Mattermost
What is Mattermost?
Mattermost is an open source chat platform used by Nikhef employees to stay in contact with their team members. Mattermost can be compared to similar closed source platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Slack.
You can access Mattermost through a browsere tab, desktop app, or on your mobile device. For desktops or laptops we recommend the browser option because it is the easiest way to access Nikhef's Mattermost that can be run on any platform.
For more information on how to use/install Mattermost, please refer to their user documentation.
Existing Accounts
If you were already member of a team in Mattermost before the Nikhef Members public team was created, you can join that team at any time.
Next to the team name, there will be a small arrow pointing downwards. Click this and then choose the option 'Join Another Team' and then choose Nikhef Members from the list of teams you can join.
First Time Login Instructions
When you open Mattermost for the first time, you will have to go through a number of login settings which are specific to our server. These are in place to enhance security and you will only have to do this the first time you connect. After that you will be automatically connected to the Nikhef server each time you open your application or enter the Mattermost URL in the browser.
Step 1 - Getting to the Nikhef Mattermost Server
Independent of your method for connection, you will have to use the address https://mattermost.nikhef.nl and continue with the login instructions.
The browser option does not allow for multiple servers in one tab. If you want to use multiple servers, sign in to each Mattermost server in a separate browser tab.
Step 2 - Log In
On the next screen do not enter any account, but click on the "Gitlab" button at the bottom
Step 3 - Proceed to Federated Login
Again do not enter any account or click on "Sign in" but choose the "Federated Login option" at the bottom
Step 4 - Choose Identity Provider
Here you can scroll down in the interface to click on Nikhef SSO | National Institute for Sub-atomic Physics
Step 5 - Enter Username and Password
Finally you will be asked to enter your username and password. Those are your usual Nikhef login credentials.
After you have entered them you will be asked to confirm. Choose Yes Continue.
Congratulations, you can now Join the Nikhef Members team and start chatting.
Installation of the Mattermost App
If you wish to install the Mattermost application, some information is below. Check out Mattermost's Install and update instructions.
Note: if you install the Desktop application, it is a good idea to make sure you stay up to date with any security patches or software updates. Instructions on how to update the applications can be found on Mattermost's Install and update instructions.
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Linux
Important Note: This will only work if you have a Linux laptop or desktop that run Debian/Ubuntu or RHEL, CentOS derivatives. For other options please check the instructions on https://docs.mattermost.com/install/desktop-app-install.html.
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MacOS
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Mobile Devices
On your mobile device open your App Store and search for Mattermost. Choose to install it as you would with any other app.
At the moment the mobile app does not yet allow the use of multiple servers, but this is being worked on and should be available with the next update.
Add Server in Desktop app
When you first start mattermost it will ask you to add a server. Enter Nikhef as a name and the URL https://mattermost.nikhef.nl as address
Click on Connect and follow Steps 2-5 above.
