers started working on a PDF manual covering everything a Windows Mobile user [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img style="margin-right:20px" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/winmobile.jpg" border="0" alt="winmobile" vspace="5" width="252" height="181" align="left" />If you have a Windows Mobile phone, you will know that stuff can occasionally get pretty difficult. These devices, which are basically mini-computers, have endless possibilities &#8212; and thus endless possible difficulties as well.</p>
<p>With that in mind, one of our long-time staff writers started working on a PDF manual covering everything a Windows Mobile user could ever need.</p>
<p>We&#8217;re proud to present this <strong>50-paged</strong> monster to you &#8212; <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/winmobile"><strong>The MakeUseOf Windows Mobile Guide</strong></a>, written by <strong>Karl Gechlik</strong>, from <a href="http://www.asktheadmin.com/">askTheAdmin.com</a>.</p>
<p><span id="more-21383"></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/winmobextract.jpg" alt="winmobextract" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p>This guide starts at the very basics of Windows Mobile, and quietly builds up its pace to a more advanced level. Whether you want to (re)discover the most basic features and applications of your device, extend it with new applications and tools, or even flash a custom ROM, the Windows Mobile Guide comes to the rescue.</p>
<p>Download <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/winmobile"><strong>the Windows Mobile Guide</strong></a> now, and read it on your computer today, or even on your phone! This free PDF is brought to you by MakeUseOf, no strings attached.
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
<p><em><strong>New on Twitter ?</strong> Now you can follow <a href="http://twitter.com/MakeUseOf">MakeUseOf on Twitter</a> too.</em></p>

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</ul>

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		<item>
		<title>How To Build A Great Media Center For Your Home [PDF]</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-build-a-great-media-center-for-your-home-pdf/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-build-a-great-media-center-for-your-home-pdf/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:00:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Aibek</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[media center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=20159</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Having a media center holds many great advantages. Besides an heightened flexibility, you can easily summon all of your files on your large screen television, be it pictures, music or video.
But a good media center not only plays your files or lets you watch television, it also gives you the opportunity to stay connected over [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/mediacenter.jpg" align=left style="margin-right:20px" vspace=5>Having a media center holds many great advantages. Besides an heightened flexibility, you can easily summon all of your files on your large screen television, be it pictures, music or video.</p>
<p>But a good media center not only plays your files or lets you watch television, it also gives you the opportunity to stay connected over the web, to stream content, or grab subtitles and movie reviews.</p>
<p>The reason so many people are still hooked to their VHS/DVD/VCR boxes, lies in relation to the vast size and complexity of the media center market. Acting as your guide in this realm, MakeUseOf proudly presents its latest PDF release &#8211; <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/mediacenter/"><strong>How To Build a Great Media Center</strong></a>.<br />
<span id="more-20159"></span><br />
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-20163" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/mcsnippet.jpg" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p>In this free PDF, active MakeUseOf contributor and eBook writer <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/author/stefanneagu/"><strong>Stefan Neagu</strong></a> from <a href="http://tuxgeek.me/">tuxgeek.me</a>, will walk you through all the steps of understanding and creating your own media center.</p>
<p>Read all about the different hardware components, software candidates and media extenders, in this manual for geek to techno-deprived.</p>
<p><a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/mediacenter/"><strong>Download this free PDF now</strong></a>, and get started! Using this illutrated guide, we&#8217;re confident that you too will be able to grasp and get started on the road to your very own media center.</p>
<p>If you enjoyed this ebook, be sure to check out the other available <a href="http://makeuseof.com/service/pdf-manuals/">MakeUseOf manuals</a>.
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
<p><em><strong>New on Twitter ?</strong> Now you can follow <a href="http://twitter.com/MakeUseOf">MakeUseOf on Twitter</a> too.</em></p>

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		<item>
		<title>A Computer Geek&#8217;s Smart Productivity Guide [PDF]</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/a-computer-geeks-productivity-guide-pdf/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/a-computer-geeks-productivity-guide-pdf/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:15:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Simon Slangen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[geeks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[productivity]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=19656</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With all distractions that modern life brings, it&#8217;s not easy to keep your productivity up. Whether you&#8217;re an enthusiastic procrastinator, or just happen to have very little time at hand, there are a lot of people who really can&#8217;t afford to lose sight of business.
However, by playing your cards right, it would be well possible [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-19660" title="pdfico" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/pdfico.jpg" alt="pdfico" width="220" height="147" />With all distractions that modern life brings, it&#8217;s not easy to keep your productivity up. Whether you&#8217;re an enthusiastic procrastinator, or just happen to have very little time at hand, there are a lot of people who really can&#8217;t afford to lose sight of business.</p>
<p>However, by playing your cards right, it would be well possible to get that little productivity boost you&#8217;re aching for. Know your do&#8217;s and dont&#8217;s, and you&#8217;ll be able to move more work in less time.</p>
<p>MakeUseOf.com proudly presents <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/productivity/"><strong>A Computer Geek&#8217;s Productivity Guide</strong></a>, written by fervent MUO contributor, <strong>Stefan Neagu</strong> from <a href="http://tuxgeek.me/">tuxgeek.me</a>.</p>
<p>In this free twenty-paged PDF, Stefan will show you the most common productivity mistakes, as well as a number of applications to improve your touch typing, your time organization, and your global workflow.<br />
<span id="more-19656"></span><br />
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19661" title="prodexerpt" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/prodexerpt.jpg" alt="prodexerpt" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p>Although this eBook is primarily aimed at the computer geek, the potential userbase is far wider, as it comes packed with a lot of non-digital tips and advice as well.</p>
<p>So, what are you waiting for? Time is ticking! Grab the free <strong><a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/productivity/">PDF Productivity Guide</a></strong> now, with no strings attached!</p>
<p>If you enjoyed this release, you should also check out other available <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/service/pdf-manuals/">MakeUseOf manuals</a>.
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
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</ul>

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		<slash:comments>33</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Easy Guide To Computer Networks [PDF]</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-easy-guide-to-computer-networks-pdf/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-easy-guide-to-computer-networks-pdf/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2009 16:55:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Simon Slangen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[connection settings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[network]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=18358</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Setting up a network, wired or wireless, isn&#8217;t an easy task &#8211; it&#8217;s far from it. Most of the time, this involves fooling around out of your domain and ending up with a network that misses a few corners.
To get the job right, you&#8217;re expected to be up to terms with the technical network mumbo [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-18359" title="network" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/network.jpg" alt="network" width="300" height="210" />Setting up a network, wired or wireless, isn&#8217;t an easy task &#8211; it&#8217;s far from it. Most of the time, this involves fooling around out of your domain and ending up with a network that misses a few corners.</p>
<p>To get the job right, you&#8217;re expected to be up to terms with the technical network mumbo jumbo, although most everyday Joe&#8217;s and <em>don&#8217;t</em> know their RDPs from their UTPs.</p>
<p>To get you on your way and help you set up your networks, as well as with all that comes after, <strong>MakeUseOf proudly presents</strong> the latest PDF release &#8211; <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/network"><strong>The MakeUseOf Network Manual</strong></a>.</p>
<p>In 33 illustrated pages, <strong>Stefan Neagu</strong> from <a href="http://tuxgeek.me/">tuxgeek.me</a> familiarizes us with the networking knowhow, from Adapters to Zimbabwe-proxies. It&#8217;s a great place to start off as a newbie, or to pick up as an already more advanced user.<br />
<span id="more-18358"></span><br />
<img class="size-full wp-image-18362 alignnone" title="networking-overview" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/networking-overview.png" alt="networking-overview" width="588" height="277" /></p>
<p>Included are step-by-step guides on how to set up different kinds of networks, and how to use them to share internet, files and printers with other computers. Learn how to secure your connection and location, and how to access private networks.</p>
<p>This guide should suffice to transform you into an amateur network admin. On upcoming parties, you&#8217;ll be able to brag about WPA2 security and Virtual Private Networks. But please, don&#8217;t &#8211; before long, <em>everyone</em> will rely on you to solve their network problems.</p>
<p><strong>Download <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/short/manuals/network">The MUO Network Manual</a> now</strong> and <em>start</em> toying around! If you liked this one, don&#8217;t forget to check out our <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/service/pdf-manuals/">other available PDF releases</a>.
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
<p><em><strong>New on Twitter ?</strong> Now you can follow <a href="http://twitter.com/MakeUseOf">MakeUseOf on Twitter</a> too.</em></p>

