About Lync

Microsoft Lync is a communication tool that allows you to send and receive instant messages with colleagues, and enables others to see your presence (e.g. busy, in a meeting or if you are available). You can start group conversations, share screens and collaborate on documents. With additional equipment (webcam/microphone) you can also make voice and video calls with other Lync users.

Lync is closely integrated with Microsoft Exchange (Outlook). You don’t have to create additional userids and passwords - it is alreadyconfigured to work with your campus-id.

The main benefits of Lync are:

  • It provides a standard Instant Messaging application for campus users
  • You can see when your work colleagues are available
  • Your status and availability can be linked to your Outlook calendar
  • Instant messaging provides an alternative to email for quick questions and comments
  • Presence and document sharing are particularly helpful for colleagues in different locations

You remain in control of your visibility and availability. If you do not wish to be contacted via Lync you can mark yourself as “Do not Disturb” or, even choose not to use the tool at all.

Lync Quick Start

Click Start, click All Programs, click Microsoft Lync, then click Microsoft Lync Online

/ Your sign-in address is made up of your normal computer logon with @newcastle.ac.uk at the end. (eg )
You need to type this in only once along with your standard campus password

Change your Personal Options

Define how you would like Lync to start using Options/Personal

Decide who sees your Presence information

In Options/Personal you can choose whether your presence is updated and who gets to see it.

Build your Contacts and Define “Privacy Relations”

Search for a colleague using their name or email
/ Use the add button to add them to your Lync contacts
/ Your “privacy relationship” defines what information is shared with your contacts:
Right click on the contact and choose:
/

Get in touch by Instant Message

Double click the contact in your Lync Contacts list
/ OR – click on the contact’s picture and click the IM button
/ Type your message.
It is sent when you press Enter

Start a group Conversation

Select multiple contacts from your contact list
(eg. Control click)
Right click on one contact and choose Send an Instant Message
/ OR
Start an IM conversation with one person, then add additional people from people options

OR drag and drop contacts from your contact list onto the IM conversation /

Share Documents and Screens

From your contacts list right click a contact and select Share

Then select
/ Or from an existing IM conversation use the Share button:

For help

Press F1 in Lync
Or click Options then Help / / On the IT Service website:

Lync A4 quick startApril2013