Microsoft teams is a unified communication and collaboration platform that combines persistent workplace chat, video meeting, file storage (including collaboration on files), and application integration. You can access Teams with this desktop icon:
You can also access Teams in a web browser from any device at https://teams.office.com. You can download Teams from there as well, if you like, by clicking the 3 dots and selecting Download the desktop app.
Channels:
Within a team, the Team owners can set up channels. Public channels are open to everyone in the team. Private channels are by invite-only. Channels are topics of conversation that allow team member to have team conversation, set up meetings, and share files:
At the top of the channels, you'll find tabs which are links to your favorite files, apps, and services:
Message retention
Channels' content is retained for 1 year.
Chat messages are retained for 30 days.
Chat:
To talk privately with someone or a group, select the Chat icon on the left hand toolbar:
Click the New Chat icon at the top and type in the name or names you would like to start a chat with:
Note: The chat messages are not threaded like they are when you post in a Teams channel; however, you can still 'react' to messages that have been sent.
The toolbar under the textbox allows you to:
Change the format of your message by changing the style, size, color, etc. of font:
Set delivery options for your message:
Share files via OneDrive or your computer:
Send Gifs, emoji's, or stickers:
Schedule a meeting:
Send praise badges to your employees:
Files:
To find the files that have been shared in a Channel, go to the Files tab at the top of the channel:
To see files that have been shared across Teams, select the Files icon on the left-hand tool bar:
Once a file has been added to the channel conversation, you and your team can edit the document at the same time or add comments.
To edit the file, select more options next to the file.
Select Edit in Teams.
Calling:
To make a call directly from chat, click the Video Call icon of the Audio Call icon:
You can also use the Call icon on the left hand tool bar:
After selecting the icon, choose the Make a call option at the bottom of the screen. Then, type a name to search, or enter the phone number:
Calendar:
With the calendar tool you can see all your appointments for the day/week or schedule a meeting.
Note: The calendar syncs with your Outlook calendar.
Starting a Meeting:
Meetings can be scheduled or impromptu. Users visiting the channels will be able to see that a meeting is currently in progress. Teams also has a plugin for Microsoft Outlook to invite others to a Teams meeting.
Meet Now:
You can Meet Now, on the 1) Toolbar within Teams, or in the 2) Calendar area:
Audio and Video options will appear. After you set your preferences, select Join Now/Meet Now:
Note: You have to join before adding other participants.
During a Meeting:
Inviting Participants: On the right- hand side there is a space where you can invite participants either by name or number:
Once you select the person's contact, Teams will call the individual, adding them to the meeting:
Activate/Deactivate Audio & Video:
Share Screen:
Chat:
View participant list:
Adjust Options:
After you end the meeting, you can view the meeting or meeting details as a recent entry in the chat area. You can also select Join if you accidentally get disconnected from the call:
Scheduled Meeting:
In the Calendar area, select the + New meeting option in the top right corner:
Fill in the appropriate meeting options:
Select Send:
Calendar invite will be sent to participants:
Participants can select Join in the invite to attend the meeting.
Activity:
The activity icon lets you catch up on your unread messages, at mentions, replies, and voicemails:
You can use the command box to search for specific items or people, take quick actions, and launch apps:
