Zoom instructions
Using Video Conferencing
Many Groups which involve discussing or talking on their topic have been running during the Covid pandemic using Video Conferencing, primarily Zoom.
To use any Video Conferencing software you need to have a computer (desktop or laptop), tablet or smartphone which has
- A camera (so you can be seen)
- A microphone (so you can be heard)
- Speakers (so you can hear other people)
- You also need a good wifi signal (or network connection) to make sure your sound and vision are of good quality during a video conference
Most recent laptops will have camera, microphone and speakers, as will tablets or smartphones. If you are using a desktop PC, it will depend on the age of your computer so will need to check your computer to confirm it has the above.
Ealing U3A has adopted Zoom as the software to use for video conferencing and to enable Interest Groups to use this for meetings, we have purchased two Zoom Pro licences. These licences mean that meetings are not restricted to the 40 minutes that the free version of Zoom has. For any Groups not using these licences, Convenors should contact Phil Broomsgrove using the Webmaster email about making use of these.
We have produced some instructions for Group Convenors on how to install and set up Zoom and to Host a Zoom video conference - click on Zoom Guide for Hosts for these.
We have also produced instructions for how to install and set up Zoom if you are only a Participant in a video conference - click on Zoom Guide for Participants for these.
Now that we have some experience in using Zoom we have a number of Tips on the best way to use Zoom and some answers to common questions that have been raised - you can see these in the Zoom Tips and FAQs document.
If you need any further help or advice with Zoom, Colin Lomas can be contacted on 07909 896 541 or Phil Broomsgrove can be contacted by email on the Webmaster email.