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</ul>

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		<item>
		<title>Finally, A Newbie&#8217;s Getting Started Guide to Linux [PDF]</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/a-newbies-initiation-to-linux-free-pdf/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/a-newbies-initiation-to-linux-free-pdf/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 20:49:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Simon Slangen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Announcements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Linux]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[freebies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[operating system]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=17151</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You&#8217;ve probably heard about Linux, the free, open-source operating system that&#8217;s been pushing up against Microsoft.
It&#8217;s way cheaper, faster, safer, and has a far bigger active community than Windows, so why aren&#8217;t you on it?
Don&#8217;t worry, we understand. Like many things, venturing of into a completely unknown world can seem rather scary, and also be pretty difficult in the beginning. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-17153" title="cute-tux1" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/cute-tux1.jpg" alt="cute-tux1" />You&#8217;ve probably heard about Linux, the free, open-source operating system that&#8217;s been pushing up against Microsoft.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s way cheaper, faster, safer, and has a far bigger active community than Windows, so why aren&#8217;t you on it?</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t worry, we understand. Like many things, venturing of into a completely unknown world can seem rather scary, and also be pretty difficult in the beginning. It&#8217;s while adapting to the unknown, that one needs a guiding, and caring hand.</p>
<p>MakeUseOf is proud to present to you <strong>A Newbie&#8217;s Initiation to Linux!</strong> In this free ebook you&#8217;ll be introduced to the basics of the Linux operating systems. Get to know what it is all about, and familiarize yourself with the practical side. Basically, if you&#8217;re a complete Linux newbie and looking for a quick and easy guide to get you started this is it.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17154" title="excerpt-linux" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/excerpt-linux.jpg" alt="excerpt-linux" width="550" height="509" /></p>
<p>Let <strong>Stefan Neagu</strong> from <a href="http://tuxgeek.me">TuxGeek</a> explain to you how to get Linux running on your computer, introduce you to Ubuntu desktop and get you familiar with Linux alternatives to popular Windows programs. This guide will tell you all you need to know in <strong>20 illustrated pages</strong>, helping you to take your first steps.</p>
<p>Let your curiosity take you hostage and start discovering Linux today, with this manual as your guide!</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t let us keep you any longer, and download the Newbie&#8217;s Initiation to Linux <strong><a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/linux-newbie/">here</a></strong> in PDF.
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
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	<li><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/try-linux-live-cds-without-burning-or-restarting-the-computer/" title="Try Linux Live CDs from Windows Without Using any CDs (October 1, 2009)">Try Linux Live CDs from Windows Without Using any CDs</a> (10)</li>
</ul>

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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Big Book of BitTorrent: The Torrent Guide for Everyone</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-big-book-of-bittorrent-free-pdf/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-big-book-of-bittorrent-free-pdf/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2009 20:45:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Aibek</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BitTorrent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[downloads]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[torrent]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=16367</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are tons of ways to download files, be it pictures of last Christmas party, or that new cinema flick. Amongst them are the conventional direct download, FTP, and of course Peer-to-Peer.
BitTorrent, an example of P2P, is a great, perhaps even the best way to download files, both in concept as in use &#8211; that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-16368" title="torrent guide" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/25-04-2009-21-19-02.jpg" alt="torrent-guide" />There are tons of ways to download files, be it pictures of last Christmas party, or that new cinema flick. Amongst them are the conventional direct download, FTP, and of course Peer-to-Peer.</p>
<p>BitTorrent, an example of P2P, is a great, perhaps even the best way to download files, both in concept as in use &#8211; that is, once you&#8217;ve got the hang of it.</p>
<p>Because all of it seems pretty abstract to innitiates, many people experience difficulties at the start. Even those that would call themselves &#8216;advanced users&#8217; often don&#8217;t know even half of what&#8217;s possible.</p>
<p>MakeUseOf proudly presents to you <strong>The Big Book of BitTorrent</strong>. All you think you should know, and more.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-16369" title="torrent-guide" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/torrent-guide.jpg" alt="how to use torrents guide" /></p>
<p>In <strong>28 illustrated pages</strong>, <strong>Saikat Basu</strong> from <a href="http://www.grafittisplash.blogspot.com/">The Things I Do</a> takes newcomers by the hand and guides them in their first steps. Initiates, but also the more experienced users get their fair share of information.</p>
<p>Read how to start, and advance is the world of BitTorrent. Download The Big Book of BitTorrent <strong><a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/bittorrent/" target="_blank">here</a></strong> for free, in PDF.</p>
<p>Please pass this manual around and help us spread the word.
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
<p><em><strong>New on Twitter ?</strong> Now you can follow <a href="http://twitter.com/MakeUseOf">MakeUseOf on Twitter</a> too.</em></p>

	<em><h4>Related posts</h4></em>
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	<li><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-cheat-with-your-bittorrent-ratio/" title="How To Cheat With Your BitTorrent Ratio (February 8, 2009)">How To Cheat With Your BitTorrent Ratio</a> (35)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/download-torrents-without-a-client-via-torrent2exe-windows/" title="Download Torrents Without A Client Via Torrent2Exe [Windows] (May 27, 2009)">Download Torrents Without A Client Via Torrent2Exe [Windows]</a> (10)</li>
	<li><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/is-your-isp-throttling-your-bit-torrent-downloads-any-platform/" title="Check If Your ISP Throttling Your BitTorrent Downloads (April 17, 2009)">Check If Your ISP Throttling Your BitTorrent Downloads</a> (28)</li>
</ul>

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		<slash:comments>31</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>An Idiot&#8217;s Guide To Photoshop [Free PDF]</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/an-idiots-guide-to-photoshop/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/an-idiots-guide-to-photoshop/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:01:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Simon Slangen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[image editors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[image effects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[photography]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[photoshop]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=15633</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Have you decided to venture in the world of image editing? Decided, but don&#8217;t know how?
Photoshop can be quite difficult, if you throw yourself at it without preparation. You&#8217;ve probably got no clue how everyone gets that wizardry done, because you don&#8217;t know head from tail in that maze of buttons and filters!
Don&#8217;t despair, because [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-15634" title="12-04-2009-17-21-31" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/12-04-2009-17-21-31.jpg" alt="" />Have you decided to venture in the world of image editing? Decided, but don&#8217;t know how?</p>
<p>Photoshop can be quite difficult, if you throw yourself at it without preparation. You&#8217;ve probably got no clue how everyone gets that wizardry done, because you don&#8217;t know head from tail in that maze of buttons and filters!</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t despair, because MakeUseOf will be your guide in this intricate, yet magical world.</p>
<p>We&#8217;re proud to present <strong>An Idiot&#8217;s Guide To Photoshop</strong>, the starter&#8217;s manual for every Photoshop initiate to carry! This guide starts right at the very bottom, assuming no knowledge at all, and walks you through all basic aspects of the application. The guide even comes with <em>three full pages of shortcuts</em>, cheat sheets covering all the application&#8217;s possibilities!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-15635" title="photoshop-guide" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/photoshop-guide.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Let MakeUseOf&#8217;s own <strong><a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/author/karl-l-gechlik/">Karl Gechlik</a></strong> from <a href="http://www.asktheadmin.com/">AskTheAdmin</a> guide you throughout the different editing possibilities in <strong>30 illustrated pages</strong>, and get you to know your paint bucket from your eraser.</p>
<p>Are you watermouthed yet? Got itchy fingers and want to get busy?</p>
<p>Get <em>shopping</em> now! Download the Idiot&#8217;s Guide To Photoshop <strong><a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/photoshop/">here</a></strong> in PDF, no strings attached.
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
<p><em><strong>New on Twitter ?</strong> Now you can follow <a href="http://twitter.com/MakeUseOf">MakeUseOf on Twitter</a> too.</em></p>

