Pale Rider
Legendary Member
How are you keeping in touch with relations during lock down?
My elderly mother is about 250 miles away, so I don't see her often.
But we do meet regularly half way with my older brother driving her.
No chance of any meting for the foreseeable future, so my thoughts turned to a video conference call.
Older brother could be with his laptop with mother, so all she should have to do is look and speak.
May as well invite my other brother to join in.
I've heard of Zoom so may as well try that.
Turns out both my brothers have used Zoom professionally.
All new to me, so I had a trial run earlier tonight with middle brother.
I was using my 10" Chromebook, so had to download the app.
Brother sent me an email conversation invitation including a link.
That process went smoothly, and within a couple of minutes we were happily video chatting.
To say I'm impressed is an understatement.
Zoom, unlike many computer programmes, works a treat.
Brother's lips were occasionally a little out of sync with his picture, but he says that will always happen due to the internet connection.
His voice came over loud and clear, much better than the telephone.
The free member terms are generous, unlimited one to ones, and a 40 minute limit on small group calls - that will be more than enough to wear out mother.
Brother says the Microsoft version is superior in some respects, particularly security.
Not too fussed about that, if someone wants to hack our chats they will very quickly get bored.
I was careful to show only a very neutral background - my lounge wall - plus no opportunity there for mother to tick me off for being untidy.
We have our first family call arranged for Tuesday, but I think I can already give Zoom a big thumbs up.
Anyone else using it?
My elderly mother is about 250 miles away, so I don't see her often.
But we do meet regularly half way with my older brother driving her.
No chance of any meting for the foreseeable future, so my thoughts turned to a video conference call.
Older brother could be with his laptop with mother, so all she should have to do is look and speak.
May as well invite my other brother to join in.
I've heard of Zoom so may as well try that.
Turns out both my brothers have used Zoom professionally.
All new to me, so I had a trial run earlier tonight with middle brother.
I was using my 10" Chromebook, so had to download the app.
Brother sent me an email conversation invitation including a link.
That process went smoothly, and within a couple of minutes we were happily video chatting.
To say I'm impressed is an understatement.
Zoom, unlike many computer programmes, works a treat.
Brother's lips were occasionally a little out of sync with his picture, but he says that will always happen due to the internet connection.
His voice came over loud and clear, much better than the telephone.
The free member terms are generous, unlimited one to ones, and a 40 minute limit on small group calls - that will be more than enough to wear out mother.
Brother says the Microsoft version is superior in some respects, particularly security.
Not too fussed about that, if someone wants to hack our chats they will very quickly get bored.
I was careful to show only a very neutral background - my lounge wall - plus no opportunity there for mother to tick me off for being untidy.
We have our first family call arranged for Tuesday, but I think I can already give Zoom a big thumbs up.
Anyone else using it?
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