Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing app that is used to conduct virtual meetings. It has the option to enable audio-only, video, and live chat. This app replicates the in-person collaboration experience and has gained visibility since the pandemic onset in March 2020.
Zoom is available on desktops, laptops, mobile devices across all platforms. It has pricing plans suited to different businesses and a free subscription with all the basic functionalities.
Downloading Zoom on Your Laptop
If this is your first time working with Zoom, don’t worry. It is straightforward to download and set up.
The following steps will help you get started with the process:
- Click this link or open the internet browser and enter https://zoom.us/download.
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You’ll reach the Zoom download page by clicking on the link, from where you can download Zoom on your laptop.
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Under the first option, Zoom Client for Meetings, click Download.
The ZoomInstaller.exe file will be downloaded to your laptop.
- Locate and double-click to open up the file.
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Zoom will be installed on your laptop, and the Zoom Cloud Meetings app window will pop up.
- You can sign in using your email credentials or single sign-on (SSO) if you already have a Zoom credential.
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Else, you can click on the Sign-up option at the bottom right of the screen to create an account. Alternatively, you can also use your Google or Facebook credentials to sign in.
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Upon signing in, you can join an existing meeting, schedule a new meeting, and view your upcoming meetings.
- To join a scheduled meeting, click Join and enter the meeting ID or the meeting link.
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Connecting on mute and turning off your video is optional, as you can make these choices after joining the meeting.
Get the Most Out of Zoom
You can now explore all the app features; now that you know how to download and set it up. You can use zoom for online meetings, chat with other contacts, create specific channels, and sync other apps from the App Marketplace.
The app has various security features which allow you to restrict attendees and keep the conversations confidential.
You can raise your hand to ask questions, add a fun background, and even throw a party. Using these methods, you can recreate the experience of real-time meetings and interactions.