How to use Slack for Beginners.

Introduction

Do you suddenly have to use a new, shiny tool called Slack? Are you confused about how to navigate? Read on, this write-up is for you.

Slack is an application used in remote collaboration just like WhatsApp, but unlike WhatsApp, it is rich with features that make remote engagement easy. It is one of the most widely used remote work tools. Slack can be used on mobile and systems. It also supports Windows and Linux Operating systems.

In this user guide, you will delve into the following.

1. System requirements and Installation.

2. Navigating through Slack.

3. Conclusion.

System Requirements

To install Slack, you must have any of the following.

• Phones running Android 11 or above and iOS 16 or above.

• Windows, Mac, or Linux Operating system.

• Web Browsers like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.

Installation

- For mobile download.

1. Visit Play Store or select the appropriate app store for your OS.

2. Search for slack.

3. Select the app with the below icon.

   

4. Click on install.

5. Open after installation.

- For system download, do the following;

1. Visit the official slack website.

2. Click on DOWNLOAD (64-BIT) or select the appropriate OS for your system.

   

3. From your file explorer, Open the download folder.

   

4. Select slack and right-click to open.

   

5. Click on run to install.

   

6. The picture below will show on your screen after a successful installation.

   

- To access Slack on Web browsers, open the invitation link given to you by your organization.

Navigating through Slack

Workspaces

Workspaces are a dedicated organization workbook. It is where a team collaborates, to join a workspace, you have to receive an invitation link from the organization.

Creating a Workspace.

To create a new workspace, do the following;

1. In your newly downloaded Slack, click on create a new Workspace, this will redirect you to Chrome if you are using the App.

   

2. Input your Email address and click on continue.

   

3. Verify your email address by putting in your confirmation code, which you will receive in your mailbox.

   

4. Set your company name in the next window and click next.

   

5. Customize your workspace by adding your name and uploading a profile picture, click on next.

   

6. Copy the invite link to share this workspace with others and click on skip this step.

7. When prompted on what your team is working on, write any random name that comes to mind, this will become the name of a channel, then click on next.

   

8. Finally, select start with free as a final step.

   

9. You will be automatically redirected to the desktop application.

Join a Workspace

1. Click on the invitation link sent to you by the organization, this will redirect you to a web browser.

2. You will be prompted to enter your email address,and a name which will be used to create your account.

3. Open your mailbox to check the instructions sent to you by slack and select join now, you will be redirected to a web browser.

   

4. Input the confirmation code sent to your mailbox by the Slack team.

   

5. You will be signed in to the workspace.

Signing in to another Workspace.

To sign in to another Workspace, do the following;

1. Click on your Workspace icon in the top left corner with your company logo, then select Add a new Workspace.

   

2. Click sign in to another workspace.

   

3. Enter the Workspace URL you received from the organization.
   

4. This will take you to the Workspace.

Remove a Workspace.

• Click the dropdown close to the Workspace name, then select Sign out.

  

Channels

Channels are dedicated groups for a particular topic.

Join a channel.

• Click the bold channel dropdown and select the channel you want to join.

  

Create a channel.

• Create a channel by clicking on the Add Channels Icon or;

• Click the bold plus(+) button on the home tab and select channels to create a channel.

Public and private channels.

• Private Channels require an invitation by an admin.
• Public channels can be joined by searching the channel.

Leave a channel.

• Right-click on the channel, then select Leave Channel.

  

Huddles

Huddles are Video Meetings in Slack, like Google or Zoom Meetings.

1. Mute the mic.
2. Enable video.
3. Share your screen.
4. Send a reaction.
5. Add people to the Huddle.
6. Leave the Huddle.
7. Start a huddle.
8. Join a Huddle.

Direct Messages

Direct Messages are ways to chat privately with an Individual.

1. Select the Direct Messages tab.
2. Start a direct message by tagging the person with the @ sign.
3. Manage direct messages.

Drafts and sent

Drafts and sent are used to schedule messages for later posting.

1. Select the Drafts and sent tab.
2. Draft a message.
3. Schedule a message.
4. View sent messages.

Activity

The Activity tab helps to see every conversation one is engaged in without going through the channels sequentially. By clicking on any of the tabs, one can retrace conversations quickly.

Mentions

Mentions are places where you were directly tagged, it makes it easier to know who talked about you. You can be mentioned collectively as a channel using @channel, or personally via your username using @username. To see the mentions tab, Click on the Activity Icon.

Name Icon

Update your profile by clicking the image icon at the down left corner, and selecting the profile tab.

Threads

Threads are extended conversations, A thread is created when a reply is made to a post in a channel. The threads tabs help to organize your discussion seamlessly.

Conclusion

Slack is an application rich with features that make collaboration easy.
In this user guide, you covered the following;

1. System requirements and Installation.

2. Navigating through Slack.

3. Conclusion.

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