Zoom Support

I’ve used Zoom before, is there anything special I need to know for this retreat?

Great! The most important functions we’ll be using during retreat are the basics – here’s the breakdown (you can find more detailed information about these points by scrolling further down the page):

  • You should feel comfortable joining the Zoom meeting, by either clicking the link on a private web page (for multi-day retreats) or emailed to you 30 minutes prior to the session (for classes).
  • Please match your “Zoom name” to the name you registered with and add an appropriate profile picture for when your video is turned off.
  • We’d like you to know how to mute and unmute yourself, as well as turn your video on/off.
  • We will often be utilizing the Raise My Hand function, which can be found by clicking the “participants” button.
  • During the Zoom meeting, the teachers and IMCW Staff will be listed as Host or Co-Hosts. As a result, you may send them a private chat message if you have a question or any concerns that arise during the instruction. If you know how to send a private zoom chat to the designated person, that’s a big help as well.

What are the optimum computer requirements for using Zoom?

Internet Speed:

For best results, an internet connection speed of 10mbps or higher is preferred (test your speed here)

  • A slower connection of 5mbps or higher should work, but video quality may be low
  • If experiencing poor video or audio quality while using wifi, try a wired Ethernet connection — that is, a cable directly from your modem or router to your computer

Computer hardware:

  • A Windows, Mac or Linux computer produced within the last 5 years
  • A working internal microphone, or a dedicated stand-alone microphone separate from the computer
  • A working built-in camera, or a stand-alone camera such as a Logitech webcam
  • Need more help? Getting Started on Windows and Mac

Mobile Devices:

Full technical details are available at Zoom’s website.

How do I find out my internet connection speed?

Visit www.speedtest.net and click Go.

How do I add an iCal event (.ics files) to my calendar?

iCal instruction links: iCal import guide for Google and Apple. Outlook is similar.

How do I turn my video on or off?

On a desktop or laptop computer: Click the Start/Stop Video icon (shaped like a camera) in the lower left corner of the Zoom screen. If you turn your video off, you will still be able to hear the audio portion of the event but the other participants won’t be able to see you. To become visible onscreen again, click the icon again to turn on your camera.

On a Tablet: Tap the screen and a toolbar will appear at the top of your screen. Click the Start/Stop Video icon (shaped like a camera) on the right hand side of that toolbar.

How do I change my view of the speaker?

Click on the Gallery View/Speaker View icon (looks like a 6×6 grid or honeycomb) in the upper right hand corner of the Zoom screen (upper left hand corner if you’re using a tablet) to toggle between Speaker View and Gallery View. Speaker view allows you to see the person that is speaking as a larger image and rotates with whoever has the floor. Gallery View allows you to see one large view with up to 25 smaller screens of your fellow participants.

For more detail, use Zoom’s Guide to Gallery View and Speaker View.

My video or camera isn’t working

Troubleshoot your video issue using Zoom’s video/camera help guide.

My audio isn’t working

Troubleshoot your audio issue using Zoom’s audio help guide. You might also try leaving the event and rejoining it, making sure you click the green button that says Join Audio Conference by Computer. You could also try joining the event on a different device.

How can I learn more about how Zoom works?

Visit Zoom’s website and check out some of their Getting Started Videos.

Does IMCW require me to keep my video and audio on during the retreat?

We welcome you to be fully present with your camera on, as it strengthens the sense of community and the retreat container. However, if you need to go to another room, tend to other matters, please turn your video camera off. We’ve had feedback from previous retreatants and teachers that when they see movement happening during a discussion or sit – it is disruptive to the retreat container. If we see a distracting video feed, one of our Retreat Managers may reach out via private zoom chat and request to turn off the camera.

Will the live sessions be recorded?

Depending on the retreat, there will usually be 1-2 sessions live recorded (generally this includes the Dharma talk and/or a guided meditation). Question and Answer sessions may not be recorded. The audio from these recordings will be uploaded on the retreat homepage, and eventually migrated as well over to Dharmaseed.org. For the protection of your privacy, video will be never distributed or uploaded on any public platform.

Is there a requirement for my Zoom name/ID?

When registering or joining the Retreat, type in your full real name (the name you’ve used to register for the retreat) so we can identify you, allow your permissions to access the Retreat and we may call on you by name if you raise your hand to ask a question or make a comment during the program. You may also use your first name and last initial on your Zoom video if you prefer. We also invite you to add your preferred pronoun. Don’t know how to change your Zoom handle name? Read all about customizing your Zoom profile here (including a profile picture).

How do I turn off email or other notifications on my computer?