As the world shut down, Zoom opened its doors. The video-first communication platform has flourished during the global pandemic. With virtual offices now set up across the globe, hosting virtual meetings is now a key skill to add to your list of skills on your CV.
Whilst we don’t know exactly how our ‘new normal’ will look, one thing we’re fairly certain of is that video conferencing will now play a big part in most of our lives. In light of that, we’ve put together an essential guide to the Zoom app to help you make the most out of the technology.
Compatibility
Zoom can be downloaded on pretty much any device. From Android and iPhone mobiles, to Windows, Mac and Linux PC operating systems. The platform is cross-compatible and other than small differences in layouts, will function equally as well across all formats.
Plans & Pricing
There are different levels at which you can use Zoom. The 4 plans (Free, Pro, Business and Enterprise) all unlock varying features of the app that may be of use in different scenarios. With the plans outside of the free package, you can enable unlimited call/meeting times, cloud recording and storage, company branding and much, much more. You can find more information about our pricing here.
We also covered the main reasons why to go pro in our recent article you can read here: https://2point0concepts.com/zoom/why-upgrade-to-zoom-pro/
Download and go!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=qsy2Ph6kSf8
Accessibility
Zoom meetings can be accessed through your internet browser, but we’d always advise downloading the app. You’ll be prompted to sign up with the option to use information from an existing account (Facebook, Google, etc) or you can create a fresh Zoom account for yourself.
You will then be presented with the option to receive emails from Zoom regarding how-to guides and up-to-date news from the app’s developers. After you’ve activated your account may want to add some contacts, or you can skip this step and have a go with the test meeting function for some hands-on experience.
Security
Zoom’s security features have been vastly improved of late and in the video below you can get a full rundown of the latest changes and updates that are designed for your peace of mind.
Your Zoom Profile
If you log into your account on the Zoom web portal, you can edit your profile. Here you’ll be able to customise your name, picture, default meeting ID, time zone and password. Meeting passwords are now enabled by default. When choosing your own meeting password always make sure you use a good mix of letters, both upper and lower case along with numbers and symbols where possible.
Features
Other handy features you have control over are:
- Allowing public or private chats;
- Whether files can be transferred;
- Whether or not other participants can share the screen.
These basic controls are all in place for your convenience and security.
Virtual Backgrounds
Some additional features are aimed at making the app a little more inviting and fun than functional. We’ve all seen the videos of college lecturers with what appear to be endless bookshelves as a backdrop. With Zoom’s Virtual Backgrounds you can change your surroundings to suit your mood, the dynamic of the meeting or just for a bit of fun.
With Zoom’s Virtual Backgrounds you could give a conference on the moon. A lecture on anthropology from the Great Pyramid at Giza. Host a soccer quiz from Wembley stadium or simply replace a boring wall with a bookshelf full of the worlds greatest titles. Virtual Backgrounds is a cross-platform function available for all.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=3Zq-b51A3dA
Keen to know more?
For a more detailed look into hosting a meeting or conference in Zoom, check through our other blogs.
