Has anyone used Zoom?

[ClaretTony]

I'm looking at potentially using Zoom for the Supporters Groups AGM in June - I've downloaded the App on my phone and signed up but nothing else.

Is it easy to use, any tips on how to set things up for a meeting?

[claretonthecoast1882]

Careful on there.

Just one look and your heart can go boom

[Burnley1989]

It’s great Tony, you only get around 40 minutes for free although you can log back in to the same meeting twice.

I’d suggest paying for the account if it’s going to be a long meeting as you tend to lose the first 10 minutes waiting for everybody to log in.

I also like Microsoft teams and Bluejeans for meeting and web demonstrations.

[Leisure]

Hi Tony - My wife uses it for her yoga lessons. It's easy to use for the users but don't know if it's easy/hard for the person setting up the videos. I have a board meeting this Thursday and we're also using it for that. If you want me to try to find out the process etc for setting it up I can do?

[Burnley1989]

To set a meeting couldn’t be any easier, it gives you a code to send to all invitees and you can choose to put a password on the meeting or not.

[Elizabeth]

Wise questions, there have been worries of it being at risk of hacking.
500,000 Zoom accounts sold on hacker forums .
Advises people's passwords should be different from any other e mails, PayPal's etc.
Sorry I can't be more helpful, just passing on info my son has warned me about.

[Funkydrummer]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9w3Y_9FLgc4

This guy knows what he's doing. Good luck.

[CrispyClaret]

If you’re using the free version, you are limited to 40 minute meetings if more than 3 users.
Just go into schedule, choose a day and time of meeting, pick a meeting length, tick use personal meeting id and require a password.
Then all you have to do is give people the meeting id and password for them to join in. The app will ask permission to use internet video and audio, you select yes to be seen and heard.
It can be a bit random as everyone tries to talk at once.
When using the app you can select a grid view to see all the other people at the same time, for small phone/iPad screens you just swipe to the right to reveal other people as it limits you to around 12 people on show at once.

[wilks_bfc]

We’ve been using for our “family calls”

Depending on the device you are using it can vary on the layout, but it helps if you all have the device in same position of portrait or landscape.

The free version is limited to 40mins, but as said by others can just have a second one after it

[Spijed]

What's the difference between zoom and Skype?

Pros and cons?

Also, is Houseparty any good?

[ClaretTony]

Amazing, I wondered if anyone would be able to offer anything and within no time there has been some good advice.

Burnley1989 - will be using it for the AGM because it should be a short meeting, compared to our monthly meetings so 40 mins will probably be enought.

Leisure - as you will likely be attending the meeting, your input will be very useful

Elizabeth - password suggestion is a good one

[Bosscat]

Used to love "Zoom" Ice Lollies

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[Zlatan]

Definitely configure a password as advised.

We use Zoom for social calls and Teams for work based calls. Distinction was because some staff have been furloughed and management wanted separate platforms to ensure those furloughed would not pick up work stuff.

Not much in it in terms of performance, both platforms work well, although Zoom allows more users on screen at the same time. Teams just upped that to 9.

Zoom will be fine for what you want CT, just remember to secure the session. All the hype about insecurities was people not password protecting their sessions which permitted anyone to join...

[bfcjg]

We do zoom quizzes at the weekend and they tend to last a few hours I don't pay anything though must have a trial version perhaps ? I would though use a laptop or PC Tony as long as it has a camera built in.

[gtclaret]

I use it for weekly spanish lessons, it has a group of 6 and works very well, we normally meet, but we're thinking of adding this on to the normal meets when this is over

[KateR]

have been using Zoom on and off for months along with Teams and WebEx.

WebEx is more a corporate one for a Company but due to having other companies join that don't have WebEx Zoom and Teams has also been set up.

In terms of use Teams was more difficult for me to get in to but that was due to the original messenger not setting me up properly as I understand it.

Zoom was easy to get into and all 3 were good quality so terms of actual connectivity, voice/video they were much the same.

Zoom does have issues regarding security and have recently admitted failings in terms of people security info and don't meet the standards. They publicly committed to upgrading security in order not to be shut down as I understand it, however simple chats with no valuable data being shared should be fine. Zoombombing has been in the news quite a bit lately, see links:

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/4-zoom-secu ... ombombing/

https://www.cnet.com/news/zoom-every-se ... -chat-app/

[Leon_C]

Zoom: We use this in our business, several times per day.
The 40 minute limit is imposed if the host isn't a "paid" member. If any of the other delegates have a paid work account, they could be asked to host the meeting.
The 'security' challenges posted around Zoom are twofold - a) meetings being shared without passwords (same can happen with ANY unsecured meeting app - such as Houseparty) and b) privacy issues, which wouldn't meaningfully affect a sports group meeting.. many of which are being addressed by the business.

[Funkydrummer]

Why don't you hold the meeting up at Malham ?

[ClaretTony]

Why don't you hold the meeting up at Malham ?

I might have commented on this if I'd understood it

[box_of_frogs]

I’d recommend using a laptop / computer camera, rather than your phone. You’ll get a little more functionality especially if you’re the host. That said, if you are on a phone then I’d suggest keeping it plugged in whilst you are on it. I’ve found zoom blitzed my battery on longer than 40 min sessions.

[Middle-agedClaret]

Hi Tony
Little to add to the good advice on here already.
For what it’s worth, 3 weeks ago I’d never heard of Zoom - an indication of my ease and familiarity with technology. I’ve now taken part in 3 family quizzes and one French lesson on the platform. I’ve found it very easy and user-friendly. In my experience, it does help to have at least one proficient and competent member of the group though - just to keep things focused.
Good luck with the meeting.

[Bosscat]

and one French lesson on the platform. I’ve found it very easy and user-friendly.

Hmmmmm the mind boggles a French Lesson huh

[Middle-agedClaret]

Mais oui...

[ClaretTony]

I’d recommend using a laptop / computer camera, rather than your phone. You’ll get a little more functionality especially if you’re the host. That said, if you are on a phone then I’d suggest keeping it plugged in whilst you are on it. I’ve found zoom blitzed my battery on longer than 40 min sessions.

Unfortunately it has to be on the phone. No camera on computer. I’ll make sure the phone is fully charged.

[cl40]

Does anyone know whether it's possible to connect a head cam (possibly a GoPro cam) to Zoom or Teams?

We're looking at sending these off with machinery as with the current restrictions it a struggle to get to installations.

[TheOriginalLongsider]

We've found that we can go beyond 40 minutes on the free version - 3 hours has been fine. Ive also been on Zoom meetings with 600 people so it seems very robust. Make sure you can mute everyone to avoid everyone speaking at once

[Loyalclaret]

I do not believe you have to have a camera, I've participated in work sessions without and just used microphone on laptop. I would imagine it would be beneficial for the person chairing the meeting to be on a laptop to see more users and have greater control?

I'm the social parties I've used a combo of phone and laptop (annoys everyone as you have two profiles) but I think it's been great to use during the lockdown.

Some friends are holding a digital AGM soon, I'll ask what they are using.