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The Matrix is a neural, interactive simulation of the world, circa 1999, run partially on a machine AI and partially on the neural nets of the humans connected to it. To those inside, it is reality.

To access the Matrix, a human must be equipped with a cybernetic "plug" which is installed at the base of the skull. Usually, a medical sensor plug is also installed in the right forearm. These implants grow alongside the human's nervous system from infancy and only the machines fully understand its construction. Therefore, Free Born humans cannot have these implants and can never enter the Matrix.

In essence, the Matrix is an elaborate diversion. It keeps billions of human minds active and occupied while the machines use them for power, memory, and data processing. Untold generations of human beings have existed this way for over a century. It is their world, the only one they know.

Resistance freedom fighters enter the Matrix by broadcasting a pirate signal into the AI system that regulates it. Inside the Matrix, this system is represented by the ground line telephone network, also known as "hardlines." When jacked in, the Matrix takes over a human's lower brain functions, including respiration and heart rate. To safely disconnect, one must be at a hardline that has been set up as an exit point by an Operator. Any other disconnection results in immediate death as the brain stem ceases activity. Unfortunately, the machines know this and go to great lengths to cut hardlines before attacking Free Minds.

Time is always against the Resistance. The machines constantly search the Matrix for certain kinds of thoughts and activities. The complete list of flagged events is unknown, but definitely includes someone exiting the Matrix, someone being told what the Matrix really is, supernatural feats of strength or speed, and Real World technology. Of course, these things can only be detected if they are witnessed by a human still hardwired to the Matrix (ie. a human in a power plant). Free Minds cannot be monitored for the same reason they cannot be inhabited by Agents: they are no longer hardwired into the Matrix.

When necessary, the machines will use the Matrix itself against Free Minds. Usually, this involves making subtle changes to an area designed to prevent escape. When something is changed in this way, it can cause a "glitch" in the system. Observant Free Minds may notice a deja-vu event, a skip in their perception of time. When this happens, your cover has most likely been blown.

The Resistance possesses a limited form of the Matrix called the Construct. This virtual reality technology allows them to use training programs, load up objects like guns and other equipment, and connect Free Minds to the Matrix. Most Free Minds represent themselves with a "residual self-image" that looks very different from their Real World selves. At first, they look like they did when still hardwired to the Matrix. As time passes, they learn to create more flattering RSIs.