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</ul>

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		<slash:comments>24</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The BIG Book of iTunes [Free PDF Download]</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-big-book-of-itunes/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-big-book-of-itunes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:58:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Aibek</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Announcements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iTunes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[music]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[music manager]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[music player]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=13844</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Last week MakeUseOf released  The Idiot&#8217;s Ultimate Guide To Building Your Own PC. A week before that there was A Laptop Buying Guide for 2009. And now again MakeUseOf brings you something you won&#8217;t find elsewhere on the web. Enter The BIG Book of iTunes. 50+ pages of great iTunes tips and tricks along [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Last week MakeUseOf released <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-idiots-guide-to-building-your-own-computer/" target="_blank"> The Idiot&#8217;s Ultimate Guide To Building Your Own PC</a>. A week before that there was <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-laptop-buying-guide-for-2009/" target="_blank">A Laptop Buying Guide for 2009</a>. And now again MakeUseOf brings you something you won&#8217;t find elsewhere on the web. Enter <strong>The BIG Book of iTunes</strong>. 50+ pages of great iTunes tips and tricks along with illustrative screenshots, written by our very own Mac writer <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/author/jxn/" target="_blank">Jackson Chung</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://makeuseof.com/downloads/guides/itunes.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>iTunes is a great way to organize and manage your music and video library. It is also the most popular music player/manager around, very visually aesthetic and at the same time, simple to use. Itʼs perfect for handling large libraries containing thousands of songs.</p>
<p>If you are an owner of an iPhone or iPod Touch, thatʼs even more reason to use iTunes. With iTunes, you can easily sync and transfer songs, audiobooks, movies, TV series and mobile applications to your Apple device.</p>
<p>The iTunes book has got plenty of cool iTunes tips and tricks for you, some were published on MakeUseOf before and others were collected from different parts of web. Among other things it illustrates easy ways to</p>
<ul>
<li>automatically organize and tag your music</li>
<li>add lyrics &amp; cover art to your songs</li>
<li>share your iTunes library with others</li>
<li>create ring tones from your songs</li>
<li>access your iTunes library from other PCs and mobile devices</li>
<li>control iTunes via the iPhone or even using your hands and feet</li>
<li>use AppleScripts</li>
<li>use iTunes shortcuts</li>
</ul>
<p>and lots more! Grab yourself a free copy below.</p>
<p>Spread the word!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/itunes/">Download The Big Book of iTunes</a></strong></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
<p><em><strong>New on Twitter ?</strong> Now you can follow <a href="http://twitter.com/MakeUseOf">MakeUseOf on Twitter</a> too.</em></p>

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</ul>

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		<slash:comments>21</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Idiot&#8217;s Ultimate Guide to Build Your Own PC</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-idiots-guide-to-building-your-own-computer/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-idiots-guide-to-building-your-own-computer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2009 16:47:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Aibek</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[How-To]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buying guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[geeks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[install]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=13087</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ So you have decided to take the plunge and build your own PC? Well that&#8217;s good but there&#8217;s some problems attached to that plan. First you don&#8217;t know the difference between a motherboard and your own mother. Secondly, you wouldn&#8217;t know an Ethernet card if one came up to you in the street and shook your [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img style="margin-right:20px" src="http://makeuseof.com/images/build-pc-how-to.png" border="0" alt="Build Your Own PC" vspace="10" align="left" /> So you have decided to take the plunge and build your own PC? Well that&#8217;s good but there&#8217;s some problems attached to that plan. First you don&#8217;t know the difference between a motherboard and your own mother. Secondly, you wouldn&#8217;t know an Ethernet card if one came up to you in the street and shook your hand.</p>
<p>But that&#8217;s no reason to abandon the project and look up the phone number for your local Dell representative, because as usual, MakeUseOf has you covered. With the <strong>complete amateur in mind</strong> who has <em>no technical knowledge whatsoever</em>, we are going to show you how to build your own PC! This is a guide where we literally &#8216;hold your hand&#8217; every step of the way.</p>
<p>MakeUseOf has teamed up with our very own <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/author/karl-l-gechlik/" target="_blank">Karl Gechlik</a> at <a href="http://www.asktheadmin.com/">Ask The Admin</a> to bring you nearly <strong>50 pages full of screenshots</strong>, links to video demos and easy how-to instructions for every step involved. The result? The Idiot&#8217;s Guide To Building A PC.   This guide is so easy to follow, even your technophobe grandmother could do it.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://makeuseof.com/images/how-to-build-your-own-pc.jpg" alt="Build Your Own PC" /></p>
<p>It&#8217;s definitely one of the better manuals out there. You can take a look at the screenshot showing the table of contents below.</p>
<h2>Table Of Contents: Build Your Own PC</h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://makeuseof.com/images/build-pc-contents.gif" alt="" /></p>
<p>In case you&#8217;re also wondering WHY you would want to build your own computer, there are a lot of reasons.</p>
<ul>
<li>First of all, you should know that building a computer has become A LOT easier than it was 5 years ago. Parts are easier to install, cases are readily available and there is a crap load of free support available on the internet.</li>
<li>This is great for paranoid freaks and geeks alike!</li>
<li>By building your own machine you know each and every component of your machine<br />
intimately.</li>
<li>You are not affected by the Operating System bloat that companies like Dell and Gateway<br />
are notorious for.</li>
<li>You can also build a system that is geared towards exactly what YOU do. A computer built by you for you. Imagine that?</li>
<li>Oh and don&#8217;t forget the Geek Cred you get from having a machine you built yourself! Not so great with the ladies but hey in a room full of geeks you can get lots of ohh&#8217;s and ahhh&#8217;s!</li>
</ul>
<p>So, download your free no strings attached manual <strong><a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/buildpc/">here</a></strong> and build your own pc.</p>
<p><strong>Enjoy and spread the word!</strong>
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
<p><em><strong>New on Twitter ?</strong> Now you can follow <a href="http://twitter.com/MakeUseOf">MakeUseOf on Twitter</a> too.</em></p>

