How to Join a Zoom Chat
Exciting times for SeniorNet as we introduce online learning.
Shortly we will be offering our seminars, mini-lessons and classes via Zoom, a free web hosted video chat program.
ZOOM ???
Have you heard about Zoom? It's a free video conferencing platform and a great way to meet in groups with friends and family without leaving home.

You can see and hear all the participants, and send them documents and photos. Zoom can be used on Windows & Mac desktops * and laptops, iPhones, iPads, and Android phones & tablets. You can be a guest on a Zoom chat without having an account.

Zoom is easy to use and we want to ensure that you are able to connect to a Zoom chat before we begin our online programs . By following the information below you can test your expertise on your computing device.

>>For questions about using Zoom - see below.<<

If you want to host (initiate) an online web chat, we will be covering that in the next few weeks too. Stay tuned!
HOW TO JOIN A ZOOM CHAT
WITHOUT AN ACCOUNT
Let's say you need to use Zoom to meet with your doctor ... our new world due to social distancing.

You do not need a Zoom account to join a meeting. Most likely your medical professional will send you a meeting request. When you click the JOIN ZOOM MEETING link you will be prompted to download and install Zoom at that time.
MAC OR WINDOWS PC
On your Mac or Windows PC click the JOIN ZOOM MEETING link (3rd line from top of screen shot above) in the email you received from the Zoom Host.
That will open www.zoom.us
in your default browser.

You will be prompted
to download and install
the Zoom Desktop Client program.
MEETING TEST
You can test Zoom by using this feature >>>
meeting test (https://zoom.us/test) which prompts you to open the downloaded file.

Then open the downloaded file to install it and you're ready to Zoom.

Enter your Name - then click JOIN MEETING
MOBILE DEVICES
You must first download the Zoom App from your App Store or Play Store for Mobile Devices (iPad, iPhone, Android phone or tablet).

Then tap the JOIN ZOOM MEETING link in the emailed invitation and it will open the Zoom App and start the meeting.
CLICK THE JOIN ZOOM MEETING LINK
Your host will send an email or text message for you to join the meeting. In it will be the JOIN ZOOM MEETING link which takes you directly to the host's meeting and virtual waiting room.

  • If you are asked “Do you want to allow this page to open zoom.us”, say “Allow”.
  • If you are asked to use your computer’s video/audio, Agree.
  • If you are asked 'To Hear Others Please Join Audio’, Respond ‘Call Using Internet Audio’. 

You will initially be placed into a virtual ‘ Waiting Room’ until the host admits you into the meeting.

If you do not have speakers, you will need to use the telephone and call the Teleconferencing number provided in the invitation.

Remember to turn up the volume on your speakers - whether external speakers, internal for laptops, or sound for mobile devices.
ZOOM CONTROLS
Dependent upon which platform you are using (Mac/PC or Mobile Device) the locations of these controls will vary. Generally the controls are:

  • Mute/Unmute Microphone: Mute or unmute your microphone.
  • Share Content or Camera: Share content from your laptop or mobile device, or not.
  • Change View: Change your video display layout to one of these options. 
  • Speaker: Displays the video of the active speaker. 
  • Thumbnail: Displays the video of the active speaker. All other attendees are displayed with thumbnails below the active speaker.
  • Gallery: Displays all attendees in a grid layout.
  • Leave Meeting: You can rejoin by using the provided Join Zoom Meeting link.

For more information on the meeting controls: Zoom's Help Center
If you would like personalized assistance, SeniorNet is there for you.
Email Alan at alanp.seniornet@gmail.com to request assistance.
Computer Help Desk
*If you are using a Desktop, either Windows or Mac, remember that you will need a webcam to enjoy the videoconferencing features. Webcams are easily installed and attach to your desktop system via USB. For questions about webcams, contact our Computer Help Desk at 1-631-629-5426 or email seniornethelp@gmail.com to assist with selection and/or installation.