Bitcoin: The Basics

Bitcoin is in the news, usually with some startling information about some guy tossing out his old computer for…

Who is Satoshi Nakamoto

In November 2008, Satoshi Nakamoto published a white paper that began “Commerce on the Internet has come to rely…

Bitcoin Misadventures

We learn from our mistakes. In the world of bitcoin, there have been some real doozies of mistakes. Anyone…

Bitcoin Mining

The images on the internet show bitcoin mining in a form reminiscent of the old gold rush miners, pickaxes…

Bitcoin Forking

Forking is when the basic protocol of bitcoin has been changed and suddenly the blockchain splits. There is a…

Cryptocurrency Codex

How to Buy Bitcoin

The first step in buying bitcoins is acquiring a wallet. This is what the software that contains your bitcoins…

Watch Your Wallet

A bitcoin wallet is software that connects you to the bitcoin network. This is the first step in acquiring…

Bitcoin Cash

The size of the bitcoin block has bothered a number of developers, miners, and others involved in the popular…

Other Cryptocurrencies

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Since the success of bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies have emerged. In 2014, these were the big contenders in the cryptocurrency world – PeerCoin aka PPCoin, Litecoin, Freicoin, and Dogecoin. At the end of 2017, these are the top five contenders, according to one source. 1. Litecoin (LTC). Launched 2011.2. Ethereum (ETH). Launched 2015.3. Zcash (ZEC). Launched 2016.4. Dash (used to be Darkcoin). Launched 2014.5. Ripple (XRP). Launched 2012. Looking at what…

The Cryptographic Protocol

A protocol is a set of rules. It describes the proper protocol for certain actions and behaviors. David Johnston, the Governor General of Canada, broke protocol when he touched Queen Elizabeth II on the steps of Canada House on Trafalgar Square in London. The Queen was 91 years old at the time and the Governor General touched her arm to protect her from falling on the steps. It is protocol to not touch a member of Britain’s…

Fiat Money Explained

Fiat money is money that a government declares is legal tender. Fiat refers to the government order. It’s from the Latin, like so many of our legal words, and it means “let it be done.” The government looks at the notion that paper bills can be legal tender, and says, “let it be done.” Gold-backed money, also known as hard currency, is money that can be converted to actual gold. It used to be this way. Your…