New Fathom IT - Blog , GeneralNew Fathom IT - Blog , Generalhttps://www.newfathom.com/blogs/generalFri, 10 Apr 2026 18:08:18 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[8 Things I'm Excited About in Windows 11]]>https://www.newfathom.com/blogs/post/8-things-i-m-excited-about-in-windows-11

8 Things I'm Excited About in Windows 11

Windows 11 has brought a wave of fresh updates, improved features, and exciting tools that make daily computing more efficient and enjoyable. From better multitasking to enhanced creativity tools, Microsoft has focused on making Windows 11 more user-friendly and productive. Here are eight things I’m excited about in Windows 11.

1. Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 has received a major upgrade, making it more than just a simple screenshot utility.

Why It's Helpful

The new Snipping Tool includes video recording functionality, eliminating the need for third-party applications for basic screen recordings. Whether you need to demonstrate a process, capture gameplay, or create a tutorial, this built-in tool makes it easy.

Additionally, users can set the Snipping Tool to activate when pressing the Print Screen button, making it even more convenient to take screenshots.

Recording Options for Images

Users can now annotate, crop, and edit screenshots directly within the Snipping Tool. The enhanced functionality saves time, as there’s no need to switch between different applications.

How to Use

  1. Press Windows + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool.

  2. Select the area of the screen you want to capture.

  3. Edit, annotate, or save your screenshot directly.

  4. To record video, open the Snipping Tool, switch to the recording mode, select the area to record, and start capturing.

2. Clipboard History

Clipboard history is a simple but powerful feature that makes copying and pasting more efficient.

Why It's Helpful

Instead of being limited to a single copied item, Clipboard History allows users to store multiple copied texts and images, making it easier to retrieve previously copied content.

How to Turn On

  1. Open Settings > System > Clipboard.

  2. Toggle on Clipboard History.

How to Use

  1. Press Windows + V to open the Clipboard History.

  2. Select any previous item to paste it.

3. Focus Timers

Windows 11 introduces Focus Timers, designed to help users concentrate by minimizing distractions.

Why It's Helpful

With built-in timers and Do Not Disturb mode, Focus Timers encourage productivity by silencing notifications and reducing digital interruptions.

How to Use

  1. Open the Clock app and navigate to Focus Sessions.

  2. Set a timer for a work session.

  3. Integrate with Spotify or Microsoft To-Do for an enhanced focus experience.

4. Snap Layouts

Multitasking is easier with Snap Layouts, allowing users to organize open windows efficiently.

Why It's Helpful

Instead of manually resizing windows, Snap Layouts lets users arrange multiple apps in preset layouts with a simple hover action.

How to Use

  1. Hover over the maximize button of any window.

  2. Choose a layout and assign windows to different sections of the screen.

  3. Quickly switch between layouts using Windows + Z.

5. Virtual Desktops

Virtual Desktops in Windows 11 provide a way to separate workspaces for better organization.

Why It's Helpful

Users can create separate desktops for work, personal tasks, and entertainment, reducing clutter and improving focus.

How to Use

  1. Press Windows + Tab to open Task View.

  2. Click New Desktop to create a separate workspace.

  3. Switch between desktops using Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow.

New Desktops

Windows 11 enhances Virtual Desktops with customization options.

Naming Desktops

Users can name their desktops to distinguish between different workspaces, making it easier to navigate.

Shortcuts

Use Windows + Ctrl + D to create a new desktop quickly.

6. Sound Recorder

Windows 11 revamps the classic Sound Recorder, making it a more useful tool for recording and managing audio.

Why It's Helpful

The new Sound Recorder offers a modern interface with waveform visualization, improved playback controls, and enhanced audio quality settings. It’s a great tool for recording lectures, meetings, voice notes, and more.

How to Use

  1. Open Sound Recorder from the Start Menu.

  2. Click the record button to start capturing audio.

  3. Stop the recording and save the file in various formats.

  4. Use playback controls to review or edit the recording.

7. Visualize Battery Usage

Windows 11 allows users to see detailed battery usage statistics.

