This section is used to store the files that the group members work on, the files are open for review by all members in the group. This section has the ability to create folders and sub-folders to store different sections of files i.e. proposal directory for all the files concerning the proposal, final report directory, test results directory, etc. The Photos section works in a similar fashion, only its used to store pictures only. It is important to note that by default, (with the exception of the moderator(s)) the only person who can delete files, is the one who originally uploaded it. See the Members section to see how other members can delete each other's files.
Folders are an easy way of organizing files used for various reports and deadlines. You can have many subfolders within a single folder just by clicking on the 'Add Folder Link'.
Files have to be added individually by clicking on the 'Add File' link and browsing through the computer for the file you wish to upload
An easy way of moving files around in the egroups section simply click the 'cut' link beside the file you wish to move and go to the desired subdirectory and click the 'paste' link.
This is an efficient way for members in the group to post messages. The posted messages will be sent to all the other group members via e-mail. The messages are also recorded and threaded on the egroups site for future reference. Posting messages can also be done via e-mail by e-mailing the message to yourgroupsname@yahoogroups.com. This message will automatically be posted and sent to all the other members in the group. This is much more efficient than 'Carbon-Copying' the message to individuals in your group.
One of the crucial elements in efficient collaboration work is the synchronization of schedules. This feature allows the entire group to schedule upcoming deadlines, reminders, and other important milestone dates. One of the key functions is the ability to set events and deadlines and have egroups automatically remind everyone in the group of the upcoming deadlines. This is an efficient and effective way of communicating timelines and schedules.
This section is used to manage members in the group. It can act as a directory for the group by managing contact information for each person. If you have moderator rights, this is the section where members' privileges can be changed (i.e. promoted to moderator rights). To promote a member of the group to a moderator:
Group members can host meetings on-line. This is a vital feature for busy group members not capable of meeting during the school day or any other time. The chat, at the time of writing this application note, can not be automatically logged, however, you can cut-and-paste the session to some text-editor for future reference. Chat is much more efficient than the two-person 'talk' feature on Unix and much cheaper than hosting a meeting over the telephone. To utilize this simply pre-arrange a time for everyone to meet online and click the chat link.
Often the group has to make decisions, this section allows for the creation of polls and other simple databases to help decide things. It can also be used to record test results in an organized fashion. The features in this database are severely limited to that of simple tables.