Zoom is a video conferencing platform that has gained immense popularity recently due to its ease of use, reliability, and scalability. It competes with other video conferencing solutions, including Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Cisco Webex, and Skype.
Microsoft Teams is an all-in-one communication and collaboration platform that integrates with Microsoft’s suite of productivity tools. Google Meet is a video conferencing tool that is integrated with Google’s productivity suite. Cisco Webex is a robust video conferencing solution large enterprises use for secure communication and collaboration. Skype is a popular video calling app for personal and business communication.
However, Zoom stands out from its competitors due to several factors. Firstly, it provides high-quality video and audio with screen sharing and chat features, making it an ideal platform for remote work, virtual events, and online education. Secondly, it is easy to use, making it accessible to users of all backgrounds and industries. Thirdly, it is reliable and scalable, accommodating small and large groups.
The following guide will demonstrate how to install Zoom on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish and Ubuntu 20.04 Focal by manually downloading the latest .deb package or using snaps to install the communication client. Whether you are a new user or an experienced Zoom user, this guide will help you install and set up Zoom on your Ubuntu system, allowing you to enjoy seamless video conferencing and collaboration from the comfort of your home or office.
Table of Contents
Update Ubuntu
To ensure a smooth installation of Zoom on Ubuntu, it’s important to update your system first. This will help avoid conflicts and ensure that your system is up-to-date. To update Ubuntu, open the terminal and enter the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeThis command will update the package list and install any available updates. You may be prompted to enter your password before the update process begins. Once the update is complete, you can proceed with installing Zoom.
Method 1: Install Zoom with Debian Package
To install the Zoom client on Ubuntu using the APT method, you can download the official Debian-based package from the Zoom website. By default, Zoom is not available in the default Ubuntu repository.
To download the package, open the terminal and enter the following command:
wget https://zoom.us/client/latest/zoom_amd64.debThis will download the latest version of the Zoom package to your system.
Once the download is complete, you can install the package using the following command:
sudo dpkg -i zoom_amd64.debThis command will install the Zoom client on your system, allowing you to use it for video conferencing and collaboration.
Method 2: Install Zoom with Snapcraft
Another method to install the Zoom client on Ubuntu is using Snapcraft, a package manager that comes pre-installed on most Ubuntu desktops. This method is usually faster and more straightforward than installing Zoom using a .deb package.
Before you begin, ensure that Snapcraft is installed on your system by running the following command:
sudo apt install snapdIf you have removed Snapcraft previously, this command will reinstall it on your system.
Once Snapcraft is installed, it’s recommended to reboot your system to ensure that the icons appear correctly. You can do this by running the following command:
rebootIf Snapcraft is already installed on your system, skip the previous two steps and proceed with the following commands:
sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap
sudo snap install core
sudo snap install zoom-client
The first command creates a symbolic link to enable classic snap support, which ensures the best snap compatibility. The second command installs the core files to avoid any potential conflicts. The third command installs the Zoom client using Snapcraft.
How to Launch Zoom
Once you have installed the Zoom client on Ubuntu, there are several ways to launch it.
If you installed Zoom using Snapcraft, you could launch it by running the following command in the terminal:
snap run zoom-client
This command will launch Zoom and allow you to use it for video conferencing and collaboration.
If you installed Zoom using the Debian package, you could launch it from the terminal by running the following command:
zoomHowever, this method may not be practical, so it’s recommended to use the following path on your desktop to open Zoom:
Activities > Show Applications > ZoomExample of Zoom Application Icon on Ubuntu:
When you open Zoom for the first time, you must create an account or sign in to an existing one. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- If you don’t have a Zoom account, you can create one for free by clicking the “Sign Up” button on the Zoom homepage or within the app. You can also sign in using your Google or Facebook account.
- Once you’re signed in, you’ll see the main Zoom interface. You can join a meeting or schedule a new one by clicking the “New Meeting” button. You can also join a meeting by entering the Meeting ID or Personal Link Name provided by the host.
- Before joining a meeting, ensure your audio and video settings are configured correctly. You can do this by clicking the arrow next to the microphone and camera icons at the bottom of the Zoom window.
