Friday 9 April 2021

Telecommuting Tips and Products We Love

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Tips

Overview

The Virtual Background feature allows you to display an image or video as your background during a Zoom Meeting. This feature works best with a physical green screen and uniform lighting to allow Zoom to detect the difference between you and your background. You can upload your own images or videos as a virtual background. You can also use Virtual Background in a Zoom Room.

This article covers:

Prerequisites

Make sure your computer meets the system requirements for Virtual Background.

Recommended setup

  • To achieve the best virtual background effect, Zoom recommends using a solid color background, preferably green. Recommended physical green screens from Webaround or Amazon.
  • Higher quality cameras result in a better virtual background. See camera recommendations for details.
  • Use uniform lighting and color.
  • Do not wear clothing that is the same color as the virtual background.

Background image

  • There are no size restrictions when adding your own virtual backgrounds, but we recommend cropping the image to match the aspect ratio of your camera before uploading it.
    Example: If your camera is set to 16:9, an image of 1280 by 720 pixels or 1920 by 1080 pixels would work well.
  • If you're not sure about your camera aspect ratio, use a background image with a minimum resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels.
  • Browse some of the virtual backgrounds Zoom has collected, or use these sources for other royalty-free images: PexelsUnsplashPixabay.

Background video

  • A video (MP4 or MOV file) with a minimum resolution of 480 by 360 pixels (360p) and a maximum resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels (1080p).

Enabling Virtual Background

Note: Users must sign out of the Zoom Desktop Client and sign back in for Virtual Backgrounds to take effect.

Account

To enable the Virtual Background feature for all users in the account:

  1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal as an administrator with permission to edit account settings.
  2. In the navigation menu, click Account Management then Account Settings.
  3. In the Meeting tab, navigate to the Virtual Background option (under the In Meeting (Advanced) section) and verify that the setting is enabled.
    Note: If the setting is disabled, click the toggle to enable it. If a verification dialog displays, choose Turn On to verify the change.
  4. (Optional) If you want to make this setting mandatory for all users in your account, click the lock icon, and then click Lock to confirm the setting.
  5. (Optional) Check Allow use of videos for virtual backgrounds then Save to confirm the change, to grant your users access to video virtual backgrounds. 
  6. (Optional) Check Allow users to upload custom backgrounds then Save to confirm the change, to grant your users access to upload their own virtual backgrounds in addition to the backgrounds currently uploaded.
  7. (Optional) Click Manage virtual background to upload default background images available for users.
    Note: Users must have client/app version 5.1.1 or higher to see the background images you upload.

Group

To enable the Virtual Background feature for all members of a specific group:

  1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal as an administrator with permission to edit user groups.
  2. In the navigation menu, click User Management then Group Management.
  3. Click the name of the group, then click the Meeting tab to access Settings.
  4. In the Meeting tab, navigate to the Virtual Background option and verify that the setting is enabled.
    Notes:
    • If the setting is disabled, click the Status toggle to enable it. If a verification dialog displays, choose Turn On to verify the change.
    • If the setting is grayed out, it has been locked at the Account level, and needs to be changed at that level.
  5. (Optional) If you want to make this setting mandatory for all users in this group, click the lock icon, and then click Lock to confirm the setting.
  6. (Optional) Check Allow use of videos for virtual backgrounds then Save to confirm the change, to grant your users access to video virtual backgrounds. 
  7. (Optional) Check Allow users to upload custom backgrounds then Save to confirm the change, to grant your users access to upload their own virtual backgrounds in addition to the backgrounds currently uploaded.
  8. (Optional) Click Manage virtual background to upload default background images available for users.
    Note: Users must have client/app version 5.1.1 or higher to see the background images you upload.

User

To enable the Virtual Background feature for your own use:

  1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal.
  2. In the navigation menu, click Settings.
  3. In the Meeting tab, navigate to the Virtual Background option (under the In Meeting (Advanced) section) and verify that the setting is enabled.

    Notes:
    • If the setting is disabled, click the status toggle to enable it. If a verification dialog displays, choose Turn On to verify the change.
    • If the option is grayed out, it has been locked at either the group or account level, and you will need to contact your Zoom administrator.

Admin management of virtual backgrounds

Admins can upload their own virtual backgrounds for all users on their account to use, or can assign certain virtual backgrounds for use by specific user groups. The admin can allow users to add their own virtual backgrounds or restrict them to just what admins have provided. 

  1. Enable the virtual background feature in Account Settings or Group Settings.
  2. Click Manage virtual background
  3. Click Choose Files or drag and drop the images you want to upload. 
  4. Wait for the upload to finish before closing this window. A small banner will appear along the top of the page when the upload is successful. 
    After the new backgrounds are uploaded, users will need to sign-out of the client and then back in to retrieve the backgrounds from the web. 

