How to Join the DSgG Matrix Space

# How to Join the DSgG Matrix Space ## Quick Start Guide 1. **Have a Matrix account**: Use your existing account or create one (see options below) 2. **Join via link**: Click [this invitation link](https://matrix.to/#/#dsgg:academiccloud.de) or scan the QR code below. 3. **Choose client**: Select your preferred Matrix client (Element recommended) 4. **Accept invitation**: Click "Join" or "Accept" when prompted 5. **Explore**: Join rooms within the space that interest you <div style="text-align: center" id="qr-code"> <a href="https://matrix.to/#/#dsgg:academiccloud.de"> <img src="https://api.qrserver.com/v1/create-qr-code/?size=150x150&data=https://matrix.to/%23/%23dsgg:academiccloud.de" alt="QR Code for DSgG Matrix Space" /></a> _Scan this QR code with your mobile device to join the DSgG Matrix space_ </div> --- ## Guidelines for the Matrix Space The purpose of this matrix space is to foster the connection, exchange and support among Data Stewards. We aim to foster a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas, knowledge, successes, and failures. To ensure a positive experience for all, please follow these community guidelines. Note that inappropriate posts may be moderated (deleted or hidden) by moderators and violations of these guidelines may result in exclusion from the platform. These rules are shaped by community input and may evolve over time. 1. **Be Respectful and Inclusive** Treat all members with courtesy and respect. Disagreement is fine, but personal attacks, harassment, sexism, racism or any other form of discrimination will not be tolerated. 2. **Protect Privacy** Do not share personal or confidential information - yours or others’ - without consent. 3. **Stay On Topic** Keep discussions relevant to the community’s purpose. Use designated channels for off-topic conversations. Read the channel description to understand its purpose. 4. **Be Concise and Clear** Communicate your points clearly and use formatting (like bullet points or paragraphs) for readability. Don't use voice messages. 5. **No Spam** Avoid unsolicited advertisements, repeated messages, or excessive self-promotion. Sharing relevant resources or event announcements is welcome when helpful to the community. 6. **Use Threads and Mentions Appropriately** Use threads to keep conversations organized. Mention individuals (@username) only when necessary. 7. **Report Issues** If you notice inappropriate behavior, report it privately to the moderators rather than addressing it publicly. *last modified on 2025-05-15 12:40 UTC* --- ## What Is Matrix? Matrix is a federated[^federation] communication platform where you can use any Matrix account to participate in chats across the network. Many universities already use Matrix as their official chat platform, so you may already have an institutional Matrix account. ![Matrix Logo](https://matrix.org/images/matrix-logo.svg =200x) ## I Already Have a Matrix Account (Institutional or Private) If you already have a Matrix account, joining the DSgG space is straightforward: 1. **Use the invitation link**: Click [this link](https://matrix.to/#/#dsgg:academiccloud.de) to open the Matrix space invitation. 2. **Choose your client**: When you click the link, you will be asked which Matrix client you want to use: - If you already have a preferred client installed, select it from the options. - If you are using a browser, you can choose "Element Web" for the most complete experience. 3. **Authorization**: You may need to authorize your client to open Matrix links if this is your first time using one. 4. **Accept the invitation**: Once the link opens in your client, you will see an invitation to join the DSgG space[^space]. Click "Join" or "Accept." 5. **Explore the space**: After joining, you'll see various rooms organized by topic or purpose. :::warning ⚠️ **Client Compatibility** While you can use any Matrix client, certain space and community features may work best in Element, the reference client for Matrix. If you experience any limitations, consider [downloading Element](https://element.io/download) for the most complete experience. ::: ## I Do Not Have a Matrix Account If you do not already have a Matrix account, you will need to create one. Here are your options: 1. **Check with your institution**: - Many universities and research organizations offer Matrix accounts to their members. - Contact your IT department to see if your institution provides Matrix accounts. - Using your institutional account is the recommended option when available. 2. **Academic Cloud option for university and research institution members**: - If your institution doesn't provide Matrix accounts, but you are affiliated with a university or research institution such as the Max Planck Society (MPG), the GWDG offers a dedicated Matrix server at [chat.academiccloud.de](https://chat.academiccloud.de). - This provides: 1. Federated Single Sign-On (SSO) using your institutional credentials 2. Seamless access to the Academic Cloud Matrix environment - Simply visit [chat.academiccloud.de](https://chat.academiccloud.de) and log in with your institutional credentials to get started. 3. **Create a free account**: - You can sign up for a free account on various Matrix homeservers: | Homeserver | Description | Link | | ---------- | ----------- | ---- | | [matrix.org](https://matrix.org) | The main public homeserver | [Register](https://app.element.io/#/register) | | [nitro.chat](https://nitro.chat) | An alternative public homeserver | [Register](https://nitro.chat/#/register) | | [tchncs.de](https://tchncs.de) | A community-run homeserver | [Register](https://tchncs.de/matrix) | 4. **Self-host your own homeserver** (advanced): - For technical users, it's possible to host your own Matrix homeserver - Popular server implementations include [Synapse](https://github.com/matrix-org/synapse) and [Dendrite](https://github.com/matrix-org/dendrite) - Self-hosting gives you complete control but requires technical knowledge and server maintenance 5. **After creating your account**: - Use the [invitation link](https://matrix.to/#/#dsgg:academiccloud.de) at the [beginning