The Mouse Trap
–by Janis Weber
PUBLICATION DATE: June 02, 2020

How To Use Zoom Video Conferencing
Zoom is one of the top video conferencing applications currently on the market. Whether you use it for business or for any sort of video gathering, this free service is easy to use. Create an account by simply going to zoom.us and signing in with your Google or Facebook account.
You can totally do this for free. But I encourage you to pay for at least the first tier if you use Zoom on a daily basis because there are limits on the Free Account. The only real limitation is that if you have 3 or more people in the meeting, your meeting will be cut off at 40 min. There are a few other differences like personalization and extra features.
Join before hosting one. This allows people to get on before you. If you have a waiting room set up, people can also start talking to each other.

• “Play sound when participating” (heard by host only) is another extra. I like this setting as it lets me know when people get on.
• “Remote support” allows me to control the screen of one other participant.  It prompts them to share their screen and then I can control their curser.
• “Allow to join through browser” helps if someone is on a public computer, or a computer that they can’t install stuff on. It allows them to view through a browser. However, they will have a better experience if they join through the downloaded app.
• “Get emails if someone joins first” is a setting that sends you an email if someone joins while you are not there.  It might save you from a forgotten appointment or you might be able to quickly say, “hi” to people just testing out the software.

If you’re just joining a Zoom meeting, you don’t need to have Zoom installed on your computer. However, if you’re the host, you’ll need to download and install the software package. Click on Zoom Client for Meetings. Choose the location on your computer where you’d like to save the download. Once the download is finished, “ZoomInstaller” will appear. Run the software, and Zoom will begin installing.
When you start Zoom, you’ll be offered a few different options.

• Select the orange “New Meeting” icon to start a new meeting. Once selected, you will now be in a virtual video conference room.
• At the bottom of the window, select “Invite.” A new window will appear, presenting various methods for inviting people to the call.
• You’ll be in the “Contacts” tab by default.
• If you already have a list of contacts, you can simply select the person you want to contact and then click the “Invite” button in the bottom-right corner of the window.
• Alternatively, you can select the “Email” tab and choose an email service to send the invitation. When you select the service you’d like to use, an email will appear with the different methods for the user to join your meeting. Enter the recipients in the “To” address bar and then select the “Send” button.

All that’s left to do is wait for the recipients of the invitation to join the call. What’s nice is that Zoom works on all computers, tablets and smartphones. You can also record the meeting for future reference or sharing. Once you’re ready to end the conference call, you can do so by selecting the “End Meeting” button in the bottom-right corner of the window. HAVE FUN !
FYI I may run Zoom classes. Let me know if you are interested and what topic you might like to engage in: jwpctutor@gmail.com

Next Sylvania Senior Center Classes
New classes with be held throughout 2020 as soon as the center reopens. Check the SSC newsletter and website for the most current information. Included will be Windows 10 Computer Basics, Facebook, Microsoft Word, Google Docs and iPhone/iPad. If you have a topic and know some folks who are interested, call the Senior Center and ask for
Susan Jenelle 419-885-3913.
Limited seating fills fast so call ASAP to reserve your spot when classes resume. We are considering an Excel Club.
Interested? Call the SSC.

I Make House Calls:
I will come to your home or office and help you with almost any predicament including repairs, upgrades and general software or hardware issues. This Stay Home Order should end at some point. I can be your resident “Geek.” I have an endless amount of patience and knowledge with years of experience. Send me a text or call at 419-318-9112.
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BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER’S DATA TODAY – Critical action!
Janis Weber, B.A., owner of Ohio Computer Training & Support, is a professional computer adjunct instructor. E-mail any specific questions or comments to JwPCtutor@Gmail.com
or call her for assistance at 419-318-9112.
Private tutoring and repairs are just a phone call, text or email away.