Zoom

Basic Information

• Model: Zoom (software application)
• Version: Latest stable version is 6.6.0, released September 15, 2025. Version 5.17.11 is the last version supporting Windows 7 and 8/8.1.
• Release Date: Initial beta version launched August 21, 2012. Version 1.0 released January 25, 2013.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Processor: Dual-core 2Ghz or higher (recommended), Single Core 1Ghz or higher (minimum).
  • RAM: 4 GB (recommended).
  • Operating System: macOS X (10.13 or later), Windows 10 (Home, Pro, Enterprise; S Mode not supported) or 11, Ubuntu 12.04+, Mint 17.1+, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.0+, Oracle Linux 8.0+, CentOS 8+, Fedora 21+, OpenSUSE 13.2+, ArchLinux (64-bit only), Android 9.0+, iOS 15+, ChromeOS, tvOS, visionOS.
  • Internet Connection: Broadband wired or wireless (3G/4G/LTE).
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 10/11, macOS (10.13+), Linux (various distributions), Android (9.0+), iOS (15+), ChromeOS, tvOS, visionOS.
• Latest Stable Version: 6.6.0 (as of September 15, 2025).
• End of Support Date: Zoom enforces a minimum software version quarterly. Versions older than 5.12.2 reached end of support on August 5, 2023. Zoom will end support for Windows 32-bit devices with the final compatible version released on November 17, 2025. Zoom aims to support a given version for at least 9 months before it falls below the minimum version.
• End of Life: Zoom Rooms Android Controller 5.14.0 reached end of life on February 1, 2025. Zoom makes an effort to support the final software release for certified devices for up to 15 months, at which point the End-of-Support date is reached.
• License Type: Freemium. Offers Basic (free) and various paid plans (Pro, Business, Enterprise).
• Deployment Model: Cloud-based unified communications platform. Paid accounts can host unlimited meetings on the public cloud, with on-premise options available for some users.

Technical Requirements

• RAM: Minimum 4 GB, recommended 16 GB for optimal performance.
• Processor: Minimum dual-core 2 GHz or higher, recommended quad-core 2.5 GHz or higher.
• Storage: Not explicitly specified for the application itself, but recordings require storage (local or cloud).
• Display: Standard display resolution. For optimal screen-sharing performance on laptops, a quad-core processor or higher is recommended.
• Ports: USB for external webcam/microphone (if not built-in).
• Operating System: macOS X (10.13+), Windows 10/11, various Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu 12.04+, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.0+), Android (9.0+), iOS (15+), ChromeOS.

Analysis of Technical Requirements: Zoom is designed to be accessible across a wide range of devices, from mobile phones to high-end desktops. The minimum requirements are relatively low, allowing broad compatibility. However, recommended specifications, particularly for RAM and processor, suggest that a more robust system enhances the user experience, especially for high-definition video, gallery view with many participants, and screen sharing. The platform's reliance on a stable internet connection is paramount, with specific bandwidth requirements for different video qualities. The discontinuation of support for older Windows versions (7/8/8.1) and upcoming end of support for Windows 32-bit devices indicates a move towards more modern, 64-bit operating systems.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: 6.6.0 (as of September 15, 2025).
• OS Support: Extensive, including recent versions of Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS, tvOS, and visionOS.
• End of Support Date: Minimum software version enforced quarterly. Older versions (e.g., pre-5.12.2) are no longer supported. Windows 32-bit device support ends November 17, 2025.
• Localization: Available in 15 languages.
• Available Drivers: As a software application, Zoom does not typically require specific drivers beyond standard operating system and hardware drivers for peripherals like webcams and microphones.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: Zoom maintains broad compatibility across major operating systems and devices, ensuring a wide user base. The company actively manages its software lifecycle with a quarterly update policy, which helps ensure users benefit from the latest features, security enhancements, and bug fixes. While this policy encourages users to stay updated, it also means older versions and less common operating system architectures (like Windows 32-bit) eventually reach end-of-support, requiring users to upgrade their software or hardware to maintain functionality and security.