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</ul>

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		<slash:comments>41</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Laptop Buying Guide For 2009</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-laptop-buying-guide-for-2009/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-laptop-buying-guide-for-2009/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2009 01:01:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Aibek</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Announcements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buying guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[laptop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[laptop reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=12466</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have tried to buy a laptop recently I am sure you know how difficult it is these days to choose the right one. There are dozens of popular brands to choose from. And to make matters worse pretty much every manufacturer now offers plenty of different setups.
So what do you choose? The best [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you have tried to buy a laptop recently I am sure you know how difficult it is these days to choose the right one. There are dozens of popular brands to choose from. And to make matters worse pretty much every manufacturer now offers plenty of different setups.</p>
<p>So what do you choose? The best looking one? The fastest? The most durable? &#8230; Which one?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http:///makeuseof.com/downloads/guides/laptop-buying-guide.png" alt="Laptop Buying Guide 2009" /></p>
<p>To make it a bit easier MakeUseOf teamed up with <a href="http://www.laptopical.com/">Laptopical.com</a> to give you a Laptop Buying Guide for 2009. It&#8217;s a quick 20 page guide with an abundance of screenshots and links to video reviews. This guide is intended to help buyers make an informed choice regardless of previous computer knowledge.</p>
<p>Get MakeUseOf <strong>Laptop Buying Guide 2009</strong> in PDF format by subscribing to MakeUseOf &#8216;Cool Websites&#8217; newsletter using the form below (or subscribe to our <a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Makeuseof">RSS feed</a>). </p>
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<p>The buying guide includes everything from an overview of key laptop perfomance indicators to most popular laptops in early 2009.</p>
<p><strong>Part 2</strong>: Introduction: Essential Parts &amp; Choosing The Right Size<br />
<strong>Part 3</strong>: Most Popular Laptops [Early 2009]</p>
<p><strong>
<div class="pagelink">
<p>Pages: Part 1 <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-laptop-buying-guide-for-2009/2/">Part 2</a> <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/the-laptop-buying-guide-for-2009/3/">Part 3</a></p>
</div>
<p></strong></p>
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		<item>
		<title>How to Downgrade PSP &amp; Upgrade to a Custom Firmware (2)</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-downgrade-your-psp-upgrade-to-a-custom-firmware-part-two/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-downgrade-your-psp-upgrade-to-a-custom-firmware-part-two/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:01:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Simon Slangen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[How-To]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[firmware]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homebrew]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PSP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=7552</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On Sunday, we posted the first part of this guide, about how to downgrade your PSP and then upgrade to a custom firmware.
For those of you who&#8217;ve just tuned in; a custom firmware is one that is written by hackers (or crackers, depending on your point of view), which gives you all the possibilities of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img style="margin-right:20px" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/muog-psp2.jpg" border="0" alt="" align="left" />On Sunday, we posted <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-downgrade-your-psp-and-upgrade-to-a-custom-firmware-part-one/">the first part</a> of this guide, about how to downgrade your PSP and then upgrade to a custom firmware.</p>
<p>For those of you who&#8217;ve just tuned in; a custom firmware is one that is written by hackers (or crackers, depending on your point of view), which gives you all the possibilities of the official firmware, but also enables the use of homebrew.</p>
<p><em><strong>Update</strong>: MakeUseOf released a PSP Downgrading/Upgrading Guide in PDF. <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/psp/"><strong>Download here</strong></a>.</em></p>
<p>Homebrew are applications developed not by Sony, but by the community. The different types of homebrew applications range from text editors to ISO loaders. Due to the latter one, which enables piracy, Sony is strongly against homebrew and does its very best to contain it.</p>
<p>There&#8217;s a constant battle between the homebrew community and Sony. Each fix is quickly followed by another exploit.</p>
<p>Last week we posted about various ways to downgrade your firmware.  Today we&#8217;ll guide you through a method that works for nearly all PSP&#8217;s, disregarding the current firmware. It even allows you to unbrick PSP&#8217;s (people call a PSP bricked when it stops working due to software abnormalities).</p>
<p>So why didn&#8217;t we skip the previous part?  Simple, the Pandora Battery method requires either the use of a PSP with custom firmware, or a spare battery pack. So if you haven&#8217;t got one of those, but you&#8217;ve got firmware 3.50 or below, use <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-downgrade-your-psp-and-upgrade-to-a-custom-firmware-part-one/">part one</a>.</p>
<p><strong>The only PSP that is not crackable yet is the PSP-3000.</strong> You can view your PSP model at the bottom of the device.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/psp1001.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The 3000-series are the newest PSP&#8217;s on the market and the Pandora Battery does not work with these models. If you have one of these, <strong>do not proceed</strong>!</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>LEGAL DISCLAIMER</strong></p>
<p>Using these methods is 100% legal (although Sony obviously doesn’t like it), but it <strong>CAN</strong> brick your PSP (every model except the PSP-3000 can be unbricked using a working Pandora Battery, though). It may also void the warranty of your PSP system as you would be working with delicate parts like the PSP’s flash memory. So if you screw up, Make Use Of <span style="text-decoration: underline;">won’t be held legally liable.</span> If this sounds like too much risk to you, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">please don’t go any further</span>.</p></blockquote>
<h2>The Pandora Battery</h2>
<p>The homebrew community was always looking for different ways to get in. Sadly, Sony kept closing these entrances one by one, and there are only so many doors in a house.</p>
<p>At a certain moment, there was an unexpected turn &#8211; a new way in that worked for all available PSP&#8217;s (at that moment). They had ran out of doors, but they had found a sledgehammer! They reprogrammed the PSP battery (naming it Pandora Battery), which enabled them to overwrite the PSP&#8217;s flash memory.</p>
<h3>So what is it?</h3>
<p>This method uses a hacked battery (Pandora Battery), which then runs specific software to hack your PSP from the &#8216;Magic Memory Stick&#8217;.</p>
<h3>Batteries that are compatible:</h3>
<p>- Sony &#8220;standard&#8221; Li-ion 1800 mAh<br />
- Sony PSP-280 2200mAh<br />
- Atomic Battery Pack 3.6V 1800mAh<br />
- Datel, PSP Battery 3600 mAh (X2)<br />
- Datel, PSP Battery 1800 Max Power</p>
<h3>Batteries that are <span style="text-decoration: underline;">not</span> compatible:</h3>
<p>- 2600 mAh Mega Battery Pack<br />
- Sony PSP-280 2200mAh (Fake)<br />
- Sony PSP Bloc-Battery pack 3.6v 1800 mAh<br />
- Battery 3600mAh, unknown brand, (China made model NK-RH008) (Fake)<br />
- Battery Pack, unknown brand, (lithium) 3.6v 3600 mAH (Fake)<br />
- Intec 2200 mAh</p>
<h3>Memory sticks that are compatible:</h3>
<p>All memory sticks with the &#8220;Pro Duo&#8221; tag should work. Official ones will work better though.</p>
<p>There are a number of different ways to apprehend the Pandora Battery set, we&#8217;ll be discussing them below.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="#cfw">I have another custom firmware PSP</a></li>
<li><a href="#battery">I have a spare battery</a></li>
<li><a href="#none">I have none of the above</a></li>
</ul>
<p><a name="cfw"><br />
</a></p>
<h2><a name="cfw">Option 1: I have another custom firmware PSP</a></h2>
<p>This is the best (and cheapest) way of doing so. If you don&#8217;t happen to have two PSP&#8217;s lying around, try to borrow a friend&#8217;s.</p>
<h3>What you need:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/Pandora-Installer-for-3.xx-Revision-4b-PSP-Homebrew-Applications/pg/12/fid/23357/catid/151">Pandora Installer for 3.xx Revision 4b</a> (alternative link <a href="http://rapidshare.com/files/163209339/pan3xxr4b.rar">here</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/PSP-Firmware-1.50-File-(EBOOT)-North-America-PSP/pg/12/fid/163/catid/163">Version 1.50 eboot</a> (alternative link <a href="http://www.psp-hacks.com/file/4">here</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/PSP-FW-3.40-for-the-US-PSP/pg/12/fid/13547/catid/163">Version 3.40 eboot </a>(alternative link <a href="http://rapidshare.com/files/163211775/340.PBP">here</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/PSP-Firmware-3.80-PSP/pg/12/fid/15413/catid/163">Version 3.80 eboot</a> (alternative link <a href="http://rapidshare.com/files/139615515/380.PBP">here</a>)</li>
