Overview

Microsoft Teams is Microsoft's collaboration platform for chat, meetings, calls, file sharing, and teamwork. It brings conversations, documents, and collaboration tools into a single workspace. 

Sign In

Desktop App

1. Open Microsoft Teams from the Start Menu, which is located in the bottom left corner of your screen on Windows. You can either find it on the app list or search by typing "teams" into the search bar.
2. Sign in using your DACC account.
3. If it asks you whether to sign into all apps or just this one, choose 'No, this app only' if you're on a shared workstation.
   

Mobile App

1. Install the Microsoft Teams app from your device's app store (Android Google Play) (iOS App Store)
2. Sign in with your DACC account.
   

Web Browser

1. Open any web browser.
   
2. Go to https://teams.cloud.microsoft/ (please note that it ends in .microsoft, not .com)
   
3. Sign in using your DACC account

Navigate Teams

The left menu provides access to key areas:

Start a Chat

1. Select Chat.
2. Click New Message at the top (box with a pencil icon).
3. Enter a person's name or a group name.
4. Type your message and press Enter.

Tips

• Use @mentions to notify specific people.
• Share files directly from the message window.
• Add emojis, GIFs, or reactions as needed.

Work in Teams and Channels

What Is a Team?

A Team is a workspace for a department, project, or group.

What Is a Channel?

Channels organize conversations and files by topic.

To access a channel:

1. Select Teams.
2. Choose a Team.
3. Select a Channel.
4. Use the tabs at the top to view:
   • Posts
   • Shared Files
   • Or other custom tabs

Join a Meeting

From Your Calendar

1. Select Calendar.
2. Click the scheduled meeting.
3. Select Join.

Before Joining

• Turn camera on or off.
• Select microphone settings.
• Choose your audio device.
• Apply a background effect if desired.

Then click Join Now.

Schedule a Meeting

1. Open Calendar.
2. Select New Meeting.
3. Enter:
   • Meeting title
   • Date and time
   • Participants
   • Location (optional)
4. Add meeting details.
5. Select Send.
   

Make Calls

Call Another User

1. Open a chat.
2. Select Audio Call or Video Call.

View History

Select Calls to access:

• Call history
• Contacts
• Voicemail (if enabled)

Share and Collaborate on Files

1. Open a Team, Channel, or Chat.
2. Select the Shared tab.
3. Upload or create files.
4. Collaborate in real time with other users.

Files are automatically stored on OneDrive/SharePoint and can be edited simultaneously by multiple users.

Notifications and Mentions

Use Mentions

• @Name notifies a specific person.
• @Team notifies the entire team.
• @Channel notifies channel members.

Review Notifications

Select Activity to see:

• Mentions
• Replies
• Meeting updates
• Team activity

Recommended Best Practices

✅ Use channels for team discussions or active projects instead of email when possible.

✅ Use chat for quick conversations.

✅ Store shared documents in Teams rather than sending file attachments repeatedly.

✅ Keep your status updated (Available, Busy, Away, Do Not Disturb).

✅ Use @mentions only when attention is needed.

✅ Record meeting notes and action items directly in Teams.

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