Tech Tip: Work, Connect, and Play Using Zoom

Whether your company is working from home, you have a child taking virtual classes, or you watched that viral video about a boss who accidentally turned herself into a potato during a meeting, you’ve probably become familiar with Zoom over the past few weeks.

Concerns about Covid-19 have caused the video conferencing software’s numbers to skyrocket. In 2020 alone, Zoom has already added almost 3 million monthly active users. But what does that mean for you?

Today, we have some tips for how to work, play, and connect using Zoom. If you are more of a visual learner, watch our latest Tech Tip video to follow along with tech expert Riley. Let’s get started!

Setting Up Zoom

1. First, you will need to download Zoom. Open up a browser on your Mac or PC and head to the Zoom website to create your account. You’ll be asked to select a plan: for individuals and families, the Free version should meet all of your needs.

2. Next, download the Zoom desktop app. Once you login to the app, you will see four main tabs at the top of the screen: Home, Chat, Meetings, and Contacts. From here, you can schedule, join, or host a meeting. 

Staying Connected Through Zoom

Businesses have been using Zoom and other video conferencing tools for years. Now that we are all practicing social distancing to stop the spread of Covid-19, many people are finding creative ways to use Zoom to communicate to friends and family. Here are just a couple of ideas:

Try hosting a virtual game night! From Ticket to Ride to Jackbox Party Packs, there are countless ways to play your favorite games online. Schedule a Zoom meeting and invite your friends and family so you can chat while you play.

And you don’t need to eat dinner alone. Schedule a “Zoom Dinner Party,” where everyone gets dressed up, makes their favorite meal, and eats together. 

In these uncertain and isolating times, technology like Zoom can help us all feel a little less alone. If you have any questions about setting up and using your Zoom account, please visit support.zoom.us.

That’s it for this edition of Tech Tips! Check back soon for another tip to make your technology work for you.