Functions & Features: 

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform that enables on-demand remote computing capabilities via a Microsoft data center. Azure offers a suite of over 200 products and services. Many services are scalable with pay-as-you-go pricing. 

Azure services and products include: 

• Data sharing, storage, backup, and archiving services 
• Data analysis and processing tools 
• Virtual machines 
• High-performance computing 
• AI and machine learning tools 
• Database services  
• Web and application development and hosting 

Useful links for researchers:  

• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 

Availability & Cost: 

• Azure is available at a cost to all faculty and staff with an active MacID.   

Access: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Start Here with Azure (MacID sign in required)  

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)  
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Microsoft Azure (MacID sign in required) 
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help? 
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Microsoft Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Alternative Options: 

• Research & High-Performance Computing Support (RHPCS)

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

Microsoft Bookings is a web-based appointment scheduling application. The creator can customize bookable hours, available services and personnel, booking rules, and manage reminders and communications. The user can book, reschedule, and cancel appointments via a unique booking webpage.  

Useful links for researchers: 

• Stay up to with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 
• Microsoft Bookings for additional information on features and functionality 

Availability & Cost: 

• Bookings is available without cost to all faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID. 

Access: 

• McMaster’s M365 Portal (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required) 

Compatibility: 

• Bookings is accessible via Outlook and Teams.  
• Bookings is available via web browser across all operating systems. 

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)  
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Bookings (MacID sign in required) 
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help? 
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility: 

• For both creators and users: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Microsoft Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required).

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

Copilot is a generative AI chat assistant that can perform various tasks. Copilot can search for information online or in PDFs and answer questions about webpages, uploaded files, or screenshots. Additionally, Copilot can be used to generate content such as summaries, presentation scripts, draft emails, project outlines, code, and images, and can also be used to improve or rewrite existing content or assist with data analysis.

Copilot performs these functions by responding to prompts from the user. Chat sessions may be limited to a certain number of prompts and prompts may be limited to a certain number of characters.

When using Copilot with your MacID@mcmaster email and password, you are in protected mode. While using protected mode, Microsoft won’t use your data and your data isn’t used to train foundation models, prompts and responses are logged and retained by McMaster for audit, and institutional data (including emails and SharePoint sites) cannot be accessed by Copilot.

Useful links for researchers:  

• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required)
• Copilot FAQs (MacID sign in required)
• Prompt library (MacID sign in required)
• Generative AI resources for McMaster researchers
• Additional generative AI guidelines at McMaster

Availability & Cost: 

• Protected Copilot is available without cost to all faculty and staff with an active MacID.

Access: 

• Access Copilot with data protection (MacID sign in required)

Compatibility: 

• Copilot is available via web browser across all operating systems
• Copilot is available as an application on Windows 11
• Copilot mobile app is compatible with iOS and Android

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)  
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Copilot (MacID sign in required)
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help? 
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)
• AI guidelines and support, including requests for customized field-specific guidance: McMaster’s AI Advisory Committee

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 
• Copilot with Data Protection at McMaster Terms of Use & Governance (MacID sign in required)
• Enterprise data protection in Copilot
• Federal guidelines on the use of generative artificial intelligence

Accessibility: 

• For both creators and users: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Zoom Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Alternative Options: 

• Services centrally supported: Scite, Dimensions Research GPT
• Other options (not centrally supported): Information from the Provost on generative AI tools

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application that enables the organization, manipulation, analysis, and visualization of data. Workbooks can be accessed and stored on a desktop computer, while cloud storage via OneDrive or SharePoint enables real-time co-authoring where multiple users can simultaneously edit the same workbook from different devices and locations. 

Useful links for researchers: 

• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 
• Excel help & learning for trending topics and more 

Availability & Cost: 

• Excel is available without cost to all faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID.  

Working with people outside McMaster: 

• By sharing an excel workbook you can collaborate with anyone outside of McMaster, even if they do not have a Microsoft license. 

