We use Zoom for our meetings and events on Sonoma County Virtual Quilters.  It was designed for business meetings, and has many useful features for that.  Zoom also offers a Basic/Free plan and it can be a great tool to visit your friends and family over the holidays when the COVID-19 virus is keeping us home.  I am sharing here some simple lessons for beginners if you would like to give it a try.
    These instructions assume that you have already set up a Zoom account.  You don't need a Zoom account to get an invite link and attend that meeting, but if you are going to host a meeting, you must have one.  Easiest way is to go to their website:  www.Zoom.us and set up a free account. You can also sign up from your Zoom app on your tablet or smart phone.
First up - How to schedule a Zoom meeting and send out an invite.  Watch this video I made,  which is very simple.  There are a lot of features on Zoom, but I recommend you start simple, get comfortable using Zoom, and then you can dive into the more fancy stuff if you want to.

This video below shows how to start your Zoom meeting you set up in the first video, and a little tour of the menu items you would use as a hosting beginner:

Many quilters are hesitant to make the step towards using Zoom for their quilting groups or for taking workshops.  Watch this short video to learn what to expect and how to prepare.

The first time I turned on Zoom, I scared myself!  It wasn't a very flattering video.  It is actually pretty easy to set things up so you look your best and feel comfortable on Zoom.
 1)  Make sure you have a soft light facing you.  Set up facing a window in your home, or use a soft lamp.  It will make a huge difference.
2)  Make sure you raise your computer/laptop/tablet/phone up so the camera is just above your eyes.  The angle is much more attractive, your eyes will be open, and other participants will be able to see you.
3) On some devices, Zoom gives you options to adjust your appearance. See your Zoom settings but the first two tips will get you the same results or better.
4) If it is important to you, consider buying a "ring light" to look your best.  They sell in many places online, including Amazon.  Look around, I found a nice one for less than $20