Cryptocurrency, also known as digital currency or virtual currency, has been gaining in popularity over the last few years as a medium of exchange, investment and store of value. Cryptocurrencies are used to buy products or services but can also be exchanged with other cryptocurrencies or traditional money. Whether you’re looking to acquire your first cryptocurrency, are looking to diversify your cryptocurrency portfolio, or are simply trying to understand more about this phenomenon, let us help demystify this exciting new space. In this guide, we will discuss the following topics and more.
The History
Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency to be created. In 2008, an individual or group of individuals going by the name Satoshi Nakamoto published a paper about Bitcoin and introduced it as an open source software in 2009. In 2010, using Bitcoins themselves, Satoshi purchased two pizzas for 10000 Bitcoins. This brings up an important lesson: if you’re going to do anything with cryptocurrency, always double-check that your unit conversions are correct.
The Basics
Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency to be released in 2009. The creator’s goal was to create an alternative form of currency not controlled by governments or financial institutions. Bitcoin has grown in value as more people have begun using it and it has a market cap of over $35 billion. Newer cryptocurrencies are being developed each day, with Ethereum being the most successful so far in terms of success and growth.
The Criticisms
Cryptocurrencies are not as decentralized as one might think. The process of validating transactions involves solving difficult mathematical problems. Miners are rewarded with crypto coins for solving these difficult problems, thus giving them an incentive to mine. What miners cannot do, however, is change transaction information after it has been submitted.
How to Invest
As with any type of investment, there are always risks involved. But, when it comes to cryptocurrencies, the risk can be lower than other types of investments because they often have low entry barriers and offer high potential growth rates. Another risk that can exist is having your holdings hacked. There are a few precautions you can take to minimize these risks like making sure your wallet has security features or having an offline backup in case your computer gets hacked.
How to Store Cryptocurrencies
To be able to use your crypto and access it in the future, you need to store it on something called a wallet. If you’re storing Bitcoin or Ethereum, they can be stored on exchanges. For other types of cryptocurrencies like Monero or Litecoin, it’s best to download something called a paper wallet where you store your key on a physical medium such as paper and never share it with anyone.
Should I invest in Bitcoin?
There is no doubt that Bitcoin is one of the most talked-about cryptocurrencies of the present day. It is an entity that has made many people millionaires, and it has also caused some people to lose a lot of money. So, we will suggest you invest only the extra amount you have. Also, invest in other coins, such as Ethereum, Shiba, Coinmarketcap Pikachu Inu, Solana, Binance coin, etc.
Who are crypto-currencies suited for?
Cryptocurrencies are a medium of exchange just like normal currencies such as USD, GBP, or Euros. The difference is that cryptocurrencies have no physical form and are not associated with banks or any country. But nowadays, you can trade with bitcoins and other currencies.