Access: 

• McMaster’s M365 Portal (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required) 
• To download Excel, sign in to the M365 Portal, and click the “Install apps” dropdown menu. 

Compatibility: 

• Use the search bar in Excel help & learning to stay up to date on compatibility. 
• Excel Online is available via web browser across all operating systems. 

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)  
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Microsoft Excel (MacID sign in required) 
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help? 
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)
• Data analysis and visualization support: McMaster’s Data Analysis Support Hub 

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Microsoft Excel Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Alternative Options: 

• Services centrally supported: None 
• Other options (not centrally supported): Google Sheets 

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

Microsoft Forms is an online survey and data collection tool, designed to share surveys, quizzes, and polls. Results are automatically collected and stored, and Forms provides various tools for analysis. Form creators can work collaboratively to generate questions, designate response options, establish branching logic, insert images or videos, and select themes. Users can access the created form via link, QR code, or email invitation. Data from Forms can be easily exported into an Excel workbook.  

Useful links for researchers:  

• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 
• Microsoft Forms help & learning for trending topics and more 
• Microsoft Forms Integration with other M365 products 

Availability & Cost: 

• Microsoft Forms is available without cost to all faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID.  

Access: 

• McMaster’s M365 Portal (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required) 

Compatibility: 

• Use the search bar in Microsoft Forms help & learning to stay up to date on compatibility. 
• Forms is available via web browser across all operating systems. 

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)  
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Microsoft Forms (MacID sign in required) 
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help? 
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility: 

• For both creators and users: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Microsoft Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Alternative Options: 

• Comparing Survey Software Options at McMaster 
• Services centrally supported: REDCap, LimeSurvey
  (Researchers in Faculty of Social Sciences may access Qualtrics without cost via Spark) 
• Other options (not centrally supported): Google Forms, SurveyMonkey 

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

Microsoft Lists is a list-based organization application that allows users to create, manage, and track lists of items via web browser or mobile app. Templates are available for various list-based functions including issue tracking, asset management, employee onboarding, event itinerary, and work progress tracker. Listed items can be assigned to users and may also include status tracking, due dates, priority levels, tags, labels, attachments, comments, and dependencies. Lists can be viewed and sorted in many ways. Users can create and populate lists collaboratively and permissions can be managed.  

Useful links for researchers:  

• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 
• Microsoft Lists help & learning for trending topics and more 
• Microsoft Lists templates 

Availability & Cost: 

• Lists is available without cost to all faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID.

Working with people outside McMaster: 

• By sharing a list or list item, you can collaborate with anyone outside of McMaster, even if they do not have a Microsoft license. 

Access: 

• McMaster’s M365 Portal (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required) 
• Download Lists for iOS and Android

Compatibility: 

• Use the search bar in Microsoft Lists help & learning to stay up to date on compatibility. 
• Lists is available via web browser across all operating systems. 

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)  
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Lists (MacID sign in required) 
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help? 
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)

Privacy/Security considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required)  

Accessibility: 

• For both creators and users: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Microsoft Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Alternative Options: 

Services centrally supported: Microsoft To Do, Microsoft Planner

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage platform that allows users to store, organize, and access their personal files from anywhere. OneDrive can be synced to your computer. Files and folders on OneDrive can be shared with others, enabling real-time co-authoring. The OneDrive platform also enables navigation and access to shared files from SharePoint or other’s OneDrive. 

Useful links for researchers:  

• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 
• OneDrive help & learning for trending topics and more 

Availability & Cost: 

• OneDrive is available without cost to all faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID. 

Working with people outside McMaster: 

• By sharing a file or folder, you can collaborate with anyone outside of McMaster, even if they do not have a Microsoft license.  

Access: 

• McMaster’s M365 Portal (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required) 
• Download Microsoft OneDrive App

Compatibility: 

• Use the search bar in OneDrive help & learning to stay up to date on compatibility. 
• OneDrive is available via web browser across all operating systems. 

