What is Zoom?

Zoom is a platform that allows you to communicate via video, audio and instant messaging, as well as share live screens or presentations. We use it for live online classes and events.  You do not need it to watch recorded events (these will play as a video in your browser).

Zoom can be run on both Windows and iOS systems.

Set up Zoom

To set it up, start by downloading and installing Zoom to your desktop or mobile.

If you are a current UQ student, login using your student number and password.

Test audio and video

Once you’re in the platform, test your settings to make sure everything is working before your first session. At the desktop:

  1. Select ‘Settings’ at the top-right of the Zoom home menu.
  2. Select the ‘Audio’ tab headphone icon in the Settings window.
  3. Choose your speaker from the top drop-down menu, then select ‘Test Speaker’ to check that your sound is working.
  4. Choose your microphone from the second drop-down menu, then select ‘Test Mic’ to check that your microphone is working.
  5. Select the ‘Video’ tab video camera icon,  and your camera from the drop-down menu, and close the Settings window.

How to join a session

Join a session by clicking the Zoom id link associated with the session.  This link may be listed in the event webpage or we will email it to you after you register.

At the time of the session, click on the Zoom link to enter the session. After you’ve entered the session, we recommend checking that your microphone is on mute (to prevent background noise flowing to the group).

Customise your profile

Click 'profile' to customise your profile, including your:

  • name or alias
  • picture - what displays if your video is off, perhaps a picture of you or something you like.

You can also set a background picture to obscure your room when video is on by clicking 'Home' > 'Settings' > 'Virtual background' and selecting a background or uploading your own picture.