Compare Computers L.L.C. is a locally owned computer company in Hays, Kansas. Compare Computers has been in business since 1994, providing quality products and services at reasonable prices.
We offer new and used computers, computer repair and support, hardware and software components, and a variety of other services.
To find out more about us and some of the services we provide, please visit the pages listed at the left.
Beginning in January, Microsoft will start pushing the newest versions of Internet Explorer to customers using Automatic Updates. This is an effort to move users to current browsers that support new features and enhanced security, and to transition users from the decade old Internet Explorer 6. The company has also released a tool for businesses to block the automatic update, in case there may be issues with compatibility with some legacy programs. Users of Windows XP will receive IE8, while Windows Vista and Windows 7 users will receive IE9, unless the updates were previously declined.
The Microsoft Security Bulletin for December 2011 is now available. Click here for more information on the security patches that will be released on December 13th: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/bulletin/ms11-dec
This infographic details the nature and ramifications of Stuxnet, the first weapon made entirely out of code.
http://vimeo.com/25118844
Since the Windows 8 Developer Preview was released, Microsoft has been hard at work readying the next version of Windows for a public beta anticipated in early 2012. Some of the recent changes since the developer preview build include improvements to the Windows installation process, improvements to the start screen, adding mouse access to the charms bar, and adding the ability to easily close metro apps. Take a look at some of the improvement videos below to learn more:
Improved Windows setup process:
New SkyDrive Features:
Microsoft has released the new Fall 2011 Xbox 360 Dashboard update today, which adds many new features to the console and updates the user interface to the Metro UI. This update adds support for apps such as YouTube and Epix, with many apps arriving within the next few months. Another improvement is the addition of cloud game save storage and roaming profiles.
Adobe issued an advisory today regarding a zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2011-2462) affecting multiple platforms running Adobe Reader 9 and 10, as well as Acrobat 9 and 10. The bug affects Windows, Macs, and UNIX systems running the vulnerable versions. There is currently no patch available to resolve the vulnerability, but Adobe is working on a fix. Reports of attacks using this vulnerability were first reported by the Defense Security Information Exchange and Lockheed Martin, which indicates that attacks may have been targeting the defense industry. More information on the advisory can be found here:
http://www.adobe.com/support/security/advisories/apsa11-04.html
A new class of security flaws has been discovered by researchers, and it likely leaves millions of printers open to attack online. The flaws allow an attacker to remotely update the firmware on your printer, possibly without your knowledge that the update has occurred. Once a malicious firmware update has occurred, your printer can be controlled remotely to steal personal information, attack your network, and possibly even to overheat and catch fire. Just as alarming is that current antivirus programs would be unable to detect or clean such an infection, and once infected, the printer likely cannot be fixed. For more information on this security issue, an excellent article is available on msnbc at the following link:
msnbc.msn.com
Mozilla has released Firefox 8.0, which is available for free download from Mozilla's website: http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/.
In November 2010, Microsoft released the Kinect for the Xbox 360-creating a new way of interacting with the gaming console. Microsoft has now launched the kinectforwindows.org website and Kinect for Windows Software Development Kit, which will allow developers to create games and applications that can utilize the Kinect on Windows PC's. Check out the video below to take a look at some of the possibilities for Kinect for Windows:
The Microsoft Security Bulletin for November 2011 is now available. Click here for more information on the security patches that will be released on November 8th: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/bulletin/ms11-nov
A new Adobe Flash exploit has been discovered which uses clickjacking to lure a user into unknowingly turning on their webcam and microphone. The exploit uses an invisible iframe to hide the webcam settings behind an innocuous game or webpage. When the user clicks on links or items in the game, they are actually changing the webcam settings to allow remote access. Adobe is currently working on a fix for the issue.
The latest video in the "Building Windows 8" series provides information on the integrated search features in Windows 8. By clicking on the Windows start screen button, you can immediately begin typing on your keyboard to bring up search results for apps, settings, and files. You can also use key combinations to quickly access the types of information you're looking for. Check out the video below for a demonstration of the new search capabilities:
Ubuntu 11.10 code named "OneiricOcelot" was released today. This free Linux distribution adds the new Unity interface to Ubuntu and offers access to the software center for downloading apps. The new release includes a number of bug fixes and new features. Ubuntu 11.10 is available for download from http://www.ubuntu.com. You can also take a tour of the new operating system and try out some of the new features in your browser at: http://www.ubuntu.com/tour/
The Microsoft Security Bulletin for October 2011 is now available. Click here for more information on the security patches that will be released on October 11th: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/bulletin/ms11-oct
In Windows 8, Microsoft has completely redesigned the Windows start screen, evolving from the start menu of past Windows Operating Systems. This new start screen offers full usage of the entire screen, more room for all your programs, customizable tiles, and improved search capabilities. For more information on the design process of the new Windows 8 start screen, check out the msdn blog located below:
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/10/03/evolving-the-start-menu.aspx
Today, Apple released details of the upcoming iOS5 and iPhone 4S. While it was widely speculated Apple would release the iPhone 5 today, they instead released details on an updated iPhone 4 - the iPhone 4S. The 4S includes an 8 megapixel camera, which is able to record video in 1080p. The updated phone now includes both GSM and CDMA, which allows for international usage.
Microsoft has announced that they are discontinuing production of the Zune mp3 player. While existing Zune Players will continue to function, Microsoft is expected to merge the Zune services into Windows Live and to migrate Zune HD apps to the Windows Phone.
