Zoom FAQ for students
Do I need a Zoom account?
It’s not necessary to join a meeting, but you may need a Zoom account if your instructor requires it for classroom activities. We suggest using your Carleton email address. You can sign up at zoom.us/signup.
What kind of account should I get? Is it free?
Get a basic account — it’s free! With a basic account, you can host 40-minute group meetings for up to 100 participants and can have unlimited one-on-one meetings. When a virtual class is held using a Zoom meeting, the instructor is the host, meaning you don’t need to worry about these constraints.
Can I get a paid account?
You don’t need a paid account to join a Zoom meeting hosted by your instructor.
What are the system requirements?
- OS: Windows 10, 8, 7, macOS X 10.9, Ubuntu 12.04, iOS, Android, BlackBerry
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Processor: Single Core 1 GHz+
- Bandwidth: 1.5 Mbps upstream and 1.5 Mbps downstream for group calling (720p HD video)
- Use a speed test to check bandwidth use
- Connection: Broadband wired (Ethernet — preferred) or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE)
- Hardware: Computer or mobile device, headset or earbuds, webcam
Need more details? Check out the full list of system requirements for using Zoom on your desktop and mobile device.
How do I test my camera and microphone?
Join a test meeting by going to zoom.us/test. You can test your internet connection, camera and microphone. We suggest you do this before your class starts! There is more information here on how to set up your video and audio.
Do I need to turn my camera on?
It’s not necessary to turn your camera on. Your name (or an avatar if you upload one) will be displayed instead.
Do I need a microphone?
To be heard speaking, you will need a microphone; phones and many computers will have one. If you don’t have microphone access, there is a text chat function in Zoom.
How do I get into a meeting?
The instructor should provide you with a meeting ID or link (and a passcode if required) via email, calendar invite or posting in cuLearn. Please sign into Zoom and click “Join”. Enter the meeting ID (and passcode if required).
What is a meeting ID?
You may be given a link to a meeting ID as part of an email or calendar invitation, or posted in cuLearn. This meeting ID is your access to the Zoom class.
What is a passcode?
You may be given a passcode; if so you will need this passcode to enter the meeting, in addition to the meeting ID.
I don’t have my computer available. Can I use my phone?
Yes! If you have a smartphone, please see our instructions for downloading and joining a meeting with a mobile device. You can also phone in (voice only).
If you wish to dial in via telephone you can use these Ontario numbers below.
- +1 647 374 4685 (Ont)
- +1 647 558 0588 (Ont)
Or you can find other Zoom international dial-in numbers to use.
Once you dial the number you will have to input the meeting ID followed by the pound key (#) to enter the Zoom meeting.
What is a waiting room, and why am I in it?
The waiting room is a virtual lobby. When the instructor is ready to start the class, you will be allowed into the meeting room.
How do I give a presentation in my Zoom class?
If you want to speak to the class you will need your microphone turned on, and your webcam turned on if you want to be seen. You can test your settings at zoom.us/test.
If you are presenting a slideshow or video, please let the instructor know and ensure they allow you to share your screen. If you are sharing something with audio, ensure “Share Computer Sound” is on. For video files and streaming video, also click “Optimize video for full screen.”
Make sure your presentation is open in the application and ready to present before sharing your screen. When sharing your screen, you can choose which file to share by selecting the specific application window once prompted. We suggest avoiding sharing screens that have personal information or content on them, such as your desktop.
Sharing screens at a glance:
- You can share a specific screen that is open (e.g., a PowerPoint presentation or video file). There is no need to share your entire desktop; in fact, we recommend against shaing your desktop for privacy reasons.
- Have the presentation ready to go and open before you start sharing.
- To share your screen, the instructor will need to enable screen sharing at their end.
- When sharing files containing audio, ensure “Share Computer Sound” is on.
- When sharing video files, also click “Optimize video for full screen.”
Zoom publishes additional information on sharing your screen.
Is there a video server for my video recordings?
Yes! As a Carleton student you have access to a video server at mediaspace.carleton.ca. You can use this site to upload videos you create for your course.
Can I use Zoom for other meetings besides classes?
You can host meetings with your free account, whether for two participants (unlimited time) or many participants (40 minutes per session). To learn more about hosting, check out Zoom’s excellent collection of resources at https://support.zoom.us/.
Where can I find more information on how to use Zoom?
Read our Zoom Resources for Students page. Be sure to also check out Zoom’s excellent collection of resources at support.zoom.us and review the answers to their frequently asked questions.