¶ Matrix
As our chat platform we use the matrix-protocol. We run a Server (synapse) at matrix.x-hain.de and an instance of element as a web client for you to access.
There are plenty of clients (web, desktop, mobile) to choose from. A list can be found here.
If you already have a matrix account and just want to participate in the chat, you can join our space and the #general channel with your existing matrix account.
If you do not have a matrix account already and/or want to create an xHain account please see the wiki article on how to do that.
The web-client 'Element' which is provided under chat.x-hain.de is documented here
¶ Getting started
- visit chat.x-hain.de and create an xHain account or log in with your existing one
- after email verification you should see this site:
- click on the "Matrix Chat" tile
- consent to logging into element with xhain account
¶ Other Clients
To use your xHain Matrix account your client needs to support Single-Sign-On.
We will use for this example the web version of element
- Change the homeserver setting to
matrix.x-hain.de. - Click on
Continue with xHain Account. You'll be redirected to the login page. - Log in with your xHain account and consent to Element using your data to log in.
- The procedure will be similar on mobile.
¶ Encryption
On first start of element (either web, mobile or desktop) you'll be prompted to setup a secure backup for your keys, used to encrypt messages. Please set this up to ensure you'll be able to recover your keys. You can choose to use a passphrase or generate a key.
More ressources are available here.
Please store this key at a safe place (your password manager might be a good spot).
If you do not setup the secure backup or loose your security key you will not be able to recover encrypted messages. You will still be able to chat though.
¶ Create a room
We use the concept of a space in matrix to group all rooms together. The space makes sure everyone can find your room in one location!
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To create a room simply press the '+' sign on the top of the room list while having the matrix space selected. Select ''New Room'' from the drop down menu.
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Enter the room details. Choose a nice room name and topic. Please make sure to set visibility to space members only. We recommend to use encryption as a default.
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You should now see something along the lines of this:
Press the little ''i'' in the upper right corner. -
Choose ''Room Settings''
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Under the general tab please choose a local room address, so your room can be linked.
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Please set your security and privacy settings, we recommend to set ''Who can read history?'' to ''Members only (since the point in time of selecting this option)''.
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Under the permissions tab you can set who can do what in your newly created room.
We recommend to set the ''Change room topic'' permissions to ''Default''.
¶ Report content
If there is content you think is offensive or hurtful you can report the content directly sending a message to the moderators. Follow these easy steps to report a message:
- Select the three small dots next to a message and click on ''Report''.
- Describe the problem and optionally choose to ignore the user so you won't see any more content from this user.
