The Complete Guide to Crypto, Bitcoin, ApeCoin and Blockchain Technology The digital transformation explained.
By Yakup Özkardes-Cheung Edited by Chelsea Brown
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What is cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency is a digital currency that is not controlled by any government or institution. Cryptocurrencies are not printed and are instead created using computing power.
Cryptocurrency is created through a process called mining. Mining involves solving complicated math problems with the use of computer processing power. The miner who solves the problem gets rewarded in crypto coins, which they can then spend on goods or services online.
Cryptography is the art of writing in secret code. It's been around for centuries and has been used to protect sensitive information from hackers and other malicious attackers.
Related: 4 Ways to Smartly Invest in Cryptocurrencies
What is the blockchain?
The blockchain is a digital ledger that records transactions across many computers so that the record cannot be altered retroactively without the alteration of all subsequent blocks and the collusion of the network.
The blockchain was originally developed as a way to track Bitcoin transactions, but it can be applied to any kind of transaction involving value. In this way, it is similar to a general ledger or database, but with one significant difference: It has no central administrator. The blockchain is maintained by a peer-to-peer network, collectively adhering to a protocol for validating new blocks.
Related: The Blockchain Is Everywhere: Here's How to Understand It
The basic process of acquiring cryptocurrencies
Again, cryptocurrencies are a form of digital currency that is created and stored electronically. They are not printed like paper money, but instead exist only as computer data.
Cryptocurrencies use encryption techniques to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds without an intermediary, such as a bank or other financial institution. The first cryptocurrency was Bitcoin, which was invented in 2008 by an unknown person using the alias Satoshi Nakamoto.
The process for acquiring bitcoins is fairly simple, but can be time-consuming depending on your location and connection speed. The steps for buying bitcoin are as follows:
Get a Bitcoin wallet
Get bitcoins from an exchange or broker
Spend bitcoins on goods or services
What is a digital wallet?
Digital wallets are a type of software that allows users to store and manage their cryptocurrencies. They can be used for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, Dash, etc.
The first digital wallet was created back in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto. It was the first ever cryptocurrency wallet that allowed people to send and receive bitcoin transactions.
Since then, there have been many types of wallets created with different features and functions. For example:
Some wallets allow you to store more than one type of cryptocurrency
Some wallets only allow you to store one type of cryptocurrency
Some wallets allow you to create your own unique wallet address for each transaction instead of using a general address
How to store your bitcoins safely
There are many ways to store your bitcoins safely, but there are some things you should keep in mind before you do.
Software wallets are the most common way to store your bitcoins. You can use these wallets on your computer or mobile device. Software wallets usually offer more security than web-based wallets, because they don't rely on third parties for hosting the wallet, and they don't require you to share your private keys with them.
But it is important to back up your software wallet as often as possible and make sure that it's not connected to the internet when you do so — otherwise, someone could steal your bitcoins without being detected.
Bitcoin, altcoins and blockchain explained
Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency and worldwide payment system. It is the first decentralized digital currency, as the system works without a central bank or single administrator.
Altcoins are cryptocurrencies that are not Bitcoin (like Ethereum, Litecoin and Monero). They can be thought of as the "other half" of the cryptocurrency world.
Blockchain is a continuously growing list of records, called blocks, which are linked and secured using cryptography. Each block typically contains a hash pointer as a link to a previous block, timestamp and transaction data. By design, blockchains are inherently resistant to modification of the data.
Related: How to Build an Audience on Bitcointalk, the Online Forum and Nexus of the Crypto World
In conclusion, bitcoin has been a remarkable invention, and it will continue to evolve and be adopted by more people. It's not going anywhere anytime soon. The future of cryptocurrency is poised on the path to being its most beneficial form, but it is not without potential dangers.
