Zoom & Microsoft Teams
Both of these functions are very similar with respect to how they are used and their features, however, due to personal preferences have their own benefits when it comes to meetings. At Burke Lawyers, we utilize both Zoom and Microsoft Teams within our firm internally and in conducting meetings with our clients, networks and stakeholders.
Zoom
Zoom is a web based video/phone conferencing application. It allows for people to join a meeting and speak virtually face to face or as a "phone call". This is commonly used in businesses where they have to speak with clients. Zoom has many features that which allows for a more effective meeting, e.g. Share/annotate on one another's screens, record sessions, collaborate on projects, group meetings etc.
Connecting to a meeting:
If you have been invited to a zoom meeting with someone from our company you would have been sent an invite to you preferred email address.
To access the meeting you will need to click the link in the email which typically looks like this:
After you click the link, you will be redirected to a web browser which may download and prompt you to run an application called: Zoom_launcher.exe. This allows the conferencing system to work with your computer’s desktop, attached web camera etc. Open this application if prompted and the system will connect you to the conference. The first time you run this application, it may take a short moment to setup. Once the application loads it should detect and start your camera and ask how you want to join the Audio Conference:
If you have suitable equipment you can select Join by Computer and use the
computers built in speakers and microphone to converse.
If you prefer to use a telephone for audio, select the Join by Phone tab. After selecting
the appropriate country, you will be provided with the appropriate phone number and ID’s
needed to join the audio conference, as shown below:
There is no requirement to make an account as you are simply joining as a guest. This link will give you direct access to the meeting.
The other option you have is to access the meeting is to log into the zoom meeting, this can be done following the below instructions.
- Go to Zoom.us
- Click the “Join a Meeting” tab. You can find the tab on the top right corner of the homepage
- When prompted, add your designated Meeting ID (The Meeting ID can be a 9, 10, or 11-Digit number). The Meeting ID should be provided by the host in the email that was sent regarding your zoom meeting invitation
- You're in!
- After you are in the meeting you can choose if you would like your video on or off.
All meeting details are kept in the email sent to you by the person holding the meeting. If you are still experiencing problems please call our office and we will assist you. 9822 8588
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a feature provided by office 365. It is a unified communication and collaboration platform that combines persistent workplace chat, video meetings, file storage, and application integration and file sharing features.
Microsoft teams gives the ability to meet virtually in a important and cost-effective way for everyday meetings. Teams gives you a view of your scheduled meetings, the timing, the subject, and a list of other persons who’ll be attending.
Teams give you the option to either download the desktop application, access Teams through your browser or download the mobile app.
Connecting to a meeting:
- Connecting to a Microsoft meeting is easy and efficient. Your lawyer or the assistant will send you an invite to your preferred email address.
- The email will have all the information in it and have a link at the bottom of the email.
- Click on the link and it will bring up the relevant page. You can either download this or use it through the web page. This is a personal preference.
- You will then be connected and able to speak with the person who sent you the invite.
- Microsoft teams gives you the option to either video chat or turn your camera off.
Features commonly used for both applications
1. Mute / Unmute: Mute and unmute your microphone only if necessary.
2. Start Video / Stop Video: Turns your camera on or off. You can choose whether to turn
your video on or off. It is suggested that you turn it off if you are experiencing connection
issues.
3. Participants: See who's currently in the meeting. The Participants list also gives you access to these options
4. Share Screen: Start a screen share (if the host allows). You will be able to select the
desktop or application you want to share or if the host is sharing their screen you will be able to see what they are working on. Access may be given to you to amend the same document they are at any given time.
Helpful Tips
- Find a quiet space without interruptions / background noise.
- The use of headphones, this will help with better sound quality.
- Be aware that others can hear and see what you say and do, including unintentional utterances and disapproving facial expressions.
Note: If you are using Zoom or Microsoft teams through a remote desktop it is highly recommended you get out of the remote desktop and use it through your normal computer as the video camera will not work and the quality can be poor.