Microsoft 365: Getting Started Guide

Microsoft 365: Getting Started Guide

Welcome to the Microsoft Getting Started Guide, your resource for navigating Microsoft 365 at SUNY Fredonia. 

We've designed this guide to help all students, faculty, staff, and campus community members understand the basics of using Microsoft 365. Whether you're new to the platform or just need a refresher, this guide will help you get acquainted with essential applications and features. 


For more detailed information on our recent transition from Google Workspace and for answers to common questions, please refer to the FAQs and resources linked below: 

https://fredonia-edu.atlassian.net/wiki/x/FoDqmg - Learn more about details about the migration process, etc.

https://fredonia-edu.atlassian.net/wiki/x/L4Dqmg - Learn more about Outlook and Calendar how to’s.

https://fredonia-edu.atlassian.net/wiki/x/DIDwmg - Learn more about how to use these collaboration apps.

https://fredonia-edu.atlassian.net/wiki/x/H4Dmmw - Learn more about quotas and how to effectively manage them.

https://fredonia-edu.atlassian.net/wiki/x/PoDmmw - Learn more about what apps are being offered for both Microsoft and Google moving forward.

https://fredonia-edu.atlassian.net/wiki/x/OQAyn - Learn more how to migrate your Google Shared Drives and Departmental Google Drives to Microsoft SharePoint.


Microsoft 365 Basics:

Yes, please click here for Microsoft Quick Starts. 

Yes, Microsoft Edge is the preferred browser to ensure users get the most out the Microsoft ecosystem.  

You are able to, please click here for instructions. 

Yes. However, ITS only supports Outlook on the web. 

You can access Microsoft 365 tools without downloading anything by using Microsoft 365 for the web. This allows you to use applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote directly in your browser.  

  • Access Online: Go to http://Office.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. You can start using the web versions of the apps immediately.  

  • Features: These web apps offer many of the same features as the desktop versions, including real-time collaboration and cloud storage with OneDrive.   

  • Compatibility: You can use these tools on any device with a modern browser, such as Edge, Chrome, or Firefox. 

Microsoft 365 Option 

Includes 

Best For 

Use Case 

Microsoft 365 Groups 

Shared mailbox, calendar, SharePoint site, Planner, OneNote, Teams 

Collaborative teams, departments 

Used for both email and collaboration (files, discussions, planning) 

Distribution Lists 

Email forwarding only 

Announcements, simple group messaging 

Used only for sending messages to a list of people 

Shared Mailboxes 

Shared inbox and calendar 

Teams managing a common inbox 

Used to receive/respond to emails as a group (e.g., help@, info@) 

Microsoft Teams 

Chat, file sharing, meetings, integrated with M365 Groups 

Real-time communication and collaboration 

Used for ongoing discussions, meetings, and file collaboration 

SharePoint Sites 

Document libraries, lists, pages, integration with Teams and Groups 

Document management, structured collaboration 

Used for file sharing, document workflows, and team resources 

ITS will assist you in determining the best fit for Microsoft 365 for your Google Group. Please contact help@fredonia.edu assistance.  

  1. Go to Settings (⚙️) in Outlook. 

  2. Click Mail: under Layout, scroll through the options and set up your preferences.

Constituent Type 

Description 

Email Quota 

OneDrive Quota 

Faculty/Staff 

Faculty: Individuals responsible for teaching, conducting research, and providing academic guidance within an institution. 
Staff: Individuals who provide administrative, operational, and support services to the institution. 

25GB 

25GB 

Students 

Individuals enrolled at SUNY Fredonia for the purpose of learning and pursuing academic degrees or certifications. 

5GB 

15GB 

Emeritus 

Retired faculty or staff members who have been granted honorary status in recognition of their distinguished service to the institution. 

25GB 

25GB 

Alumni 

Individuals who have graduated from or completed a program of study at Fredonia within the last two yeas 

5GB 

15GB 

Affiliates 

Individuals or organizations that have a formal or informal association with Fredonia , such as visiting scholars, researchers, or partner organizations. 

5GB 

5GB 

Visitors 

Individuals who are temporarily present on Fredonia's premises for various purposes, such as attending events, meetings, or tours. 

5GB 

5GB 

 Note: The new quotas will be implemented tentatively on November 5, 2025. Storage quotas may be increased upon request based on operational needs. Requests should be sent to help@fredonia.edu. New quotas for Google Workspace will be released at future date.  

  1. Share with an Individual: 

  2. Edit, Comment, View Only: Use OneDrive or SharePoint sharing settings. 

  3. Share with Fredonia: 

  4. Edit, Comment, View Only: Same as above. 

  5. Share with Anyone with the Link: 

  6. Edit, Comment, View Only: Use link sharing settings in OneDrive or SharePoint. 

Please visit https://fredonia-edu.atlassian.net/wiki/x/AoDRng to learn more about the differences between Microsoft and Google file sharing features.

Yes, Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, have an Accessibility Checker to help you identify and fix accessibility issues. Here's how you can use it in each application: 

Microsoft Word 

  1. Open the Accessibility Checker: 

  2. Go to the Review tab. 

  3. Click on Check Accessibility. 

  4. Review and Address Findings: 

  5. The Accessibility pane will open on the right side of the screen. 

  6. Review the list of errors, warnings, and tips. Each item will have a description and suggestions on how to fix it. 

Microsoft Excel 

  1. Open the Accessibility Checker: 

  2. Go to the Review tab. 

  3. Click on Check Accessibility. 

  4. Review and Address Findings: 

  5. The Accessibility pane will open on the right side of the screen. 

  6. Review the list of errors, warnings, and tips. Each item will have a description and suggestions on how to fix it. 

Microsoft PowerPoint 

  1. Open the Accessibility Checker: 

  2. Go to the Review tab. 

  3. Click on Check Accessibility. 

  4. Review and Address Findings: 

  5. The Accessibility pane will open on the right side of the screen. 

  6. Review the list of errors, warnings, and tips. Each item will have a description and suggestions on how to fix it. 

Microsoft Outlook 

  1. Open the Accessibility Checker: 

  2. When composing or replying to an email, go to the Review tab. 

  3. Click on Check Accessibility. 

  4. Review and Address Findings: 

  5. The Accessibility pane will open on the right side of the screen. 

  6. Review the list of errors, warnings, and tips. Each item will have a description and suggestions on how to fix it. 

Best Practices for Accessibility 

  • Use Built-in Styles: Helps screen readers navigate your content more easily. 

  • Add Alt Text to Images: Provides descriptions for users with visual impairments. 

  • Ensure Sufficient Contrast: Improves readability for users with visual impairments 

Please visit https://fredonia-edu.atlassian.net/wiki/x/A4CLkQ for additional opportunities for training and assistance. As always, please feel free to request assistance by emailing help@fredonia.edu.