How to set up Zoom
What is Zoom?
Zoom is a web-based video conferencing tool with a local, desktop client and a mobile app that allows users to meet online, with or without video.
Setting up an account
You do not need to set up a Zoom account to attend a Zoom meeting. But you will need to set up an account if you are planning on hosting a meeting (it is free to join).
To set up an account, take the following steps:
-
Go to https://zoom.us and click ‘Sign Up’
-
Enter your date of birth and e-mail. A verification e-mail will then be sent to you.
-
Go to your email account and click the verification link, sent by Zoom (the e-mail may take a few minutes to come through, and may go to junk or spam)
-
After clicking the verification link, complete your sign up
When setting up an account, you’ll also be given the option to create a "Test Meeting". This is a meeting just for you to familiarise yourself with the features of Zoom.
Joining a meeting
The below steps may vary slightly depending on if you’re using a computer, phone or tablet.
-
To join a Zoom meeting, click on the link sent to you within the meeting invitation
-
If you’re using Zoom for the first time, a notification will pop up –prompting you to download and run the Zoom app.
-
If using a laptop or computer Zoom Zip file will appear at the bottom of the screen. Click on the file to install the launcher.
-
If you are using a phone or tablet/iPad, you will be redirected to the Apple Store or Google Play Store to download the app. There is no fee for this.
-
As you join a meeting you’ll be put into a Waiting Room. The host will let you into the meeting when they’re ready.
-
When you enter the meeting, you’ll be given the opportunity to connect your audio and video.
In the meeting
Here are the main features of a Zoom meeting:
1. Mute/Unmute – On your screen there will be a Microphone icon. By clicking this icon you will be able to mute and unmute your microphone.
2. Start Video/Stop Video – On your screen next to the Mute/Unmute button is a Start Video/ Stop Video button. You can click this button to turn your camera on or off.
3. Main Screen – Your main screen should show everybody who is in the meeting. Their names will appear on the screen too.If using a computer there should be‘View’ option on the top right hand side of the screen. Here you can choose to see all participants or the speaker only
4. Main Screen – Your main screen should show everybody who is in the meeting. Their names will appear on the screen too.If using a computer there should be‘View’ option on the top right hand side of the screen. Here you can choose to see all participants or the speaker only
For a more in-depth guide to Zoom, there are several useful tutorials on YouTube.