What is Zoom?

What is Zoom?

Zoom is a US-based company whose platform allows its users to take part in video calls, video conferences and webinars across a range of devices. It also allows users to type chat messages to each other.

Using Zoom on different devices

Gone are the days of needing a home telephone to call people. Zoom and other similar services allow you to call other users anywhere in the world on your computer, tablet or smartphone.

Sending and receiving Zoom invitations

Zoom works on the basis of every call having a host (the organiser of the call) and participants (the invited guests).

The host sets up the meeting and sends a meeting link and passcode to each of the participants in the form of an invitation.

The benefits of Zoom

Zoom can be used for a range of things, from connecting with friends and family anywhere in the world, to attending online doctor's appointments, educational classes or games nights with friends.

eSafety tip

Like any online application, you need to keep your safety in mind when using Zoom. We'll look at staying safer when using Zoom later in this course.

What does Zoom cost?

Zoom has a range of plans available that cater to different types of users. The good news is that there is a Basic Zoom plan that is free for personal use.

The Basic plan allows unlimited one-to-one calls, but there are some restrictions for group calls, including:

• You can only have up to 100 people on any single call.
• Group calls are limited to 40 minutes in duration.

Well done!

This is the end of the What is Zoom? activity. You should now have an understanding of what Zoom is and how it allows you to connect with others using a range of devices.

In the next activity, What you need to use Zoom, we look at what equipment and information you need to be able to use Zoom.