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Matrix

The Matrix Protocol

Matrix is a messaging protocol. The term "Matrix" often refers to the method of communication or the app to be used, but it's actually about how the messages are managed and transmitted.

You can read more about it here: https://matrix.org/about/

How it Works

It's a lot like any instant messaging, chatting, or RCS (SMS). One simply types a message to an individual or group (also called a room) and sends it for all to see. It supports lots of functionality, like message threading, reactions (emoji responses to messages), and bots.

To get started, simply choose an available client (the app/tool you will use to log in and communicate) and create an account.

Don't fret too much about picking a client; they all do the same thing and have only niche differences important mostly to afficionatos.

Easy Start: Element

Element is the easiest and most common client service to get started, having apps for numerous devices. However, you can also use it entirely in a web browser, so you don't even have to isntallinstall anything!

  1. Head to https://app.element.io/ and click Create Account.
  2. Under "Host account on" you'llwill probablybe see the default optionlisted matrix.org butas youthe candefault change it!option.
    • If you know another server you'd like to use, enter it here.
  3. Pick a username and password, or sign in using one of the provided linking methods (Google, Facebook, Apple, GitHub, etc.).
  4. Enter an email so you can recover your account if you need.
    • Some servers don't require an email.
  5. Click Register, and you're in!

Many servers are End-To-End-Encrypted (E2EE), meaning only you and the people with whom you are intentionally communicating will be able to read the messages or data you send.

While you'reyou may be using someone else's server (there are options to self-host!) to process the protocol so messages can be sent, the owner of that server haswill have no idea what you're talking about.sending.

Once you're in the Element (web) app, you'll be presented with a mostly blank screen. To start talking, you'll need the address of someone or some room to join. If you don't have one yet, try searching for public rooms, such as those listed on https://view.matrix.org/.

Talk to a Person

User contact addresses are formatted as @user:server.tld, so your friend Sam at www.popsicles.biz would be @sam:popsicles.biz. It should feel just like sending a text message, but with more features!

An example benefit here is that you can log in from more than one device and keep all your conversations going, rather than having to always go back to the same tiny-black-pocket-device to finger-type as fast as you can.

Send Me a Message!

You'll notice that the footer of every page on this Wiki contains a link to Message Me via Matrix using my handle @starlord:starlord.zip. Feel free to reach out!

Join a Room

Room addresses are formatted as #room-name:server.tld, so if your friend Sam had a room on the www.popsicles.biz server discussing flavors, it might be #flavors:popsicles.biz.

Matrix is Free

There's no cost to any of this. You can download the apps for free, chat for free, message anyone for free, it's all free! If someone is trying to charge you, it's either for premium features you don't need or can get for free elsewhere, or it's a scam. Don't pull out your plastic digits!

Further Reading

By the way, all of this information is provided by The Matrix Foundation in really easy-to-consume reading. I've just pared it down here.

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