Update
I can no longer recommend the Tivo HD. Since I’ve been using it with Verizon’s FIOS service, I’ve had far too many pixelation and sound issues. Tivo customer service insists that the problems are caused by Verizon’s signal. While this may true, the issues don’t exist with a Verizon box connected to the same signal. It’s very hard for me to say to Verizon, “Your signal is bad. Fix it.” when their equipment works correctly using it.
How much does it cost?
My factory refurbished Tivo HD DVR cost me $179, which was $120 less than the cost of a brand new unit. Service for the lifetime of the unit (not my lifetime) cost me $399. Effectively, the unit cost $578 refurbished or $698 new. As of this post, Tivo was no longer offering refurbished Tivo HDs on its website. At post time, Amazon was offering new Tivo HDs for $249 with free shipping (excluding the required Tivo service).
Continue reading Review of my Tivo HD DVR »
Why would anyone want to attack my computer?
Amateur attackers usually write and release viruses for their own amusement or to impress others. Viruses written by amateurs often behave in ways that make it apparent to the victims that their computers have been infected. Files may be deleted or moved. Images may be displayed. The infected computers may turn off at apparently arbitrary times and operate in other unexpected ways.
Professional attackers operate with the goal of making a profit. These attackers seek to profit from both the information on your computer and from the use of your computer itself. It may not be immediately obvious to victims that their computers have been infected. Victims may continue to use their infected computers indefinitely.
Continue reading Attacking home computers »
This is the second in a series of posts that explain the need to properly secure your home computer and that provide recommendations to do so. This post does not assume that you have a technical background. Each recommendation presented can be followed without learning any new technical skills. My post on Intermediate home computer security presents basic technical recommendations.
Why should I care?
You may not be convinced that the security of your home computer is important. If this is the case, you may wish to read my post explaining why attackers are interested in your computer.
Continue reading Basic home computer security »
This is the third in a series of posts that explain the need to properly secure your home computer and that provide recommendations to do so. My post on Basic home computer security presents non-technical recommendations that you can follow to enhance the security of your computer. Those recommendations focus on altering behavior that attackers can take advantage of to compromise your computer. This post presents technical recommendations and assumes that you have a moderate level of technical proficiency.
Continue reading Intermediate home computer security »
I visited a Verizon Wireless store recently. While my girlfriend worked with tech support to repair an issue with her phone, I spoke with a Verizon salesperson who tried to sell me Verizon FIOS internet service. I told the salesperson that I would switch from Comcast, my current provider, if and only if Verizon offered me a better price. I detailed the services that I required and the salesperson quoted me a price that was slightly higher than the price I paid to Comcast. I declined to sign up for the service.
The salesperson asked me to consider switching anyway and claimed that Verizon’s internet service was significantly faster than my internet service with Comcast. I replied that I was unlikely to notice any significant difference in performance, which the salesperson disputed.
The salesperson’s claim was based solely on the bandwidth of the connections in question. The Verizon package being marketed to me included internet service with a stated bandwidth of 20 Mbps downstream and 5 Mbps upstream. The internet service I have with Comcast claims a bandwidth of 6 Mbps downstream and 1.5 Mbps upstream. The salesperson did not consider that latency is a measure of connection quality that is at least as important to me as bandwidth.
Continue reading What makes a fast internet connection? »
