EPICS uses Matrix as its instant messaging platform.
Join the chat at #epics:epics-controls.org or read on for more information.
What is Matrix?
Matrix is an open, lightweight protocol for decentralized, secure real-time communication. You can create an account on a homeserver and then join channels across different homeservers inside an open federation.
A number of organizations and open-source projects have chosen Matrix for their instant communication, including Ubuntu, Mozilla and Fedora.
What is EPICS Chat?
EPICS Chat is what we call our Matrix homeserver instance. It hosts EPICS-related rooms and spaces (collections of rooms).
Which client to use?
Matrix servers are accessible from a variety of clients on web, desktop, and mobile. The Matrix foundation keeps a list of clients on their website.
Element is the most widely used client. For a simple quick start in your browser, you can use the browser-based Element client that is freely available. The EPICS Chat homeserver is accessible as “epics-controls.org”.
How to get started?
If you already have a Matrix account on another homeserver, use your client to join #epics:epics-controls.org and find the rooms you are interested in.
If you want to create an account on the EPICS Chat homeserver “epics-controls.org”, point your client to it (“change homeserver”) and follow the instructions to create a new account.
Or use the #epics:epics-controls.org link and follow the instructions. Careful: The Element web client may initially point you to Matrix.org to create a new account. You need to change the homeserver to “epics-controls.org” before you continue.
You can set up to authenticate with a username/password, or you can authenticate using your GitHub or GitLab account.
Matrix Usernames
Matrix usernames are part of the cryptographic setup that Matrix uses to secure communications across the federation.
That’s why Matrix usernames are forever. They cannot be changed, re-used or re-enabled once they have been disabled. Choose yours wisely.
You can always change your avatar image and the name that other users see in the communication.
Encryption, keys, and device verification
Matrix uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that only the users in a room can read its messages. Some rooms are end-to-end encrypted, but most public rooms are not. However, if you directly message another user or join an end-to-end encrypted room, your messages will use cryptographic keys to secure the conversation. The encryption process involves generating unique keys, which your client stores and backs up on your behalf.
Protecting your encryption keys is essential, and your Recovery Key is critical to keep. The Recovery Key allows you to restore access to your encrypted conversations if you lose access to your primary key backup. Keep your Recovery Key in a safe location.
Session verification enhances security by making users verify their identity across multiple devices, ensuring that only verified devices can read encrypted messages.
As long as you have an active session, you can use it to verify a new session from another device. On your own devices (where you have exclusive access), it is useful to keep sessions open, i.e., close your client but don’t log out.