# Chat introduction

Anyone can access chatrooms at [[domain virtual-assembly.org]].

You can create a personal [[account]] to access the chat service directly.

You can access the service indirectly via another Matrix chat service.


## Clients

Matrix chat is accessed with any of several [Matrix clients].

Recommended chat client is [Riot],
available in both desktop and mobile flavors.

You can use several clients at once.

[Matrix clients]: <https://matrix.org/docs/guides/faq.html#usage>
  "Introduction to common Matrix clients"

[Riot]: <https://riot.im/>
  "Riot - recommended Matrix client"


## Setup

Use the [[chatserver matrix.virtual-assembly.org]].
With the Riot client that is the "Home server" field after selecting "Custom server".

Create a new account,
providing your personal email address at [[maildomain assemblee-virtuelle.org]].

(do **not** provide a phone number)


## Channels

All channels are listed in a public channel list.

You can join channels each with different topics.

You can mention a channel in chat by writing its name starting with a "#".


## Communities

Matrix communities is a way to help limit view on channels.

In Matrix clients supporting it,
You join a community either from a link in the topic of corresponding general channel,
or via a listing of all communities.

You can mention a community in chat by writing its name starting with "+".