We also summarize the types of Zoom plans and how to use them properly, so please refer to it for companies and organizations that are considering introducing Zoom.

Settings and methods for holding a Zoom meeting

First, let’s take a closer look at the system requirements needed to use Zoom and how to register for a Zoom account.

Specifications required for using Zoom

The system requirements for using Zoom are as follows.

system requirements

Supported OS

Supported browser

How to register an account

If you want to use Zoom Meeting as a host, you need to create an account in advance.

Here‘s how to register for a Zoom account:

Using a PC (Windows/Mac)

1. Access the Zoom website (https://zoom.us/)
2. Enter your email address and click “Sign up is free”
3. Select your date of birth and click Continue
4. Open the email you received and click “Activate Account”
5. You will be asked if you want to register as a school representative, so select “Yes” or “No” and click “Continue”
6. Set your name and password and click “Continue”
7. Invite others or click Skip Step
8. Click the Download button on the Zoom desktop client
9. run the downloaded file
10. Install according to the instructions

How to use a tablet/smartphone (iOS/Android)

1. Search for Zoom on the App Store (Google Play for Android)
2. Tap “Zoom Cloud Meetings”
3. Tap “Get”
4. When the installation is complete, launch the Zoom app and tap “Sign up” (If you have already registered an account on your computer,
5. If you have finished, tap “Sign in” to log in)
6. Set your birthday, email address, name and tap “Sign up”
7. Open the email you received and tap “Active Account”
8. Set a password and tap “Continue”
9. Invite others or tap Skip Step
10. Tap “Go to My Account”

Basics of Zoom meeting! How to invite/participate

Next, let’s check how to “start a meeting”, “invite a meeting”, and “join a meeting“, which are the basic operations of Zoom.

In addition, although the method on the personal computer is summarized here, it is possible to operate in the same way on a tablet / smartphone.

How to start/invite a Zoom meeting

There are two ways to start a Zoom meeting, one is to launch an immediate meeting, and the other is to schedule a meeting to be held at a later date. The steps for each are as follows.

How to launch an instant meeting

1. Launch the Zoom desktop client and click “New Meeting”
2. Click “Start meeting” (If you use My Personal Meeting ID, turn it on and click)
3. Click “Participants” from the toolbar at the bottom of the screen
4. Click “Invite”
5. Notify the invitation URL by email or chat within Zoom

How to schedule for a specific date and time

1. Launch Zoom’s desktop client and click “Schedule”
2. Set meeting dates,  webinar page. Here you will see a list of scheduled times, passwords, etc.
3. Click “Save”
4. Set members to invite and timing of notifications
5. Click “Add”

You can also edit the meeting schedule and participant information later.

How to join a Zoom meeting

If you want to use the Zoom meeting as a participant, you can enter the room by clicking the received invitation URL with the desktop client downloaded and installed.

You can also enter the room by starting the desktop client and entering the meeting ID notified from the “Join” button.

Difference between free and paid plans

Zoom has a free plan that anyone can use, and three paid plans for business use.

From here, let’s take a closer look at the differences between the free and paid plans.

Features and precautions that can be used in the free plan

With Zoom’s free plan, you can mainly use the following functions.

• Screen sharing (file/whiteboard)
• breakout room (grouping)
• Remote operation
• Recording (recording/sound recording)
• text chat etc.

Since the minimum functions necessary for meetings are provided, it can be said that there is no particular problem with the free plan for private use.

However, please note that the free plan has the following limitations:

• Up to 40 minutes per call
• Unable to record/save meetings on the cloud (consumes device capacity)

These disadvantages can be eliminated by subscribing to the paid plan introduced in the next section.

Paid plan types and added features

Zoom has four paid plans: Pro, Business, Business Plus, and Enterprise.

The functions added by each plan and the maximum number of people who can participate in a meeting at the same time are as follows.

Unlocking call time restrictions and cloud recording functions are available from the Pro plan.

In addition, the Business plan allows simultaneous meetings of up to 300 people, so this is recommended for large-scale meetings and training.

summary

• If there is a possibility of using Zoom as a host, it will be smoother if you register an account first.
• The methods for holding, inviting, and participating in meetings are basically the same for both PCs and mobiles.
• When using Zoom as a company or organization, it is recommended to subscribe to a paid plan with enhanced functions and security measures.

Zoom can hold meetings in a simple way while having many functions, so it can be said that it is an easy-to-use tool even for those who are unfamiliar with operating IT tools.

NEC Networks & System Integration sells paid Zoom licenses for businesses and provides installation and operation support, so please contact us if you are thinking of introducing Zoom.