grey.fail

• Setting Up Bitwarden
• Creating a Bitwarden Account
• Configuring the Bitwarden Browser Extension
• Setting Up Joplin
• Connecting the Joplin Desktop Client
• Encrypting the Joplin Desktop Client
• Setting Up NextCloud
• Connecting to a NextCloud Calendar in Android
• Setting Up Wireguard
• WireGuard on Windows
• WireGuard on Android
• Getting Started with Matrix
• Matrix: An Introduction
• Getting Started
• Setting up Baïkal
• Connecting to a Baïkal Calendar in Android
• Connecting to a Baïkal Calendar in iOS
• Setting Up Rustdesk
• Rustdesk on Windows

Setting Up Bitwarden

Creating a Bitwarden Account

Introduction

Bitwarden offers account sign-up and a number of price-tiered plans. By hosting an instance of Bitwarden on https://bitwarden.grey.fail, our users enjoy the paid version of Bitwarden for free.

All data submitted to https://bitwarden.grey.fail is protected with extremely strong encryption based on the master password you select. Administrators do not have access to your passwords.

This tutorial will take you from sign-up all the way to creating the first password-entry in your Bitwarden vault.

Note: Open registration on https://bitwarden.grey.fail is disabled and users must be invited. Once an administrator has invited you, a link is emailed to your email address.

Instructions

Creating Your Account

Joining the Organization

Once you are invited, a link will be e-mailed to the address you provided one of our administrators. Clicking on the link will direct you to a "Join Organization" page. Select "Create Account."

Providing Account Details

You will then be prompted with a user form. Please fill out the applicable details. Make sure your master password is something you can remember but is also adequately complex. Do not forget your master password.

The option to enable two-factor-authentication (2FA) will be available once you sign up in your user settings. Enabling 2FA is strongly encouraged for this application.

Note: Only the e-mail address you provided will be allowed in the "Email Address" field. A different e-mail address will fail to submit.

Validating the Associated E-Mail Address

Once you have submitted your user form, an additional e-mail will be sent to you asking to validate your address. Once you have received the message, please click "Verify Email Address Now" (highlighted below).

Logging In for the First Time

You will be redirected to a log-in page. Proceed to login using the credentials you created in step 2 (the user form).

The Bitwarden Dashboard

After successfully logging in, you will be presented with your Bitwarden dashboard. This is one of many ways to interact with your saved passwords, cards, notes, and identities.

Creating a New Item

Adding a New Item to Your Vault

Adding an item is as easy as selecting the "+ Add Item" button and filling out the entry form.

In order for any browser extension to autofill user credentials, it is important to provide URL data (see "https://cloud.grey.fail" in the example below). This is how the Bitwarden browser extension distinguishes what credentials to apply to the website you are viewing.

Once you save your new item, a new line item will appear in your vault. Feel free to organize line items into folders or types.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You are now using Bitwarden as a password manager! For ease of use, make sure to explore the Bitwarden browser extensions and desktop clients.

Configuring the Bitwarden Browser Extension

Introduction

The Bitwarden extension is available on all major browsers and allows access to your synchronized password database. The extension also provides autofill, automatic synchronization, built-in and password generation.

Instructions

Note: As an instance of Bitwarden is hosted on bitwarden.grey.fail, there is the additional step of adding a customized server URL. Please refer to step three. Steps five and six detail enabling autofill.

Initial Extension Set Up

Install the Bitwarden extension/add-on from the browser extension/add-on store. Once the extension has installed, click on the extension's icon. From there, select the gear icon in the upper left.

Add the enterprise address to the extension:

https://bitwarden.grey.fail

Now you can log in with the account you created at bitwarden.grey.fail.

Enabling Auto-fill

Auto-fill detects log-in prompts on web pages and automatically fills out your saved username and password information. Auto-fill is disabled by default. To turn it on, select "Settings" at the bottom, then select "Options" from the list (at the bottom).

Check "Enable Auto-fill On Page Load."

That's it! You're all set up.

Setting Up Joplin

Connecting the Joplin Desktop Client

Introduction

Joplin is a free and open-source desktop and mobile note-taking and to-do list application written for Unix-like (including macOS and Linux) and Microsoft Windows operating systems, as well as iOS, Android, and Linux/Windows terminals, written in JavaScript. The desktop app is made using Electron, while the mobile app uses React Native.

