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*Zoom and services that include the name Zoom are services provided by Zoom Video Communications, Inc.
From July 15, 2022, Zoom will have a 40-minute limit even for meetings with two participants if you have a free subscription. (Previously, it was only for meetings of 3 or more people.)
Companies and organizations using Zoom for business should consider switching to a paid license at this opportunity.
It is a tool that is easy to use even for those who are new to video calling, but if you do not prepare well in advance, you may encounter problems such as distorted video or interrupted audio.
When holding a meeting with Zoom, it is important to conduct a test in advance and check the operation.
Here, we explain the specifications of the equipment required to introduce Zoom and how to operate the test meeting.
We have also summarized the troubles that can occur during meetings with Zoom and how to deal with them, so if you are thinking about introducing Zoom for telework, please refer to it.
before testing! Zoom system requirements and required equipment
Zoom is a tool that can be used by installing an app on an existing computer, smartphone, tablet, etc., or via the web browser of each device.
First, let’s take a closer look at the OS and browser requirements that Zoom supports, and the peripherals that should be prepared for a more comfortable meeting.
Zoom System Requirements (PC)
Zoom’s system requirements for Windows, Mac, and Linux are as follows.
| Internet connection | Broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE) |
|---|---|
| speaker and microphone | Built-in or USB plug-in or wireless Bluetooth |
| Webcam or HD webcam | Built-in or USB plug-in |
Most laptops come with built-in speakers, microphones, and cameras.
There is no need to prepare a separate device if it is built-in, but if you want to improve the quality of audio and video, you may consider installing an external device.
However, if you use a device provided by your company, the video/audio may be distorted or you may not be able to use external devices, so please check with your company administrator in advance.
On the other hand, there is a high possibility that these are not built into desktop computers, so it is necessary to prepare the missing devices.
Consider buying a headset that has an integrated speaker and microphone.
Next, the OS supported by the desktop application are as follows.
- macOS X and macOS 10.9 or later
- Windows 10 (Windows 10 Home, Pro, or Enterprise)
- Windows 8 or 8.1
- Windows 7
- Ubuntu 12.04 or newer
- Mint 17.1 or newer
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.4 or newer
- Oracle Linux 6.4 or higher
- CentOS 6.4 or newer
- Fedora 21 and newer
- OpenSUSE 13.2 or newer
- ArchLinux (64-bit only)
The browsers that Zoom supports are as follows. (Recommend using the latest version)
| Windows | Internet Explorer (screen sharing only), Chromium Edge, Firefox, Chrome |
|---|---|
| Mac | Safari, Firefox, Chrome |
| Linux | Firefox, Chrome |
Zoom system requirements (mobile)
The system requirements for Zoom’s iOS, iPadOS, and Android are as follows.
| Internet connection | WiFi (a/g/n/ac etc.) or mobile (3G/4G LTE etc.) |
|---|---|
| speaker and microphone | Bluetooth wireless speaker and microphone *optional |
Smartphones and tablets have built-in speakers, microphones, and cameras, so you can use them immediately without having to prepare separate devices.
If you need to make sure that the sound cannot be heard by others, it may be a good idea to use the earphones that came with the device or prepare a wireless speaker.
Next, the OS supported by the mobile app is as follows.
- iOS 8.0 or later
- iPad OS 13 or higher
- Android 5.0x and above
Zoom does not support mobile browsers.
Steps for a test meeting on Zoom
Once the operating environment for Zoom is in place, let’s test whether we can actually hold a meeting.
From here, I will explain the procedure for performing a connection test using the Zoom desktop application.
Step 1. Visit the test web page
First, access the Zoom test meeting site from your browser.
Click “Join” in the center of the page to start the test meeting.
A dialog will appear on the screen, so click “Open Zoom Meeting“.
If the Zoom app is not installed at this point, install it first.
Step 2. Video footage test
When the test meeting starts, the Zoom app will launch and switch to the meeting screen.
Let’s check if the built-in camera or external webcam is working properly.
If nothing appears on the screen, the camera function within Zoom may be turned off.
If the video camera icon in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen has a slash through it, click the icon to toggle the camera on.
You can also change the virtual background settings from here.
Step 3. Speaker audio test
Then proceed to the speaker test.
Audio will be played from the Zoom app, so let’s check if you can hear it.
If you can’t hear the sound, try adjusting by switching the output speaker or increasing the output level.
Step 4. Microphone connection test
The last is a mic test.
Since the test meeting is conducted by one person, instead of having a conversation with the other party, the test is performed by repeating your voice.
First of all, if you emit some sound by yourself and then repeat playback in the same way, the microphone test is completed.
If no sound is returned, adjust the input microphone by switching it or raising the input level in the same way as the speaker.
After completing the test, click the “Exit” button at the bottom right of the screen to end the test meeting.
Common problems during production and how to deal with them
Even if you have a test meeting with Zoom, the possibility of a problem occurring in the actual production is not zero.
A common problem during meetings on Zoom is connection problems with cameras, speakers, and microphones.
If you were able to connect in the test, the cause is probably in the settings on the Zoom side, not the OS.
Check again to see if your video is turned off or if your audio is muted.
The Zoom connection test can be performed even after the meeting has started.
If you don’t know whether you or the other person is the cause, let’s try the test again not only by yourself but also by the other person.
In some cases, you can connect, but the video and audio quality is poor.
The lighting or network environment may be the cause, so please try to move the meeting location.
If the cause is a lack of equipment specs, you may want to consider purchasing a separate external device.
summary
- Zoom supports the OS and PC browsers of various devices such as Windows, Mac, and iPhone.
- When holding a meeting with Zoom, it will be smooth if you conduct a test meeting in advance
- If a connection problem occurs during production, it may be possible to solve it by checking the Zoom settings and retesting or adjusting the environment.
If a connection problem occurs in a scene such as a company meeting or a large-scale seminar, the evaluation from the other party may be lowered.
Be sure to test in advance and prepare for a smooth start to production.