Notes:

  • Users must be on version 5.1.1 or higher to utilize this feature. 
  • The default Zoom virtual backgrounds cannot be removed from the web portal.
  • Video virtual backgrounds cannot be uploaded at this time. 

Using Virtual Background

  1. Sign in to the Zoom desktop client.
  2. Click your profile picture, then click Settings.
  3. Select Virtual Background.
    Note: If you do not have the Virtual Background tab and you have enabled it on the web portal, sign out of the Zoom Desktop Client and sign in again.
  4. Check I have a green screen if you have a physical green screen set up. You can then click on your video to select the correct color for the green screen.
  5. Click on an image to select the desired virtual background or add your own image by clicking and choosing if you want to upload an image or a video. 

    If prompted, click Download to download the package for virtual background without a green screen. 

    Notes:
    • Ensure that you are using a solid background color.
    • After you select an option, that virtual background will display during your meetings.
    • To disable Virtual Background, choose the option None.

Enabling Virtual Background during a meeting

If you have already have Virtual Background enabled in the web portal, you can turn it on during a meeting.

Zoom Desktop Client

  1. In a Zoom meeting, click the upward arrow (^) next to Start/Stop Video.
  2. Click Choose Virtual Background....
    .
  3. If prompted, click Download to download the package for virtual background without a green screen. 

Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing issues with Virtual Background, try the following troubleshooting tips:

  • If you do not have the Virtual Background tab in your desktop client settings after enabling it, sign out of the client and sign in again.
  • Manually pick the background color to ensure the correct color is selected. This option is only available after you click an image.
  • Ensure that the background is a solid color with minimal shadows. Also ensure the background is uniform in lighting. A 3-point lighting setup is ideal.
  • Ensure that your green screen color does not match your shirt, hair, or eye color.

If you continue to experience issues, contact Zoom Technical Support.


Telecommuting Products

Tuesday 23 February 2021

Post Covid Recovery, "Long Coronavirus", and Your Lymphatics Systems


Sharing my recent Lymphatic challenges with Covid Long Haul because I have seen very little on this new to me symptom, however the problems and symptoms indicate a direct impact to the lymph node inflammation and its impacts on my system.

Early 2020 medical community leanings suggested there could be a relationship between COVID, but patients would most likely not feel the inflammation. Sadly this was not my experience. The lymphatic system is crucial to keeping one's body healthy. 

But mine appeared to have some blockages. 
  • TONSILS:  I do not have tonsils, however I regularly when sleeping feel as though I can not swallow, and am unable to get intake air, almost as if I am choking.  
  • Pain and swelling on my right deltoid. 
  • Red Patches on my left foot and swelling up my left leg. 
  • Stomach to Kidney pain and water retention



Long Covid patients where some experience a lymphatic impact to their lymph nodes, long after testing negative for Coronavirus, in what the medical community initially called, 'Post Covid Recovery". An ineptly named phrase for something that demonstrates more suffering than recovery.

The lymphatic system is part of our immunity system that plays an essential role in protecting us against infection and disease. The lymphatic system includes your spleen, thymus, lymph nodes and lymph channels, tonsils and adenoids.  

Here are some ways that Coronavirus  hijacks a body's immune response with inflammatory impact dangerous enough to damage critical organs, including lungs and heart. This system overwhelm makes it hard for a patient to breathe and get oxygen to fuel the function of other organs. 





Mayo Clinic describes some of the more critical Lymphatic systems that Coronavirus overwhelm that includes:
  • lymphedema causes swelling (edema) in the arms and legs.  Symptoms include feeling as though a feeling of fullness in your arms or legs; and less flexibility in your wrists, hands, and ankles. Affects arms, fingers, legs, feet and toes. Starts Thighs, down. 
  • lipedema is “fluid in the fat” disorder that causes excessive fat deposits on the legs, thighs and buttocks and upper arms.  Starts Feet up. 
  • chronic vascular inflammation is a group of uncommon diseases, which result in inflammation of the blood vessels including, problems with bleeding under the skin Henoch-Schonlein purpura, digestive system, ringing in ears, red itching or burning eyes, numbness, weakness or swelling of hands or feet, shortness of breath

DR MELISSA GALLAGHER, CERTIFIED LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE THERAPIST

THERAPEUTIC RELIEF FROM COVID LYMPHATIC INFLAMMATION: 

  • 20 minutes of Sun a day for natural Vitamin D. 
  • Use a Weighted Blanket during sleep
  • Plant Based food: Eat a low sodium, high fiber diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Avoid sugars, gluten, and chemically modified fats, animal products, high-salt foods and avoid dairy. Allowable is kefir and yogurt)   
Lymphedema diet
  • Massage Systems that help with Lymphatic Inflammation and circulation
  • Wear Quality Compression Clothing to reduce swelling and increase comfort. 


    Friday 12 February 2021

    Reduce Covid-19 Career Fears !

    05/16/2020 COVID-19 reports All regions of our world are affected by epic healthcare destruction of COVID-19, but also comes a growing secondary pandemic.