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)  
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – OneDrive (MacID sign in required) 
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help?
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)  
• Research data management support: McMaster’s Research Data Management Team 

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – OneDrive Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Alternative Options: 

• McMaster Research Data Storage Finder 

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

OneNote is a digital note-taking application that allows users to organize, store, and share notes and multimedia content. Touch-enabled devices or digital pens can be used to sketch or write directly on OneNote pages. OneNote notebooks can be stored locally on your device or on SharePoint. By default, notebooks are stored on OneDrive, allowing multiple users to simultaneously work on shared notebooks.  

Useful links for researchers: 

• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 
• OneNote help & learning for trending topics and more 
• OneNote Class Notebooks 
• OneNote Staff Notebooks 

Availability & Cost: 

• OneNote is available without cost to all faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID. 

Working with people outside McMaster: 

• By sharing a OneNote notebook, you can collaborate with anyone outside of McMaster, even if they do not have a Microsoft license. 

Access: 

• McMaster’s M365 Portal (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required) 
• Download OneNote for desktop and mobile 

Compatibility: 

• Use the search bar in OneNote help & learning to stay up to date on compatibility. 
• OneNote is available via web browser across all operating systems. 

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)  
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – OneNote (MacID sign in required) 
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help? 
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – OneNote Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

Microsoft Outlook is an email and personal information management application. Users can manage their emails, calendars, contacts, and tasks. McMaster’s email service is powered by M365.  

Useful links for researchers:  

• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 
• Outlook help & learning for trending topics and more 
• Use My Day in Outlook to manage tasks 
• Using contacts in Outlook 

Availability & Cost: 

• Outlook is available without cost to all faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID. 

Access: 

• McMaster’s M365 Portal (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required) 
• To download Outlook, sign in to the M365 Portal, and click the “Install apps” dropdown menu.

Compatibility: 

• Use the search bar in Outlook help & learning to stay up to date on compatibility. 
• Outlook is available via web browser across all operating systems.

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)  
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Outlook (MacID sign in required) 
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help? 
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Outlook Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Alternative Options: 

• Services centrally supported: None 
• Other options (not centrally supported): Gmail 

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

Microsoft Planner is a task management application that can help teams and individuals organize and track work and manage projects. Planner enables creation and assignment of task and due dates, progress tracking, and file attachments. Tasks are visually represented in buckets or lists. Planner allows owners to control the permission levels of team members. 

Useful links for researchers: 

• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 
• Planner help & learning for trending topics and more 

Availability & Cost: 

• Planner is available without cost to all faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID.  

Working with people outside McMaster: 

• Guest access allows individuals outside of McMaster to participate in a plan with limited functionality.  

Access: 

• McMaster’s M365 Portal (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required) 
• Download Planner for iOS and Android 

Compatibility: 

• Use the search bar in Planner help & learning to stay up to date on compatibility. 
• Planner is available via web browser across all operating systems. 

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)  
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Planner (MacID sign in required) 
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help? 
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Planner Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Alternative Options: 

• Services centrally supported: Microsoft To Do, Microsoft Lists 

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

Power BI is a business intelligence platform that allows users to connect, transform, and visualize data from multiple sources, enabling deeper data insights and report publishing. Features include data modeling, interactive visualizations, advanced analytics, and AI integration. Data and reports can be stored locally and accessed via Power BI Desktop. Power BI Pro enables collaborative functionality where multiple users can simultaneously work on the same report or dashboard from different devices and locations.  

Useful links for researchers:  

• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 

Availability & Cost: 

• Power BI Desktop is available without cost to all faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID. 
• There are costs associated with Power BI Pro licensing. 

Access: 

• McMaster’s M365 Portal (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required) 
• Download Power BI 

Compatibility: 

• Consult Download Power BI tools and apps or use the search bar in Power BI Support to stay up to date on compatibility. 
• Power BI is available via web browser across all operating systems. 