- If you’re using Zoom for the first time, it’s a good idea to test your audio and video settings by clicking the “Test Speaker and Microphone” and “Video” buttons. This will ensure that everything is working correctly before you join a meeting.
- During a meeting, you can use various features, including screen sharing, recording, and virtual backgrounds. You can access these features by clicking the icons at the bottom of the Zoom window.
- If you’re new to Zoom, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basic controls, such as muting and unmuting your microphone, turning your camera on and off, and using the chat feature.
- If you encounter any issues during a meeting, you can use the Zoom Help Center to find solutions to common problems. You can access the Help Center by clicking the “Help” button at the bottom of the Zoom window.
Following these tips, you can maximize your Zoom experience and enjoy seamless video conferencing and collaboration on Ubuntu.
Example of Zoom sign-in on Ubuntu:
Additional Tips
How to Update Zoom
Updating Zoom on Ubuntu can be done using the same method used to install it. If you manually downloaded the Zoom package, you must follow the manual installation process again to update it.
To update Zoom, go to the Zoom website and download the latest .deb package for Ubuntu, or re-use the following command:
wget https://zoom.us/client/latest/zoom_amd64.debThen, run the following command to update Zoom:
sudo apt install ./zoom_amd64.debIf you installed Zoom using Snapcraft, you could update it using the following command in the terminal:
sudo snap refresh zoom-client
This command will update Zoom to the latest version available in the Snapcraft repository.
How to Remove (Uninstall) Zoom
If you no longer need Zoom on your Ubuntu system, you can easily remove it using the following commands in the terminal:
If you installed Zoom using the APT method:
sudo apt remove zoomThis command will remove Zoom from your system and any configuration files and dependencies installed.
If you installed Zoom using Snapcraft:
sudo snap remove zoom-client
Conclusion
In conclusion, Zoom is a powerful and versatile video conferencing and collaboration tool that can be easily installed and used on Ubuntu. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced user, Zoom offers a range of advanced features, including screen sharing, recording, and virtual backgrounds, that make it an excellent choice for anyone who needs to communicate and collaborate remotely.
Installing Zoom on Ubuntu can be done using either the APT method or Snapcraft, both of which are simple. Updating Zoom and removing it from your system can also be done using a few simple commands in the terminal.
Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can install, update, and use Zoom to its full potential on Ubuntu. With its user-friendly interface and robust functionality, Zoom is a great choice for anyone working with video conferencing and collaboration on Ubuntu.
FAQs on Zoom with Ubuntu
Q: Is Zoom available in the Ubuntu repository?
A: Zoom is not available in the default Ubuntu repository by default. However, you can download and install the Zoom client using either the APT with the Zoom downloaded .deb package or Snapcraft.
Q: What are the system requirements for running Zoom on Ubuntu?
A: To run Zoom on Ubuntu, you need a system with at least 2GB of RAM and a 2GHz dual-core processor. You also need a webcam and a microphone to use the video conferencing and collaboration features.
Q: Can I use virtual backgrounds in Zoom on Ubuntu?
A: Yes, you can use virtual backgrounds in Zoom on Ubuntu. However, your computer must meet the system requirements for using virtual backgrounds, and your Zoom client must be updated to the latest version.
Q: How do I troubleshoot audio and video issues in Zoom on Ubuntu?
A: To troubleshoot audio and video issues in Zoom on Ubuntu, you can check your audio and video settings in the Zoom client. You can also check your computer’s audio and video settings to ensure they are configured correctly.
Q: How do I share my screen in Zoom on Ubuntu?
A: To share your screen in Zoom on Ubuntu, click the “Share Screen” button in the Zoom client. You can then select which window or application you want to share with the other participants in the meeting.
Q: Can I record a Zoom meeting on Ubuntu?
A: Yes, you can record a Zoom meeting on Ubuntu. You can click the “Record” button in the Zoom client to start recording the meeting. You can also set the recording options to include audio, video, and screen sharing.
Q: Can I join a Zoom meeting on Ubuntu without installing the Zoom client?
A: Yes, you can join a Zoom meeting on Ubuntu without installing the Zoom client. You can join a meeting using the web client or by dialing in using the phone number provided by the host.