Get on
Bitcoin
A simple guide to understanding Bitcoin for beginners.
A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System.
“A purely peer-to-peer version of electronic cash would allow online payments to be sent directly from one party to another without going through a financial institution.”
What is
Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is digital money you control completely. No banks or governments needed. It's secure, global, and works 24/7.
Created in 2008 by Satoshi Nakamoto (pseudonymous inventor) during the financial crisis.
Why
Bitcoin?
True ownership: You hold it directly ("Not your keys, not your coins").
No middlemen: Send to anyone, anywhere, anytime — cheap and fast.
Limited supply: Only 21 million BTC ever. Protects against inflation.
Freedom: Censorship-resistant and borderless.
How to Get
Started
(Step-by-step)
Learn the basics (you're doing it now!). Start small. Go slow.
Get a wallet (your digital bank). Beginners: Cake Wallet (mobile, free), Sparrow Wallet (desktop, free), SeedSigner or BitKey (hardware, extra secure).
Buy Bitcoin: Use exchanges. Buy peer-to-peer. Trade goods and services for it.
Move to your wallet — withdraw from exchange for safety.
Backup your seed phrase (12-24 words) on paper, offline. Never share or screenshot.
Common Beginner
Mistakes to Avoid
Falling for scams/phishing (never share seed phrase).
Leaving BTC on exchanges long-term (hacks happen).
FOMO buying highs or panic selling lows.
Investing money you need for essentials.
Ignoring backups.
FAQ
-
Yes, if you control your keys and avoid scams.
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As little as $10.
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Yes in most countries — track purchases.
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Bitcoin.org, 99Bitcoins guides, or books like "The Bitcoin Standard".