Windows 11

Winter Wonderland: Embracing Windows 11

Abstract digital illustration of microchip core on snowflake shape on blue background.

Once upon a frosty winter, in a small town blanketed with snow, there was a cozy little office full of hardworking, cheerful employees. The office hummed with the sounds of typing and the occasional clink of a coffee mug, but as the winter deepened, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The arrival of a new year brought with it new opportunities – including an exciting upgrade to Windows 11. 

Holly, the office’s IT manager, had been eagerly preparing for this transition. Once the new year was underway, she decided that it was time to share her enthusiasm with the rest of the team. 

Gathering everyone around the conference table, Holly began to explain the advantages Windows 11 would bring. “Imagine,” she said, “a winter wonderland where everything runs smoothly and efficiently. That’s what Windows 11 promises. Its sleek new design makes multitasking a breeze, with customizable desktops and Snap Layouts that allow you to organize your work just the way you like it.” 

The team listened intently as Holly continued. “But it’s not just about aesthetics. Windows 11 is built with security at its core. Your data will be better protected against sophisticated cyber threats. So in that winter wonderland, you’ll have your own personal ice fortress, keeping intruders at bay and your information secure.” 

Jack, the office’s graphic designer, asked, “Does this mean my design software will run faster?”  

“Yep!” Holly replied. “Windows 11 leverages your device’s hardware to reduce load times and improve performance. Loading will be like gliding across a frozen lake – smooth and seamless.” 

“What about the accessibility features?” Chelsea, the copywriter, asked. She often used voice typing and speech-to-text to do her work. 

“Windows 11 is designed to make the digital world more inclusive for everyone,” Holly said.   “Whether it’s voice typing, magnification, or closed captions, there’s something to help each of us work comfortably and efficiently.” 

By the end of the meeting, the team was buzzing with excitement. They understood that updating to Windows 11 was not just a technical necessity but a step toward a more productive, secure, and harmonious work environment. It was like embarking on a winter adventure, where every update was a path to something better. 

In the end, the upgrade to Windows 11 was not just an update – it was a transformation. And as the snow began to melt and spring approached, the team knew they were ready for whatever challenges and opportunities the future held, all thanks to the power of Windows 11. 

Click here to update to Windows 11!

Click here to learn more about Windows 11 at Clark University

ITS Gift Guide 2024!

Tis the season for holiday feasts and holiday shopping! ITS is happy to share our top gift recommendations for everyone on your list this year. If you have any questions about our gift picks, let us know! Click here for ITS contact information.

While Clarkies have access to The New York Times and its many recipes through Goddard Library, not everyone is so lucky. That’s why Dorothy Erickson, academic technologist, is planning to gift a NYT Cooking subscription to the aspiring culinary connoisseurs in her life. NYT Cooking helpfully provides a digital recipe box and even makes a grocery list based on your selected recipes. Dorothy’s favorite recipes from NYT Cooking include gochujang caramel cookies, Japanese soufflé pancakes, and slow cooker chipotle-honey chicken tacos. 

Click here to gift a NYT Cooking subscription!

Self-proclaimed “enthusiastic driver and campus card coordinator Sean Ryder suggests buying a Viofo A119 dash cam for anyone concerned about safety and accountability on the road. This device records in 1440p at up to 60 frames per second, ensuring clear and detailed footage. It also features excellent night vision, HDR capabilities, and a 140-degree field of view, making it one of the best in the industry. With the Viofo A119, you can capture important details such as license plate numbers, providing peace of mind and valuable evidence in case of any incidents on the road. 

Click here to check out the Viofo A119 dashcam on Amazon!

A reliable thermometer might be the secret ingredient your Thanksgiving meal is missing. Cooking by temperature is recommended by the USDA for food safety and relied on by chefs for consistent (and delicious results). With a range of up to 550° F, Joe’s pick can be used for grilling, baking, frying, and candy or sugar molding. It automatically turns on when picked up and rotates its temperature display for easy use no matter where you’re cooking.  

Click here to view the Chief Information Officer’s favorite thermometer!

Thais, ITS’s junior endpoint administrator, bought an Aura digital picture frame for her mom last year. According to her, it has been the gift that keeps on giving, as Thais and the rest of her family can quickly and easily surprise Mom with new memories by sending photos directly to the picture frame. As the frame cycles through different photos, it often sparks conversation about favorite trips, meals, and new adventures. Aura is one the best-reviewed digital picture frames on the market, including an interactive touch bar, a speaker for videos, and automatic night mode. 

Click here to take a look at the internet’s favorite digital picture frame!

This year, Help Desk technician Jarrod has his eye on the new BOOX Palma, a sleek and portable ePaper/eReader device. Not quite a Kindle, not quite a phone, the Palma is somewhere in the middle: it’s the size and shape of a phone and allows for app installation via the Google Play store, but the unique and responsive eInk display makes it ideal for reading on the go. The Palma also integrates with the Libby app, features a camera for digitizing documents, and automatically adjusts its lighting to your surroundings for an optimal reading experience. 

Click here to learn more about this unique device!

If you or your loved one’s green thumb has the winter blues, check out the AeroGarden. Sharon Griffin-Edson, Help Desk coordinator, has this mini herb garden on her kitchen counter and loves it. Known around the Help Desk for her cooking and baking, Sharon claims fresh herbs make all the difference in her dishes. Plus, the AeroGarden comes with everything you need to get started, including plant food, seeds, and a growth light. Other AeroGarden kits can help you grow flowers, cherry tomatoes, peppers, salad greens, and more! 

Click here to check out Sharon’s secret culinary weapon!

If you’re tired of ringing ears after a concert or asking your friends to repeat themselves in a crowded restaurant, these versatile ear plugs are for you; Tess Walsh, our tech training specialist, never goes anywhere without them! These unique ear plugs feature a small switch in them to customize noise level. The lowest setting filters out background noise, while the highest setting reduces much more noise for quiet commutes, focus time, or sleep. They also come in cool colors, including gold and silver, for an earring-like look.  

Click here to learn more about some incredible ear plugs!

Curious about drones? Michael Krikonis, Manager for Client Support, recommends the SC5 Elite as a perfect choice for beginners.  

The SC5 Elite comes as a kit with two batteries, a controller, extra blades, and a carrying case. Michael particularly likes that the controller on this model includes a button for take-off and landing assist to avoid rough landings. The controller also includes a phone mount to pair with your smartphone and the Snaptain flight app to navigate the drone and capture video and images from above. This is a fun, easy-to-fly drone, but be careful in windy weather as it is on the smaller side.  

Click here to check out this lightweight drone!