Tag Archives: slack

Tech Tip: Some tips on using Slack

by Ryan Johnson, I-Tech

illustration of logo for Slack

Now that Slack is up and running in the libraries, here are a few suggestions to get you started:

  • Instead of using your Penn State ID as your username which can be hard to recognize for everyone, use your full name. To change your username you need to log in on the website version here https://psu-libraries.slack.com/account/settings#username, click expand under username and change it.
  • Remember Slack should be used for business purposes only. Information from Slack and other chat services can be subpoenaed.
  • Create your own dept/team channel by clicking on the + sign next to Browse All Channels.

screenshot of options for selecting a channel on Slack workgroup chat

  • Set your status from the browser, desktop and mobile versions of Slack. From your computer, click your name in the upper left corner of your sidebar, then select Set a Status. On the iOS or Android apps, tap the More items icon (…), or edit your status directly from your profile.

 

Tech Tip: Chat services available at Penn State

by Ryan Johnson, I-Tech

With AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)  no longer supporting the use of the AIM buddy list in its new version, you may be looking for a new chat client.  Below are some options to consider moving forward:

Slack

screenshot of slack application channels listing

Slack is an increasingly popular and easy to use communication tool that is currently used at Penn State and by various groups in the Libraries.  Slack allows you to send messages directly to one or a small group of individuals, share files, and set up notifications.

To get started, sign up at Slack.com and join the PSU-Libraries group or create your own team to communicate. For further information on creating a team please contact I-Tech via the Libraries Helpdesk.

Yammer

Yammer offers chat services for all Penn State Employees.  Users can setup Yammer Groups to collaborate at the libraries and also chat with other Penn State staff.  For example, the Welcome desks currently are using Yammer to communicate within their group.  More information on Yammer at Penn State can be found here: http://yammer.psu.edu/first_steps/.

Jabber
Jabber is a service that allows for real-time communication via the XMPP protocol. All that is needed to use Jabber is a Penn State Access Account and a local chat client (like Adium or Pidgin) configured to support Jabber.

Penn State’s Jabber service allows people with a valid Penn State Access Account to activate their own Jabber account. Their Jabber screen name is their Access Account user ID (userid@chat.psu.edu), and their password is their Penn State Access Account password.

Below is a list of resources and supported clients to get you started:

Supported Clients
Adium Configuration
Messages Configuration
Pidgen Configuration