<li>A Fat PSP with custom firmware</li>
<li>A Pro Duo memory stick (at least 256MB, but under 8GB)</li>
</ul>
<h3>Making your Magic Memory Stick</h3>
<p>Start out by putting the Pandora Installer on your CFW PSP. Do so by moving the pan3xx folder from the downloaded archive to E:PSPGAME (where E: is your PSP).</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/folders1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Go out of USB mode, navigate to <strong>Game -&gt; Memory Stick™</strong> and click on the Pandora Installer to start the application.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/paninst.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>In the application, go to &#8216;<strong>MemStick and MS-IPL options</strong>&#8216; and select &#8216;<strong>Repartition</strong>&#8216;.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/pan3xxr4shot.gif" alt="" /></p>
<p>When your PSP has restarted, connect through USB and recreate the E:PSPGAME hierarchy. Again, drop the pan3xx folder in here.</p>
<p>This time you must also put the versions 1.50, 3.40 and 3.80 eboot files in the PSPs root (main folder) and name them respectively 150.PBP, 340.PBP and 380.PBP</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/folders1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/folders3.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Go out of USB mode again, navigate to <strong>Game -&gt; Memory Stick™</strong> and click on the Pandora Installer to restart the application.</p>
<p>This time, select <strong>Install a DDCv4 MagicStick (for Fat + Slim)</strong>, this is the version that works best with both Fat and Slim PSPs, and wait for it to finish.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Finally, choose to install the ELF-Menu and NAND-Tool. Some of you might not find this necessary, but some slim PSP&#8217;s give trouble without it.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/img_8594.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Next, press battery options to produce your Pandora Battery. You can also make a back-up of your battery&#8217;s serial number here.  This can be used while restoring your battery later on. As an alternative, you can also use an automatically generated serial number. This should work fine, but make a dump if you want to play safe.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of a Pandora Battery and a Magic Memory Stick. <a href="pand">Read this part</a> if you don&#8217;t know how to use it.</p>
<h2><a name="battery">Option 2: I have a spare battery</a></h2>
<p>There is another way though, if you can&#8217;t get your hands on a CFW PSP. You can still hardmod your battery, but this involves cutting it open and quite more risk than the above method, so proceed with caution <strong>and completely at your own risk</strong>. Also, don&#8217;t go buying an extra battery for this method, the <a href="#none">option below</a> is cheaper and guaranteed to work.</p>
<p>As I have not tried this myself, <a href="http://www.dcemu.co.uk/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=2148120638">I will send you to someone who has</a>. Follow this picture-guided tutorial step by step, and you should be fine, but don&#8217;t come crying to us if you mess up.</p>
<p>Once you are done, you can <a href="#rain">follow these steps</a> to make a Magic Memory Stick without the use of a CFW PSP.</p>
<h2><a name="none">Option 3: I have none of the above</a></h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/41ystd1a7ql_aa280_.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Of course it could also happen that you don&#8217;t have any friends with a (custom firmware) PSP, nor a spare battery. Instead of buying a brand new battery to cut open, you can always spend less money for more certainty.</p>
<p>Available on eBay and Amazon are &#8216;Tool&#8217; batteries, from Datel. These are batteries that are already modified! (i.e. you&#8217;ll only need a Magic Memory Stick).</p>
<p>If you have one in your possession, use the below steps to make yourself a Magic Memory Stick</p>
<h2><a name="rain">Making a MMS without a CFW PSP</a></h2>
<p>If you don&#8217;t have a CFW PSP you can use to mod your batteries, you probably won&#8217;t have a PSP to make you a Magic Memory Stick either.</p>
<p>Luckily, it&#8217;s also possible to do this directly through your PC, using Rain&#8217;s Simple MMS Maker (available for Windows Xp &amp; Vista). Download it <a href="http://dl.qj.net/General-Apps/pg/12/fid/23522/catid/151">here</a>.</p>
<p>You&#8217;re also going to need a 1.50 and 3.80 eboot file, which can be downloaded respectively <a href="http://dl.qj.net/PSP-Firmware-1.50-File-(EBOOT)-North-America-Gaming-Consoles-PSP/pg/12/fid/163/catid/163">here</a> and <a href="http://dl.qj.net/PSP-Firmware-3.80-PSP/pg/12/fid/15413/catid/163">here</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/23522_rainmmsfj6.png" alt="" /></p>
<p>To use the program, just select DCv4 from the dropdown list and locate the 3.80 eboot file. Also check the Formatting checkbox and choose to add the 1.50 Kernel addon if you have a fat PSP.</p>
<p>Now, to make your MMS, just press the big button at the lower right.</p>
<p>Find out how to use your Pandora Battery Below.</p>
<h2><a name="pand">Using your Pandora Battery</a></h2>
<p>Make sure you have your Magic Memory Stick inserted and put in your battery, a black and white menu should pop-up. Then, go to recover and choose to install the 3.80 Custom Firmware (M33).</p>
<p>Just wait for it to finish (grab some coffee, this can take a while), and you&#8217;re done. You are now running a 3.80 M33 Custom Firmware!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/img_8590.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<h2>Upgrade to the latest Custom Firmware</h2>
<p>As you might have noticed, you&#8217;re on CFW 3.80 M33 now; that isn&#8217;t very high up the ladder, considering CFW 5.00 M33-3 is already available (or even higher, by the time you read this). Follow the steps below to upgrade to the latest custom firmware.</p>
<h3>Files you need:</h3>
<ul>
<li>The latest M33 Firmware version (<a href="http://rapidshare.com/files/156743814/500m33_3.rar">5.00-3</a> at the time of writing &#8211; <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=J2B220F8">mirror</a>)</li>
<li>The parallel official fimware (<a href="http://rapidshare.com/files/154173870/500.PBP">5.00</a> in this case &#8211; <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K50DK6PK">mirror</a>)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong> a) File placement</strong></p>
<p>Extract the downloaded archives.</p>
<p>Move the unRARred UPDATE folder to X:PSPGAMEUPDATE (with X: being your PSP). Also add the parallel official firmware to that folder, renamed in the same manner as in <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-downgrade-your-psp-and-upgrade-to-a-custom-firmware-part-one/#2.a">2.a</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/folder1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><strong> b) Updating</strong></p>
<p>Go to Game -&gt; Memory Stick™ and open the installation file. After verifying the eboot, it’ll ask you for confirmation. Press X to continue.</p>
<p>Follow the on-screen instructions to update. The update will take five minutes or less.</p>
<p>Congratulations, you are now on the latest M33 custom firmware!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/iparool-sony-psp.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>For now this is the end of this guide. However, as soon as a working exploit appears for the PSP-3000, you can expect us to cover it!</p>
<p>Have you got yourself a CFW PSP yet? Which method did you use? Feel free to drop a comment below.</p>
<p><em><strong>Update</strong>: MakeUseOf released a PSP Downgrading/Upgrading Guide in PDF. <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/psp/"><strong>Download here</strong></a>.</em>
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
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		<title>How To Downgrade your PSP &amp; Upgrade to a Custom Firmware</title>
		<link>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-downgrade-your-psp-and-upgrade-to-a-custom-firmware-part-one/</link>
		<comments>http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-downgrade-your-psp-and-upgrade-to-a-custom-firmware-part-one/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:01:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Simon Slangen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[How-To]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MakeUseOf Guides]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[console]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[firmware]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hacks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homebrew]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pdf manual]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PSP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.makeuseof.com/?p=7377</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ For those of you who are new to the concept of hacked PSPs, custom firmware might not sound so familiar. Custom firmware allow you to run homebrew.  Homebrew is software developed by the user community.
Enabling this homebrew makes the PSP an open platform. It allows you to add the functions and/or applications that Sony [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img style="margin-right:20px" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/muog-psp.jpg" border="0" alt="downgrade PSP, upgrade firmware" align="left" /> For those of you who are new to the concept of hacked PSPs, custom firmware might not sound so familiar. Custom firmware allow you to run homebrew.  Homebrew is software developed by the user community.</p>
