Category Bitcoin

October 10, 2013 / Posted in  Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency which can be used for payment of goods and services. Part of the reason Bitcoin exists, is due to the voluntary computer systems out on the Internet running the program that supports the Bitcoin network. These voluntary computer systems are often called “miners” in the Bitcoin community. Miners do the calculations to ensure payments are only able to be spent once, and they update the master ledger or “block record” with transaction data. There is also a slim chance these miners can get free Bitcoins – which is the motivation to join and support the network.

The History of mining Bitcoins

In the beginning, computer CPUs powered the Bitcoin network...

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October 9, 2013 / Posted in  Bitcoin

About a week ago, the FBI shut down the Silk Road site, which was a hub for nefarious and illegal activity. I had never visited the site which requires the anonymity enhancing TOR browser, but the news article mentioned something that sparked my interest, “millions in Bitcoins seized.” Was that a lot? What is Bitcoin and what are they worth anyway? Then I saw another article that showed a picture of Bitcoins in hard currency form – were Bitcoins minted somewhere? My curiosity was peaked and I’ve spent about a week learning more about this fascinating, experimental, cyber currency.