Instant Messaging

• Matrix
• Telegram
• Discord
• Slack
• IRC
• Troubleshooting
• Revisions
• Disclaimer

Chat and collaborate with an instant messaging app.

Instant messaging has gradually become one of the most common forms of communication used over the Internet. Kubuntu Focus supports multiple instant messaging apps, with the option to access others through a web client. Find your preferred chat platform and connect to it!

Please read the disclaimer before proceeding. We review and update guided solutions regularly. If you have suggestions or requests, please write support@kfocus.org.

Matrix is a decentralized, federated chat network. Features include sharing text, images, videos, and files. Conversations can be one-on-one or include many participants. Chat rooms may be encrypted to maintain privacy. Many communities exist in Matrix, including official support channels for Ubuntu and KDE. Element is the most popular, free and open-source Matrix client

On a Kubuntu Focus system, click the Element icon shown at left install it directly. In stock Kubuntu, use sudo snap install element-desktop. You can sign-in and use the web client from Element Web. If you prefer that (which we do), you can install the progressive web app by clicking on the button at the far right of the browser address bar.

Chat with friends and communities with Element.

Telegram is a popular chat and social media network. It is notable for its ability to send very large files between individuals. It also features opt-in end-to-end encrypted chats. The official Telegram Desktop client is open-source, as are the Telegram mobile apps.

On a Kubuntu Focus system, click the Telegram icon shown at left to install it directly. On stock Kubuntu, install it as a snap using snap install telegram.

Communicate and send big files with Telegram.

Discord is a major chat network usable for both personal and group communication. It provides an experience similar to using Matrix with Element, but has different communities. It is centralized like most proprietary chat networks.

On a Kubuntu Focus system, click the Discord icon at left to install it directly. On stock Kubuntu, install it as a snap using snap install discord, or open it in a browser at discord.com.

Chat and stream using Discord.

Slack is a messaging and collaboration tool often used in businesses. It provides text, video, and voice chat capabilities, while also making it easy to share documents and work data with others.

On a Kubuntu Focus system, click the Slack icon shown at left to install it directly. On stock Kubuntu, install it using sudo apt install slack. You can sign-in and use the web client from Slack Web. IMPORTANT: On Kubuntu 26.04, you may need to use slack --ozone-platform=x11 to launch from the command line.

Work together using Slack.

While not as prevalent or feature-rich as other platforms, Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is still widely used by many people, especially open-source software developers. It is fast, lightweight, and rarely requires an account signup to get started. There are multiple IRC networks in existence, the most prevalent of which is Libera.Chat.

Kubuntu Focus systems include the Konversation IRC client. If not installed, it can be by running sudo apt install konversation in Konsole. By default, it connects to Libera.Chat and joins the #kubuntu technical support channel when you first start it. You can access it by clicking on Start Menu > Internet > Konversation.

Connect to IRC networks with Konversation.

We try hard to provide a useful solution validated by professionals. However, we cannot anticipate every situation, and therefore cannot guarantee this procedure will work for your needs. Always backup your data and test the solution to determine the correct procedure for you.

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