Zoom instructions: the videoconference tool for beginners simply explained

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, videoconferencing has seamlessly integrated into our daily routines, becoming an essential part of modern life. The ability to connect with colleagues and clients in different locations via computers or smartphones offers a practical solution not only for business professionals but also for educators, students, and learners alike. Among the various tools available for organizing virtual meetings, Zoom stands out as one of the most popular options. Even in its free basic version, it impresses users with an extensive array of features. In this article, we delve deeper into the videoconferencing platform and provide a concise guide to help you get started with Zoom’s key functionalities.

1. Zoom instructions for beginners: the most important zoom functions to an overview

1.1. Chat

The zoom integrated chat function allows the host and participants during a meeting To communicate privately with other users or send news of the public group. Communication can Both text and file messages (e.g. images or pdfs) contain. Chat messages are saved for 2 years by default, but an administrator can increase up to 10 years.

The host also decides If the The chat should generally be activated during the meeting. However, he cannot see private messages among the participants. If necessary, you can do it Save the chat protocol after the meeting of the meeting or in the cloud And read again later. So that you can quickly find the desired information, also the chat Equipped with a research function. To activate the zoom chat during a meeting, click the chat symbol in the control panel.

1.2. User management

You can use zoom user management Add users and external contacts and this Using the rights and versions of the roles assign. According to the options for the type of user you will find the additional components (for a fee), e.g. B. For «Web seminar«Or»Great meeting“. If a user has to take part in a meeting only at a later time, you can simply Moved to a waiting room or in the queue.

1.3. Calendar integration

With the help of the integration of the calendar, the zoom can be Connect to Microsoft Exchange and common calendar tools such as Office 365 or Google Calendar. The prerequisite for this is the installation of the Zoom desktop client (German or English) on your PC or Mac.

1. Click on the profile of the profile at the top right and select the item «My profile«Off from.
2. Now select in the section «Calendar and contact integration«The option»Connect to the calendar and contact service«Off from.

Good to know: If the setting has been blocked by a account administrator, you will receive the message «The calendar is automatically integrated for the Windows Zoom application instead of for the connection options for the service.»

3. Choose Your favorite calendar service and confirm with «Ready“.
4. In the last step you can still specify now What functions of the calendar you want to grant access to the zoom.

1.4. Zoom rooms

In addition to the actual meeting functions Create online and webinar conference rooms, so -called «zoom room». Together with the telephone system owned by the zoom and a cross -platform intelligence service, the software -based room system allows individual groups A job undisturbed on their homework and topics.

2. Zoom instructions for beginners: the first steps

2.1. Create and join a meeting

You have to participate in a zoom meeting The meeting of the meeting or the link for the personal invitationthat you receive from the organizer. You would like Take part in the meeting by phoneIt is also necessary to enter the number of the telephone conference specified in the invitation.

In order to also create zoom meetings, You need an active account. After accessing, you can use the «Create a meeting«(In the browser) or»New meeting“A meeting begins in the app.

2.2. Leave a meeting

To leave a meeting prematurely, click the button «Leave the meeting“In the upper right corner. The meeting is set for the other participants and can It can only be finished by the host.

2.3. Zoom instructions for beginners: reactions

At the bottom right of the control line you will find the symbol for «Reactions“. When you click on it A pop-up window with different smileys. With this you can make the host or the teacher Give feedback or communicate problems. The reactions are displayed in the video window next to your name and the list of participants for a few seconds.

2.4. Raise

If you have a question Or say something alone, but you don’t want to stop the teacher, use the function «Raise«. There is the corresponding symbol (a small blue hand) In the list of participants. Alternatively, you can also make the connection «Alt + y«(A Windows) or»Option + y“(A Mac).

A small blue hand now appears in the corner of your video. The window is displayed at the front of the host And it also receives a suggestion. So you know that you want to communicate something and you can call it. To reduce the hand againYou have to click on the symbol again.

2.5. Zoom instructions for beginners: share the screen

A To show other participants in real -time contentYou can share your screen. To do this, click on the green button in the control bar «Share the screen“So you can choose if you Share your complete desktop or just a single window Want. The blue frame shows which content is currently visible to the other participants. Alternatively, you can also connect a smartphone, tablet or iPad or Record something on a blackboard alone.

Good to know: If you want to share a video or presentation of Power Point with Sound, you need to activate the «Share the computer tone» option before sharing.

2.6. Create virtual background

With a virtual background you can prevent the other participants Look at the room or other people behind them Candies. The function enables this Insert a freely free image as a background (for example a corporate logo or a landscape hiring).

1. To activate a virtual background, click «Settings -> virtual background“.
2. Die Available pre -installed background They are displayed. Select the desired image from confirmation of the selection.
3. You would like Use your photoClick «+ Add image“And select the desired file or graphic designer.
4. If the virtual background Activated only during a meeting it should become, click ^ (Zirkumflex) And then on «Select virtual background“.

Good to know: The virtual background works better if it corresponds to the webcam format (usually 16: 9). Therefore, the image should be adapted accordingly.

2.7. Zoom instructions for beginners: registers meeting

For Colleagues who cannot participate in the meetingor if you want to look at the meeting later, Provides zoom two registration options:

• Cloud registration It is reserved only for paid subscribers and stores messages of video, audio and chat As MP4 file in the cloud zoom.
• Local registers They are also available for unpaid users. The MP4 file will be in this case on the local computer or a network unit released Filed.

The recorded meetings are therefore available in your account below «My records“View and manage