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# Rocket.Chat: Team & Community Collaboration Platform

Rocket.Chat is a powerful, open-source team collaboration platform. It offers a wide range of communication tools, including real-time chat, channels, direct messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing. It's designed for teams and communities to communicate and collaborate effectively in a self-hosted environment.

## Key Features

- Real-time Chat: Public channels, private groups, and direct messages.
- File Sharing: Share documents, images, and other files.
- Voice and Video Conferencing: Integrated audio and video calls.
- Guest Access: Allow external users to participate in specific channels.
- Integrations: Connect with other tools and services through bots and APIs.
- Customization: Themes, permissions, and extensive administrative controls.
- Self-Hosted: Full data sovereignty and control over user privacy.
- Mobile and Desktop Apps: Access Rocket.Chat from various devices.

## Getting Started with Rocket.Chat

### Accessing Rocket.Chat

1. URL: Access Rocket.Chat locally via `http://localhost:3004/` (or your configured external URL).
2. Account Registration/Login:
   - The first time you access it, you or an administrator will need to set up an admin account and configure the server.
   - Users will then need to register for an account or be invited by an admin.

### Basic Usage

1. Interface Overview:

   - Channels/Rooms: The main area for discussions. Channels can be public or private.
   - Direct Messages: For one-on-one conversations.
   - User List: See who is online and available.
   - Search: Find messages, users, or channels.

2. Joining Channels:

   - Browse the directory of public channels or be invited to private ones.

3. Sending Messages:

   - Type your message in the input box at the bottom of a channel or direct message.
   - Use Markdown for formatting, emojis, and @mentions to notify users.

4. Starting a Video/Audio Call: Look for the call icons within a channel or direct message to start a voice or video call.

5. Managing Your Profile: Update your profile picture, status, and notification preferences.

6. Administration (For Admins):

   - Access the administration panel to manage users, permissions, channels, integrations, and server settings.

## Use Cases within Changemaker

- Internal Team Communication: A central place for your campaign team or organization members to chat, share files, and coordinate efforts.
- Community Building: Create a private or public chat community for your supporters or users.
- Project Collaboration: Dedicate channels to specific projects or tasks.
- Support Channel: Offer a real-time support channel for your users or community members.
- Alternative to Slack/Discord: A self-hosted option providing similar functionality with more control.

## Editing the Site

Rocket.Chat is a communication platform. It is not used for editing this documentation site. Site editing is done via Code Server.

## Further Information

- Rocket.Chat Official Website: https://www.rocket.chat/
- Rocket.Chat Documentation: https://docs.rocket.chat/