Use the Chat Feature

The chat feature makes it easy to have an online conversation with colleagues.


 
At the bottom right of your web page you will find a tab with a chat icon and a number in parentheses that indicates the number of people on the portal who have chat enabled. 

 
Clicking on the chat tab will open a window with the names of available chatters (indicated by a green dot beside their names). An orange dot means the user is idle. A red dot means they are busy and do not want to chat. 

 
Change your availability by clicking the down arrow to the right of your name. This will expand a menu to set your status as available (green), idle (orange) or busy (red). Mute sound with the speaker icon. Minimize the chat window by clicking the minus symbol in the upper right corner.

 
To open a chat window simple click on the name of the person you would like to have a conversation with. This will open a chat window where you can start typing your message. Hit the return button to submit your message. Clicking the paperclip icon at the bottom right of the window will allow you to attach a document from your computer. The smiley icons allow you to insert emoticons into your message.

 
When someone wants to contact you for a conversation, a tab will open with their name in it next to the usual chat tab. 

Type in the window to reply. Hit submit to send your reply to the window.

Click the "X" in the upper right of the window to close the chat. Click the "minus" to minimize the window, but not end the chat.

Group managers have the ability to disable chat for their group. This can be configured by editing the group node and navigating to the chat options in the gray vertical tabs at the bottom of the edit page.


 

Click on the gray tab at the top of your page labeled "Edit Group".

Select "Chat "Options" in the gray vertical tabs at the bottom of the edit page and click the radio button to disable chat for the group.

Individual users will also be able to disable chat by editing their account.

Scroll down to the "Chat Options" section and click the radio button to disable chat.