What is Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 is a comprehensive software suite that helps you complete your study tasks efficiently. Whether you want to create and edit documents, design layouts or collaborate with others, you'll find everything you need here.
The Microsoft 365 package also includes access to Microsoft Teams. With Teams, you can chat, exchange files, brainstorm and hold (video) meetings. It makes communicating and collaborating with your fellow students much easier. ‘By adding Microsoft 365 to the software portfolio for students, we have succeeded in providing access to a comprehensive tool for modern studying and working across the university,’ summarises Markus Ankner, who is responsible for the service at the ZID.
Pure flexibility
Microsoft 365 is extremely flexible to use: you can use apps as a desktop app for local use or as a web app in your browser. Some apps are also available as mobile apps. With a single license, the software can be used on up to 5 desktop devices (PCs or Macs) plus 5 tablets and 5 smartphones. You can be logged in on 5 devices at the same time – a great advantage when using the apps on the go on your smartphone and at home on your desktop device. So you are well equipped everywhere and at all times.
Easy and secure access
When you order Microsoft 365, a personal Microsoft account is set up for you. You can then use your u:account to log in to the service, which is not only practical but also secure. Markus Ankner explains: ‘Microsoft 365 at the University of Vienna places a high value on data protection and security. Registration for Microsoft services takes place on the ZID's own infrastructure. This means that passwords remain on the University of Vienna's servers.’
What makes Microsoft stand out?
With Microsoft 365, you get a real power tool that offers you a whole range of advantages. The most important of these are:
An extensive range of tools
From the classic Office apps to layout and design programs and collaboration and organisation tools, it has everything. You probably know Word, Excel and PowerPoint, but have you ever heard of Visio? Or do you know the difference between OneDrive and OneNote? Here is an overview:
Office apps
- Word: perfect for writing and designing documents.
- Excel: ideal for data analysis and visualisation.
- PowerPoint: great for impressive presentations.
Layout and visualisation
- Publisher: create cool layouts for brochures, flyers and more.
- Visio: create meaningful visualisations with a range of templates and customisable shapes.
Planning and organisation
- OneNote: your digital notebook for everything – texts, images, files and more. Share and edit notes together.
- Planner: Organise your (degree programme) tasks easily and clearly.
- OneDrive: Save and share your files in the cloud.
Collaboration
- Teams: Work together via chats and video meetings.
- Whiteboard: Use the drawing area for visual collaboration.
You can find a list of all available apps and functions here.
Access from anywhere, anytime
You can log in via the Microsoft 365 portal and use all applications directly as a web app. Many apps are also available as a desktop version. Everything is designed for use in the cloud, so your documents and settings are synchronised across all devices and you can access them from anywhere. All you need is an internet connection – at least once every 30 days, otherwise Microsoft 365 switches to a mode with restricted functionality. Then documents can only be read and printed, but not edited, until you log in again.
Microsoft 365 portal (login with your Microsoft account of the University of Vienna)
Real-time collaboration
With Microsoft 365, you can collaborate in real time with others on projects and tasks. Share and edit documents with your fellow students via Teams and OneDrive. This makes group projects much more easier!
Cloud storage
With OneDrive, you get free cloud storage. You can use it to store and save data in Microsoft 365 and access it at any time.
Artificial intelligence (AI) support
With your Microsoft account of the University of Vienna, you can also access Microsoft Copilot with Enterprise Data Protection – a standalone AI chat application that is specifically designed for the University of Vienna with special security measures. Enterprise Data Protection is activated by logging in with the University of Vienna's Microsoft account.
On the studying web pages, you can find information about AI in studies and teaching.
Data protection and security
The University of Vienna's Microsoft 365 set-up places a great deal of importance on data protection and security, especially in a university environment where sensitive data or academic (research) results are handled. The data protection page provides comprehensive information on the data protection aspects that have been taken into account for Microsoft 365 at the University of Vienna.
You need multi-factor authentication (MFA) to log in to Microsoft 365. Securing with a second factor is an essential component for the security of the university's IT infrastructure.
How do you get Microsoft 365?
You can easily order Microsoft 365 for free via AcadCloud. A Microsoft account and a personal license will be created for you. Check your e-mail inbox after ordering – you will receive all important information about your license and how to use the software at your university e-mail address. Please note that it can take up to 2 hours after ordering for your access to be available.
Use the user guide Microsoft 365 for students.
Are you currently using Microsoft 365 Apps?
The Microsoft 365 Apps software will soon be discontinued. You can no longer extend the license and you will no longer be able to use the software after the termination of the u:account. Therefore, the ZID recommends immediately switching to Microsoft 365 for students. To do so, first return the Microsoft 365 Apps for Students (1-year subscription) product via AcadCloud and then order the free Microsoft 365 – Office Apps and Teams product.
Please make sure to save any data from OneDrive that you still need before returning Microsoft 365 Apps for Students (1-year subscription).
Where can I find information and help?
For information and user guides, go to the Microsoft 365 service page.
If you have specific questions about Microsoft 365 at the University of Vienna, please use the Servicedesk form Microsoft 365.
For questions about the ordering process, go to the AcadCloud support page.