Brandon Horn » Technology

Review of my Tivo HD DVR

Brandon Horn — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:17:34 +0000

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 [...]

Attacking home computers

Brandon Horn — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 18:26:00 +0000

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. [...]

Basic home computer security

Brandon Horn — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 18:07:15 +0000

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 [...]

Intermediate home computer security

Brandon Horn — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 04:04:01 +0000

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 [...]

What makes a fast internet connection?

Brandon Horn — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 21:00:56 +0000

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 [...]