A Beginner’s Guide to Zoom (And Why You Might Love It)
You’ve probably heard someone say “We’ll just meet on Zoom”—but if you’re not quite sure what that means (or you’ve been quietly avoiding it), you’re not alone. The good news? Zoom is simpler than it sounds. And once you get the hang of it, it opens the door to classes, conversations, and connections—right from home.
Here’s a quick, no-stress guide to get you started.
What is Zoom, anyway?
Zoom is a video tool that lets you see and talk to people on a screen—kind of like a phone call with pictures. You can use it to:
Join a class or workshop
Catch up with family or friends
Attend a meeting or seminar
Watch a guest speaker or event
What You Need to Use It
A device: A computer, tablet, or smartphone
An internet connection (WiFi or cellular data)
If you’re using a desktop computer, you can join from your internet browser—like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox—no app required!
How to Join a Zoom Meeting
Click the link sent to you (usually in an email).
Follow the prompts to open Zoom or your browser.
Click “Join with Video” or “Join with Audio.”
That’s it. You’re in!
Tip: If you show up a few minutes early, you’ll have time to test your sound or camera.
You Don’t Need to Be “On Camera”
Don’t feel like being seen? Totally fine. You can join without video or mute yourself at any time. You’re still part of the conversation.
Still Feeling Stuck?
We’re happy to help. Stop by The Center during tech help hours, or give us a call and we’ll walk you through it. We can even set up a quick practice session.
Bottom line: Zoom isn’t about technology. It’s about connection.
