Zoom Meeting Guidance
How to Download Zoom
You can participate in a Friends Zoom meeting using either a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. If using a tablet, iPad, iPhone or Android smartphone to access a Zoom meeting, you will need to install the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store before joining a meeting – clicking on the appropriate icon from your iPhone or Android smartphone will take you directly to the app.
If using a computer, either laptop or desktop, Windows, Mac or Linux, then you do not have to install the Client program in advance of the meeting although it will automatically download and install the client program when to click on the link to access the meeting. As this takes a little time, you should aim to join the meeting slightly earlier. If you wish you can download the Zoom Client and install it on your PC in advance – clicking on the icon to the left will take you to the installer.
Troubleshooting
iOS & Android
Not all older mobile phones, or tablets or PC’s can use Zoom. Check Zoom’s system requirements for using the Zoom app on iOS, iPadOS or Android.
Windows, macOS & Linux
To make effective use of Zoom on a computer, it ideally should have a webcam, speakers and microphone although you can still view the proceedings without these. Check Zoom’s system requirements for Windows, Mac or Linux PC for more information.
Test Call
If you would like to test your system in advance, you can join a test Zoom meeting to familiarise yourself and test your microphone/speakers follow the instructions on the link below.
Zoom Help Centre
The Zoom Help Centre has further advice and video clips explain how to use the system.
Joining a Friend's Zoom Cloud Meeting
You will receive an invitation to join the Zoom meeting by email. The invitation will be in the form shown below and include a hyperlink to join the meeting, the Meeting ID and the Passcode – note this is a dummy meeting invitation.
You can simply click or tap on the link in the email and this will launch the Zoom Cloud meetings client – you do not need to enter the Meeting ID or Passcode.
If you choose to join the meeting via the Zoom app [mobile or tablet] or the Zoom program [PC or Mac], you click on the join button and enter the Meeting ID and Passcode when prompted to allow you to join the meeting.
At the end of the meeting there will be an opportunity for a general chat with other members.
Zoom Etiquette
- Join early – up to 5 minutes before the meeting start time, latecomers may not be able to join the meeting. If it is your first-time using Zoom, aim to start joining the meeting 10 minutes beforehand so that you can check that your video, microphone and speakers are working
- Find a quiet space without interruptions or background noise
- Avoid backlight from bright windows and have good lighting on your face so you can be seen clearly.
- Adjust your camera to be at around eye level if possible – especially take note of the angle of your laptop screen if using the built-in camera.
- Mute your microphone when not talking to the meeting. Where two or more are in the same room, be aware that any conversation between you will be heard by everyone in the meeting unless you mute your microphone
- When you wish to ask a question of the speaker at the end of the presentation, raise your hand so that the host can see that you want to speak. Keep your microphone muted until directed by the host.
- Try to avoid talking over or at the same time as other participants
- Be aware you are on camera and try to avoid doing other tasks, checking emails, looking at your phone etc.