A new Joplin Cloud service was introduced in 2021, along with an on-premises Joplin Server application. Both products can be used to sync notes, to-dos, notebooks and note data across devices, as well as share notes or notebooks with other Joplin users, or even publish content to the web.

There are a few hoops to jump through before you can start using Joplin with our server. It's pretty simple. Below I've documented the steps to set yourself up.

Instructions

1. Once you have received and accepted your invitation to Joplin, install the desktop application. Open the Joplin desktop application and press the "Synchronise" button:
2. From there, you'll be prompted with a few options on how you'd like to synchronise. Select the self-hosting link at the bottom of the dialog:
3. From the "Synchronisation Target" drop down, select "Joplin Server (Beta)":
4. Once that's selected, you'll then be prompted to enter your account information. Fill out the form (including the server URL of https://joplin.grey.fail) and hit "OK":

Encrypting the Joplin Desktop Client

Introduction

Once you have the desktop client installed and connected, one last step is required in order to share notebooks with other users on the server.  The desktop client must be encrypted.

Note: The client encryption "password" is separate from your account password, though both can be the same if your account password is strong enough.

Instructions

1. From the menu bar, select Tools --> Options:
2. The client settings page will appear. From the left-hand navigation panel, select "Encryption." Then, select "Enable Encryption" from the settings page.
3. A dialog will appear. Enter your encryption password. Remember, this is separate from your account password, though both can be the same if your account password is strong enough.
4. Once you hit "OK," the client will use this password to encrypt data in the client. To ensure encryption is enabled and working, you can check the encryption keys which are now listed in the encryption settings:

That's all! Encryption on your client has been enabled and you are now able to share notes and notebooks with other users on the Joplin server.

Setting Up NextCloud

Connecting to a NextCloud Calendar in Android

Introduction

Synchronizing the calendar and contacts with NextCloud on Android is fairly straight-forward. It will require both the Android NextCloud client and an app called DAVx⁵.

Once set up, the synchronization of the calendar (and optionally contacts) will be automatic and will not require any further calibration by the user. Any changes made from the client or the server will be synchronized automatically.

Note: A NextCloud account is required to progress with this tutorial. If you do not have an account, please provide an e-mail address and your desired username to a system administrator.

Instructions

Installing the Required Apps

Install and Sign Into the NextCloud Client

1. Navigate to the Google Play Store and search for the NextCloud Android client. Once installed, the app will prompt the user for access to their NextCloud account. Sign-in with your NextCloud credentials and grant access to the Android app.
   
   
   
   
2. Once installed, run the application and enter the server address:
   
   

   https://cloud.grey.fail

   
   
   
3. The user will then be directed to the default browser where login credentials can be entered and the Client can be granted access to the user's account:
   
   
   
   
4. Once access has been granted, the browser can be closed. Congrats! We've connected our Android client to our NextCloud account. Now that the account is connected to the NextCloud server, we're ready to install DAVx⁵.

Install DAVx⁵

1. Navigate to the Google Play Store and search for and install DAVx5.
   
   
   

Link the NextCloud with DAVx⁵

1. Once installed, navigate back to the NextCloud client. Within the client select the (hamburger style) menu button located in the upper left. Then select "Settings."
   
   
   
   
2. From the settings page, select "Sync calendar & contacts."
   
   
   
   
3. DAVx⁵ will open. There the user will again be prompted to log-in and grant account access to DAVx⁵
   
   
   
4. Once access has been provided, the user will then have the ability to select what calendars and contacts to synchronize with their device.
   
   
   

Conclusion

That's it! Congratulations on linking your Android device to a NextCloud shared calendar. Any changes made to the calendar on the device, from another calendar application, or in the NextCloud GUI will synchronize across all linked devices.

Setting Up Wireguard

WireGuard on Windows

Introduction

In addition to spoofing your location, a VPN is a nice tool to have when you're using a computer on a foreign WiFi network. I usually have my VPN connected at all times when I travel. A secure tunnel prevents bad guys from sniffing out your packets, spying on your internet traffic, and scraping personal data. As long as you're connected to the VPN, you can feel secure making Amazon purchases while chilling in a coffee shop.

⚠️ Be warned: all traffic is routed through the VPN; it's as though you're on the same local area network (LAN). This is not an appropriate VPN to conduct nefarious browsing.