<p>Enabling this homebrew makes the PSP an open platform. It allows you to add the functions and/or applications that Sony did not take care of.</p>
<p><em><strong>Update</strong>: Get up-to-date PSP Downgrading/Upgrading Guide now in PDF. <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/psp/"><strong>Download here</strong></a>.</em></p>
<p>Of course there are two sides to this coin. When you&#8217;re dealing with an open platform, piracy arises. Due to this (and probably some other reasons as well), Sony has been trying to repress homebrew as much as possible. Where these applications could initially be run on the 1.50 firmware PSPs, users who updated wouldn&#8217;t be so fortunate.</p>
<p>But the community (read: hackers) did not accept defeat. Leaks were exploited and one after the other, the firmwares fell. Up to today, neither of the groups have given up, but it is obvious who is winning.</p>
<p>Instead of enabling people to run homebrew, the PSP hacking groups have started building their own firmwares. Their firmwares are nearly identical to the official ones, only better. They have all the same functions, but have added functionality and the ability to run homebrew. At some point, people stopped trying to run homebrew on these official firmwares and just developed software to downgrade and/or switch PSP to custom firmware.</p>
<p>There are a lot of different ways to downgrade your PSP, which one you&#8217;ll have to use depends on your current firmware. Some are harder to break than other, but it&#8217;s always possible.</p>
<p>We will be posting a simple step-by-step guide, so that nearly everyone will be able to find his or her way through the bulk of information available on the web.</p>
<blockquote><p>
<strong>LEGAL DISCLAIMER</strong> </p>
<p>Using these methods is 100% legal (although Sony obviously doesn&#8217;t like it), but it <strong>CAN</strong> brick your PSP (there is a way to unbrick them, we&#8217;ll be discussing that next time). It may also void the warranty of your PSP system as you would be working with delicate parts like the PSP&#8217;s flash memory. So if you screw up, Make Use Of <u>won&#8217;t be held legally liable.</u> If this sounds like too much risk to you, <u>please don&#8217;t go any further</u>.</p></blockquote>
<h2>Part One &#8211; Upgrade PSP Firmware 1.00-3.50</h2>
<p>Yep, we&#8217;ll be starting with firmware versions 1.00 through 3.50. If you have a higher firmware, don&#8217;t despair, as we&#8217;ll be discussing them in part two (a little more complicated though).</p>
<p>As there&#8217;s a lot of different variables and different ways to work with them, we&#8217;ll be sending you up and down through this guide to the steps that matter for you. Therefore, for all the speedreaders out there: <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>always read the text in bold red, as it will &#8216;guide you through this guide&#8217;</strong></span>.</p>
<h3>Navigation</h3>
<p>So we want to install a custom firmware (m33 to be exact). Sadly, we&#8217;ll need to have firmware 1.50 to install. If (though this is very unlikely) your PSP is still equiped with FW version 1.00, you&#8217;ll have to upgrade to 1.50. To do that, download the update file <a href="http://dl.qj.net/PSP-Firmware-1.50-File-(EBOOT)-North-America-PSP/pg/12/fid/163/catid/163">here</a> and follow the instructions in the file description.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">If you have FW 1.50 or some custom firmware: <a href="#cfw">Go straight to the upgrading guide</a></span></strong></li>
<li><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">If you have FW 2.00 or below: <a href="#2.00">Go to method a</a><br />
</span></strong></li>
<li><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong><strong>If you have FW 2.80 or below: <a href="#2.80b">Go to method b</a> and <a href="#2.80">c</a> </strong></strong></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong><strong>If you have FW 3.03 or below: <a href="#3.03">Go to method d</a> </strong></strong></span></li>
<li><strong><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">If you have FW 3.50 or below: <a href="#3.50">Go to method e</a></span> </strong></strong></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">If you have FW 3.51 or higher, check back with us next week</span></li>
</ul>
<p>To check which firmware you have, go to Settings -&gt; System Settings -&gt; System Information. Your firmware version will be stated right between your MAC Address and your Nickname.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/fwversion.jpg" alt="check firmware psp" /></p>
<h2><a name="2.00">a) Downgrading PSP from Firmware 2.00 to 1.50</a></h2>
<p>This method uses the tiff exploit. People found out that it was possible to run tiny bits of code through tiff files. In this case, a tiff file is used to change the version number to 1.00, after which you&#8217;ll be able to update to 1.50.</p>
<h3>Files you need</h3>
<p>Please use google if the links are no longer work.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/MPH-2.0-1.50-PSP-Firmware-Downgrader-PSP/pg/12/fid/164/catid/114">MPH Downgrader</a> (alternative link <a href="http://www.mphweb.com/index.php?file=15">here</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/PSP-Firmware-1.50-File-(EBOOT)-North-America-PSP/pg/12/fid/163/catid/163">Firmware 1.50</a> (alternative link <a href="http://www.psp-hacks.com/file/4">here</a>)</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Step One: Format your memory stick</h3>
<p>This is not always necessary, but it makes the upgrading easier, so be sure to make a back up of all your important files. To do that, Go to Settings -&gt; System Settings -&gt; Format Memory Stick™ and confirm twice.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/eng_clip_image001_0003.jpg" alt="how to upgrade psp firmware" /></p>
<h3>Step Two: File Placement</h3>
<p>Go to Settings -&gt; USB Connection</p>
<p>Put the EBOOT.PBP file in X:PSPGAMEUPDATE (where X: is your PSP) and extract the MPH Downgrader zip in your PSP root (main folder). If you are prompted about replacing any files, click &#8216;Yes to All&#8217;.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/folders.jpg" alt="downgrade psp" /></p>
<h3>Step Three: Downgrading</h3>
<p>Go to Photo -&gt; Memory Stick™. You&#8217;ll see a black screen with some numbers. Don&#8217;t be afraid, this is just the program doing its work.</p>
<p>Wait about 30 seconds and restart your PSP (hold your power switch up until it switches off and turn it back on).</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/pspdowngrade5.jpg" alt="how to downgrade psp firmware" /></p>
<p>Now, go to Game -&gt; Memory Stick™ and open &#8216;PSP™ Update ver 1.50&#8242;</p>
<p>You&#8217;ll see an error at the end of the update. Don&#8217;t be nervous, this is perfectly normal. Restart the PSP manually. You&#8217;ll then encounter another error, press O to restart.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/pspdowngrade12.jpg" alt="downgrade psp to 1.50" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/pspbluescreen.jpg" alt="downgrading PSP" width="400" height="225" /></p>
<p>Congratulations, you&#8217;ve now got Firmware 1.50, <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>move on to <a href="#cfw" target="_self">the upgrading guide</a>.</strong></span><a name="2.80b"></a></p>
<p><a name="2.80b"></a></p>
<h2><a name="2.80b">b) Downgrading PSP from firmware 2.80 to 1.50</a></h2>
<p>First of all, <strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">if you have a lower firmware version, you&#8217;ll have to upgrade to 2.80</span></strong>.</p>
<p>Download <a href="http://dl.qj.net/System-Firmware-v2.80-USA-PSP/pg/12/fid/9070/catid/163">this file</a> and put it in X:PSPGAMEUPDATE (with X: being your PSP). Then go to Game -&gt; Memory Stick™ and open &#8216;PSP™ Update ver 2.80&#8242;.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/clip_image001.jpg" alt="downgrade psp from 2.71 to 1.5" /></p>
<p>This method also uses the tiff exploit, which enables small pieces of code to be run through tiff files.</p>
<p>If this method does not work for you, <a href="#2.80">check below</a> for an alternative updating way.</p>
<h3>Files you need:</h3>
<p>Please use google if the links are no longer work.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/Homebrew-Enabler-(HEN)-for-Firmware-2.80-PSP/pg/12/fid/12266/catid/114">HEN for Firmware 2.80</a> (alternative link <a href="http://www.noobz.eu/joomla/component/option,com_remository/Itemid,88888895/func,fileinfo/id,9/">here</a>)</li>
<li><a href="v2.80 Downgrader">v2.80 Downgrader</a> (alternative link <a href="http://rapidshare.com/files/161996242/ta82downgrader.zip">here</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/PSP-Firmware-1.50-File-(EBOOT)-North-America-PSP/pg/12/fid/163/catid/163">Firmware 1.50</a> (alternative link <a href="http://www.psp-hacks.com/file/4">here</a>)</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Step One: Format your memory stick</h3>
<p>This is not always necessary, but it makes the upgrading easier, so be sure to make a back up of all your important files. Go to Settings -&gt; System Settings -&gt; Format Memory Stick™ and confirm twice.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/eng_clip_image001_0003.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<h3>Step Two: File Placement</h3>
<p>UnRAR the HEN archive. Move the contents from the MS_ROOT folder to your PSPs root (this is the main folder).</p>
<p>Also move the contents of the ta82downgrader.zip MS_ROOT folder to your PSP&#8217;s root. Rename the FW 1.50 EBOOT.PBP file to UPDATE.PBP and move it to X:PSPGAMEUPDATE (with X: being your psp).</p>
<h3>Step Three: Downgrading</h3>
