What is Zoom?
San Jose, California-based Zoom, is a communications platform that features tools for video and voice meetings. Unlike many of the alternatives on the market, Zoom is available across multiple platforms, including through the web and apps. Each Zoom meeting typically has a host and various invitees. Zoom offers premium packages, including those for small teams, small and medium-sized businesses, and enterprise. There’s also a freebie package that allows anyone to use it. Zoom’s basic personal package allows a host to invite up to 100 people to a session. The maximum time allowed for these meetings is 40 minutes, although Zoom has relaxed this limitation for many during the pandemic. The free basic package allows for unlimited sessions, although you can only hold one meeting at a time.
Getting Started With Zoom
You don’t need a Zoom account to join a meeting, although you do need an account to host one. The easiest way to create an account is through the Zoom Cloud Meetings app for iOS/iPadOS or Android. You can also create an account through the Zoom website.
Create a New Zoom Account
To create an account through the Zoom app:
At this point in the process, you can invite people to attend a meeting immediately or finish setting up your account using the prompts. Regardless, you can now host Zoom meetings!
Starting a Zoom Meeting
Once logging into your new Zoom account, you can start a meeting by following these directions: On your mobile device:
On the web: Once you’re logged into the Zoom website, you can start a meeting using steps similar to those above.
Joining a Zoom Meeting
When invited to a Zoom meeting, you can enter following these steps: Through the Zoom app:
By default, your device’s audio and video are turned on. You can turn either off before and during the presentation using the prompts. On the Zoom website:
Other Notes to Consider
Some important notes are worth considering both as a Zoom host and participant, including the following.
Zoom Host
Through Zoom, you can schedule meetings in the future. Zoom offers various methods to schedule a meeting. Besides using the Zoom app, you can also schedule a meeting through a desktop client, web portal, or by using one of Zoom’s many plugins, which are available for different calendar programs.As a security measure, Zoom recently added a waiting room feature. This tool allows you to control when a participant joins the meeting. Like in real life, participants can’t go into the room until permitted to do so.A host can use a Personal Meeting ID or Message-ID for participants to access. The former is a number that’s tied directly to the host. It’s ideally suited for individuals who have regular meetings with the same participants. A Meeting-ID, by contrast, has one use. Once your session is over, the number is no longer usable. Ideally, Message-IDs should be used when scheduling multiple meetings. By assigning a separate number for each meeting, you can better manage the list of participants and meeting settings.As a host, you can decide whether to assign a password for meetings. By doing so, you add another layer of security.
Zoom Participant
Before joining a meeting, make sure your device’s microphone is operational. Headphones are also useful during sessions; set these up before the session begins.Take advantage of the ability to mute your voice and turning off your video during a Zoom meeting. Do so for added privacy.
Summary
Zoom is a useful tool for anyone who wants to connect to others remotely. Though initially created for business use, individuals are also growing to love the service. Use it to connect to your friends, family, and other loved ones, and enjoy it!
