Audio and Virtual Conferencing with Zoom

Please note beginning November 1, 2021, Zoom will require users to update their Zoom software client to ensure it is no more than nine months behind the current version at any given time. 

 

After November 1, you will be prompted to update your software if your version falls behind this nine-month window. For example, if the latest version of the Zoom client was released in September 2021, customers who try to access Zoom services with a version released before January 2021 will be prompted to update to a more recent version in order to access the full functionality of Zoom. In order to stay current with functionality, security features, and avoid any interruption in services, Tufts encourages all Zoom users to make it a practice to regularly check, accept and update their software.

 

Update Your App

Tufts Zoom users should always keep their Zoom client up to date as Zoom changes and enhances features and security on an ongoing basis.

To check if your Zoom client is up to date (the latest version is 5.8 as of 10/2021):

  • Click on your profile top right in the Zoom client
  • Scroll down to check for updates
  • If an update exists, accept, and install it.

*NOTE: If you do not have administrative rights to install the update on your machine, please contact the 24/7 TTS Service Desk for assistance.

What is Zoom?

Zoom is a communication service that allows users to participate in audio and video conferencing, content sharing, and chats. Hosts can also record meetings and share them at a later date.

For the best user experience, including access to the latest security features, it is recommended that you keep your Zoom desktop application up to date and use it to host/join meetings. NOTE: When signing in to the Zoom desktop or mobile applications, you must use the Sign In with SSO (single sign-on) option and your Tufts credentials. For more details, see the sections below on the Zoom desktop and mobile applications.

Zoom login window with single sign-on option

 

Ways to Use Zoom

There are several ways to use Zoom, depending on hardware/software availability and user preference.

For Tufts faculty who plan to use Zoom for distance teaching and learning, please also refer to Education Technology's Teaching with Zoom guide.

To access Zoom through your internet browser, go to https://tufts.zoom.us and log in with your Tufts username (e.g. jjumbo01) and password.

Through the Zoom website, you can:

  • Start/Join meetings

  • Schedule meetings

  • Manage account and meeting settings

  • View and manage recordings
Tufts Zoom Site

 

To download the Zoom desktop application, go to the Zoom Download Center. Click on the Download button under Zoom Client for Meetings.

Through the desktop app, you can:

  • Start/Join meetings

  • Schedule meetings

  • Manage account and meeting setting

  • Participate in individual and group chats

Zoom Desktop App

 

Signing in to the Zoom Desktop Application

Once you have installed the Zoom desktop application, you will need to sign in with your Tufts credentials using the directions below.

  1. Open the Zoom desktop application.
  2. Click Sign In.Sign in button

     

  3. In the Sign In window, click Sign In with SSO (Single Sign-On).Select Single Sign-On
  4. In the company domain field, enter “tufts” so that the entire domain is tufts.zoom.us. Then, click Continue.Entering tufts.zoom.us as domain

     

  5. You will be directed to a Tufts login page. Provide your Tufts username (e.g. jjumbo01) and password. Then click Login. (You will also need to complete DUO two-factor authentication.)Tufts login page
  6. Click Open zoom.us.Selecting Open Zoom
  7. The Zoom desktop interface will open.Zoom Desktop App

Manually Checking for Updates

  1. Open the Zoom desktop application and sign in with your Tufts credentials using the directions above.
  2. Click on your profile icon toward the top right of the Zoom window.
  3. Select Check for Updates.Manually checking for updates to the Zoom desktop application
  4. A window will appear with information about your current version of Zoom. If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to do so. 

The Zoom mobile app can be downloaded on your smartphone from the iOS App Store or Google Play.

Through the desktop app, you can:

  • Start/Join meetings
  • Schedule meetings
  • Manage account and meeting settings
  • Participate in individual and group chats
Zoom mobile app

 

Signing in to the Zoom Mobile App

Once you have installed the Zoom mobile application, you will need to sign in with your Tufts credentials using the directions below. (Note: These directions are for the Zoom iOS app. The directions for the Zoom Android app may vary slightly.)

  1. Open the Zoom mobile application.
  2. Click Sign In.Sign in button on Zoom mobile app
  3. Tap the SSO (single sign-on) option.Mobile single sign on option
  4. In the company domain field, enter “tufts” so that the entire domain is tufts.zoom.us. Then, click go.entering tufts.zoom.us as domain
  5. You will be redirected to a Tufts login page. Enter your Tufts username (e.g. jjumbo01) and password. Then, click Login.Tufts login on mobile

     

  6. Click Open.Selecting Open on mobile
  7. The Zoom mobile application will open.

It is possible to call into Zoom meetings over the phone.

 

Calling into a Zoom Meeting

  1. Dial into one of the Zoom call-in numbers. (These can be found in the meeting invitation.)

  2. When prompted, enter the Meeting ID number.

  3. When prompted, enter the meeting password.