<p><img style="margin-left:20px" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/chicken.jpg" alt="" align="left" /> First of all, we&#8217;re going to activate HEN (Homebrew ENabler). After that, we browse to the Photo menu and try to open the HEN_280 folder. If the PSP just freezes, reboot and try again. At some point the screen will flash in a specific color.</p>
<ul>
- If red, the program ran, but if it failed, you&#8217;ll have to try again.<br />
- If blue, the program succeeded and is running. Your PSP will automatically reboot.
</ul>
<p>Next we&#8217;re going to run the downgrader. To do this, go to Game -&gt; Memory Stick™ and open the PSP™ Update ver X.YZ (you&#8217;ll need at least 75% battery for this).</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/screen1jv0.jpg" alt="psp downgrader" width="344" height="132" /></p>
<p>At the end of the installation, you&#8217;ll be prompted to press X, after which your PSP will restart. Enjoy, you&#8217;ve now got Firmware 1.50!</p>
<p><a href="#cfw" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Move on to </strong></span></a><strong><a href="#cfw" target="_self">the upgrading guide</a></strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>.</strong></span></p>
<h2><a name="2.80">c) Downgrading PSP from Firmware 2.80 to 1.50 (alternative way)</a></h2>
<p>First of all, <strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">if you have a lower firmware version, you&#8217;ll have to upgrade to 2.80</span></strong>.</p>
<p>Download <a href="http://dl.qj.net/System-Firmware-v2.80-USA-PSP/pg/12/fid/9070/catid/163">this file</a> and put it in X:PSPGAMEUPDATE (with X: being your PSP). Then go to Game -&gt; Memory Stick™ and open &#8216;PSP™ Update ver 2.80&#8242;.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/clip_image001.jpg" alt="upgrade firmware to 2.80" /></p>
<h3>Files you need:</h3>
<p>Please use google if the links are no longer work.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://rapidshare.com/files/8675402/2.80_-_EASY_Downgrader_0.1_by_csfreakno1_www.homebrewpsp.iphpbb.com.zip">2.80 Easy Downdater</a> (alternative link <a href="http://www.dcemu.co.uk/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=46877">here</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/eLoader-v0.995-Kriek-Windows-Installer-PSP/pg/12/fid/11311/catid/114">eLoader/xLoader</a> (alternative link <a href="http://www.noobz.eu/joomla/component/option,com_remository/Itemid,88888895/func,fileinfo/id,1/">here</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/PatchSFO-tool-for-Eloader-0.995-PSP-Homebrew-Applications/pg/12/fid/11313/catid/151">PatchSFO</a> (alternative link <a href="http://www.noobz.eu/joomla/component/option,com_remository/Itemid,0/func,startdown/id,6/">here</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/PSP-Firmware-1.50-File-(EBOOT)-North-America-PSP/pg/12/fid/163/catid/163">Firmware 1.50</a> (alternative link <a href="http://www.psp-hacks.com/file/4">here</a>)</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Step One: <span style="color: #ff0000;">Make sure you don&#8217;t have a TA-082 motherboard</span></h3>
<p>If you use this updating technique with a TA-082 PSP you&#8217;ll be left with a shiny brick. </p>
<p>If you DO have a TA-082 PSP, <a href="#2.80b">check above for another updating way</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffffff;">|</span><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/ta82spot.jpg" alt="ta-082 downgrader" /></p>
<h3>Step Two: Format your memory stick</h3>
<p>This is not always necessary, but it makes the upgrading easier, so be sure to make a back up of all your important files. Go to Settings -&gt; System Settings -&gt; Format Memory Stick™ and confirm twice.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/eng_clip_image001_0003.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<h3>Step Three: File placement</h3>
<p>Go to Settings -&gt; USB Connection. Open the eLoader installation file. It will try to automatically connect to your PSP. If it fails to do so, just select the PSP root (main folder) manually. You can leave all the other settings alone.</p>
<p>Unzip the PatchSFO EBOOT to X:PSPGAMEPatchSFO and the FW 1.50 EBOOT.PBP file to X:PSPGAMEUPDATE (where X: is your PSP).</p>
<p>Open the 2.80 Easy Downdater installation file and select your PSP&#8217;s root. Press next to install the files.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/280installer.jpg" alt="" width="511" height="360" /></p>
<h3>Step Four: Downgrading</h3>
<p>First we&#8217;re going to need to patch the files with eLoader. To do so, go to Photo -&gt; Memory Stick™, and hold the start button while hovering over the eLoader folder. There&#8217;s a possibility that your PSP crashes. If so, just do a hard reboot by holding the power switch and try again.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/hoverboot.jpg" alt="" width="392" height="241" /></p>
<p>Once inside the eLoader application, open PatchSFO and press on X to confirm. PatchSFO will now patch all files. This means we can open Easy Downgrader through xLoader in a moment. <strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Do not try to open the installer with eLoader,</span></strong> as eLoader and xLoader are two totally different applications. Opening Easy Downgrader with eLoader <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>might even brick your PSP</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/eloader.jpg" alt="" width="391" height="226" /></p>
<p>Once PatchSFO is done, press start to reboot your PSP.</p>
<p>Now we&#8217;re going to open xLoader. Again, hold start for a few seconds when hovering over the xLoader folder. If your PSP crashes, do a hard reboot and try again. At one moment, you&#8217;ll get an error message as shown below. <strong>This means xLoader has successfully started.</strong> You&#8217;ll also be able to view the files contained within the folder now.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/xloader.jpg" alt="" width="396" height="243" /></p>
<p>Now we can start the updater. Go to Game -&gt; Memory Stick™ and open the installer (1.50DDforTA-079~081FW2.80PSP). Press O to start the installation.</p>
<p>At the end of the update you&#8217;ll see an error. Don&#8217;t be nervous, this is perfectly normal. Restart the PSP by pressing O.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/pspbluescreen.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Congratulations, you&#8217;ve now got Firmware 1.50, <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>move on to <a href="#cfw" target="_self">the upgrading guide</a>.</strong></span></p>
<h2><a name="3.03">d) Downgrading PSP from firmware 3.03 to 1.50</a></h2>
<p>First of all, <strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">if you have a lower firmware version, you&#8217;ll have to upgrade to 3.03</span></strong>.</p>
<p>Download <a href="http://rapidshare.com/files/139614204/303.PBP">this file</a> (alternative link <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QNLMGXE0">here</a>), rename it to EBOOT.PBP and put it in X:PSPGAMEUPDATE (with X: being your PSP). Then go to Game -&gt; Memory Stick™ and open &#8216;PSP™ Update ver 3.03&#8242;.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/clip_image001.jpg" alt="downgrade psp from 3.51 to 1.5" /></p>
<p><img style="margin-left:20px" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/gtalibertycitystories.jpg" alt="" align="right" /><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">You&#8217;ll need an unpatched copy of GTA:LCS for this method.</span></strong><span style="color: #000000;"> This means that it contains a version 2.00 Firware update file. Though this might strike you as odd at first, it&#8217;s genius when you know the details.</span></p>
<p>When Sony closed the tiff-gate, the hackers went looking for other glitches in the PSP firmware. At first they couldn&#8217;t find any, but then they made a very unexpected move. They used a glitch in <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/gtalibertycitystories/">GTA:LCS</a>, a game for the PSP! Now, they could load nearly any piece of code using savefiles. Sony didn&#8217;t like this though, so they made sure this wasn&#8217;t possible with all next releases and/or firmwares.</p>
<p><strong>I only suggest this method if you actually own this game</strong>, don&#8217;t go running to the store to get a copy. Next time we&#8217;ll talk about a way to downgrade and unbrick each and every PSP (you need another PSP for it, though).</p>
<p>Check <a href="http://pspupdates.qj.net/How-to-find-a-Homebrew-Friendly-version-of-GTA-LCS-Updated/pg/49/aid/58178">this</a> article to see if your game is patched or not, or just insert it in your PSP and look what Firmware version it contains (2.00 is an unpatched one). Check <a href="http://www.fundows.nl/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/umdscopyqjpreview.jpg">this</a> as well.</p>
<p>If you haven&#8217;t got a copy of GTA:LCS in your possesion, but you do have a copy of Lumines, skip down to method <strong>d</strong> below.</p>
<h3>Files you need:</h3>
<p>Please use google if the links are no longer work.</p>
<ul>
<li>An unpatched copy of <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/gtalibertycitystories/">GTA:LCS</a></li>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/Downgrader-for-v3.03-PSP-PSP/pg/12/fid/12431/catid/114">3.03 Downgrader</a> (alternative link <a href="http://www.noobz.eu/joomla/component/option,com_remository/Itemid,0/func,startdown/id,12/">here</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/PSP-Firmware-1.50-File-(EBOOT)-North-America-PSP/pg/12/fid/163/catid/163">Firmware 1.50</a> (alternative link <a href="http://www.psp-hacks.com/file/4">here</a>)</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>For installation, read steps one to three of method e.</strong></span></p>
<p><a name="3.50"></a></p>
<h2><a name="3.50">e) Downgrading from firmware 3.50 to 1.50</a></h2>
<p>First of all, <strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">if you have a lower firmware version, you&#8217;ll have to upgrade to 3.50</span></strong>.</p>