Security Status

• Security Features: In-meeting security options (Waiting Rooms, locking meetings, participant removal, suspending activities), screen share watermarks, audio signatures, meeting passcodes, host presence requirement, advanced chat encryption, cloud recording management, TLS communication, 256-bit AES encryption for content, optional end-to-end encryption (E2EE).
• Known Vulnerabilities: Recent high-severity vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-27440, CVE-2025-27439, CVE-2025-0151, CVE-2025-0150) affecting Zoom Workplace apps, Rooms Controller, and Meeting SDK, primarily related to memory management (buffer overflows/underflows, use-after-free) and improper input validation, allowing privilege escalation or denial of service. These were patched in versions 6.3.0 or later. Other vulnerabilities, including a critical one (CVE-2024-24691) for Windows clients, have also been addressed.
• Blacklist Status: No general blacklist status, but has faced scrutiny regarding security and privacy issues in the past, leading to significant improvements.
• Certifications: ISO/IEC 27001:2013 compliant, SOC 2 Type II, HITRUST CSF control requirements, FedRAMP Moderate authorization, DoD IL4, CJIS attestation, HIPAA attestation.
• Encryption Support: 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for meeting, webinar, and messaging content, with optional end-to-end encryption (E2EE). Advanced Chat Encryption uses asymmetric and symmetric algorithms.
• Authentication Methods: SAML, OAuth, password-based authentication, two-factor authentication (2FA) for paid accounts, integration with enterprise identity management platforms (Okta, Microsoft Active Directory, etc.).
• General Recommendations: Keep the Zoom application updated to the latest version, enable passcodes for meetings, utilize Waiting Rooms, enable 2FA, and be aware of in-meeting security controls.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: Zoom has significantly enhanced its security posture following past criticisms. It offers a robust suite of security features, including strong encryption and various authentication methods, to protect meetings and user data. The company actively identifies and patches vulnerabilities, often with high-severity ratings, demonstrating a proactive approach to platform security. Extensive third-party certifications and attestations (ISO, SOC 2, HITRUST, FedRAMP) further validate its commitment to security and compliance with industry standards. Users are strongly advised to keep their software updated and utilize available security features to mitigate risks.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Not publicly available in a standardized format for general software performance.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • Bandwidth:
    • High-quality video (1:1): 600kbps (up/down).
    • 720p HD video (1:1): 1.2 Mbps (up/down).
    • 1080p HD video (sending/receiving): 1.8 Mbps (up/down).
    • Group video calling (high-quality): 800kbps/1.0Mbps (up/down).
    • Gallery view (720p HD): 1.5Mbps/1.5Mbps (up/down).
  • CPU/RAM Usage: Optimized for best experience based on network conditions; higher specifications recommended for demanding scenarios.
• Power Consumption: Directly related to video quality and duration.
• Carbon Footprint: A one-hour Zoom call produces between 150 to 1,000 grams of CO2. Going audio-only can reduce the carbon footprint by up to 96%.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Not explicitly detailed in provided data, but Zoom is a leading video conferencing platform known for its ease of use and scalability compared to competitors.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: Zoom's performance is highly dependent on internet bandwidth and device specifications. It dynamically adjusts to network conditions to optimize the user experience. While it can function on minimum requirements, higher-end hardware provides a smoother experience, especially with multiple participants, HD video, and screen sharing. The platform's environmental impact, particularly its carbon footprint, is a recognized concern, with significant emissions from video calls. Users can substantially reduce this by opting for audio-only communication when possible.

User Reviews & Feedback

Users praise Zoom for its intuitive interface, ease of use, and broad compatibility across various devices and operating systems. Strengths include reliable video and audio quality, robust features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, recording, and virtual backgrounds. It is widely adopted for remote work, online education, telemedicine, customer support, and virtual events. The free tier, offering meetings up to 100 participants with a 40-minute limit, is a significant draw. Weaknesses have historically included security and privacy concerns, though the company has made substantial efforts to address these. Some users may find the 40-minute limit on free group meetings restrictive. Recommended use cases span from individual one-on-one meetings and virtual office hours to large-scale webinars and team collaborations, leveraging features like recurring meetings, whiteboards, and calendar integrations.

Summary

Zoom Video Communications Zoom is a widely adopted, cloud-based video conferencing and collaboration platform known for its user-friendly interface and extensive feature set. It supports a broad spectrum of operating systems and devices, making it highly accessible for diverse users. The platform offers a freemium model, with robust paid tiers providing enhanced capabilities for businesses and enterprises. Key strengths include its ease of use, comprehensive meeting features like screen sharing and breakout rooms, and strong localization support. Zoom has significantly invested in bolstering its security framework, implementing advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, and achieving numerous industry certifications to ensure data protection and user privacy. While the platform's performance scales with available bandwidth and device hardware, its environmental impact, particularly the carbon footprint of video calls, is a consideration, with options like audio-only participation offering substantial reductions. The company maintains an active software lifecycle policy, regularly updating the application to introduce new features and address vulnerabilities, though this necessitates users to keep their software updated to ensure continued support and security. Overall, Zoom remains a leading solution for virtual communication, continuously evolving to meet the demands of remote work and digital collaboration.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.