You can only use your key in one place at a time. If you want to browse on your laptop and phone simultaneously, additional keys can be cut. Having more than one key is pretty helpful for traveling

Instructions

Running the Client for the First Time

Download and install the appropriate client. Downloads can be found here: https://www.wireguard.com/install

After installation is complete, run the application and import your unique key (.conf file). This file will have been provided to you: if you do not have one, reach out to a grey.fail administrator.

Activating the VPN

Once imported, select "Activate" to connect to the VPN. Congratulations, you're connected! You can verify your connection by monitoring the "Transfer" field that appears in the WireGuard window after a connection is established. As long as both the "received" and "sent" fields represent a positive number, the connection is successful. 👍

Maintaining Access to Local Area Network Resources

 Windows only: If you wish to maintain access to your Local Area Network (LAN) while connected to the VPN, press the edit button (circled below).

A new window will appear. To maintain access to the LAN, uncheck "Block untunneled traffic (kill-switch)" (below). If traveling or browsing on a foreign WiFi network, it's a good idea to keep that checked.

WireGuard on Android

Instructions

Installing the Wireguard Android App

Download and install the WireGuard app on the Google Play Store. Double check the publisher is "WireGuard Development Team."

Adding Configuration Files to the Wireguard App

After the installation completes, open the WireGuard app. You will see a screen instructing you to "Add a tunnel using the blue button."

Press the blue button in the lower left. You will be prompted with three import/creation options. From the list, select "IMPORT FROM FILE OR ARCHIVE."

Navigate to and select your WireGuard *.conf file that has been provided to you using your phone's file selector. Once the *.conf file imports you will be redirected to the WireGuard application where you should now see a new list item.

Test the connection by engaging the slide-toggle on the right. To validate that you have successfully made a connection to the VPN, select the list item; a new window will appear detailing the connection details. Make sure the "Transfer" field is displaying positive values for both "rx" (sent) and "tx" (received).

That's it! You have successfully connected to a WireGuard VPN on your Android device.

Quick Settings Toggle

For additional convenience, a toggle can be added to the quick settings in the Android pulldown menu.

Getting Started with Matrix

Matrix: An Introduction

Introduction

Matrix is a groundbreaking open standard for decentralized communication that enables seamless interaction between various chat platforms, servers, and organizations. This innovative approach revolutionizes the way people communicate online, making it easier than ever to connect with others across different environments.

At its core, Matrix is a federated chat system, where multiple chat services (servers) are connected and interoperable. This allows users to engage in conversations without being tied to a specific platform or service. The decentralized nature of Matrix ensures that users can communicate freely, without relying on a single entity or infrastructure.

The Matrix Protocol, which underlies this federation, is designed to be highly secure, scalable, and customizable. When users join a Matrix room (a chat channel), their messages are encrypted and verified using advanced cryptographic techniques to ensure they're only readable by the intended recipients.

Servers play a crucial role in the Matrix ecosystem. These virtual "chat islands" allow users to create accounts, invite friends, and participate in conversations. There are thousands of public servers, each with its own unique features, communities, and moderation styles.

To interact with the Matrix network, users need a client, which is essentially a software or app that connects to a server and enables access to rooms and conversations. Some popular clients include Riot (the official Matrix desktop client), Element (a highly customizable mobile app), and web-based interfaces like the Matrix Web Client.

Matrix represents a significant shift in the way people communicate online, offering a decentralized, secure, and scalable platform for real-time collaboration and conversation. As this technology continues to evolve, it has the potential to transform the way we connect with each other.

Clients

Element (Preferred)

Element is a comprehensive Matrix chat client that provides a robust platform for secure and decentralized communication. It supports features like end-to-end encryption, group chats, voice and video calls, and file sharing. Element is designed to cater to both personal and professional use, offering integration capabilities with various tools and services. It aims to deliver a high level of security and privacy, making it a popular choice for users seeking a versatile and reliable communication solution within the Matrix ecosystem.

Element is a popular choice among Matrix users due to its user-friendly interface, robust feature set, and commitment to open-source development.

Cinny

Cinny is a Matrix chat client designed to offer a clean and user-friendly interface for interacting with the Matrix protocol. It provides essential features for messaging, including end-to-end encryption, group chats, and file sharing, while focusing on simplicity and ease of use. Cinny aims to be lightweight and accessible, making it an appealing choice for both new and experienced users of the Matrix network.

FluffyChat

FluffyChat is a user-friendly Matrix chat client known for its visually appealing and intuitive interface. It supports key features such as end-to-end encryption, group messaging, and multimedia sharing. FluffyChat is designed to be accessible and easy to use, making it a popular choice for users who prefer a more visually engaging and straightforward communication experience on the Matrix network.

