Microsoft Teams wins free version; see how to use | Productivity

Microsoft launched a free modality of Teams, an online collaboration tool with web access and a PC app. Previously restricted to Office 365 subscribers, the service was released to everyone after a company statement last Thursday (12). The free version allows you to create unlimited conversations with teams of up to 300 people, in addition to saving 10 GB of files per team and an additional 2 GB per user.

Teams has integrated Word, PowerPoint and Excel and Skype. You can also connect 140 other external apps, such as Evernote and Trello, to add features for free. See how to access and use the teamwork platform from your computer.

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Microsoft Teams offers Office suite applications for workgroups Photo: Divulgao / Microsoft TeamsMicrosoft Teams offers Office suite applications for workgroups Photo: Divulgao / Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams offers Office suite applications for workgroups Photo: Divulgao / Microsoft Teams

Accessing and Inviting Colleagues

Step 1. Access the teams.microsoft address in your browser and log in with a Microsoft account. If you use Windows 10, your account then has the same email and password to access your computer. Microsoft Teams works both on the web and as a PC application. Choose one of the options to start using it;

Access Microsoft Teams on the web or on the desktop Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesAccess Microsoft Teams on the web or on the desktop Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Access Microsoft Teams on the web or on the desktop Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Step 2. Choose a name to use in Teams and add a profile photo;

Choose a name and add a photo Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesChoose a name and add a photo Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Choose a name and add a photo Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Step 3. Add emails from colleagues you want to collaborate with as a team. To notify them, select the "send invitations" option after defining your email list.

Invite colleagues to collaborate Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesInvite colleagues to collaborate Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Invite colleagues to collaborate Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Chatting and creating channels

Step 1. Upon entering Teams, a main channel with the name General automatically created. The three-dot icon gives access to the menu, where there is a list of options. Among them, select Add channel to create a chat for a specific project;

Create new channels Foto: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesCreate new channels Foto: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Create new channels Foto: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Step 2. Use the General chat to chat with all members of the channel at the same time. The tool allows you to create formatted text and supports attachments, emojis, GIFs, and stickers. These features can be accessed from the bottom bar below the text box;

Use the chat to chat with the team Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesUse the chat to chat with the team Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Use the chat to chat with the team Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Step 3. Click on the camera to initiate a group video call. The feature is only available in full on the desktop program and through Microsoft Edge. In other browsers, such as Chrome, the integrated Skype allows you to make voice calls only.

Teams have Skype integrated Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesTeams have Skype integrated Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Teams have Skype integrated Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Creating and sharing files

Step 1. Access the Files tab to upload (Upload) or create an online document using Word Online, Excel Online or PowerPoint Online;

Add or create files Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesAdd or create files Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Add or create files Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Step 2. Channels (with the exception of General) also have a Wiki tab for creating collaborative content with simplified structure.

Edit collaborative documents in Wiki style Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesEdit collaborative documents in Wiki style Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Edit collaborative documents in Wiki style Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Step 1. Like Slack, Microsoft Teams has several integrations of external apps. Click the plus sign on a channel to open the app grid;

Add apps to a channel Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesAdd apps to a channel Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Add apps to a channel Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Step 2. Select an app to integrate with Teams. Use services like Evernote, for example, to add notes to the team directory.

Microsoft Teams has more than 140 integrations Photo: Reproduo / Paulo AlvesMicrosoft Teams has more than 140 integrations Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Microsoft Teams has more than 140 integrations Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves

Is it worth learning to operate all Office suite applications? Ask questions in the dnetc forum.

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