PRESCOTT COMPUTER SOCIETY

ZOOM BASICS

by John R. Carter, Sr.

What You Need

• Device: Desktop computer or tablet recommended
• Audio: Built-in mic works; headset or earbuds with mic are best
• Camera: Built-in or webcam
• Internet: Stable connection

Best Way to Use Zoom

• Install the Zoom app (recommended) https://zoom.us/download
• Browser use has limited functionality
• Chrome, Firefox, or Edge required for browser audio

Joining a Meeting

• Click the meeting link or open Zoom and select Join
• Enter Meeting ID (if asked) and your name
• Start with mic muted and camera on (unless told otherwise)
• Click Join

Audio & Video Tips

• Camera at eye level
• Light source in front of you, or use ring light option in Zoom

Viewing Options

• Gallery View: Small meetings
• Speaker View: Large meetings

Mobile Devices

• Controls hide automatically; tap screen to show
• Rotate device for portrait or landscape
• Swipe left/right to change views

Virtual Backgrounds

• Optional; hides your room. Works best on newer computers
• Keep backgrounds simple – no video

Zoom Etiquette

• Stay on camera when possible. Turn off camera if you have to walk away
• Leave mic off except to talk. No grooming or noisy typing
• Use chat only for meeting-related comments

Test Your Setup

• Visit https://zoom.us/test before your first meeting

ADDITIONAL HELP SOURCES

The most recent beginner’s video (53 minutes in length) is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uU3gV1gJ-m

Zoom features are added constantly and each one needs its own tutorial. Zoom.us has many tutorials and most are aimed at business and professionals. The best place to start is: https://support.zoom.com/hc/en/download-and-configuration