Beginner's Guide to Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams
Video meetings are now part of school, work, job interviews and family life. If you're new to them, this guide covers joining, basic controls and good etiquette.
Joining a meeting
- Zoom: click the invitation link, or open the Zoom app and enter the meeting ID and passcode.
- Google Meet: click the meet.google.com link. Works in a browser on computers; phones use the Meet or Gmail app.
- Microsoft Teams: click the link and choose to join in the browser or the Teams app.
You usually don't need an account to join, but you may need one to host.
Basic controls
| Button | What it does |
|---|---|
| Microphone | Mute/unmute yourself |
| Camera | Turn your video on/off |
| Share screen | Show your screen or a window |
| Chat | Send text messages |
| Raise hand | Ask to speak |
| Leave | Exit the meeting |
Hosting a meeting
- Zoom: free meetings have a time limit for groups; check current limits.
- Google Meet: start from meet.google.com or Google Calendar.
- Teams: free version supports meetings; work accounts integrate with Outlook.
Use waiting rooms or "ask to join" to control who enters, and don't post meeting links publicly.
Sharing your screen safely
Share a specific window rather than your whole screen, and close private tabs and notifications first. Turn on Do Not Disturb.
Meeting etiquette
- Join a few minutes early and test audio.
- Mute when not speaking.
- Use a neutral background or blur.
- Look at the camera when speaking.
- Use chat for links and short questions.
Online interview checklist
- Charged laptop, stable internet, quiet room.
- Good lighting from the front.
- Test the exact app beforehand.
- Have your CV and notes open in a window.
For quality issues, see improving video call quality.
Handy features in each app
| Feature | Zoom | Google Meet | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Background blur | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live captions | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Breakout rooms | Yes | Yes (some plans) | Yes |
| Recording | Host permission | Some plans | Some plans |
| Whiteboard | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Availability depends on your account type and plan.
Keep meetings secure
- Use unique meeting links for private meetings rather than a permanent personal link.
- Turn on waiting rooms or require approval to join.
- Don't post meeting links on public social media.
- Limit screen sharing to the host for large meetings.
- Lock the meeting once everyone has joined.
- Download apps only from official sources; fake meeting apps can be malware.
Video calls for families
For elderly relatives, WhatsApp video calls are often simplest. Help them by pinning the family group, turning up call volume, and positioning a phone stand so they don't have to hold the phone. For larger family gatherings, Meet or Zoom on a laptop connected to a TV works well. See connecting a laptop to a TV.
Frequently asked questions
Can I join on my phone?
Yes, all three have phone apps. Use earphones for better audio.
How much data does a video call use?
Roughly 500 MB to 1.5 GB per hour, depending on quality.
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