How to Use Zoom: Ultimate Guide for Beginners - Full Tutorial

Working from home has never been easier due to the vast array of digital tools available to us. Zoom is one such tool that has grown in popularity, allowing for video conferencing, webinars, live chats, and screen sharing among its users. Understanding how to use Zoom effectively can tremendously aid your work or studies. In this guide, we detail how to use this tool as a beginner.

What is Zoom?

Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing service where you can virtually meet with others either by video or audio-only or both while conducting live chats. It is an excellent tool for online meetings, webinars, and group messaging. With Zoom, you can host video calls with up to hundreds of participants depending on your subscription plan.

Installation and Setup

Upon visiting the Zoom website, you will find options to "Join a Meeting" or "Host a Meeting". To host meetings, you need to sign up for a free account. The registration process is straightforward. You only need to provide an email address, name, and a password.

Once signed in, download the Zoom app for either Windows, Mac, iOS or Android. After installing it, log in with your Zoom account details.

Scheduling a Meeting

On your Zoom dashboard, click on "Schedule a New Meeting". Here, you can set the topic of your meeting, the date and time, and the duration. If you have a paid account, you can choose to have your meeting last more than 40 minutes.

You might also want to set a meeting password for added security. Additionally, there is an option to enable either a Waiting Room, where attendees wait for approval to join or a passcode.

Click "Save" once you have made your selections, and your meeting will be scheduled.

Joining a Meeting

To join a meeting, you don’t need a Zoom account. Click on the meeting link provided either through an email or calendar invite. If you have the Zoom application installed, it would open automatically. If not, Zoom will prompt you to download and install Zoom.

Basic Controls in a Meeting

As a host or a participant, various controls are available to you:

• Mute/Unmute: This allows you to mute and unmute your microphone.

• Start/Stop Video: This allows you to turn your camera on and off.

• Participants: This list shows the participants in the meeting.

• Chat: Here you can type messages to others in the meeting.

• Share Screen: This lets you share your screen with others in the meeting.

Advanced Features

Zoom also has advanced features:

• Breakout Rooms: If you have a large group, you can break them into smaller groups for discussions.

• Polling: You can create single or multiple choice polling questions.

• Recording: Meetings can be recorded for review or record keeping.

Ending a Meeting

When you're ready to end your Zoom meeting, move your cursor to the bottom right corner and click "End Meeting". If you're the host, you can either "End the meeting for all" or "Leave the meeting". Leaving the meeting allows it to continue without you.

Zoom is a powerful communication tool packing a multitude of features. It may seem daunting at first, but with time, it becomes simple and easy to use. With this guide, you should be well on your way to becoming a Zoom pro.