ASK CAPPIE THE COMPUTER CAT
ALL ABOUT ZOOM
We are not the most computer-savvy but would like to know how difficult Zoom is. Almost all the clubs we belong to in Grand are going to have Zoom Meetings in lieu of regular meetings when we return in September and now we hear some of our favorite clubs are teaching classes also via Zoom. All our relatives and friends want us to participate in Zoom Meetings too. Is it safe? Hard to install? Difficult to learn how to use? Greg and Laura
Dear Greg and Laura, Yes indeed, everyone seems to be video conferencing via Zoom. While Zoom had some issues earlier this year with hackers bombing meetings (a term which describes uninvited guests entering meeting), this issue has been remedied with the following changes: n Guests cannot join the meeting before the host of the meeting n Password protections are on by default when setting up meetings and it is recommended that users keep those protections on to prevent uninvited users from joining n Encryption has been beefed up for free users as well as paid
Hundreds of thousands of people are now using Zoom. Simply put, Zoom Meetings are audio and video conferences that allow two or more people to communicate online. You can use Zoom on a PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet. There is a free version and a paid version, but the great majority use only the free version. The easiest way to join Zoom is if a friend, family member or organization sets up the Zoom Meeting and invites you. All you need to do is follow the instructions in the email invitation to start using Zoom. n You will need to click a link to install the Zoom app. You will be asked for permission to install YOU’LL ALWAYS BE TREATED LIKE FAMILY... AND WE LIKE OUR FAMILY!
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and run the app. This process will take just a few minutes and then USUALLY you will see a series of screens asking if you want to test your audio and video. You will also be asked to provide a name, which you will want to do so that the “host” knows who is asking to join the meeting. n Rarely, you might be asked for the conference ID and/ or Password so it is helpful to write down those two numbers from the email invitation which you received. n At that point, you will probably get a message that says you have been put in a “waiting room,” or a message that the host has not yet started the meeting. Just wait patiently because the host is busy signing in and/or okaying people to join the meeting. To host (start) your own meeting, you have to go to the Zoom website (https:// zoom.us/), click “Sign Up, It’s Free” at the top of the page and follow the instructions. Once completed, you will be able to host your own meetings. There are numerous videos and Support on the site itself and as well as on You Tube, to help you through the finer points of using the app. For mobile devices, you can
Special thanks to Judy Pepper for submitting her photo of Abby, a 6-year-old rescue Labrador-Greyhound. View/print the digital version of “Ask Cappie” monthly column by going to www. grandinfo.com. Click on the More News>Grand Lifestyles Magazine> to choose the month you want to view.
get the Zoom app in the App Store or Google Play Store. This app is so popular because it is easy to use, offers a lot of options for free, and is a relatively reliable tool that works easily and effectively. Within Sun City Grand, the Computer Club will provide an experienced Zoom user to help a member via telephone and to host a quick Zoom meeting just with you, and will offer free classes on Zoom, for members--but try it yourself first. It is quite easy to use. Hopefully, you will be “zooming” in no time.
Grand Lifestyles | September 2020 | suncitygrand.com
