More than just a tool, Zoom has become a necessity for freelancers, companies, and professionals across various industries. In fact, its usage skyrocketed with the rise of remote work, increasing the number of daily active users.

To give you an idea, the number of users participating daily in March 2020 was around 10 million, approximately. That number then surged to 300 million in the following years.

Today, Zoom remains essential for managing virtual meetings. So, in this article, we’ll cover everything about this platform—from its definition and functionality to its features, functions, and more.

Zoom: What It Is, How It Works, Features, and How to Install

What Is Zoom?

It is a video conferencing platform with audio, video, and chat, designed to facilitate remote communication. It was founded in 2011 by former Cisco Systems engineer Eric Yuan and developed by Zoom Video Communications.

Although it had already been a popular choice for managing virtual meetings, its global adoption skyrocketed with the rise of remote work. It became a key tool for professionals to close deals and offer services online during the pandemic.

Main Uses of Zoom

This software allows freelancers and professionals to collaborate in real-time, regardless of location. That’s why it has become one of the essential tools for remote work.

Additionally, its versatility adapts to various fields, covering both personal and professional needs.

Its main uses include:

• Virtual workspaces. Companies and freelancers use Zoom to coordinate meetings with clients. These can be one-on-one sessions or group meetings in real-time.

• Online education tool. Zoom is a useful resource for remote learning, allowing students to participate in virtual classes and discussions.

• Platform for digital events. It is an excellent option for organizing conferences, seminars, or virtual fairs, reaching a global audience without leaving home.

• Personal connections. Zoom is a great solution for keeping in touch with family and friends in different parts of the world.

Whether for professional or personal use, Zoom is essential in the digital era.

How Zoom Works

If you want to join a Zoom meeting, you can do so via a link, a phone number, or through the app. Once inside, you can enable your camera and microphone to communicate with other participants.

Zoom adapts to various devices, allowing access from a computer, mobile phone, or tablet. It also provides key tools for communication and collaboration.

Zoom: Features and Functions

This software offers various key features that make it a versatile platform for virtual meetings.

Features

Some of Zoom’s main features include:

• Intuitive and accessible interface. Easy to use with a simple navigation system, whether on the web version, desktop app, or mobile app.

• High-quality video and audio. HD video calls with noise cancellation, even with unstable connections.

• Customization options. Activate filters, set virtual backgrounds, and adjust participant views for a better experience.

• Security and encryption. Includes protection measures like waiting rooms, password protection, and end-to-end encryption for meetings.

• Integration with other tools. Compatible with platforms like Google Calendar, Slack, and Trello, making work management even easier.

Each of these features defines Zoom and sets it apart from other platforms, and they are complemented by its core functions.

Functions

Here are Zoom’s five most relevant functions:

1. Video calls and online meetings with real-time video and audio for one-on-one or group sessions.

2. Screen sharing for presentations, demonstrations, or document collaboration.

3. Meeting recording for later review or for sharing with those who couldn’t attend.

4. Live chat to send messages during the session without interrupting the conversation.

5. Breakout Rooms, allowing participants to split into smaller rooms for team discussions or collaborative activities.

These Zoom features ensure the stability and security that every freelancer needs when interacting with clients. Meanwhile, its functions facilitate collaboration in various environments, making it a highly useful tool for remote work.

Advanced Zoom Options

Besides its core functions, Zoom has advanced options to enhance collaboration and efficiency in professional settings.

Some of the most notable functionalities include:

• Zoom Events and Zoom Sessions. Tools for organizing virtual or hybrid events with multiple sessions, customizable registration, and branding options.

• Zoom Team Chat. A team messaging platform integrating whiteboards, collaborative documents, and virtual workspaces.

• Zoom Whiteboard. Interactive digital whiteboards accessible from any device for real-time collaboration.

• Zoom Node. A hybrid solution allowing local management of meetings and calls, optimizing bandwidth and security.

And these are just four solutions—Zoom’s services extend far beyond these features.

How to Install Zoom on Your PC

Follow this process to install Zoom on your PC (Windows, macOS, Linux):

1. Access the Zoom website and download the installer.

• Open your browser and go to zoom.us.

• At the top, click on “Resources”.

• Select “Download Zoom App”, or click here to go directly to the download center.

2. Download Zoom to your computer.

• Choose one of the Zoom Workplace download options for Windows (64-bit, 32-bit, or ARM64).

• The file will download automatically.

• Locate the downloaded file in your folder (ZoomInstaller.exe on Windows or the corresponding installer on macOS).

• Double-click to start the installation.

• Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the process to finish.

3. Open Zoom and log in.

• Once installed, open the app from the desktop or start menu.

• Log in with your Zoom account or create a new one if you don’t have one yet.

Now you can start using Zoom on your PC for video calls and online meetings.

How to Start a Zoom Meeting?

To start a Zoom meeting after installation, follow these steps:

1. Open Zoom.

2. Select “New Meeting” to create an instant session.

3. Enable or disable video in settings, adjust audio, and set a password if needed.

4. Once you’ve completed the setup, click “Start Meeting” and share the link with participants.

If you prefer to schedule a meeting for a specific date and time, click “Schedule” on the main screen and follow the instructions.

How to Enable Your Microphone and Speak in Zoom?

• When joining the meeting, press “Join with computer audio” to activate the microphone.

• If the microphone is muted, press the microphone icon to turn it on. If it is active, you will be able to speak and others will hear you.

• If it is muted, but you need to speak momentarily, press and hold the space bar to temporarily activate it.

• If you cannot activate it, the host may have muted the participants. Click “Reactions” → “Raise your hand” to request to speak.

• Click the arrow next to the microphone icon and select “Audio Settings” to choose the correct device or adjust the volume.

If you don't want to interrupt, you can send chat messages or use the reactions to express your comments.

Zoom: Plans and Prices to Consider

You can start using Zoom for free, depending on your needs.

How Does Zoom Free Work?

The free plan offers essential functions for making video calls and online meetings at no cost. It’s an ideal option for freelancers who need to communicate with clients or collaborate without investing in a paid plan.

But if you need more coverage, you can choose from paid plans based on your budget.

Here are the available options:

Conclusion

To succeed as a freelancer, it’s important to have tools that boost productivity and facilitate communication. From this perspective, Zoom is one of the most comprehensive solutions for interacting and collaborating online.

However, before making it your primary tool, it’s essential to consider its pros and cons. Factors like the time limit on the free version may affect its usefulness, depending on your needs.

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