Element X

Element X is an advanced iteration of the Element Matrix chat client, designed to enhance performance and user experience. It retains core functionalities like end-to-end encryption, secure group chats, and multimedia sharing, while introducing improvements in speed, responsiveness, and user interface design. Element X aims to provide a more streamlined and efficient communication platform, appealing to users who require a robust and high-performing Matrix client.

Getting Started

Signing up

1. Navigate to https://convo.grey.fail and select the option to "Create Account":
2. You will be redirected to an account creation form. Ensure that the "Host account on" option is set to "grey.fail". This should have filled out automatically. Type in your desired username ("chris," "erik," "trianglebrain") and suitable password. Select "Register."
   

   The "Host account on" option is the server where your account will reside. There are thousands of Matrix servers world-wide -- but only one grey.fail!
   

   
3. Once you have registered you will be prompted to provide a registration token. This token is used to control registration and only allow authorized users to sign up. Simply copy and paste this value into the token textbox:
   

   cultural-either-spiffy-chump-employee-drinking

   

4. Complete the security CAPTCHA:
5. Skip initial setup wizard in Element:
6. Opt-out of improving Matrix (they've got enough help):

Congrats! "You're in." You won't see the grey.fail Space (similar to a Discord server) until you're invited. So once you sign up, alert your server administrator and they will add you to the space.

Setting up Baïkal

Connecting to a Baïkal Calendar in Android

Instructions

Installing the Required Apps

Install DAVx⁵

1. Navigate to the Google Play Store and search for and install DAVx5.

Link the Baïkal with DAVx⁵

1. Select "Login with URL and user name".
   
   
2. Provide the dav.php URL.
   
   In this example that's https://cal.grey.fail/dav.php, then provide your login credentials for Baïkal.
   
   

   

3. Provide an account name and make sure the "Groups are separate vCards" option is selected.
   
   
   
4. Toggle the calendars you want to synchronize to your phone.
   
   

Conclusion

That's it! Congratulations on linking your Android device to a Baïkal shared calendar. Any changes made to the calendar on the device or from another calendar application will synchronize across all linked devices.

Connecting to a Baïkal Calendar in iOS

Instructions

1. Go to Settings  > Apps > Calendar.

2. Tap Accounts > Add Account.

3. Add a calendar account: Tap Other, tap Add CalDAV Account, then enter your server and account information.
   
   In this example that's https://cal.grey.fail/dav.php, then provide your login credentials for Baïkal.
   
   
   
   

4. After adding the CalDAV account, select "Advanced Settings."
   
   Under "Account URL" provide the principals URL: https://YOUR.BAIKAL.URL/dav.php/principals/USERNAME/
   
   E.G.:
   https://cal.grey.fail/dav.php/principals/allie/

   

Conclusion

That's it! Congratulations on linking your iOS device to a Baïkal shared calendar. Any changes made to the calendar on the device or from another calendar application will synchronize across all linked devices.

Setting Up Rustdesk

Rustdesk on Windows

Introduction

Rustdesk is a free and open-source remote desktop manager, and serves as an alternative to Teamveiwer. A Rustdesk ID/Realay server is hosted at grey.fail -- a trusted self-managed server.

Instructions

1. Navigate to https://rustdesk.com/download and download the appropriate installation file. For windows, the .exe file is recommended.
   
   
   
   
2. Once installed, run the Rustdesk application.
   
   The landing page will show the host machine's ID and one-time password. Note in the status bar at the bottom right (1), the dialog says, "Ready. For faster connection, please set up your own server." The grey.fail server information must be configured. Access the settings menu by selecting the hamburger icon (2) in the upper right.
   
   
   
3. In the settings menu, navigate to "Network" on the left navigation pane (3). From the Network menu, select the "ID/Releay server" option.
   
   
   
   
4. A dialog will appear. Enter rustdesk.grey.fail for both the "ID server" and "Relay server" textboxes. The key will be provided by a grey.fail administrator. Paste that key in the "Key" textbox.
   
   
   
   
5. Once complete, a small text bubble showing "success" should appear. Navigate to the "Home" screen to confirm (the status will have changed to "Ready").
   
   
   

That's it! If you'd like remote assistance, provide your ID and One-time password located on the "Home" section of Rustdesk.