Why It's Helpful

Understanding which apps drain battery life helps in optimizing device performance and extending battery longevity.

How to See Usage

  1. Open Settings > System > Power & Battery.

  2. View a breakdown of battery usage by apps and system activity.

8. ClipChamp Free

ClipChamp is Microsoft’s new built-in video editor, replacing Windows Movie Maker.

Why It's Helpful

ClipChamp provides a free, intuitive video editing experience with professional features like trimming, transitions, and text overlays.

Reminiscent of Windows Movie Maker

For those who miss Windows Movie Maker, ClipChamp brings back simple yet effective video editing tools in a modern interface.

How to Use

  1. Open ClipChamp from the Start Menu.

  2. Import media and use drag-and-drop editing.

  3. Export the final video in different formats and resolutions.

Conclusion

Windows 11 is packed with features that enhance productivity, creativity, and usability. From improved multitasking tools like Snap Layouts to creative tools like ClipChamp, these updates make the operating system more efficient and user-friendly. With these eight features, Windows 11 is shaping up to be the best version of Windows yet.

Get Started Now
]]>Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:53:37 -0700<![CDATA[Why You Need to Try Out Microsoft PowerToys]]>https://www.newfathom.com/blogs/post/Microsoft-Power-ToysYou need to try this new tool from Microsoft!]]>

What Is PowerToys

Microsoft has recently come out with a great new app that makes the Windows experience even better! I strongly recommend you try it out. 

PowerToys is an app that enhances Windows to make it easier to use. Basically Microsoft decided to develop their own tool to do things that people had been using other freeware to accomplish. Here’s a link to download it:

Download PowerToys

What Does PowerToys Do

Fancy Zones

This is incredible and will revolutionize your working experience. This tool allows you to create custom layouts for your desktop and easily snap your applications to the screen just by dragging them and holding shift.

Color Picker

The Color Picker tool is a great tool that allows you to find any color on your screen and get it in whatever format you want (RGB, CMYK, HEX, etc). This is super helpful if you’re doing any kind of graphic design and need to quickly get a color you see and like. 

Image Resizer

Another handy tool that allows you to quickly resize images to they can be uploaded to a website that requires a certain size.

Power Run

This tool is like the Windows search on steroids. You can activate it by pressing Alt+Space and then type in anything you want and quickly navigate to it. 

Other Tools

There are also other tools you may want to check out:

  • File Explorer Add-On's
  • PowerRename
  • Shortcut Guide
  • Keyboard Manager

Find Out More

If you want to find out more, here's some more in-depth information about PowerToys from Microsoft.

More Info

Try It Out

1)             Download the installer:

Download PowerToys

2)             Run the installer

3)             Reboot if prompted

4)             Open PowerToys and play around

Get Started Now
]]>Thu, 06 May 2021 08:57:01 -0700<![CDATA[We Were Mentioned in Sisters Newspaper!]]>https://www.newfathom.com/blogs/post/we-were-mentioned-in-sisters-newspaperLongtime friends launch IT business...]]>

Longtime friends launch IT business

As seniors in high school back in 2005-06, Harrison Womack and Chadbourne Lovegren both served as student interns for the now-well-known IEE (Integrated Environmental Expedition) program at Sisters High School. Working together to lead students, as well as adults, on a trip into the Three Sisters Wilderness and later on a rafting excursion on the Deschutes River, along with the daily work in the class, deepened their friendship and gave them a foundation of confidence that they say helped them arrive back in Sisters where they began a business as partners in an Information Technology (IT) company called New Fathom IT...


Read the Full Article
]]>Tue, 22 Dec 2020 09:02:56 -0800<![CDATA[How Microsoft 365 Works Together]]>https://www.newfathom.com/blogs/post/Microsoft-365-integrations-overview

I've had quite a few people be confused as to how their subscription works together and all that they get with a Microsoft 365 Subscription. Hopefully this can help to clarify how that works. 

