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Exploring the OneDrive homepage

Posted on by Cathy Rodriguez

The OneDrive homepage isn’t just for simple file access; it’s a central hub for efficiently managing your files across Microsoft 365, regardless of their source. Think of it as a one-stop shop for all of your files. Plus, you can easily access OneDrive within Outlook and Teams (left navigation pane), streamlining your file management process.

Navigating the OneDrive Homepage

The left-hand menu provides quick access to different file locations:

  • My files – Your personal files and folders stored in OneDrive.
  • Shared – View files and folders that you have shared or that have been shared with you.
  • Favorites – Mark important files as favorites for easy access.
  • Recycle bin – Contains deleted files, which can be restored or permanently removed.
  • Browse files by: Filter files by people, meetings or media.
  • Quick access: Links to your frequently used storage locations.

Main Content Area

The center of the homepage displays your files and folders. You can organize and sort them by:

  • Name: Alphabetical order.
  • Modified Date: Sort by most or least recently edited.
  • File Size: Arrange files by their storage size.
  • Owner: View file ownership details.

Benefits of Using OneDrive

  • Access anywhere – Work on your files from any device with an internet connection.
  • Real-time collaboration – Edit documents with colleagues simultaneously.
  • Secure storage – Microsoft’s built-in security features help protect your data.

By understanding the OneDrive homepage layout, you can maximize your productivity and streamline file management. For more advanced features, explore OneDrive’s integration with Microsoft 365 applications.

Microsoft New Homepage Layout
Click to enlarge.

Homepage Layout

The homepage features:

  1. Add New: Add new documents, folders or upload existing documents/folders.
  2. Left navigation pane: various ways to browse your files.
  3. For you: file recommendations designed just for you.
  4. Recent: recent files where you can view all files or filter by application or person.

Continue reading “Exploring the OneDrive homepage” →

Email collaboration with Microsoft Loop

Posted on by Cathy Rodriguez

Loop components in Outlook make collaboration more manageable by allowing you to co-create content. No more back-and-forth messages or version confusion. With Loop, updates are instant, and everyone stays on the same page.

Click to enlarge.

Types of Loop components 

  • Bulleted list
  • Checklist
  • Numbered list
  • Paragraph
  • Table
  • Task List
  • Q&A
  • Voting table
  • Progress tracker
  • Kanban board
  • Team retrospective

Inserting Loop component

  1. Start an email as usual, then click the Loop button on the toolbar.
  2. Select the Loop component you want to use.
  3. Note: The Loop component is saved automatically, so you can instantly start collaborating.

If you have any questions, join the KSU Teams Support channel.

Save time by using Outlook templates

Posted on by Cathy Rodriguez

Microsoft Outlook logoDo you find yourself writing the same email over and over? Save time and streamline your workflow by using templates in Outlook on the web. Whether you frequently send meeting requests, status updates, or responses to common inquiries, templates can help you work smarter, not harder.

Creating and using email templates in Outlook on the web

Creating a template

  1. Compose a new email message as you normally would and then copy the message.
  2. On the toolbar, click the Message tab.
  3. On the toolbar, click the My Templates button.
  4. Click the + Template link.
  5. Give your template a name and paste your message into the text box.
  6. Click Save to store your template for future use.

Using a saved template

  1. Open a new email.
  2. On the toolbar, click the Message tab.
  3. On the toolbar, click the My Templates button.
  4. Click on the three-dot menu in the email toolbar.
  5. Customize as needed and hit Send.

By integrating email templates into your workflow, you’ll reduce repetitive typing, improve response times, and maintain consistent messaging.

Send an encrypted email in Outlook

Posted on by Cathy Rodriguez

Email encryption is used to encode the content of email messages to protect potentially sensitive information from being read by anyone other than the intended recipients. Encryption makes the content of your emails unreadable as they travel to the recipient.

You can encrypt messages by using the encrypt button on the toolbar or by typing one of the following keywords at the beginning of the subject line followed by a colon:

  • PCI:
  • PHI:
  • confidential:
  • secure:
  • encrypt:

Encrypt an email using the Encrypt button in Outlook on the web

  1. Sign in to Outlook on the web.
  2. Create your email message as usual.
  3. Click the Options tab and then click the Encrypt button.
  4. Choose Encrypt or any of the other permission options.
  5. Send the message.

You can also encrypt email in the desktop apps. See the Sending encrypted email in Outlook knowledge base article for instructions on how to encrypt emails on the desktop apps.