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)  
• Self-directed Support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Microsoft Power BI (MacID sign in required) 
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help? 
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)
• Community support: McMaster’s Power BI Community on Teams 

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Power BI Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation software that enables the creation of slideshows. A wide selection of templates, themes, and design tools, allow combinations of text, images, charts, and multimedia, with animations and transitions. Presentations can be accessed and stored on a desktop computer, while cloud storage via OneDrive or SharePoint enables real-time co-authoring where multiple users can simultaneously edit the same presentation from different devices and locations. 

Useful links for researchers: 

• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 
• PowerPoint help & learning for trending topics and more 
• PowerPoint design templates 

Availability & Cost: 

• PowerPoint is available without cost to all faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID. 

Working with people outside McMaster: 

• By sharing a PowerPoint presentation, you can collaborate with anyone outside of McMaster, even if they do not have a Microsoft license. 

Access: 

• McMaster’s M365 Portal (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required) 
• To download PowerPoint, sign in to the M365 Portal, and click the “Install apps” dropdown menu.  

Compatibility: 

• Use the search bar in PowerPoint help & learning to stay up to date on compatibility. 
• PowerPoint is available via web browser across all operating systems. 

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)  
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Microsoft PowerPoint (MacID sign in required) 
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help?
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – PowerPoint Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Alternative Options: 

• Services centrally supported: None 
• Other options (not centrally supported): Google Slides  

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

SharePoint is a cloud storage platform designed for groups to collaboratively store, organize, and access their files from anywhere. Permissions can be customized to ensure that individuals and groups can access SharePoint sites and folders befitting their roles. 

McMaster distinguishes four types of SharePoint site: 

• When a team is created in Microsoft Teams, this automatically creates a SharePoint site. Documents that are created on Teams are stored on this SharePoint, and those files can be navigated and accessed via Teams or SharePoint. 
• A standalone SharePoint site enables collaborative file sharing.  
• A SharePoint communications site enables the presentation and navigation of stored files in a manner that is similar to a website.  
• A SharePoint Hub site can link multiple SharePoint sites together, enabling unified search functionality and instant cross-site navigation. SharePoint Hubs are useful for streamlining navigation between multiple organizationally or thematically related SharePoint sites. 

Access to any McMaster SharePoint site requires an active MacID, and permissions can be further customized. Websites may thereby link to SharePoint to easily manage access to sensitive information. SharePoint communication sites may be used as a McMaster intranet.  

Useful links for researchers: 

• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 
• SharePoint help & learning for trending topics and more 
• Get started with SharePoint 

Availability & Cost: 

• All faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID can access SharePoint and navigate McMaster’s SharePoint sites as permissions allow. 
• All faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID can use Microsoft Teams to create a SharePoint site.  
• Standalone SharePoint sites, SharePoint communication sites, and SharePoint Hub sites can be created for faculty and staff with an active MacID.  

Working with people outside McMaster: 

• Access to McMaster’s SharePoint requires an active MacID.  
• Individual files or folders can be shared with anyone outside of McMaster, even if they do not have a Microsoft license.  

Access: 

• McMaster’s M365 Portal (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required) 
• Download SharePoint Mobile App  
• Dedicated SharePoint sites, SharePoint communication sites, and SharePoint Hub sites are created by UTS upon request. Visit Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Sharepoint (MacID sign in required) to learn more. 

Compatibility: 

• Use the search bar in SharePoint help & learning to stay up to date on compatibility. 
• SharePoint is available via web browser across all operating systems. 

Support: 

When creating a dedicated SharePoint site, SharePoint communication site, or SharePoint Hub site, UTS will provide a consultation, site provision, and additional training on site utilization and management.   

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)  
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – SharePoint (MacID sign in required) 
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help?  
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)
• Research data management support: McMaster’s Research Data Management Team 

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility: 

• For both creators and users: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – SharePoint Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Alternative Options: 

• McMaster Research Data Storage Finder 

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

Microsoft Sway is a presentation tool for creating web-based experiences. Presentations can be accessed as a standalone web-based presentation or embedded into alternative websites. Automated design features and templates ensure simplicity and ease of use. Sway also enables multimedia integration and dynamic content arrangements. Multiple users can edit a Sway presentation. Published Sway presentations can be shared or downloaded. 

