The Best How-to Sites
When I was young I always took my toys apart to see how they worked. Unfortunately, I was never able to put the toys back together. I am still not able to put those toys back together, unless I have some sort of step by step, how-to guide. Here is a list of my favorite step by step, how-to sites:
PSDTUTS
I like Illustrator better than Photoshop, but Photoshop is many times more powerful than the vector image alternative. To make my relationship with Photoshop a little smoother, I attempt many of the tutorials on the Internet. My favorite tutorial site, PSDTuts, is where I practice my amateur Photoshop skills. They have tutorials for beginners as well as for the advanced. The best part of the site is the text effects, which are some of the most well done and fulfilling tutorials you’ll ever do.
SYSTM
Not a website, but a web show by Revision3. The hosts Dave Randolph and Patrick Norton aren’t the most enthusiastic people, but the stuff they make is. I, personally, have never attempted any of their projects, but I can always dream. The MAME Arcade series is the epitome of what the show is about.
MAKEZINE
Similar to SYSTM, but not a show. Makezine teaches you how to make generally nerdy stuff. They sell their projects in the online store for anyone willing to give them a try. I’ve never tried a Makezine project, but I just ordered the a project in hopes of success. Bring on the soldering!
SMASHINGMAGAZINE
Probably my favorite of the list, Smashing Magazine has all the resources and howtos to be a web or graphic designer. Throughout this blog, you might see some “Smashing” influence and I’m not the only one. Smashing Magazine is always feeling the Digg Effect and for good reason.
CNET TIPS & TRICKS
I don’t like CNET. It has nothing that I can’t find better elsewhere, except for its “Tips and Tricks” section. Want to know how to expand your wifi signal? CNET T&T will show you either through an article or a video. I actually find myself watching videos that would be no use to me, but they’re usually well done and would be possible for a non-tech interested friend or family member.
Got any more how-to sites? As always, leave them in the comments.
