How to Install Zoom on Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Are you wondering how to get Zoom running smoothly on your Linux machine? Installing Zoom on Linux can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re used to just double-clicking an installer on Windows or macOS. We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide that’s easy to follow and ensures you have Zoom installed in just a few minutes.

We’ve all been there, juggling multiple tabs, seeking a simple “how-to” for Zoom on Ubuntu, Fedora, or any other Linux distribution. Let’s cut to the chase. Whether you want to use the command line or prefer the graphical interface, we will streamline the process for you. Imagine having your Zoom meetings a click away, without the hassle of troubleshooting tedious installation errors.

Our guide dives into downloading the correct installer, navigating your terminal, and getting everything set up with minimal fuss. No more missing meetings because of complicated setups or outdated instructions. Let’s help you get Zoom up and running efficiently.

Installing Zoom on Various Linux Distributions

Linux users can install Zoom using standard package managers or by manually downloading DEB and RPM files. We’ll dive into both methods to cover different Linux distributions.

Using Standard Package Managers

Ubuntu/Debian: Open the terminal and run the commands below:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install zoom

Fedora/Red Hat/CentOS: Use the dnf command:

sudo dnf install zoom

openSUSE: For openSUSE users, zypper is the go-to command:

sudo zypper install zoom

Arch Linux/Manjaro: Use the AUR (Arch User Repository):

yay -S zoom

Other distributions may offer Zoom via Snap. First, install Snap, then:

sudo snap install zoom-client

Manual Installation with DEB and RPM Files

For users who prefer downloading installation files, Zoom provides DEB and RPM packages.

Download DEB Package: For Debian-based distros like Ubuntu and Linux Mint:

1. Go to the Zoom Download Center.
2. Select Linux Type: Ubuntu and Architecture: 64-bit.
3. Click Download and save the .deb file.
4. Open the terminal and run:

sudo apt install ./zoom_amd64.deb

Download RPM Package: For Red Hat-based distros and openSUSE:

1. Visit the Zoom Download Center.
2. Choose Fedora, Red Hat, or openSUSE.
3. Download the .rpm file to your PC.
4. In the terminal, navigate to the download directory and run (example for Fedora):

sudo dnf install zoom_openSUSE_x86_64.rpm

These methods ensure Zoom is set up and ready for your next virtual meeting on any popular Linux distribution!

Navigating the Zoom User Interface

Navigating the Zoom user interface efficiently can make your video conferencing experience smooth and effective. Understanding how to start and join meetings, as well as adjust settings, is essential for seamless usage.

Starting and Joining Meetings

To start a meeting, click on the “New Meeting” button on the home screen. You’ll be prompted to decide whether to enable video by default. Once you start a meeting, a series of options appear at the bottom of the screen. These include buttons for muting/unmuting, starting/stopping video, managing participants, and sharing screens.

To join a meeting, click the “Join” button on the home screen. You need to enter the meeting ID or personal link name, which you should have received from the meeting host. Before joining, options to adjust your audio and video settings appear.

Key Points:

• New Meeting: Start meetings from the home screen.
• Join: Enter meeting ID to join.
• Meeting Controls: Mute, video, participants, and screen share buttons.

Adjusting Settings and Preferences

Accessing the settings is straightforward. Click on your profile picture at the top right corner, and then select “Settings.” Here, we can adjust our audio, video, chat, and screen sharing settings.

For example, under Video, configure the camera settings and choose whether to enable high-definition video by default. The Audio tab lets us adjust the microphone and speaker settings, even testing them beforehand.

The Chat tab allows for setting notification preferences, while Screen Share adjusts permissions for sharing your screen during meetings.

Key Points:

• Profile Menu: Click profile picture for settings.
• Audio/Video Settings: Tweak camera and microphone.
• Chat/Screen Share: Customize chat notifications and sharing options.

Being familiar with these features ensures you can manage your Zoom meetings effectively and customize your preferences to fit your needs.

Best Practices for Security and Privacy

When installing Zoom on Linux, paying attention to security and privacy is crucial.

To start, make sure all your Ubuntu packages are updated. Use the command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade. Keeping the system updated helps protect against vulnerabilities.

Passwords are another key element. Always use strong, unique passwords for your Zoom account. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your credentials.

Encrypted communication is fundamental. Zoom provides end-to-end encryption options for extra privacy. Ensure this setting is enabled to secure conference room conversations.

When it comes to user data, be mindful of what information you share. Only give out necessary details and avoid personal identifiers when possible.

Configure Zoom to auto-update to get the latest features and security patches. This minimizes the risk of exploits.

Account information must be kept secure. Regularly check your account settings and activity to spot anything unusual.

During meetings, enable waiting rooms and only admit trusted participants. It helps in screening attendees and avoiding unwanted interferences.

By following these practices, we can ensure a safer, more private experience while using Zoom on Linux. 🛡️

Uninstalling or Updating Zoom on Linux

To manage Zoom updates or uninstall it, we need to use specific terminal commands based on the Linux distribution. This ensures that we properly handle dependencies and avoid issues.

Terminal Commands for Removal or Update

Linux users can update or remove Zoom using terminal commands. For Ubuntu, we use apt, while Fedora or CentOS users rely on yum, rpm, or dnf. openSUSE users might use zypper. Let’s break it down:

Uninstalling Zoom:

Updating Zoom:
Keeping Zoom updated ensures we always have the latest features and bug fixes. We visit the Zoom website to download the latest package. Next, use these commands: