Lync/Communicator Support

Microsoft Lync is the latest unified communications solution from Microsoft that facilitates online collaboration through rich features such as Instant Messaging (IM), Presence, AV/Web Conferencing, Whiteboarding, Desktop Sharing, Application Sharing and File Transfers. Lync is available for both Windows and Mac platforms.

  • Getting Started |
  • Microsoft Lync for Windows |
  • Communicator for the Mac

  • Usability |
  • Online Meetings |
  • Lync Tips and Documentation

    • Getting Started

    1. What platforms are supported?
      • Windows:
        Operating System: Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP SP3
        Processor: Intel Pentium 4, AMD Athlon 64, or equivalent
        Memory: Windows 7 or Windows Vista: 2 GB
        Video memory: 128 MB
        Windows XP SP3: 1GB
        Voice: Compatible microphone and speakers
      • Mac:
        Operating System: Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later
        Processor: Intel-based
        Memory: 1GB
        Video: memory: 64 MB
        Voice: Compatible microphone and speakers
        Web Browser Safari 5
    2. How do I obtain the Microsoft Lync client?
      Microsoft Lync for Windows is available to all faculty and staff of Texas AgriLIFE Extension, AgriLIFE Research and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Contact FirstCall or your local IT resource for installation assistance.

      UPDATE NOTICE:
      Windows Users:
      Please make sure to download and install the April 2011 Hotfix Update for your operating system:

    3. How do I obtain the Communicator for Mac?
      Communicator for Mac is distributed with Office 2011. If you do not already have Office 2011 contact FirstCall or your local IT resource to obtain the Communicator Client installer.

      Update Notice
      **Once Communicator is installed it is important that you check for updates. An issue exists in version 13.0.0 that will prevent you from logging in.**

    4. What username and password do I use to login?
      You login using your Exchange account and password (e.g. firstname.lastname@agnet.tamu.edu and Outlook password).
    5. Who can I contact if I have more questions?
      Please contact FirstCall at (866) 996- 2056 or first-call@tamu.edu for more information.

    Back to top

    Microsoft Lync on Windows

    1. How do I disable Microsoft Lync from starting automatically when I login to Windows?
      • Tools->Options
      • Select Personal
      • De-Select Automatically start Lync when I log on to Windows

      screenshot

    2. Where can I get more information about Lync for Windows?
      Click on a link below for specific information (videos):

    Back to top

    Communicator for the Mac

    1. Where can I get more information about Communicator?
      Click on a link below for specific information:

    Back to top

    Usability

    1. Is Microsoft Lync accessible off-campus?
      Yes. Microsoft Lync is accessible off-campus.
    2. Are there any limitations to the number of contacts or groups I may add to my contact list?
      Groups are limited to 30 and contacts are limited to 250.
    3. What are activity feeds?
      Lync’s Activity Feed displays your contacts, their current status (“Heading to a meeting”) messages and their availability.
    4. How long will my instant message conversations be saved to my email?
      Instant messages are not saved by default. If you save an instant message conversation to Outlook, it will remain in the Conversation History folder for 90 days.
    5. Are there any 3rd party Instant Message clients that support Microsoft Lync?
      Currently, there are no supported third party instant messaging clients that support Microsoft Lync. However, it is expected they will become available.
    6. Can I access Microsoft Lync from a mobile device?
      As of January 2012, mobile clients have become available for Droid, Apple and Windows Mobile Devices. Check the App market for your devices and search for "Lync" to download and install.
    7. Can I sign on to Microsoft Lync from multiple clients simultaneously?
      Yes, you can be signed onto multiple clients simultaneously.

    Back to top

    Online Meetings

    1. How to Create an online meeting request
    2. How to Start an unscheduled online meeting or conference call
    3. Can external users participate in online meetings?
      Yes external users can participate, but they will not be able to utilize the audio function of Lync nor serve as a presenter. External users must call in using a conference call number.

    Lync/Communicator Tips & Other Documentation

     

    • Under Development

    Back to top