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Summary
This article is an introduction and brief overview of Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform within Microsoft 365 that integrates chat, meetings, calls, file sharing, and app integration into a single workspace. It is designed to support communication and productivity for individuals and groups across departments, campuses, and institutions. Teams is accessible from desktop, mobile, and web platforms, making it a flexible tool for both in-person and remote collaboration.
Please review our MS Teams: USNH Teams Usage Guidelines and Governance KB article, which outlines USNH naming conventions, team lifecycle management, and related policies. For a more in-depth look at Microsoft Teams along with training, tips and more, visit the USNH M365 Learning Pathways Get Started With Teams section and visit the Further Reading links at the bottom of this article.
Main Features and Basic Functionality of Teams
Components of a Microsoft Team
Content
Main Features and Basic Functionality of Teams
Microsoft Teams includes a wide range of features that support communication, collaboration, and organization.
1. Chat
- One-on-one and group messaging
- Persistent chat history across devices
- Rich text formatting, file sharing, and media support
- Ability to pin important conversations
2. Meetings and Video Conferencing
- Schedule or start instant meetings
- Integration with Outlook and Microsoft Calendar
- Features include screen sharing, meeting recording, live captions, and breakout rooms
- Support for webinars and large-scale events
3. Calling
- Voice and video calling within and outside the organization
- Voicemail, call history, and contact management
- Teams Phone integration for enterprise telephony (USNH is not currently licensed)
4. File Sharing and Collaboration
- Share files directly in chats or channels
- Real-time co-authoring with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Files stored in SharePoint (for teams) or OneDrive (for chats)
- Version control and permission management
5. App Integration
- Add Microsoft apps such as OneNote, Planner, Lists, and Forms
- Integrate approved third-party tools and services
- Use bots and connectors to automate workflows
6. Accessibility and Mobility
- Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and web browsers
- Syncs across devices for seamless access
- Built-in accessibility features including screen reader support and keyboard shortcuts
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Components of a Microsoft Team
Each team includes several components that support collaboration around a common goal, whether it is a department, project, or course.
1. A Microsoft 365 Group
Every Microsoft Team is powered by a Microsoft 365 Group, which serves as the backbone for collaboration and access management. This group is automatically created when a new team is formed and provides a robust, integrated foundation for teamwork across Microsoft 365.
- Seamlessly connects users to shared resources, including a group mailbox, calendar, SharePoint site, OneNote notebook, and Planner
- Ensures consistent membership and permissions across all connected Microsoft 365 services
- Enables unified collaboration across Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, and more without needing to manage each tool separately
- Supports secure, role-based access to content and conversations
- Enhances productivity by centralizing permissions management, communication, scheduling, and file storage in one cohesive system
2. Channels
Channels are sections within a team used to organize conversations and content.
- Standard Channels: Open to all team members
- Private Channels: Restricted to a subset of team members (use sparingly! Consider using a private or group chat instead)
Each channel includes:
- Posts: Threaded conversations visible to channel members
- Files: Shared documents stored in the team’s SharePoint site
- Tabs: Customizable tools such as apps, websites, or documents
3. Team Roles
- Owners: Manage team settings, membership, and permissions
- Members: Participate in conversations, share files, and collaborate
- Guests: External users with limited access, invited to collaborate
Team owners can assign moderators to manage discussions and control posting permissions within channels.
4. Apps and Tabs
Channels can be extended with apps and tabs to enhance productivity.
- Add a Planner tab for task tracking
- Use OneNote for shared note-taking
- Embed SharePoint pages or Power BI dashboards
5. Files and Storage
- Files shared in a channel are stored in the team’s SharePoint document library
- Files shared in a private chat are stored in OneDrive for Business
- Files are accessible to authorized users and support version history
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Whether you're new to Teams or looking to deepen your usage, the platform offers flexible tools to meet a wide range of needs.
Further Readings
MS Teams Knowledge Base Home
MS Teams: Managing Chat Sessions
MS Teams: Managing Notifications in Microsoft Teams
Sign in to Microsoft Teams in your web browser
Microsoft Teams Help & Learning - Microsoft Support
Teams Quick Start Guide - Video
How to use Teams - Video
Microsoft Teams Video Training
LinkedIn Learning - Microsoft Teams
Need additional help?
For assistance concerning site creation, content sharing, file synchronization, or other common SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, or Office app activities, we recommend our Microsoft 365 Learning sites:
Learn more about the great tools our Microsoft 365 Learning sites offer!
Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request. For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.