Best Online Ways To Stay In Touch
YOU South Africa|2 April 2020
Self-isolating doesn’t mean you have to go without seeing colleagues and loved ones – let tech come to the rescue
Jane Vorster
Best Online Ways To Stay In Touch

In a time when people need to feel most connected, we’re wisely practising social distancing. But the feeling of isolation and loneliness can easily threaten to overwhelm you as the days and weeks pass – which is why we’ve checked out what your options are to stay connected to friends, family and colleagues.

Thanks to technology, with video-calling features you can see and hear the people you miss most, and help to alleviate some of the frustration that comes with being apart. And the best part is these platforms can be accessed no matter where you are, as long as you have an internet connection or data on your phone.

HOW MUCH DATA WILL YOU USE?

For a group video call with two other people you use about 1.2 gigabytes (GB) of data an hour. If you’re on a capped internet package or are using cellphone data, rather stick to voice calls – this cuts your data usage back to about 90 megabytes (MB) an hour.

BEST FOR WORK

MICROSOFT TEAMS

This platform allows you to organize people into teams. You can communicate with them in groups known as channels using the chat feature instead of emails.

Voice and/or video conference calls replace face-to-face meetings so you can still connect without being in the same room. You can also exchange documents, collaborate on files and share what’s on your screen so your co-workers can keep up to speed and give their input.

And as it’s a Microsoft product that’s part of the Office 365 package, you can coordinate your activities drawing on Microsoft tools such as Calendars, Excel and Word documents to help you work more effectively.

PROS

  • You can have up to 5 000 people in a team.

  • Up to 250 people can simultaneously be involved in a video conference call.

This story is from the 2 April 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the 2 April 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM YOU SOUTH AFRICAView All
HE'S GOT THE LOOK!
YOU South Africa

HE'S GOT THE LOOK!

His startled expression has turned Russian cat Fedya into an internet sensation

time-read
3 mins  |
28 March 2024
ROYALS AT WORK
YOU South Africa

ROYALS AT WORK

Here’s a look at the dwindling family members who make up Charles’ right-hand team

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
IT'S MY HAPPY COLOUR
YOU South Africa

IT'S MY HAPPY COLOUR

The woman known as the Green Lady just can’t get enough of her favourite shade

time-read
3 mins  |
28 March 2024
IT'S MY TIME TO SHINE
YOU South Africa

IT'S MY TIME TO SHINE

After years of slogging in Hollywood, Colman Domingo is revelling in the glory his role in Rustin has brought him

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
IRON LUNG, IRON WILL
YOU South Africa

IRON LUNG, IRON WILL

HIS life changed forever one summer day in 1952. Paul Alexander was six years old and cooling off in light rain outside his family home when his head and neck began to hurt.

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
WHY DID HE DO THIS TO OUR GIRLS?
YOU South Africa

WHY DID HE DO THIS TO OUR GIRLS?

A trusted figure in their community was found guilty of murdering their daughthers, but the two devastated families are still struggling to find closure

time-read
4 mins  |
28 March 2024
HE HIJACKED MY LIFE
YOU South Africa

HE HIJACKED MY LIFE

Abby Furness’ world was turned upside down when a stranger began impersonating her online, sending explicit messages to colleagues and friends.

time-read
10+ mins  |
28 March 2024
5 MINUTE FIXES
YOU South Africa

5 MINUTE FIXES

Don’t have much time to exercise? No problem! These super-quick workouts mean you can improve your fitness, strength and posture in the time it takes to make a cup of tea

time-read
5 mins  |
28 March 2024
THE JOY OF SELENA
YOU South Africa

THE JOY OF SELENA

After years of illness and mental health problems the Disney darling is finally in a really good place COMPILED

time-read
4 mins  |
28 March 2024
TAKE THAT CROCODILE!
YOU South Africa

TAKE THAT CROCODILE!

When Anthony was attacked in a dam on a weekend break, his fearless family and friends had no intention of losing him to the bloodthirsty beast

time-read
4 mins  |
28 March 2024