Useful links for researchers:  

• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 
• Sway help & learning for trending topics and more 

Availability & Cost: 

• Sway is available without cost to all faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID.  

Working with people outside McMaster: 

• You can choose to make a Sway presentation viewable by anyone with a link, limit access to individuals with a MacID, or limit access to specific individuals. 

Access: 

• McMaster’s M365 Portal (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required) 

Compatibility: 

• Sway is available via web browser across all operating systems. 

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)  
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Sway (MacID sign in required) 
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help? 
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility: 

• For both creators and users: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Sway Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Alternative Options: 

• Services centrally supported: Adobe Creative Cloud is freely available at certain locations on campus including Lyons New Media Centre in Mills Memorial Library. Consult your faculty on Adobe licensing. 
• Other options (not centrally supported): all Ontario post-secondary institutions have free access to the education version of PressBooks. 

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

Microsoft Teams is a collaboration and communication platform that offers a chat-based interface, video meeting capability, and file sharing features. Files that are organized and accessed via Teams are stored on SharePoint. Users can create teams to organize groups and define channels within each team to manage discussion and collaboration as desired. 

Useful links for researchers:  

• Transcription guidance for Teams (MacID sign in required) 
• Using video conferencing platforms for collecting data from human participants
• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 
• Microsoft Teams help & learning for featured topics and more 
• Use apps in Microsoft Teams 

Availability & Cost: 

• McMaster’s Teams is available without cost to all faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID. 

Working with people outside McMaster: 

• By adding a guest to a team you can collaborate on Teams with anyone outside of McMaster. Consult the Terms of Use (MacID sign in required) relevant to guest access. 

Access:

• McMaster’s M365 Portal (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required) 
• Download Teams for Desktop and Mobile 

Compatibility: 

• Use the search bar in Microsot Teams help & learning to stay up to date on compatibility. 
• Teams is available via web browser across all operating systems. 

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required) 
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Microsoft Teams (MacID sign in required) 
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help? 
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Teams Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Alternative Options: 

• Services centrally supported: Zoom
• Other options (not centrally supported): Slack, Google Meet 

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

Microsoft To Do is a personal cloud-based task management application that allows users to create tasks, establish due dates and priorities, and set notifications. To Do is integrated with Outlook and Teams. 

Useful links for researchers:  

• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 
• To Do help & learning for trending topics and more 
• Use To Do in Outlook 

Availability & Cost:  

• To Do is available without cost to all faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID. 

Access:  

• McMaster’s M365 Portal (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required) 
• Download Microsoft To Do 
• To Do is integrated into the Outlook app and can be accessed via the navigation pane, the vertical bar on the left edge of the Outlook window. 

Compatibility: 

• Use the search bar in To Do help & learning to stay up to date on compatibility. 
• To Do is available via web browser across all operating systems. 

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)  
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – ToDo (MacID sign in required) 
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help? 
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility:  

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – To Do Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Alternative Options: 

• Services centrally supported: Microsoft Planner, Microsoft Lists 

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

Visio is a diagram and vector graphics software that can be used to create professional charts and diagrams. Drawings are created by adding and adjusting shapes, and templates are available for the creation of flowcharts, organizational charts, network and cloud architecture diagrams, and infographics. Visio web enables real-time co-authoring where multiple users can simultaneously edit the same drawing from different devices and locations. Completed drawings can also be saved in PDF, PNG, or JPEG formats. 

Useful links for researchers:  

• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 

Availability & Cost: 

• Visio web is available without cost to all faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID. Advanced functionality is available with the purchase of Visio Plan 1 and Plan 2. 

Working with people outside McMaster: 

• By sharing a drawing, you can collaborate with anyone outside of McMaster, even if they do not have a Microsoft license. 

Access:  

• McMaster’s M365 Portal (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required) 

Compatibility: 

• Visio Web is available via web browser across all operating systems. 

