The CH405Labs Matrix Server

We set up a shiny new chat server for our people and also our friends at BalCCon. Feel free to join our open channels. In this article we will discuss how, in case you are not familiar with matrix.

Matrix is an open network for secure, decentralised communication. This means, that there are multiple servers hosted by a wide variety of people. As the matrix protocol is an open standard, there are also various clients for you to use to chat. More about this later.

If you want to participate in a chat, you need an account on one of those servers. In matrix lingo those are called "provider". Most people will make an account at matrix.org, as this is the best known provider. Howver, for a federate chat it is beneficial if people use different providers, among other reasons to distribute the load of the network. You find a list of some providers at https://matrix.org/ecosystem/hosting/. Make an account with one of them and either install a matrix client of your choice or use a web based client. A non exhaustive list of clients can be found at https://matrix.org/ecosystem/clients/. Choose one that you like. You can always switch later.

Asides chat rooms, matrix has the concept of "spaces" to group channels (and / or users) with a similar interest. To join the CH405Labs space, you can either search for it on the ch405labs.net server using you client, or use this direct link https://matrix.to/#/#ch405labs:ch405labs.net. You can then easily search for public rooms. This will not only list public rooms of the Ch405Labs space, but also others, for example from our firends at BalCCon. The main channel in the CH405Labs space ist The Raven Hotel. Feel free to drop by.