What is Zoom?

It is not zumba—that’s a dance. It is not the sound of a car taking off, although you may want to rev up your bod and zoom away from your computer if you get frustrated! Zoom is an online electronic meeting, a meeting in cyberspace, but not in a galaxy far far away—it’s images of its participants all appearing like magic on your computer screen. Kind of like in Star Trek when Bones says, “Beam me aboard, Scotty” but only a picture of Bones appears, not the physical Bones. And the good news—even a bonehead can do Zoom—so surely every Precious Old Dame, every Thomasina, Dixie, and Harriet can do it.

What electronic devices do I need for Zoom?

You can attend a Zoom meeting with a tablet, smartphone (iphone or Android), or a Windows or Mac laptop or desktop. You can also attend a Zoom meeting with a glass of bubbly on your tabletop.

Do I need a Zoom account to join a Zoom meeting? And what’s it gonna cost?

You don’t have to have a Zoom account to join a Zoom meeting. 

Zoom meetings are free to guests.

How do I get an invitation to a Zoom meeting?

If you are interested in joining a Zoom meeting, let the Zoom hostess know you want to attend and provide her with your email. Prior to the meeting, your hostess will email you with a title for the meeting and a unique link provided by Zoom. 

I am a Zoom virgin. How do I prepare for my first Zoom meeting?

Not to worry, no need to prepare outfit, make-up or fix any hair (ahem!)

If you are a Zoom virgin and using a laptop or desktop, prior to your first meeting, you will be prompted to click on a Zoom link and download a free and secure program to your computer.

If you are a Zoom virgin and using a tablet or smartphone, prior to your first meeting you should download the free and secure Zoom application from your app store.

How can I prepare to sound and look my best at the Zoom meeting?

Silence is golden. Make sure your cell phone is on silent and close the door to the room you’re in to avoid extraneous noise.

Put your best face forward--have a light source facing toward you (rather than behind you) for better visibility.  Have your camera/webcam at about eye level or slightly higher (better for those of us who have double chin concerns!)

What last minute prep will make for a great entrance to the Zoom meeting?

A few minutes before the meeting, make sure your device’s camera/webcam is On (check Settings/Privacy on your device). 

Make sure that your electronic device is as fully charged as you are.

Should I arrive fashionably late for the Zoom meeting?

When the day and time of the meeting arrives,  directly click on the link in the email invitation to enter the virtual meeting.

It’s best to join the meeting 3-5 minutes before official start time to get yourself situated and comfy.

If you click to join the meeting before the hostess has arrived, you will be in a “Waiting Room” for several minutes (sorry, no magazines available for reading in the Waiting Room).

What Zoom meeting P’s and Q’s  should I know?

Follow the hostess’s instructions as to audio on or off.

For more skinny, click on this link 

https://zoom.us/docs/en-us/covid19.html#training-resources

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-Video-Tutorials

Can Zoom keep a secret?

As in all the best speakeasy joints,  Zoom has an additional security feature before you are allowed admission to a gathering: either a password sent with the link that you use to enter the room or you will be placed in a waiting room when you join and the host will admit you. When in doubt, just say, “Joe sent me!”

And during the Zoom meeting, all chick chat on Zoom is electronically secret — technically “end-to-end encrypted” — so that your rear is covered — technically “butt-to-butt covered.” Only those invitees at the Zoom gathering have access to Zoom interactions. 

And remember, what happens in Zoom stays in Zoom!

Enjoy! You are now officially a Zoomer Boomer!