Zoom is a cloud-based platform for video and audio conferencing, mobile collaboration, and simple online meetings. This article provides some basic information about the use of MSU Zoom. Zoom’s web-based conferencing uses high-quality video and audio and is accessible on MacOS, Windows, iOS and Android mobile devices. Additionally, Zoom can be used with conventional phone lines for audio conferencing.
The instructions below help you get started with Zoom. If you are interested in short overview videos please visit the following links created by MSU Colleagues
- Jeremy VanHof’s 5 Minute Guide to Zoom (5:36)
- Shannon Spasova’s Quick and Dirty Introduction to Zoom (8:56)
Zoom Help from the MSU IT website
Logging into the MSU Zoom Site
- Browse to https://msu.zoom.us.
- Click the Login button and log in using your MSU NetID and password.
The Profile tab will display upon login, where you can verify your User Type is Licensed, and your Capacity is 300 for a meeting, and 500 for a webinar.
Installing the Zoom App (Desktop or Mobile)
Using Zoom with a Windows, MacOS or mobile device requires the installation of an app. If not previously installed, Zoom will prompt the user to download and install the software app when joining a meeting or webinar. Zoom users can also install the app in advance of using the service to join or host a meeting:
- Click on the Download Zoom link in the Important Links section below the login button.
- Some browsers give the option to run ZoomInstaller.exe immediately, others download and save it automatically.
- Internet Explorer and Edge should give the option to run the file as soon as you download, or will open a bar at the bottom of the screen after it downloads where you can choose to run it or open the folder where it was saved.
- Chrome should pop up a line at the bottom indicating the file is downloaded, and you can run it from there. Else you can click the 3 vertical dots menu in the top-right corner and select ‘Downloads’ to see the file and run it from there instead.
- Firefox should prompt to run or save the file. If you choose to save, a blue download arrow will appear in the top-right of the screen that you can click on to view your downloads.
An app is also available for iOS from the Apple App Store and for Android from Google Play. At either location, search for “zoom”. Note: Zoom can be used with conventional phone lines for audio conferencing and can also connect to existing Polycom, Tandberg, LifeSize, and similar devices. We also recommend turning on Join before host to allow users to join the meeting even if the host is not yet present or will not be able to attend at all. From the webpage:
- Click Settings from the menu on the left
- Click the slider next to Join before host
- When active it will be to the right and be blue
- To deactivate, click the slider again (it will grey out and go to the left)
Joining or Hosting a Meeting
MSU Zoom users can use either the installed Zoom app or the msu.zoom.us site to begin the process of joining or hosting a meeting. To join a meeting from the website, log in and click the green Join a Meeting button at the top right of the page. You will need the meeting ID or have a link to the meeting. To host a meeting from the website, click the Host a Meeting button at the top right of the page and choose whether to use video or not. This will launch the Zoom app directly into a hosted meeting. To join a meeting using the Zoom app: run the app and select “Join a meeting”. On the next page enter the Meeting ID and your name as you want it to appear in the meeting, then press “Join”. Note: A meeting can be joined by anyone who has the Meeting ID information, including parties from outside MSU.
Using the Zoom App to Host a Meeting
Hosting an MSU Zoom meeting requires an SSO login. To log in to host a meeting:
- Run the Zoom app and select Sign In
- Click Sign In with SSO
- When the Sign in with SSO prompt displays, enter msu (it will automatically add .zoom.us to what you enter)
- Click Continue.
- When the Michigan State University login page displays, enter your MSU NetID and password.
- Click Login.
Zoom Main Dialog
Whenever you are logged in to MSU Zoom and have the Zoom app active, Zoom’s main dialog box displays. The default is to display the Home tab where you can:
- Click New Meeting to start a meeting
- Click Schedule to set up a future meeting.
- Click Join to join a meeting that has already been started.
- Click your name or initials in the top-right corner to view your profile, check for updates, switch accounts, and sign out.
Meeting Actions
Once you have joined or started a meeting, numerous actions are available from the menu bar located at the bottom of the meeting window (click the links to view the Zoom support page for that option):
- Invite more people to join by email, IM, SMS (mobile users) or meeting ID.
- Screen share your desktop or specific application window.
- Group or private chat.
- Manage participants.
- Mute/unmute your audio.
- Stop/start your video.
- Configure your settings.
- Leave or end the meeting.
Using MSU Zoom in a Classroom Location
The Zoom app is available on classroom computers and can be used to join or host a Zoom Meeting or Webinar.
Zoom Support Information
Closed Captioning Support Information
Zoom users can achieve captioning capabilities for hearing impaired users by using Zoom with this active third-party software: http://www.telestream.net/overview.htm.
For more information on Telestream closed-captioning support, see http://www.telestream.net/telestream-support/captioning/support.htm.
Where can I learn more about using Zoom?
Where can I find additional support articles?
Zoom for MSU Commonly-Asked Questions The Zoom support center offers tutorials and additional support articles. More articles will be developed as needs are identified. Where can I find additional help and support?If you encounter log-in issues or need other technical support, Please use this contact form, contact the MSU IT Service Desk at (517) 432-6200 (Option 2), or send an email to ithelp@msu.edu
