Janis Weber

Those who know how to set up a Zoom video meeting can enjoy a one- on-one live meeting or chat with a large group of people. It can be like a reunion or special event. It’s actually not complicated and quite easy to set up. All that’s needed to set up the Zoom meeting is an account with Zoom. Zoom for Home is available to all users with Zoom for Home certified or compatible devices. No special license is required to use Zoom for Home. You can Zoom on a PC, MAC, tablet or smartphone.

Eight easy steps:

• Step 1: Go to Zoom’s website, http://www.zoom.us.
• Step 2: Click on the upper right button that reads “SIGN UP, IT’S FREE”
• Step 3: Enter your birth date.
• Step 4: Enter your email address. You are also given the option of signing in with Google account, or your Facebook account. Follow the instructions provided, according to the option you choose.
• Step 5: If you chose to sign up with your email address, click on the confirmation link found in the email you receive from Zoom.
• Step 6: Complete the form, providing your first name, last name, and password.
• Step 7: Click on the button that reads “Continue.”
• Step 8: Finalize your registration by following the instructions provided.

To host a meeting

You will be asked to download the Zoom app. You only have to do this once and then you can use it anytime you want. Once logged in, click on the tab that reads “HOST A MEETING.” When the dropdown menu appears, choose the most appropriate option for your needs. “With Video Off” starts the meeting without turning on your desktop camera. “With Video On” starts the session with your desktop camera turned on. “Share Screen Only” allows you to share a portion or all of your desktop and does not turn on your desktop camera. If you have the Zoom app installed, a pop-up will appear asking for permission to launch the app. If you do not have the Zoom Client app installed on your computer, click the text that reads, “Don’t have Zoom Client installed? Download Now.” If a text that states “Having issues with Zoom Client? Join from Your Browser” appears, click on the link to continue starting the web page meeting.

To join a meeting

Click on the tab that reads “JOIN A MEETING.” Enter the Meeting ID or Personal Link Name provided to you by the meeting host. The Meeting ID is a 10-digit ID of all numbers. The Personal Link Name is represented as the host’s name (the person who initiated the meeting).

Click the button that reads “Join.”

To schedule a meeting

To schedule a meeting, go to the home page of Zoom and press schedule a meeting. You will be shown a small page with lots of options including when the meeting is to start, the date and time. Fill in as much as you can to make it as easy as possible for your participants. Once you are done with the details, press the word Save. This will bring up your email account where you can add as many participants as you like. Review everything and Send the email.

Log in to the meeting ten minutes before the scheduled Zoom get together to be sure everything is how you like it. Make sure your camera and mic are turned on so everyone can see and hear you when they join.

Definition of The Day

Alternatively referred to as system memory, RAM (random-access memory) is a hardware device that allows information to be stored and retrieved on a computer. A computer’s performance is largely attributed to the amount of memory contained within it. If a computer does not have the recommended memory to run the operating system and its programs, it results in slower performance. The more RAM a computer has, the more information and software it can load and process quickly. When buying a new computer, get as much RAM as possible.

I make house calls (I am fully vaccinated and masked if requested)

I will come to your home or office and help you with almost any predicament including repairs, upgrades and personal software tutoring. 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 419-290-3570. FYI, I will be holding classes at Lourdes in July and The Sylvania Senior Center beginning in October.

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 contact her for assistance at 419-290-3570. Private tutoring and repairs are just a phone call, text, or email away.