    • The first, Covid-19 pandemic causing 4,434,653 cases of confirmed COVID sickness & 302,169 deaths globally.
    • The second , the Covid-19 Economic Pandemic caused by the closure of layoffs of jobs, closure of business sectors, and financial difficulties.
      • 30 Million US are unemployed, 44% of claims were denied or pending,
      • 120 Million in India are unemployed
      • 1.76 Million in Japan are unemployed
      • 7.2 Million in Canada
      • 2 Million have applied for Universal Credit assistance in the UK
      • 10 Million in France are receiving unemployment support
      • 373K in Germany

    A Global Employment Pandemic affects all regions, income, family, health, and wellness. So we must come together and work on innovating Covid-19 Career Survival opportunities that create opportunity where there is fear, uncertainty and doubt. When there is enough employment, health, community, and world economy correction can occur.

    Covid-19 Global Employment Task Force is a Social Wellbeing Project aimed at helping put our world back to work with crisis relief, career and wellness resources.

    We are Planning Covid-19 Global Employment Jobs and Wellness Events, We are hosting a Leadership Organization Event Saturday May 23 from 20:00-21:00 PDT (CA, Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/700480217160245/

    Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/212517046652353/?ref=bookmarks

    This Events will Feature:
    • Hiring Headlines
    • Career Resilience Strategy
    • Star Talent & Hot List Parade
    We will offer inspiration and encouragement as well as highlighting where hiring is happening. We will rotate event highlights and timings around the world.
    We need volunteers to help coordinate Global and Local resources and organize recruiting, showcase Star Talent, and job seeking candidates. We will celebrate success, highlight great volunteers that grow the health, hiring and wellness resources worldwide, for our COVID-19 Global Employment Task Force

    COVID-19 A-Z Employment and Resource Guide https://www.soinnovatejobs.com/a-to-z-resources/

    Questions, as on the group or Contact Dawn C Simmons on Facebook or LinkedIn


    A-Z Employment Taskforce Recruiting Network | Jobs N Career Success Networks – Facebook LinkedIn

    LIVE: Dawn C Simmons on COVID Crisis Impact: Kindness in Crisis: Awareness Can Save Lives

     Lead with kindness during crisis to encourage recovery and growth.

    TRACY, California, September 30, 2020 — The COVID-19 Global Pandemic is wave s of destruction. With the Moratorium in California on COVID EVICTION POLICY in the balance, here is a personal story. We can do better for one another by caring about the impacts. Business, families, landlords, all are affected, Everyone is struggling, lacking understanding and time. until it is too late.

    Since 091101 we created a global Crisis Resource Services and Support for Global recruiting and jobs community as a safe place to go, in times of uncertainty, for jobs, resources, to feel connected, and help one another.

    My grandmother Simmons used to say, if you are worried work harder. I come from a long line of resilient type a personalities. I am sharing my present experience, strength and hope that we can create a better present, for our economic and managed healthcare from this global pandemic. People reach for positive news to curb the discomfort of the personal impacts of crisis. People in survival mode are unaware how words can destroy. Here are some ways to cultivate kindness.

    • DO Be someone, others can count on, even when times are hard. There is grace, there is healing in caring.
    • DO participate in community wellness. Together everyone achieves more. Volunteers to improve caring, capacity, and communications through real-life crisis situations
    • DO keep your thoughts kind. Kindness creates hope, loyalty, and healing. Offer resources, encouragement, or solutions to be strong for another moment. People who feel supported recover.
    • DO NOT deny, criticize, or minimize another in crisis. Meet them where they are with compassion to face crisis. You should not make them feel worse, or guilty.
    REAL RECENT STORIES FROM COVID CRISIS:

    A junior recruiter lamented the long hiring process and candidates temper flares, there is no update. Talented job seekers were horribly impacted by no job offer despite immense effort. Its impact is health and financial challenges with families forced into homeless. One Senior Recruiters, after 11 months of ‘nothing wanted nothing more than help put people to work. With no family or jobs, feeling isolated started planning to implement a peaceful suicide.

    A landlord frustrated with 90 days lagging partial payments started harassing the tenant for not being able to articulate when partial payments would be made full. They suggested the tenant was selfish for having COVID and not responding with when they would make the rest of the payments. The landlord collection demands of how inconsiderate the tenants where were so extreme, it contributed to a Tenant 911 call with blood pressure at 221/189 from Acute Situational Stress Anxiety.

    A small business owner struggling to pay employee for work done 4 months prior, from a client who was critically ill and simply needed time to recover. During that time, however, the small business talent also struggled with feeding their family and recovering from COVID of several team members. EVERYONE was suffering, pushing too hard threatens the health of a business relationship, but exploring what can be done with open communications can help.

    Dawn Christine Simmons is a COVID Healthcare Survivor and a Covid Employment workforce Crisis Support Champion