You’ve used Zoom since the early days of COVID, with “can you hear me?” and “you’re on mute!” coming to mind as quickly as early 2000’s song lyrics. (Why don’t we get to decide what that brain space goes to, anyway? Chemo brain has taken our recollection of words during meetings, but never Hoobastank.)
Which begs the question: why has Zoom been so difficult recently?!
To put it simply, the new update really threw us for a loop. Many folks have been able to connect but not unmute, see our screens, etc. Here are our tips to make sure that you can access Zoom quickly and easily so the community building and connection making can begin!
Our Tips and Suggestions
1. Make sure you have the latest version of Zoom.
- There are instructions to find out what version you have here.
- Check for updates using the instructions here.
- Make sure your computer has permission to access your webcam.
- Having a working webcam is a requirement to be eligible to participate. Luckily, webcams are everywhere! This can include the webcam built into your laptop, phone, tablet, an external one, etc.
- We use webcams in every program, and they’re part of our Community Agreements. This helps all of us in the program feel safe and more readily able to connect with one another. We understand that this may not always be feasible due to health, accessibility, privacy, or other personal circumstances. Exceptions are welcome, and we encourage you to connect with our team if you need flexibility!
- We also suggest using headphones. They really help cut down on the background noise and we can usually hear you better! If you’re using it: make sure your computer has permission to access your headphones as your primary audio source.
- If you can see but not hear us and are using headphones in a program: be sure to check that your device is attached to the computer/connected via bluetooth and the volume is up. (No shame! We’ve all been there.)
- If you have a laptop, use that as your device to join the program! This provides the best experience, as compared to a tablet or phone.
- Click on the link provided in the email to join the meeting! Please note that for drop-in programs, the link always remains the same. All other events and programs will have a link sent in the email with pre-program information.
- Need more information on how to join? Check out this Zoom meeting article here. Prefer to watch a video? Click here instead!
- Hint: check your spam folder if you aren’t seeing anything!
- Need captions for the conversation? We’ve got you covered. On the main meeting screen, click “more” in the lower right hand corner. Select show captions. Prefer to watch a video for instructions? Click here!
FYI
- We never allow AI notetakers into our meetings, or any recording. We also do not permit screenshots to ensure safety, privacy, and disclosure on the participants’ terms.
- However, if you would like information from a slide, just ask! We’re happy to sure the information and text in the chat.
Troubleshooting
- If you are in a program and having tech issues, use the chat to tell us what’s happening and we can troubleshoot in real time!
- If you cannot join the program, email programs@cactuscancer.org so one of our program team members can help you gain access from there!
- When all else fails: leave the zoom room, quit zoom, and restart it again.
We hope these tips help you join our programs quickly and easily! Please reach out to programs@cactuscancer.org with any questions or for more personalized assistance.