Organize your workflow with Microsoft Lists

Posted on by Cathy Rodriguez

Microsoft Lists is a simple yet powerful app that helps you organize, track, and collaborate on tasks and information. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, making managing work across your existing tools easy.

Why use Microsoft Lists?

  • Boost productivity: Reduce manual tracking and let Lists do the heavy lifting.
  • Improve collaboration : Keep everyone aligned with a central source of information.
  • Stay flexible: Customize lists to match your unique workflow.
  • Enhance visibility : See project progress at a glance with different viewing options.

How to Use Microsoft Lists for workflow organization Continue reading “Organize your workflow with Microsoft Lists” →

Find the status of IT services

Posted on by Cathy Rodriguez

Do you need to check the status of an IT service? K-State continuously monitors core IT services and related components. Service updates are available on the IT Status Hub, categorized as follows:

  • Up (green): Service is running and fully functional.
  • Affected (yellow): Service is experiencing partial disruptions.
    Note: Some services may be marked as Affected during maintenance windows or intermittent disruptions.
  • Down (red): Service is currently unavailable.

On the IT Status Hub page, you can also see notifications of any current events, a maintenance calendar and a service history.

 

 

 

Free printing on the Manhattan campus

Posted on by Christine Doucette

Do you need to print something? A limited amount of free printing is available for K-State students, faculty and staff on the Manhattan campus. K-Staters receive $10 of free printing during the spring and fall semesters and $5 during the summer semester. Unused balances do not roll over to the next semester.

To print wirelessly, you must be on campus and connected to either the KSU Wireless or KSU Housing network. Printers are accessible in computer labs, residence halls, Hale Library and the K-State Student Union. Continue reading “Free printing on the Manhattan campus” →

Manhattan campus computer labs

Posted on by Christine Doucette

Do you need to use a computer? There are several options available at the computing labs across K-State’s Manhattan campus:

  • College of Business Admin. — Rooms: 1052, 1053, 3112, 3114 and 3121
  • Hale Library — Located on the first, second, third and fourth floors
  • K-State Student Union — First floor
  • Paul Weigel Library of AP Design — Room 1128, Regnier Hall
  • Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab — First floor, Hale Library

Continue reading “Manhattan campus computer labs” →

Stay safe this tax season

Posted on by Cathy Rodriguez

Cybercriminals ramp up attacks early in the year, often impersonating the IRS, H&R Block or TurboTax. Protect your data and keep your refund secure with these quick tips.

File early

Filing as soon as possible reduces the risk of tax fraud. Scammers use stolen Social Security numbers to file fake returns. If someone files before you, reclaiming your refund is a long process.

Use an IRS identity protection PIN(IP PIN)

An IRS IP PIN adds an extra layer of security, preventing unauthorized tax filings with your Social Security number.

Enable two-factor authentication 

Use two-factor authentication on your IRS account, tax software and bank accounts to prevent unauthorized access.

Beware of tax scams

Cybercriminals pose as the IRS, tax preparers and banks. Watch for:

  • Fake IRS contact: The IRS won’t email, text or message you.
  • Urgent threats: Scammers push for immediate action.
  • Requests for sensitive data: Never share Social Security numbers, bank information or passwords via email or phone.
  • Suspicious links and attachments: Clicking on a link or opening an attachment could install malware.

Vet your tax preparer

Ask how they protect client data, who has access and whether they use encrypted storage and secure backups.

Back up your tax records

Make digital and physical backups of your tax documents. Store electronic copies in an encrypted cloud storage service or an external hard drive or both. Keep printed copies in a secure location. The IRS generally recommends retaining tax records for three years, but depending on your situation, you may need to keep them longer.

Report scams

If you think you are the target of a tax scam, report it immediately.

Stay vigilant, file with confidence and don’t let scammers steal your refund!

Use Adobe Creative Cloud to create a multimedia experience

Posted on by Christine Doucette


All active K-State faculty and staff are eligible for a free Adobe Creative Cloud license, including Acrobat Pro DC. Adobe Creative Cloud offers over 20 applications and services, including tools for graphic design, video editing, web development, photography, mobile application creation and some optional cloud services.

With Adobe Creative Cloud tools, you can create graphics, illustrations, layouts, design pages and publish and share online videos.

Continue reading “Use Adobe Creative Cloud to create a multimedia experience” →