Tox is a protocol for decentralized text, voice and video communication on the Internet based on asymmetric encryption, its implementation is free open-source software that provides a full set of familiar functions: voice and video communication, conference mode with several participants, indicating and changing network status, support for emoticons, screen sharing, the ability to send instant messages and transfer files. There is no advertising. It is positioned as an open, free, backdoor-free and non-spying alternative to Skype, the owners of which have provided the NSA with access to their infrastructure since February 6, 2011.
The interaction of Tox participants is implemented in much the same way as in the BitTorrent Sync cloud service. Peer-to-peer exchange of information is used to improve bandwidth, but, unlike centralized messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber, Skype), it does not require registration on centralized third-party servers, the user ID is created locally. After installing Tox, a pair of keys - public and private is generated automatically.
The public key can be transferred to anyone - it serves as a unique identifier for finding an interlocutor. The private key is stored only by the owner and confirms its authenticity without revealing personal data. There is no central server, the search for interlocutors is done through DHT.
DHT storage of identifiers is organized in such a way that users do not see each other's IP addresses until they add each other to their contact lists, only after that they have the opportunity to communicate (messages, calls, etc.). If it is necessary not to show your IP address to the interlocutor, Tox enables you to redirect traffic through SOCKS proxy servers, including Tor.
To interact with each other, participants exchange public keys (Tox ID) and add them to their contact lists in messengers. In addition, all chats are encrypted using the NaCl library.
The project website offers clients for popular desktop platforms: Linux, Windows and OS X, as well as for Android and iOS mobile platforms. The project has repositories of ART and RPM, and in most popular distribution packages Tox can be installed without any difficulties. By adding the repository, you can install one of the supported clients: qTox, uTox, Toxygen, Toxic, and aTox.
The functionality of all clients is approximately the same. You start the client, come up with a nickname, after which a Tox ID is generated, which can be transferred to friends. When friends add you, you will receive a notification; it must be accepted to establish a connection. If a friend is nearby and uses a mobile client, one can add you by scanning the QR code containing the Tox ID.
How to install Tox?
First, you need to download the program from the developer's site, https://tох.chat/. Installation is no different from most programs. After installation and launch, create a new user or import the existing Tox ID.Enter the required settings in the appropriate section. You may need to set up a connection through a proxy or Tor.
Copy your Tox ID and give it to those you want to connect with.
If someone added you, you will receive a notification. It will be possible to communicate with those from whom you accepted them.
The messenger has the option of a conference, that is, a general chat with several participants.
To accomplish this, in the lower-left corner, click on the second icon.
What about Jabber?
Yes, the XMPP protocol is a good thing, not least because this system also does not have a central server. But it still needs its own independent servers and those persons, who voluntarily (and often for free) maintain and service them. If any XMPP server stops its work for any reason, its users will be left without connection.Thus, there are three disadvantages of Jabber:
- If the server, on which the XMPP account was created, drops out of the network, then the account itself disappears.
- Despite encryption, messages can be intercepted on the server.
- Those who do not have their own server must use offers from third parties.
- Can't have server problems.
- Keeps encryption anytime, anywhere.
- Enables you not to give your communication into the wrong hands.
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