of this guide](#quick-start-guide) to join the DSgG Matrix space, or scan the [QR code](#qr-code) there with your mobile device. ## Troubleshooting ### The invitation link doesn't work Try manually searching for `#dsgg:academiccloud.de` in your client's room directory. ### I get a permissions error when joining You may need to contact a space administrator for assistance. ### I'm not receiving notifications See the [Notification Configuration](#notification-configuration) section below for detailed troubleshooting. ## Matrix Clients and Applications You can access Matrix through various client applications: | Client[^client] | Operating Systems | Key Features | Links | | --------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Element** | <ul><li> Windows,  macOS,  Linux</li><li> iOS,  Android</li><li> Web</li></ul> | <ul><li>Full feature support with E2EE</li><li>Reference client (recommended)</li><li>Available on all platforms</li></ul> | [🌐 Web](https://app.element.io) [💾 Download](https://element.io/download) | | **FluffyChat** | <ul><li> Windows,  macOS,  Linux</li><li> iOS,  Android</li><li> Web</li></ul> | <ul><li>User-friendly design</li><li>Simplified interface</li></ul> | [🌐 Web](https://fluffychat.im) [💾 Download](https://fluffychat.im) | | **Nheko** | <ul><li> Windows,  macOS,  Linux</li></ul> | <ul><li>Native desktop app</li><li>Good performance</li><li>Modern interface</li></ul> | [🌐 Web](https://nheko-reborn.github.io/) [💾 Download](https://github.com/Nheko-Reborn/nheko/releases) | | **SchildiChat** | <ul><li> Windows,  macOS,  Linux</li><li> Android</li><li> Web</li></ul> | <ul><li>Based on Element</li><li>UI improvements</li></ul> | [🌐 Web](https://schildi.chat) [💾 Download](https://schildi.chat/) | | **Cinny** | <ul><li> Windows,  macOS,  Linux</li><li> Web</li></ul> | <ul><li>Lightweight, Discord-like interface</li><li>Modern experience</li></ul> | [🌐 Web](https://cinny.in) [💾 Download](https://github.com/cinnyapp/cinny-desktop/releases) | :::success 📱 **Mobile Experience Tips** - **Performance**: Native apps provide better performance and push notifications than web versions - **Media Features**: Most mobile clients support camera integration and voice messages - **Quick Access**: Long-press on messages for additional options - **Navigation**: Space navigation is typically in a side menu (swipe or hamburger icon) - **Troubleshooting**: Check battery optimization settings if notifications are unreliable ::: After installing a client, log in with your Matrix account and use the [invitation link](https://matrix.to/#/#dsgg:academiccloud.de) to join the DSgG space (you can also scan the [QR code](#qr-code) at the top of this guide). ### Notification Configuration Browser-based Matrix clients often have limitations with notifications. For reliable message alerts, we strongly recommend using a dedicated desktop application. #### Browser notification issues **Common problems with browser notifications:** - Notifications don't work when the browser is closed - Permissions must be explicitly granted when prompted - Notifications may be unreliable on some operating systems - Focus issues can prevent notifications from appearing **Troubleshooting steps:** 1. Check browser notification permissions in settings 2. Ensure your system's "Do Not Disturb" mode is disabled 3. Try using a different browser if problems persist 4. For important communications, install a desktop client instead ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### What is a Matrix Space? A Space is similar to a Discord server or Slack workspace - a collection of related rooms organized in a hierarchy. ### Is Matrix secure? Yes, Matrix offers end-to-end encryption[^e2ee] for private communications. Public rooms[^room] typically aren't encrypted to allow for better accessibility. ### Can I use multiple devices with my Matrix account? Yes, you can log in from multiple devices simultaneously. Messages and history will sync across all devices. For security, Matrix uses cross-signing[^cross-signing] to verify your devices. ### Does Matrix work offline? Matrix clients can show previously loaded messages when offline, but you need an internet connection to send and receive new messages. ### How do I find specific content or people? Use the search function in your Matrix client. In Element, search using the search icon or keyboard shortcuts (`Ctrl+F` or `Cmd+F`). ### Who can see my messages? Messages in public rooms can be seen by anyone in those rooms. Direct messages and private room messages are only visible to participants and are typically encrypted. All messages are tied to your MXID[^mxid]. ### Who do I contact to suggest changes to this guide/report errors? This guide is maintained and authored by Alexander Minges - ✉ [alexander.minges@uni-due.de](mailto:alexander.minges@uni-due.de) - MXID: [@athemis:matrix.athemis.de](https://matrix.to/#/@athemis:matrix.athemis.de) Please direct any suggestions to him, either via Matrix or by email. ## License Because we RDM people *love* to do things the right way, this guide also needs a license: This guide © 2025 by Alexander Minges is licensed under [Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). [^homeserver]: **Homeserver**: The server where your Matrix account is registered. Homeservers communicate with each other through federation. [^federation]: **Federation**: The system allowing different Matrix servers to communicate with each other, creating a decentralized network. [^room]: **Room**: A chat space in Matrix. Rooms can be public or private and can have various permission levels. [^space]: **Space**: A collection of rooms organized in a hierarchy, similar to a Discord server or Slack workspace. [^client]: **Client**: The application you use to access Matrix (e.g., Element, FluffyChat). [^e2ee]: **End-to-End Encryption (E2EE)**: A security feature that ensures only the intended recipients can read the messages. [^cross-signing]: **Cross-signing**: A security feature that allows you to verify your identity across multiple devices. [^mxid]: **MXID**: Matrix ID, your unique identifier in the Matrix network (e.g., `@username:homeserver.org`).