Getting Connected with Matrix

This is intended to be a simple guide to getting started with Matrix. So let's keep it straightforward.

What is Matrix?

Matrix is a chatting software. The main difference between something like Matrix and Discord is that Matrix is an End-to-End Encrypted chatting software. All End-to-End Encryption means is from the time you send a message to the time that it's received on the other end, the text isn't readily readable. In Matrix's case - the servers themselves also can't read the encrypted messages of individuals on that server. The database of stored messages are all encrypted - the messages are only decryptable by the users who sent and received them. Think Signal.

Matrix servers are also self-hostable and federated. All self-hostable means is that anyone can run their own Matrix servers and all federated means is that servers can talk to each other - think email. If you have a Gmail account, you can talk to people on Yahoo, on AOL (does AOL exist anymore...?) - in other words, individuals aren't stuck only talking to the people on their own server.

So, with that out of the way...

Getting Started with Matrix

The quickest and simplest way to get started chatting on Matrix is to register an account with Matrix.org's flagship server. It is the biggest and most active server. You can register by either going to app.element.io or downloading the Element client and clicking Create an Account. After that - you're in! You can talk to anyone else who has an account on any matrix server! After you make an account feel free to come say Hi to me by joining my Space.

Now, as with any internet service, where you choose to 'live' requires some trust - and not everyone completely trusts Matrix.org. This is why I self host my own Matrix server - matrix.hartgroves.net is my self-hosted Matrix server. At some point I will write a guide for self-hosting a matrix server, but that'll come later.