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required) 
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Visio (MacID sign in required)  
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help?
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Visio Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

Whiteboard simplifies collaboration in hybrid workplaces and classrooms. Users can brainstorm, plan, and share ideas in real time on a digital canvas. It supports activities such as running meetings, brainstorming sessions, and sprint planning. Available templates can structure whiteboard work in alternative ways, including affinity diagrams for brainstorming or data analysis and cause-and-effect diagrams for mapping out causes to a problem.

Useful links for researchers:  

• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required)
• Getting started with Microsoft Whiteboard

Availability & Cost: 

• Whiteboard is available without cost to all faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID.   

Working with people outside McMaster: 

• By sharing a Whiteboard you can collaborate with anyone outside of McMaster, even if they do not have a Microsoft license.

Access: 

• McMaster’s M365 Portal (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required)
• Download Whiteboard for Windows
• Download Whiteboard for iOS and Android
• Whiteboard can also be accessed during Teams Meetings, in Teams channels, and pinned to the Teams navigation bar

Compatibility: 

• Use the search bar in Whiteboard help & learning to stay up to date on compatibility.
• Whiteboard is available via web browser across all operating systems.

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help? 
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility: 

• For both creators and users: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Zoom Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Alternative Options: 

• Services centrally supported: None
• Other options (not centrally supported): Google Jamboard, Miro

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

Microsoft Word is a word processing software that enables creation, formatting, and editing of text documents. Documents can be accessed and stored on a desktop computer, while cloud storage via OneDrive or SharePoint enables real-time co-authoring where multiple users can simultaneously edit the same document from different devices and locations. 

Useful links for researchers: 

• Transcription guidance for Word (MacID sign in required) 
• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 
• Word help & learning for trending topics and more 
• Cool stuff in Microsoft Word 
• Microsoft Word design and layout templates 

Availability & Cost: 

• Word is available without cost to all faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID.  

Working with people outside McMaster: 

• By sharing a Word document, you can collaborate with anyone outside of McMaster, even if they do not have a Microsoft license. 

Access: 

• McMaster’s M365 Portal (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required) 
• To download Word, sign in to the M365 Portal, and click the “Install apps” dropdown menu.

Compatibility: 

• Use the search bar in Word help & learning to stay up to date on compatibility. 
• Word Online is available via web browser across all operating systems.

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)  
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Microsoft Word (MacID sign in required) 
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help? 
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Word Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Alternative Options: 

• Services centrally supported: OneNote
• Other options (not centrally supported): Google Docs 

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.

Functions & Features: 

Zoom is a video conference and online communication platform that can be used to host and record virtual meetings. 

Useful links for researchers:  

• Transcription guidance for Zoom (MacID sign in required) 
• Using video conferencing platforms for collecting data from human participants
• Stay up to date with all new features and announcements (MacID sign in required) 
• Zoom Meeting Features 

Availability & Cost: 

• Zoom is available without cost to all faculty, staff, and current students with an active MacID.   
• Enhanced features including Webinar hosting are available for purchase.

Working with people outside McMaster: 

• You can host meetings with anyone outside of McMaster, even if they do not have an institutional license.  

Access: 

• McMaster Zoom Video Conferencing (MacID@mcmaster.ca sign in required) 
• Download Zoom for desktop and mobile

Compatibility: 

• Consult Downloading and Installing Zoom to stay up to date on compatibility. 
• Zoom is available via web browser across all operating systems. 

Support: 

• Contact: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Book a Consultation or Training Session (MacID sign in required)  
• Self-directed support: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Zoom (MacID sign in required) 
• Technical support: University Technology Services – Need Help? 
• Playlists & Training Consultations/Events (MacID sign in required)

Privacy/Security Considerations: 

• Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Privacy and Security FAQs (MacID sign in required) 

Accessibility: 

• For both creators and users: Discover M365 and Zoom Support at McMaster – Zoom Accessibility Resources (MacID sign in required) 

Alternative Options: 

• Services centrally supported: Microsoft Teams
• Other options (not centrally supported): Google Meet

Do you have unanswered questions? Let us know.