Zoom
By Jonathan Cass
Many of you may be wondering, “What is Zoom?” or “What is FaceTime?” In a series of how-to articles, we will post information and links to some helpful tutorials on using the most popular Law Society of Ontario approved virtual meeting platforms.
Let’s start with Zoom.
Zoom is a platform for online meetings. It is free to join Zoom and the software (which is also free) is available for a variety of popular devices (Windows, Mac or Apple devices, Android, and others).
Like many popular online platforms, it gained its popularity by being relatively simple and easy to use. While it may be a mystery at first, there is plenty of information out there to help you get started. The first step is to download Zoom.
After you have downloaded Zoom to your device, there are some excellent video tutorials on how to use Zoom, on Zoom’s official page. We recommend starting with “Joining a Meeting.” If you scroll down on the Joining a Meeting page, you will find specific instructions for whatever device you are using (e.g., PC, Mac, iPhone or iOS, Android, etc.).
We recommend clicking the link above, named “Joining a Meeting,” so that you can scroll down to read specific instructions for your device and operating system, but you can also scroll down to the bottom of this page to view the video.
When you make an appointment for a virtual meeting with us, your lawyer will likely provide instructions by phone or email. In general, we recommend following these steps:
If you have not downloaded Zoom already, click the “DOWNLOAD ZOOM” button above
If you need help getting started with Zoom, use the links above or visit the Zoom Help Center, here, and search for the words, “Getting Started” on the page
Test that Zoom is working before your appointment, by trying it with a friend or family member who also has the ability to use Zoom
Approximately 10 minutes before your appointment, open the Zoom app and login
Remember to enable the use of audio and video before entering your virtual meeting room (you can also test these features)
Refer to your lawyers specific instructions on joining the meeting to start your appointment
If you have any questions about Zoom or any of the popular virtual meeting platforms, please feel free to send me an email.
We wish our current and future clients the best of health during this critical time, in which we should all do our best to “flatten the curve.”