Mozilla has just released Firefox 7, which offers many improvements in memory usage, security, and stability. Click here to download the new version: http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
Microsoft has released another video in their "Building Windows 8" series. This video details the optional Windows Live integration in Windows 8. With this integration, you can easily keep your settings for Windows 8 with you as you move from one PC to another. You will also have the ability to share and sync files with each Windows 8 system, and access your cloud storage from anywhere. Take a look at the Windows 8 Live Integration video for more details:
Symantec has released the new Norton Antivirus 2012 and Norton Internet Security 2012 Programs. Please contact Compare Computers L.L.C. to purchase a subscription for the new 2012 versions.
Microsoft has released another video in their "Building Windows 8" series. This video demos the extremely fast bootup time of Windows 8, and provides an overview of the power saving features of the upcoming Windows 8 OS. Check out the video to see the new Windows 8 quick bootup for yourself:
According to the August 2011 Symantec Intelligence Report, there have been as many boot-time malware threats detected between January and August as there were in the previous three years combined. Boot-time threats are notoriously difficult to detect and remove, and in many cases reinstalling Windows will not remove the infections from the system. Many threats can spread via infected USB devices, so we recommend customers take proper precautions, and always keep their antivirus software and other programs patched and updated.
Microsoft has previewed some of the Windows Explorer Ribbon UI features of the upcoming Windows 8 OS. Check out the video to see some of the new Windows 8 UI features for yourself:
Microsoft has previewed some of the new file copy features of the upcoming Windows 8 OS. Check out the video to see some of the new Windows 8 UI features for yourself:
Ten years ago today, Microsoft released Windows XP to manufacturing. The release was the first of the consumer operating systems to be based on the NT kernel, which had previously powered Windows 2000 Professional and earlier business operating systems. Over the last 10 years, Windows XP gained massive market share, and has continued to be a stable OS for many businesses and individuals.
Microsoft has ended support for Service Pack 1 on Windows Vista on July 12th, 2011. Customers still running Service Pack 1 are urged to install Service Pack 2 for free through Microsoft Update, or to upgrade their operating system to Windows 7. Please contact Compare Computers L.L.C. if you need assistance installing Service Pack 2, or if you would like to upgrade to Windows 7.
After nearly 10 years since its release, Microsoft will be ending support for Microsoft Office XP on July 11th, 2011. Microsoft is discontinuing all public fixes and automatic "Patch Tuesday" updates for Office XP. Customers with the software currently installed will still be able to continue using the programs. However, we recommend updating to a currently supported version of Office, since security updates and patches will no longer be available. Please contact Compare Computers L.L.C. to purchase the newest version of Microsoft Office, Office 2010.
Microsoft has released Service Pack 1 for Office 2010. Service Pack 1 contains new updates which improve security, performance, and stability, and also includes all previously released updates. Download Office 2010 Service Pack 1 from Microsoft Update, or from the links below:
Service Pack 1 for Office 2010 32-bit Version
Service Pack 1 for Office 2010 64-bit Version
Today Microsoft officially launched Office 365 - its cloud-based office productivity suite. Office 365 offers subscription-based access to Microsoft Office, SharePoint Online, Exchange Online and Lync Online. Find out more here.
Intel reveals its upcoming Cloverview processors, which are scheduled for release around the same time as Windows 8. These new 32nm chips will target tablets, and aim to reduce power consumption and improve battery life. Cloverview is expected to be available in early 2012.
The Microsoft Security Bulletin for June 2011 is now available. Click here for more information on the security patches that will be released on June 14th: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms11-jun.mspx
In addition, Adobe has also released a number of updates and patches to protect against vulnerabilities in several products. Information on these updates is available on the adobe website blog.
Microsoft previewed some of the new features of the upcoming Windows 8 OS, highlighting the new start screen and multi-touch capabilities. Check out the video to see Windows 8 for yourself:
On May 31st, Apple released a security patch to combat the rapidly spreading MacDefender variants that have been plaguing Mac users. However, only a few hours after the update, the malware creators released new variants that are able to easily bypass Apples's patches. More details are available here:
http://news.yahoo.com
Computers infected with the SpyEye Trojan are redirecting Verizon customers to a phishing webpage as they log into the Verizon website. More details are available here:
http://redtape.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/05/19/6672216-verizon-wireless-customers-targeted-in-nearly-invisible-trojan-horse-scam?gt1=43001
Microsoft has released data on Internet Explorer 9's SmartScreen Filter which shows 95% of customers chose to not run, or to delete malware as a result of the new Application Reputation warnings. More details are available here:
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ie/archive/2011/05/17/smartscreen-174-application-reputation-in-ie9.aspx
There has been much publicity over the recent attacks on the PlayStation Network and the millions of compromised accounts as a result of the hack. It appears that accounts may still be at risk, due to reports on a new hack that can change account passwords if the user's email address and date of birth are known. Further details on the new hack are available here:
http://sony.nyleveia.com/2011/05/17/warning-all-psn-users-your-accounts-are-still-not-safe/
New versions of the top five web browsers have been released recently. Many of these updates bring increased security, increased privacy protection, and added support for new features such as hardware accelerated web page rendering and HTML5 support. Check out information on the newest updates at the links below:
Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 (Requires Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Server 2008)
Mozilla Firefox 4
Google Chrome 12 Beta
Safari 5
Opera 11
Internet Explorer 9 is now available for Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008. The free update can be downloaded through Microsoft Update, or through the Microsoft Download Center.
Microsoft has announced general availability of Service Pack 1 for Microsoft Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 beginning February 22nd. At that time, SP1 will be available through Microsoft Update or through the Microsoft Download Center. Our technicians are available for customers needing support installing the update package on their PC.
