this post was submitted on 28 Aug 2024
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Privacy

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I tried SimpleX but the VPN kill switch on my phone prevents syncing with my computer.

I use telegram primarily as a note taking app with sync features.

Occasionally I send files to friends, so having easy set up for tech illiterate would be great.

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[–] [email protected] 30 points 2 months ago (3 children)

I think Matrix is the way to go because you can host your own server and be completely self hosting without a 3rd party involved.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

From a security standpoint it leaves something to be desired but for just notes it is fine. It also is good for public rooms

[–] [email protected] 16 points 2 months ago (1 children)

To add to this, XMPP is much cheaper to host and offers basically the same features when it comes to what OP needs. I host Prosody and it uses so little resources you could probably get it running on the cheapest server you could find.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago (2 children)

It's probably 15 years ago I used XMPP the last time. Back then there were many compatibility problems between the apps and especially on the mobile phone with push notifications, etc. There were problems sending media and VOIP calls were non existent outside of the Google clients.

My guess is that some of those things improved but I have not heard anyone in my circles using it, especially since Matrix became a bit more popular, most of the Open Source projects on IRC also moved to Matrix.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

most of the Open Source projects on IRC also moved to Matrix.

No, they moved to libera.chat

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

yeah, it's "a considerable amount", not "the most"

[–] [email protected] 11 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Yeah, XMPP has changed a loooott since then.

XMPP's main problems at the moment are clients, in my opinion. There's 3 main clients for PC; one is 100% python (including frontend) and breaks semi-regularly, one does not officially support Windows and thus cuts out a large portion of the community + doesn't have as many features as others, and one lacks features and looks extremely outdated. The state on iOS is even worse as well, and Android is fine but could be better.

If you're considering XMPP again, I'd recommend waiting a few months for Prose https://prose.org/ to fully release, it looks like it'll improve the experience a lot.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Can you provide names of these clients you’re mentioning?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Python: Gajim Doesn't support Windows: Dino Outdated: PSI+

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago

Dino is nice in GNOME as it's native Gtk which gets you a nicely integrated and modern look and feel. It's a little low on feature but fully usable.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

I've gone this route. Not for the faint of heart. If you're not self-hosting savvy, but you know someone that hosts a server, absolutely sign up with them. Or use a local public server like pikaviestin.fi, which provides accounts for finnish citizens.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 months ago

This. I‘m hosting a couple matrix servers and have many friends who have a ton of issues. It really depends on the admin and how tech savvy everyone involved is. If you cant be arsed to understand how key sharing works and check out which is the best client for you, matrix might bot be the best choice. I love it, personally but I suggest it rarely since tech illiterate users tend to get really upset about a free product not matching their insane standards.