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Tips for Using Zoom

Here are a few tips that will enable you to easily join Zoom meetings for Good Shepherd events.

Getting Started
You do not have to have a Zoom account to attend a Zoom meeting. The link to join the meeting will be provided on the Good Shepherd web site, Facebook page, or in the Shepherd's Call e-news. Simply click on that link and follow the prompts. If you have not attended a Zoom meeting before Zoom will automatically download the software and you will need to install it, so give yourself some extra time before the meeting to do this. Depending on your web browser you may be able to install directly from your browser, or you may need to go to the Downloads folder in File Manager and double click ZoomInstaller.exe.

Downloading the Software in Advance
You may want to download the software separately in advance of the the meeting. (That's actually a good idea!)

  • Desktops and Laptops: If you have a Windows or Mac desktop or laptop go to this page: https://zoom.us/support/download. The software downloads automatically. As indicated above, depending on your web browser you may be able to install directly from the bottom of your browser window (Chrome, Microsoft Edge), or you may need to go to the Downloads folder in File Manager and double click ZoomInstaller.exe (Firefox). Then when it's time for the meeting, simply click the link provided and you'll be in.
     

  • Smart Phones and Tablets: If you have a smart phone or tablet go to Google Play or the Apple App Store as appropriate and you can download the Zoom app for free. Download the app called Zoom Cloud Meetings. Alternatively, there are links to both app stores on the page https://zoom.us/support/download. When it's time for the meeting and you are prompted for a meeting number enter the meeting number provided or enter the number appended to the end of the meeting link.

Joining a Meeting
When you connect to a meeting you will see options at the top or bottom of your screen (you may have to scroll a bit for them to appear). These options include choices about video and audio and options for muting them. Also check your volume settings. Depending on the device you are using you may have to go to your system preferences or setup section of your device to do this. 

No Camera?
If you have an older desktop PC or Apple computer you may not have a camera installed. You can install a webcam on your computer which will enable you to be seen, but this is not required or necessary for you to participate in Zoom meetings. You just won’t be able to transmit video from your location.

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