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The Monthly Download—August 2024

Unlock these productivity gems in Windows 11

Since its launch in 2021, Windows 11 has been continuously updated, bringing new features and improvements to make your life easier. But while big announcements like the AI assistant Copilot and expanded hardware support grab headlines, there are some lesser-known features that deserve your attention too.

These hidden gems can make your Windows 11 experience quicker and easier, helping you stay productive and organized.

One of the most helpful features of Windows 11 is Focus mode. Picture this: You’re deep into an important project, and suddenly, notifications start popping up - emails, instant messages, reminders. It’s hard to maintain focus with all these interruptions. Focus mode comes to the rescue by silencing them.

To activate it, click the bell icon at the bottom right of your screen and select “Focus” from the menu. This will give you a 20-minute period with no interruptions, which you can pause anytime. It’s your digital “Do Not Disturb” sign.

Another great feature is Live captions. Imagine you’re in a noisy office, or maybe you have some difficulty hearing. Understanding audio and video files can be challenging. Windows 11 has built-in live captioning that automatically generates captions for your content.

You can activate it from the Accessibility settings (go to Settings > Accessibility > Captions) or by pressing Windows Key + Ctrl + L. The first time you use it, you’ll need to agree to Microsoft’s voice processing terms and download a speech pack. After that, captions will appear at the top of your screen, making it easier to follow along with any audio or video.

If you find typing tedious, you’ll love Voice typing. This lets you dictate text instead of typing it. To start, press Windows Key + H. Make sure you have a microphone connected (your webcam mic works fine). Click the mic button that appears, and you’re ready to go. You can even set it up to automatically punctuate your sentences. Voice commands like “stop listening” or “ignore that” help you control the flow of dictation. It’s a real time-saver for writing emails or documents.

And if you want a tidy and efficient desktop, Start menu folders are a game-changer. To create a folder, right-click an app and select “Pin to start.” Then drag another app over it, and they’ll combine into a folder. You can rename the folder and move it to the top of your Start menu for quick access to your most-used apps. It’s a simple way to keep things organized and within reach.

Finally, there’s the Snapping bar. If you’re a multitasker, this feature is a lifesaver. It lets you snap windows into various layouts on your screen. Drag a window to the top of the screen, and a set of layout options will appear. You can place windows in different positions, making the most of your screen space. You can also use the Windows key + arrow keys to snap windows into place. If you don’t see the snapping options, you can turn them on in Settings > System > Multi-tasking.

These features might not make headlines, but they can really enhance your Windows 11 experience. Try them out and see how much time you can save.

What's happening at RCT this month?

We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to the RCT team! Robert is joining us as an IT analyst, and we couldn't be more excited about the expertise and enthusiasm he brings to our company. Welcome aboard, Robert!.

Business gadget of the month

NVX Office 200 Bluetooth speaker: f you rely on your mobile for work calls when at your desk, you might miss the convenience and sound quality of a “proper” phone.

With the NVX Office 200 Bluetooth speaker, you get the best of both worlds. Dock your phone onto it and you have a desk phone that lets you dial and answer calls, browse contacts, and speed dial – all with exceptional audio and conference calling abilities.

$234.27 from Amazon.

Technology Update

Easier file sharing between your PC and Android phone

Windows 11 could soon get another new feature that will make life easier for Android phone users.

Microsoft’s working on letting you access files on your phone through File Explorer. Which means no more emailing yourself or using third-party apps to move photos or documents between your phone and computer.

This update aims to streamline your workflow and save you time, perfect for when you’re busy – which is all the time, right?

Tech facts

  • On April 30, 1993 the directors of CERN released the source code of the World Wide Web into the public domain, making it freely available to anyone, without licensing fees. This was at the urging of its creator Tim Berners-Lee and allowed the web to flourish.
  • The first wristwatch with the ability to make phone calls was the Samsung SPH-WP10, released in 1999.
  • The first widely used web browser was Mosaic in 1993.

Inspirational quote of the month

“It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.”

Steve Jobs, co-founder, Apple

A New Month, A New Tech Quiz

1) What was the original name for Amazon.com?

2) What does the word “Android” mean?

3) Why was the QWERTY keyboard designed?

4) What was a computer mouse first called?

5) Nomophobia is a phobia of what?

The answers are below.

  1. Cadabra Inc
  2. Human with a male robot appearance (gynoid is the female equivalent)
  3. To slow down typing speeds (on typewriters)
  4. X-Y position indicator for displays
  5. Being without a working mobile phone

New to Microsoft 365

Better coordination, wherever you work from

If some of your team work from the office while others are remote, collaborating and coordinating for meetings can be a little more challenging

Microsoft Places is a new AI-powered tool that can change all that. It helps employees coordinate in-office time, book rooms, and desks, and see coworkers’ schedules. It integrates with Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook and Teams, to make planning easier and boost workplace connections.

For any help or advice, get in touch. It’s what we do.

Rivercity Tech
Article Written by Rivercity Tech

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