<p>Download <a href="http://dl.qj.net/PSP-Firmware-3.50-(North-America)-PSP/pg/12/fid/13840/catid/163">this file</a> and put it in X:PSPGAMEUPDATE (with X: being your PSP). Then go to Game -&gt; Memory Stick™ and open &#8216;PSP™ Update ver 3.50&#8242;.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/clip_image001.jpg" alt="how to upgrade psp homebrew" /></p>
<p>A little déjà vu here, the hacker community did it again! Instead of using Liberty City (more details <a href="#3.03">above</a>), they used a save-game exploit and a copy of the nifty puzzle game Lumines to get in. Note that the installation is also very similar to the GTA version.</p>
<h3>Files you need:</h3>
<p>(use google if the below links are offline)</p>
<ul>
<li>An unpatched copy of <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/psp/puzzle/lumines/index.html">Lumines</a></li>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/Universal-3.50-HEN-Downgrader-PSP-Homebrew-Applications/pg/12/fid/14137/catid/151">Universal 3.50 HEN/Downgrader</a> (alternative link <a href="http://www.noobz.eu/joomla/component/option,com_remository/Itemid,88888895/func,fileinfo/id,20/">here</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/PSP-Firmware-1.50-File-(EBOOT)-North-America-PSP/pg/12/fid/163/catid/163">Firmware 1.50</a> (alternative link <a href="http://www.psp-hacks.com/file/4">here</a>)</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Step One: Format your memory stick</h3>
<p>This is not always necessary, but it makes the upgrading easier, so be sure to make a back up of all your important files. Go to Settings -&gt; System Settings -&gt; Format Memory Stick™ and confirm twice.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/eng_clip_image001_0003.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<h3>Step Two: File placement</h3>
<p>UnRAR the downgrader and move all the files from the MS_ROOT folder in the root (main folder) of your PSP. If you are prompted about replacing any files, click &#8216;Yes to All&#8217;.</p>
<p>Rename the version 1.50 Firmware file from to UPDATE.PBP and drop it in X:PSPGAMEUPDATE (with X: being your PSP). Be sure <strong>not to overwrite EBOOT.PBP</strong> in the UPDATE folder!</p>
<h3>Step Three: Downgrading</h3>
<p>Start the game. As soon as it starts loading the savefile the screen will turn black and restart. Normally, you are now running HEN (Homebrew Enabler) which allows you to run homebrew files.</p>
<p>To check, go to System -&gt; System Settings -&gt; System information and look at your system version. It should state &#8216;303 HEN&#8217;. If not, start over.</p>
<p>You can now start to downgrade. Go to Game -&gt; Memory Stick™ and open the PSP™ Update ver X.YZ</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/screen1jv0.jpg" alt="" width="344" height="132" /></p>
<p>If you have an unpatched TA-082 of TA-086 motherboard, you&#8217;ll be asked if you want to patch it. You can only proceed with the installation if you do. Next, you&#8217;ll encounter one last confirmation screen, press X to continue.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/4008934.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Once the installation is complete, you can press X to restart your system. Congratulations, you know have a PSP with firmware 1.50!</p>
<p>If you get an error saying that the &#8217;settings are corrupt&#8217;, you&#8217;ll have to restore your pre-installation network settings manually by going to Game -&gt; Memory Stick™ and starting the NetConfigBackup utility and selecting restore.</p>
<p><a href="#cfw" target="_self"></a><a href="#cfw" target="_self"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Move on to</strong></span></a><strong><a href="#cfw" target="_self">the upgrading guide</a></strong>.</p>
<p><a name="cfw"></a></p>
<h2><a name="cfw">Upgrading your PSP to a custom firmware</a></h2>
<p>Now you&#8217;re in Firmware 1.50, we can upgrade to a custom firmware. The big advantage is that we&#8217;ll have all the advantages of the higher firmwares in combination with the ability to run homebrew.</p>
<h3>Things we need:</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/General-Apps/pg/12/fid/14167/catid/151">Custom Firmware 3.52 M33</a> (alternative link <a href="http://exophase.com/files/psp/3.52M33.zip">here</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/Custom-Firmware-3.52-Update-3-PSP/pg/12/fid/14325/catid/163">Custom Firmware 3.52 M33-3</a> (alternative link <a href="http://rapidshare.com/files/49909840/3.52_M33-3.rar">here</a>)</li>
<li>The latest M33 Firmware version (<a href="http://rapidshare.com/files/156743814/500m33_3.rar">5.00-3</a> at the time of writing &#8211; <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=J2B220F8">mirror</a>)</li>
<li>The parallel official fimware (<a href="http://rapidshare.com/files/154173870/500.PBP">5.00</a> in this case &#8211; <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K50DK6PK"></a><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K50DK6PK">mirror</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/Firmwares/pg/12/fid/14003/catid/163">Firmware 3.51</a> (alternative link <a href="http://www.psp-hacks.com/download.php?id=1189">here</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://dl.qj.net/PSP-Firmware-1.50-File-(EBOOT)-North-America-PSP/pg/12/fid/163/catid/163">Firmware 1.50</a> (alternative link <a href="http://www.psp-hacks.com/file/4">here</a>)</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Step One: Format your memory stick</h3>
<p>This is not always necessary, but it makes the upgrading easier, so be sure to make a back up of all your important files. Besides, you&#8217;ve probably got a lot of unnecessary junk on there from the downgrading process.</p>
<p>Go to Settings -&gt; System Settings -&gt; Format Memory Stick™ and confirm twice.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/eng_clip_image001_0003.jpg" alt="how to upgrade psp custom firmware" /></p>
<h3>Step Two: Upgrade to Custom Firmware 3.52 M33</h3>
<p>Before we can upgrade to the latest version of the M33 firmware, we must first do an initial upgrade to one of the first M33 versions, CFW 3.52.</p>
<p><a name="2.a"><strong>a) File placement</strong></a></p>
<p>First of all, unRAR all the downloaded files.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>If you are on FW 1.50</strong></span>, copy &#8216;kxploitpatcher and kxploitpatcher%&#8217; to the directory X:/PSP/GAME (where X: is your PSP). If you are on another custom firmware, skip this step.</p>
<p>Copy the M33CREATOR folder from the 3.52 M33 rar to <span id="intelliTxt">X:/PSP/GAME (where X: is your PSP). Rename the 1.50 and 3.52 EBOOT files respectively 150.PBP and 352.PBP and move them to the M33CREATOR as well.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/folders2.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><strong> b) Updating</strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>If you are on FW 1.50</strong></span> go to Game -&gt; Memory Stick™ and open KXploit Permanent Patcher. This will permanently allow non-patched eboots to load. When prompted, press X. Your PSP will restart automatically when done. If you are on another custom firmware, skip this step.</p>
<p>Next, start 3.51 M33 CREATOR, also in the Game&#8217;s Memory Stick™ menu. After it has loaded and rewritten the firmwares (this can take a while), you can press X to restart.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/creator.jpg" alt="" width="267" height="104" /></p>
<p>M33 CREATOR has now built an update file. Once again, go to Game -&gt; Memory Stick™ and open 3.52 M33UPDATE. You need to have at least 75% battery left to do this. You&#8217;ll be asked for confirmation. Press X to continue or R to exit.</p>
<p>Press X at the end of the installation to turn your PSP off, turn it back on manually. Congratulations, you are now on 3.52 M33!</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s get rid of all those unnecessary files. <strong>Format your memory stick again</strong> as explained above.</p>
<h3>Step Three: Update to 3.52 M33-3</h3>
<p>Unrar the 3.52 M33-3 files. Drop the PSP folder in your PSPs root (main folder).</p>
<p>Go to Game -&gt; Memory Stick™ and open the nameless utility. You&#8217;ll get a nice read about a website they don&#8217;t seem to like. Press X to do the update, this one will go real quick.</p>
<h3>Step Three: Upgrade to the latest Custom Firmware</h3>
<p><strong> a) File placement</strong></p>
<p>If you haven&#8217;t extracted the downloaded firmware yet (we&#8217;re going to use 5.00 M33-3), do it now.</p>
<p>Move the unRARred UPDATE folder to X:PSPGAMEUPDATE (with X: being your PSP). Also add the parallel official firmware to that folder, renamed in the same manner as in <a href="#2.a">2.a</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/folder1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><strong> b) Updating</strong></p>
<p>Go to Game -&gt; Memory Stick™ and open the installation file. After verifying the eboot, it&#8217;ll ask you for confirmation. Press X to continue.</p>
<p>Follow the on-screen instructions to update. The update will take five minutes or less.</p>
<p>Congratulations, you are now on the latest M33 custom firmware!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/iparool-sony-psp.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>It&#8217;s no more than fair to say a brief thank you to <strong>Dark_Alex</strong>, for everything he has done on the scene. The guy&#8217;s a legend, and he deserves it.</p>
<p>Be sure to watch Make Use Of for part two!</p>
<p><em><strong>Update</strong>: MakeUseOf released a PSP Downgrading/Upgrading Guide in PDF. <a href="http://makeuseof.com/short/manuals/psp/"><strong>Download here</strong></a>.</em>
<p>Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!</p>
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