Synopses & Reviews
Bitcoin is an amazing digital currency used by millions around the world.
Bitcoin isn't just another way to buy stuff, though—it's a revolutionary technology that functions without the oversight of a central authority or government. Bitcoin has a lot of other upsides, too—it's frictionless, anonymous, and cryptographically secure. Many predict that Bitcoin will radically transform the global economy. It's not hard to see why—the value of a bitcoin has soared from less than a dollar in 2011 to well over $1000 and back down again, with many spikes and crashes along the way.
Its dramatic rise has brought Bitcoin into the public eye, but the cryptocurrency isn't exactly easy to understand. Bitcoin for the Befuddled covers everything you need to know about Bitcoin: what it is, how it works, and how to acquire, store, and spend bitcoins safely and securely.
You'll also learn about:
- Bitcoin's underlying cryptographic principles, and how new bitcoins are created
- Bitcoin's history and potential impact on trade and commerce in the future
- All about the blockchain, the public ledger of Bitcoin transactions
- How to choose a bitcoin wallet program that's safe and easy-to-use
- How to accept bitcoins as a payment method, in your store or on your website
- Advanced topics, including Bitcoin cryptography, Bitcoin mining, and Bitcoin programming
Just when things get hard, you'll take a breather with a humorous, full-color comic interlude. With non-technical language, and a patient, step-by-step approach to guide you, you'll be investing, storing, and spending bitcoins in no time flat. Get started with Bitcoin today!
Synopsis
Bitcoin is an international digital currency known for its independence from a central bank or government. Already used by people and companies around the world, many forecast that Bitcoin could radically transform the global economy. The value of a bitcoin has soared from less than a dollar in 2011 to well over $1000 in 2013, with many spikes and crashes along the way. The rise in value has brought Bitcoin into the public eye, but the cryptocurrency still confuses many people. Bitcoin for the Befuddled covers everything you need to know about Bitcoin—what it is, how it works, and how to acquire, store, and use bitcoins safely and securely. You'll also learn about Bitcoin's history, its complex cryptography, and its potential impact on trade and commerce. The book includes a humorous, full-color comic explaining Bitcoin concepts, plus a glossary of terms for easy reference.
Synopsis
Unless you've been living under a rock for the last couple of years, you've probably heard of Bitcoin—the game-changing digital currency used by millions worldwide.
But Bitcoin isn't just another way to buy stuff. It's an anonymous, revolutionary, cryptographically secure currency that functions without the oversight of a central authority or government. If you want to get into the Bitcoin game but find yourself a little confused, Bitcoin for the Befuddled may be just what you're looking for. Learn what Bitcoin is; how it works; and how to acquire, store, and spend bitcoins safely and securely.
You'll also learn:
- Bitcoin's underlying cryptographic principles, and how bitcoins are created
- The history of Bitcoin and its potential impact on trade and commerce
- All about the blockchain, the public ledger of Bitcoin transactions
- How to choose a bitcoin wallet that's safe and easy to use
- How to accept bitcoins as payment in your physical store or on your website
- Advanced topics, including Bitcoin mining and Bitcoin programming
With its non-technical language and patient, step-by-step approach to this fascinating currency,
Bitcoin for the Befuddled is your ticket to getting started with Bitcoin. Get out from under the rock and get in the Bitcoin game. Just make sure not to lose your shirt.
About the Author
Conrad Barski has an M.D. From the University of Miami, as well as nearly 20 years of programming experience. Barski is a cartoonist, programmer, and the author of Land of Lisp. He's been using bitcoins since 2011.
Chris Wilmer holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Northwestern University and is a professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Wilmer's first purchase with bitcoin was a bag of honey caramels from a farm in Utah. They were delicious.