Microsoft Teams

Collaboration Software (and Online)

  • Chat
  • Video Calling
  • Video Meetings (Public and Private)
  • Collaboration
  • File Sharing Based on Teams


Exchange Online

Online Email Platform

  • Security features
  • Lots of space
  • Works Online, Mobile, and Desktop


One Drive

Personal File Storage

  • Security features
  • Lots of space
  • Works Online, Mobile, and Desktop


File Syncing Software

  • Syncs Personal Files to Computer
  • Syncs SharePoint Files to Computer
  • Can Sync Desktop, Documents, and Photos Online
  • Great features


SharePoint

Enterprise File System

  • Syncs to Desktop (Through OneDrive Software)
  • Tons of Space
  • Great Features


Every User Gets

  • Exchange Online (Email)
  • OneDrive Personal Storage
  • Access to Specific Teams
    • Access Set at a “Per Team”
    • Controls Access to Specific Team SharePoint File Sites
      • Synced to desktop by OneDrive
    • Integrates with Exchange for calendar
    • Integrates with Exchange for Video Meetings
    • Integrates with OneNote Notebook
  • Access to a ton of additional apps (not mentioned here)
Get Started Now
]]>Sat, 25 Jul 2020 08:52:14 -0700<![CDATA[When to Outsource Your IT]]>https://www.newfathom.com/blogs/post/When-to-Outsource-Your-IT
What's better for your business: Managed IT Services or hiring a Network Administrator? This article explores the costs vs. benefits of hiring an in-house Network Administrator or outsourcing the work. At some point it may make sense for your company to augment your IT with partial or total in-house support. This article helps provide a reference for when it makes sense to go in-house or outsource.

When to Outsource, When to Hire In-House

In-House IT

Pros

  1. Lots of control as an employee of the company
  2. Constantly available to whatever your expectations
  3. Singularly focused on the company
  4. Usually after-hours work is assumed and included

Cons

  1. Hard to evaluate the quality of work
  2. Often get's tunnel vision in single environment
  3. Have to deal with personality quirks in the office
  4. Usually has "loose" systems
  5. Lots of additional costs as employee of the company (PTO, Taxes)
  6. Usually low-quality life-work balance for employee
  7. Extremely difficult to replace or fire
  8. Usually lots of things not written down
  9. No redundancy if the employee is sick or on vacation.

Outsourced IT Service (Like New Fathom)

Pros

  1. Lots of brain power/ expertise from a single source
  2. Diverse IT experience to implement best-practices
  3. Easy to scale with business
  4. Easy to fire (if needed)
  5. Dedicated to staying current with IT trends and tools
  6. Strong systems in place to support the company
  7. Redundancy of support (Doesn't rest on one person)
  8. Costs scale as business grows

Cons

  1. Not very adaptable to organization
  2. Extra costs for after-hours work
  3. Serves other customers not just your company
  4. Requires an in-house liaison to help with strategic planning

Costs of Hiring In-House IT

To hire the breadth and depth of experience New Fathom brings to the table, would at least require a network administrator level of expertise. These people also come with a cost and they aren't cheap.
 $7,000 per month

According to Salary.com a Network Administrator's base annual salary is approximately $60,000. However, the cost to the company will be at least 1.4 times this amount. This equates to roughly $84,000 per year cost to the company (or $7,000 per month).

Costs of Hiring Managed Service Provider (Like Us!)

Give New Fathom a call to find out how Managed IT Service might help your business and what it would cost. 
Managed IT services scale with the business so that costs vary depending upon what the business needs.

Summary

If you are currently using Managed IT Services and the support portion of those costs exceed $7,000, then it might be time to hire an in-house Network Administrator to either augment, partially replace or completely replace the outsourced IT support services. To find out if it makes sense to hire in-house or outsource, feel free to give us at New Fathom a call today. Just click the "Get Started" button at the bottom of this page.

Get Started Now
]]>Mon, 27 Apr 2020 16:29:36 -0700