So suppose I'd arranged to zoom with someone and then it turned out I have no idea what that means. What would my next step be and would it make me look stupid?
Zooming for old people
- Thread starter mccardey
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One of you hosts the zoom. You both likely need to download the app. Whoever is hosting sets it up through the app and sends the link to the other. Click the link, and if you both have downloaded the app, you have ~40 minutes to gab.
More time if you buy a plan.
ETA: If you both have google accounts (e.g. gmail) you can use google hangouts more easily, it's part of the google suite. Hangouts is basically the same kind of interface as zoom. Go to gmail and click on the dots in the top right that get you to photos and calendar and all that. Hangouts is in that grouping. You'll need to play with it, but it should be fairly intuitive.
More time if you buy a plan.
ETA: If you both have google accounts (e.g. gmail) you can use google hangouts more easily, it's part of the google suite. Hangouts is basically the same kind of interface as zoom. Go to gmail and click on the dots in the top right that get you to photos and calendar and all that. Hangouts is in that grouping. You'll need to play with it, but it should be fairly intuitive.
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See this
https://www.takecontrolbooks.com/zoom-essentials/
It's a free downloadable ebook/.pdf by one of the best tech writers I know.
Zoom is a video chat system. You will need a camera on your computer or mobile phone and a microphone, built in is fine.
You will need to download the free app for whatever device you use.
And yes, Google Hangouts are easier.
https://www.takecontrolbooks.com/zoom-essentials/
It's a free downloadable ebook/.pdf by one of the best tech writers I know.
Zoom is a video chat system. You will need a camera on your computer or mobile phone and a microphone, built in is fine.
You will need to download the free app for whatever device you use.
And yes, Google Hangouts are easier.
Thank you. I had forgotten that I had a bandaid on my computer camera, so that was useful.
(I don't know why I have a bandaid on my computer camera. There's reasons, but I don't know what they are.)
(I don't know why I have a bandaid on my computer camera. There's reasons, but I don't know what they are.)
Yes, we all assume this.
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An older desktop requires a plug in, perchance.
My bandaid is masking tape and masking tape on the other side too only smaller.
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An older desktop requires a plug in, perchance.
My bandaid is masking tape and masking tape on the other side too only smaller.
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What is your device? Laptop of what sort? Desktop of what sort?
My macbook pro has a microphone in the side (on the left, next to other female connectors) and I do not need to think about it.
My macbook pro has a microphone in the side (on the left, next to other female connectors) and I do not need to think about it.
What device? Who made it?
Basically any computer made since 2010 has a built in camera and a microphone (it's a small hole, typically next to the port for the headphones or speaker).
If you have a camera (look for a small (smaller than an aspirin) lens on the top center of the display, above the actual screen— you have a microphone.
I DUNNIT! I ZOOMED! Thank you both so much. I didn't look like an idiot at all, because guess what my computer asked me if wanted to turn on the microphone and I said yes and it did it, just like that.
I probably need to find where it is, so I can turn it off again, but seriously I think I've done enough tech today, and I didn't break the internet!
I probably need to find where it is, so I can turn it off again, but seriously I think I've done enough tech today, and I didn't break the internet!
It's possible for someone to hack your camera and turn it on to spy on you. Not common, despite threatening spam emails saying someone has watched you while you were "enjoying" certain sites, and unless you pay $$$ they will post them to your Facebook or Twitter, which they have also hacked. For that reason, people have been covering their cameras. Newer laptops have a sliding shield you can move over it.
But it would be odd if you had a camera and no microphone. I also think one-on-one Zoom calls are free even if over 40 minutes; it's the group calls they charge for. My wife and I dated for two years and spent the first three years of marriage long distance over Skype. We knew each other in person beforehand of course and saw each other regularly, but it's a nice option to have.
Well I'm not sure, but I think they'd be very disappointed. Me watching gardening videos is probably not what they're hoping to see...
Zoom?????
It's taken me months to finally master What'sApp after my avatar grandson persuaded me to replace my ancient Nokia with a more up to date phone. For a remarkable £7 a month I now have a decent mobile and constant contact with all the grandchildren, who send me pictures/messages/movies at any time. Oh- and my avatar is also now building his own computer!!!!
It's taken me months to finally master What'sApp after my avatar grandson persuaded me to replace my ancient Nokia with a more up to date phone. For a remarkable £7 a month I now have a decent mobile and constant contact with all the grandchildren, who send me pictures/messages/movies at any time. Oh- and my avatar is also now building his own computer!!!!
They could be wanting to see which website can give them accurate information on how to keep their lettuce from bolting. You never know with these people.
Do you know, I still remember that avatar from when it was a baby with the most incredible eyes I have ever seen on a baby. I think I remember repping you for the photo...